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Willie Greer - August 13, 2021
DJs know that a strong and durable supporting receiver to your turntable is the key to bridging the analog to the digital components of your sound setup. Without one with the right phono input or proper hookup, you could end up with a very large and expensive paperweight. But that won’t happen with our audio engineers’ choices for the best receivers.
AXR100
- Very powerful
- With AM/PM tuner
- 30 presets
- Built-in Bluetooth
R-N303BL
- Compatible with Alexa
- Phono input terminals
- Two-channel stereo receiver
- Wi-Fi connection
Amplifier Receiver
- TI Chip
- Compatible with digital or analog
- Bluetooth 5.0
- EQ control knobs
Reviews of the Top Receivers for Turntable
Yamaha R-N303BL
The Yamaha R-N303BL receiver doesn’t only help the sound quality from your turntables but it also integrates convenient features. You can pair the unit with an Amazon Alexa device for hands-free command without a remote control.
There are phonograph inputs that are compatible with turntables plus other digital and analog connections. You also get easy access to your music from streaming apps such as Spotify, Deezer, Pandora and more with a few pushes with some buttons.
Wireless technology the Yamaha stereo receivers are equipped with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Airplay and MusicCast. There is even an optical TV input to hook up your new receiver for visual media content.
What We Like
- Easy streaming for music services and internet radio
- Hands-free control with Alexa
- Works to play vinyl records
- Convenient turntable receiver
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Robust sound quality
- Easy-to-read front panel
- Works for a home theater sound system
- Has a digital optical audio input
- Built-in phono input terminals
What We Don’t Like
- Not very bright display
- Very small print on the remote control
Cambridge Audio AXR100
The Cambridge Audio AXR100 is one of the best receivers for turntables thanks to the power output. Not to mention, the exterior is very visually appealing compared to another stereo receiver that is usually a plain black design. There are four analog audio inputs offered on the AXR100, which allows for connection for up to four speakers or your other media devices.
The built-in Bluetooth function gives users the chance to stream content from external devices without any wires. Get upgraded Hi-Fi sound quality for movies, audio, and vinyl records with the AXR100.
What We Like
- Has a dedicated subwoofer output
- Stereo receiver with four inputs
- Analog, digital, phono, 3.5mm
- FM/AM receiver
- Bluetooth feature
- Attractive design
What We Don’t Like
- May have some fan noise
- Small buttons
KeiiD Digital Amplifier Receiver
The KeiiD digital receiver works with your turntable either through the RCA inputs. You may require a phono preamp if your devices don’t have a built-in phono preamp.The small receiver works well with most turntables but it also hooks up to other devices such as passive speakers.
The unit comes with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology [1], which guarantees stronger and stabler connections. The controls are made easy with the KeiiD stereo receiver. You can adjust your EQ settings with the buttons and control knobs on the front panel.
An amazing feature our audio team loved was the 5 different levels of protection including over-voltage and over-current protection.
What We Like
- 5-level protection
- Bluetooth 5.0 technology
- Easy control knobs and remote control
- Adjustable EQ
- USB port and AUX
- Color light indicators
- Class D amp
What We Don’t Like
- No HDMI
- The lettering isn’t very clear
Fosi Audio BT20A
For those that have turntables with line-level inputs or a built-in phono preamp, the Fosi Audio BT20A compact stereo receiver is the one for you. Even with such a small footprint, the BT20A can deliver Hi-Fi sound for those who are seeking it.
The latest 5.0 Bluetooth connectivity will bring fantastic sound quality over greater distances. You can connect your mobile devices and play music without the hassle of wires.
The compact unit guarantees the lowest harmonic distortion if any thanks to the Texas Instruments Chip. You won’t get anything but the best sound quality for your audio signal.
What We Like
- Great for turntables with a smaller footprint
- High-quality sound
- Maximizes your audio signal
- Low harmonic distortion
- TI Chip
- Bluetooth 5.0 connection
- Easy to stream music
- Works with your record player with phono adapter
What We Don’t Like
- Not the most powerful
- Doesn’t pair with multiple Bluetooth devices
Sony STRDH190
Get ready for Hi-Fi sound quality from a home stereo receiver. As one of the best choices of receivers for turntables, the Sony STRDH190 has a phono input for easy connection and four stereo RCA audio inputs, among others. There is built-in Bluetooth to further elevate connection convenience.
