Remember the satisfying “thump” as a needle drops onto a spinning record? That warm, rich sound is something many of us miss, even with our fancy smart speakers. But what if you could bring that classic vinyl magic to your modern Sonos system? It’s a question many music lovers ask, and the answer isn’t always straightforward.
Choosing the right turntable to connect with your Sonos can feel like navigating a maze. You want that authentic vinyl experience, but you also want it to seamlessly play through your familiar Sonos speakers. The struggle is real: figuring out what works, what sounds good, and what won’t break the bank. Many turntables aren’t built for this kind of connection, leaving you scratching your head.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to clear the confusion. We’ll break down exactly what you need to know to find a turntable that will fill your home with the beloved sound of vinyl, all through your beloved Sonos. Get ready to rediscover your record collection and enjoy a whole new way to listen.
Our Top 5 Turntable For Sonos Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Turntable For Sonos Detailed Reviews
1. Victrola Stream Carbon Turntable – 33-1/3 & 45 RPM Vinyl Record Player
Rating: 8.8/10
The Victrola Stream Carbon Turntable brings your favorite vinyl records to life with amazing sound. You can connect it to your modern speakers easily, even wirelessly. It plays your records at two speeds, 33-1/3 and 45 RPM, so you can enjoy all your LPs and singles. This turntable is designed to give you the best listening experience.
What We Like:
- It plays music with rich, clear sound.
- You can connect it wirelessly to Sonos and other speaker systems without extra gadgets.
- It works with Roon for super high-quality streaming of your records.
- The Ortofon 2M Red cartridge and carbon fiber tonearm provide excellent accuracy.
- You can connect it wirelessly via Wi-Fi or use a wired Ethernet or RCA connection.
- The Victrola Stream App makes setup simple and lets you control volume and playback.
- It has a built-in phono preamp, so it works with many different speakers and amplifiers.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a fully manual turntable for more control.
- The app, while easy to use, might not have advanced customization options for all users.
The Victrola Stream Carbon Turntable is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to enjoy vinyl with modern convenience. It blends classic sound with easy wireless connectivity for a great listening experience.
2. Victrola Stream Onyx – Wi-Fi Streaming 2-Speed Turntable with Bluetooth Output
Rating: 8.7/10
The Victrola Stream Onyx is a modern record player that brings your vinyl collection into the digital age. It lets you play your favorite albums at two speeds and stream your music wirelessly. You can easily connect it to your home audio system or even your Sonos speakers without any extra gadgets. It’s designed for both new music lovers and experienced audiophiles.
What We Like:
- It works perfectly with Sonos systems, letting you enjoy your vinyl throughout your home.
- You can stream music using Bluetooth to speakers, headphones, or soundbars.
- It offers more ways to connect, like UPnP streaming and Roon Ready Relay, or a traditional wired connection.
- Setting it up is simple with the Victrola Stream app, and you can control your music easily.
- It features a quality cartridge and an aluminum tonearm for clear, detailed sound.
What Could Be Improved:
- The app could offer more advanced control options for some users.
- While versatile, some might prefer a more traditional, non-wireless-focused turntable design.
The Victrola Stream Onyx offers a fantastic blend of classic vinyl listening and modern wireless convenience. It’s a great option for anyone wanting to enjoy their record collection in new ways.
3. Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable
Rating: 8.5/10
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK is a fantastic way to dive into the warm, rich sound of vinyl. This fully automatic turntable makes playing your favorite records super easy. Just place a record on the platter, press a button, and the tonearm automatically lowers to start the music. It’s designed to give you a great listening experience without a lot of fuss.
What We Like:
- It plays records at two speeds (33-1/3 and 45 RPM), so you can enjoy all your vinyl.
- The anti-resonance die-cast aluminum platter helps keep the sound clear and steady.
- A redesigned tonearm base and head shell improve how well the needle tracks the record groove, reducing skips and distortion.
- The external AC adapter keeps noise away from the turntable’s signal, leading to cleaner audio.