The STRH190 has room for 4 speaker connections that you can play simultaneously with A/B switching or separately. It’s an understated design that matches well with your interiors and comes with 30 preset FM stations. It acts as the perfect bridge with the correct speaker terminals needed to enjoy old school vinyl.
What We Like
- Bluetooth connection
- Turntable phono line input
- FM radio
- Elevates audio quality for vinyl and digital music
- Reduced vibrations
- Reinforced chassis
- Power amp for minimal distortion
What We Don’t Like
- No sub outputs
- No HDMI
YAMAHA R-S202BL
The Yamaha R-S202BL is another excellent receiver for a turntable that has advanced circuitry and Bluetooth for easy streaming. There is an FM/AM radio tuner that has room for 40 preset stations.
The unit has a very minimalistic yet elegant finish and it takes your monthly utility bill into consideration. The Yamaha R-S202BL has eco-mode, which will automatically drop the amount of power it consumes to 0.5 watts.
Our experts say to keep in mind that while the R-S202BL doesn’t have a phono input, it can still work with your turntable with a built-in preamp.
What We Like
- Has Bluetooth
- 4 RCA inputs and 1 RCA output
- Advanced circuitry
- 40 preset radio stations
- Luxurious brushed aluminum finish
- Comes with a detailed remote control
What We Don’t Like
- Large housing
- Not the most powerful
YAMAHA RX-V385
The Yamaha RX-V385 AV Receiver is the best choice for turntables with a built-in phono preamp. Many newer and modern turntables have phono preamps that will allow you to conduct a seamless setup, otherwise, you can also use an external phono preamp.
The 5.1-channel system is ideal for surround sound and pairing with multiple audio devices such as stereo speakers. There is Bluetooth, there is HDMI, and YPAO auto-calibration technology—what more could an affordable device bring?
Other supported technologies to drown out background noises and bring fantastic sound quality to the forefront include multi-directional bass production and the Compressed Music Enhancer.
What We Like
- Bluetooth
- Compressed Music Enhancer
- Brings 5.1-channel surround sound
- HDMI
- YPAO music calibration
- Yamaha Cinema DSP Technology
- AV receiver that’s great for a home theater
- Rich bass reproduction technology
What We Don’t Like
- May need a separate phono stage
- Could get a little hot
Onkyo TX-8140
The Onkyo TX-8140 stereo receiver is specially engineered to deliver high-resolution audio that features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The large knob on the display gives you quick and easy access to FM and AM stations.
The Onkyo TX-8140 is among the best receiver for turntables on our list for integrating music streaming services. The phono input will allow the receiver to transform vinyl sound into digital quality without losing any of the authentic stereo sound.
Users will also be able to control the device from anywhere. Whether it’s with your Android or Apple device or with the included remote control, the Onkyo TX-8140 is easy to adjust.
(If you want to buy vinyl records online, here are the great places to buy online vinyl records)
What We Like
- Quick access to radio presets
- Excellent sound quality
- Hi-Fi sound output for vinyl
- Easy to stream music
- Works with almost any audio system
- Bluetooth wireless technology
- Has phono audio inputs
What We Don’t Like
- The user manual is not very detailed
- Does not support Dolby
Receivers for Turntable Buyer’s Guide
Not every receiver will be the best one for your turntable. One of the signifiers of a great choice is a turntable with the proper analog or digital audio inputs that work with your bookshelf speakers or other devices. Our audio engineers have compiled a list of important features to make sure all your audio components work well together.
Power
How much power does the receiver give you? You need to figure out the power wattage on your stereo receiver for your turntable before you pair it to other audio devices. Incompatible power ratings could lead to speakers blowing or barely amplified audio signals. If you find a receiver with an integrated amp, it could help bridge the power gap between two devices.
How much power you need will depend on the venue, the music you play and personal preference. Receivers often come with many channels, so it’s important to pay attention to the wattage for each individual channel. You can find a wide range from 20 watts to 200 watts per channel.
In general, our team suggests looking for a unit that can deliver around 100 watts per channel for at-home use. Of course, if you are a professional DJ used to large venues, then you may need more power per channel.
Analog Inputs
Analog inputs on the best receiver for a turntable are the good old-fashioned red and white cables. These inputs are very important for a receiver to turntable connection because they work with all the older devices that haven’t yet gone digital. These devices include CD players, decks, and of course, turntables.