- It’s fully automatic, meaning you don’t have to do much to play a record.
- The dust cover protects your turntable from dust when not in use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The built-in phono preamp might not satisfy hardcore audiophiles, though it’s great for beginners.
- While it’s great for starting out, serious vinyl collectors might want more advanced features later on.
This turntable is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to enjoy the authentic sound of vinyl. It offers a user-friendly experience with solid performance for its price point.
4. Victrola Stream Onyx Turntable – 33-1/3 & 45 RPM Vinyl Record Player
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to experience your vinyl collection like never before with the Victrola Stream Onyx Turntable. This stylish green record player brings your favorite albums to life, and it’s designed to fit right into your modern audio setup. It plays both 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records, so you can enjoy all your vinyl. Plus, its high-precision magnetic cartridge ensures every note sounds clear and rich.
What We Like:
- It works wirelessly with your Sonos system. You don’t need any extra gadgets to stream your music.
- You can also stream to other Bluetooth speakers and headphones. It’s super flexible.
- It offers lots of ways to connect. You can use Wi-Fi for UPnP streaming or Roon Ready Relay, or a simple wired connection with RCA cables.
- Setting it up is a breeze. The Victrola Stream app makes it easy to get started. You can even control playback and volume with the glowing knob on the turntable.
- It’s built with great parts. The Audio-Technica or Ortofon cartridge and the aluminum tonearm deliver amazing sound quality.
- The semi-automatic feature makes playing records simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the wireless connection to Sonos is fantastic, some users might prefer a more robust wired digital output option for ultimate audio purists.
- The app, while easy to use, could offer more advanced customization options for audiophiles.
The Victrola Stream Onyx is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to blend the classic joy of vinyl with modern wireless convenience. It makes enjoying your records easier and more integrated into your home sound system.
5. Victrola Stream Pearl Turntable – 33-1/3 & 45 RPM Vinyl Record Player
Rating: 9.3/10
The Victrola Stream Pearl Turntable is a super cool record player that lets you enjoy your vinyl records with amazing sound. It looks really nice in white and can play your music at two speeds: 33-1/3 and 45 RPM. The best part is that it can connect wirelessly to your Sonos speakers, so you can fill your whole house with music without any messy wires.
What We Like:
- It gives you rich, clear sound, making your favorite songs sound brand new.
- You can easily connect it to Sonos and other wireless speakers without needing extra gadgets.
- It has a great Ortofon 2M Red cartridge and a carbon fiber tonearm for really accurate sound.
- You can connect it wirelessly with Wi-Fi, or with a wire using Ethernet or RCA ports.
- The Victrola Stream App makes setting it up and controlling the volume super simple.
- It has a sleek and stylish white design that looks great anywhere.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for wireless, some people might miss having a headphone jack for personal listening.
- The app is helpful, but a few more advanced customization options could be nice for true audiophiles.
The Victrola Stream Pearl Turntable brings old-school vinyl sound into your modern smart home. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your records with both style and convenience.
Finding the Right Turntable for Your Sonos System
So, you have a Sonos system, and you want to spin your favorite vinyl records through it. That’s a fantastic idea! Sonos speakers are known for their great sound, and adding a turntable can bring a whole new dimension to your music listening. But what makes a turntable a good match for Sonos? Let’s dive in.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a turntable to connect to your Sonos, keep these important features in mind:
- Built-in Phono Preamp: This is probably the most crucial feature. A phono preamp takes the very weak signal from your turntable’s cartridge and boosts it to a level your Sonos speaker can understand. If your turntable doesn’t have one, you’ll need to buy a separate phono preamp. Some Sonos speakers, like the Sonos Five or the Sonos Amp, have an AUX input that can accept a line-level signal, which is what a phono preamp provides.
- Connectivity Options: Look for turntables with RCA output cables. These are the standard red and white cables that most audio equipment uses. If you plan to use a Sonos Five or Amp, you’ll need a 3.5mm adapter to connect the RCA cables to the AUX input.
- Ease of Setup: Some turntables are designed for beginners and come with everything you need to get started right out of the box. Others might require a bit more tinkering.
- Adjustable Counterweight and Anti-Skate: These allow you to fine-tune how the tonearm sits on your record. Proper adjustment protects your records and your stylus (the needle).
Important Materials
The materials used in a turntable affect its sound and durability.
- Platter: A heavier platter helps to stabilize the rotation speed. Materials like aluminum or acrylic are common and good choices. A stable platter means a more consistent sound.
- Tonearm: The tonearm needs to be lightweight but sturdy. Carbon fiber or aluminum are excellent materials for tonearms.
- Cartridge and Stylus: The cartridge holds the stylus. The stylus, or needle, is what actually touches the record groove. High-quality styluses, often made of diamond, can last a long time and provide better sound.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a turntable sound great or not so great.
- Build Quality: A well-built turntable will feel solid and have fewer vibrations. Cheap plastic parts can cause unwanted noise. A heavier base can reduce vibrations.
- Speed Stability: A turntable that plays records at a consistent speed (33 1/3 or 45 RPM) is essential. Fluctuations in speed, called wow and flutter, can make music sound wobbly. Belt-drive turntables often offer good speed stability.
- Cartridge Quality: A better cartridge and stylus will pick up more detail from your records, resulting in clearer and richer sound.
- Noise: Some turntables can introduce unwanted noise, like hum or static. This can be due to poor wiring, vibrations, or interference.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a turntable with Sonos is all about enjoying your vinyl collection in a modern way.
- Simple Setup: For many users, the goal is a straightforward connection. A turntable with a built-in preamp and easy RCA connections makes this simple. You plug it in, connect it to your Sonos speaker’s AUX input, and you’re ready to play.
- Whole-Home Audio: Imagine playing a classic album on your turntable and having that sound stream throughout your entire home via your Sonos speakers. This is a major benefit of integrating a turntable.
- Modern Convenience: You get the warm, analog sound of vinyl combined with the wireless convenience and multi-room capabilities of Sonos. It’s the best of both worlds for many music lovers.
- Audiophile Enjoyment: While Sonos isn’t typically considered high-end audiophile gear, a good turntable can still elevate the listening experience. It’s a great way to enjoy the tangible experience of vinyl without sacrificing the convenience of a modern sound system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need a special turntable for Sonos?
A: You don’t need a “Sonos-specific” turntable. You need a turntable that can connect to your Sonos speaker, usually via an AUX input. A built-in phono preamp is highly recommended.
Q: What does a phono preamp do?
A: A phono preamp boosts the weak signal from your turntable’s needle so your Sonos speaker can play the sound clearly.
Q: My turntable doesn’t have a built-in preamp. What do I do?
A: You can buy a separate phono preamp. This device connects between your turntable and your Sonos speaker.
Q: Which Sonos speakers can I connect a turntable to?
A: Sonos Five and Sonos Amp have AUX inputs that can accept signals from a turntable (with or without a separate preamp).
Q: What kind of cables do I need?
A: Most turntables use standard RCA cables. You might need a 3.5mm adapter to plug these into your Sonos speaker’s AUX input.
Q: Is it hard to set up a turntable with Sonos?
A: It can be very easy, especially if your turntable has a built-in preamp. You just connect the cables and select the AUX input on your Sonos app.
Q: Can I stream my vinyl to other Sonos speakers in my house?
A: Yes! Once the sound is coming into your Sonos system through the AUX input, you can group that speaker with others to play the vinyl sound throughout your home.
Q: Will any turntable work?
A: Most turntables will work as long as they have a way to output sound (like RCA cables) and you have a way to connect that output to your Sonos speaker’s AUX input.
Q: How do I choose a good stylus?
A: Look for diamond styluses as they are durable and provide good sound. You can also upgrade your stylus later for better sound quality.
Q: What if I hear humming or buzzing?
A: This could be due to interference or grounding issues. Ensure your turntable and preamp are properly grounded and try moving them away from other electronic devices.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!