Does either one of your units have an integrated amplifier or phono preamp? If so, great! The connection will be easier. If you don’t have a built-in preamp or power amplifier, you can always opt for an external unit. The more inputs you have the better because it means you can hook up more devices to one unit.
There are devices in which you can find up to five analog audio inputs. The best stereo receiver will have a type of wireless connection whether it is Bluetooth connectivity or Wi-Fi. This allows for easy access to streaming services to play music you may have uploaded or saved.
Our experts will quickly touch on digital inputs because although they are less likely needed for turntable connection, they will be present in the best receivers. You will most likely find optical and coaxial connections plus USB. You will be able to easily connect the receiver for media use such as integration into your home theater system.
The type of analog inputs you need will depend heavily on the rest of your setup. The first consideration for all audio or visual setups is compatibility for all devices.
Phono Inputs
Our experts say that the easiest way to connect your turntable to other devices is via phono inputs. It’s a simple plug-and-play setup for those who have an analog turntable. Check to see if your turntable has a phono connection. If so, then our audio team suggests looking for a receiver that does as well.
Receiver Outputs
The speaker terminals are the most important stereo speaker support for connection. Examples of receiver outputs include banana plugs, spring clips, line-level RCA outputs, and a stereo RCA output, among others.
Which outputs do you need? It depends on what you are connecting.
If you are considering your bookshelf or floorstanding speakers, then look at the speaker outputs on those devices. RCA speaker outputs are very common in speakers and receivers, so they are a good bet for compatibility.
Purpose of a Receiver for Turntable
Do you even need a receiver for your turntable? Is the extra FM tuner necessary, or will an amplifier do the trick?
A turntable such as a top-performing automatic turntable needs a receiver or speaker to play sound. The turntable will feed the audio signals into a separate device, which will then generate the audio. It can be said that the receiver is the centerpiece to your whole setup. All your devices, such as your CD player, TV, and cassette decks will pass through the receiver and then the signal is allocated to the correct speakers and sub.
The receiver for your turntable also acts as a very easy control hub. You can switch listening from one device to another with the simple press of a button. You can also perfect the sound quality with the EQ adjustment knobs on the best receiver for turntable setups.
Receivers can also have integrated amps with wide range of amplifier technology, but our sonic engineers say they aren’t as powerful as external amps. For those who require a larger sound output for bigger venues, an amplifier can greatly help your audio quality.
Connecting a Turntable to a Receiver
How easy it is to connect a turntable to a receiver depends on the connections. As our professional tech team said, if phonograph inputs are present, the integration is very simple. You should always put all your devices on a stable and flat surface. Doing so will minimize vibrations and keep the units level.
Your turntable should have an audio cable for the connection port of your choice. Connect one end into your receiver and the other into the turntable. If you have a more modern turntable or even a great portable turntable, it may support Bluetooth. Bluetooth is a very easy cableless connection that will make your setup less messy.
Our team members suggest looking for Bluetooth 5.0 technology because it is the latest and strongest. Regular Bluetooth may start to have spotty connection or fail around 30 feet, but 5.0 technology allows for 50 to 65 feet! Bluetooth is also the easiest to use to stream music content.
FAQ
Do I need a receiver for my turntable?
Yes, you need a receiver for your turntable. The receiver’s job is to receive the audio signal from your turntable and allocate it to the speakers. The signal from a turntable is generally not strong enough for the speakers alone, which is why an amp or receiver is necessary.
Can I use a turntable without an amp?
Yes, you can use a turntable without an amp. The circumstances to do so will involve a built-in preamp in your turntable and a built-in amp in your speakers. You can connect the two without an amp in this case, but an external amp is still recommended for superior sound.
Do you need a receiver if your turntable has a preamp?
No, you don’t need a receiver if your turntable has a preamp. Although your system setup can stop there, we recommend still incorporating a receiver for easy use with other devices and the connection will be easier with the presence of a preamp.
Our Top Pick For a Receiver for Turntable:
Yamaha R-N303BL
The R-N303BL receiver from Yamaha is our team’s top choice for the best receiver for a turntable. There isn’t any background noise and the device works with Alexa for hands-free control. The unit is equipped with the latest technology for your convenience such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi plus phonograph inputs for simple connection with your turntable.
For guides and hacks to maintain your turntables, you can check out our posts here:
