Question: How do I connect my Audio-Technica turntable to powered speakers?

Answer: All Audio-Technica turntables have an analog output (RCA connection) which may allow the user to connect directly to powered speakers. If your Audio-Technica turntable has an internal RIAA preamp, you may connect the turntable directly to powered speakers. Powered speakers are equipped with an internal power amplifier, their own power connection and, often, a volume control. Input jacks on powered speakers can vary, so we include two adapter cables with our turntables to make connection to different types of powered speakers easy. The setups, discussed below, are quick and simple.

Setup #1. RCA input on powered speakers

• Connect the RCA (red and white) plugs from the turntable cable into the corresponding RCA inputs on the powered speaker.

[caption id="attachment_1935" align="aligncenter" width="536"] Connecting Turntable to Powered Speakers Using RCA Input[/caption]

Setup #2 – 3.5 mm (female) input on powered speakers

• Connect the RCA (red and white) plugs from the turntable cable to the RCA (female) to 3.5 mm (1/8") mini-plug (male) adapter cable, making sure to match red plug to red plug and white to white. Then connect the adapter cable’s 3.5 mm mini-plug to the powered speakers’ Line Level* input.

*Note: The input on your powered speakers may be identified by various labels, including AUX, Input, and iPod.

[caption id="attachment_1936" align="aligncenter" width="735"] Connecting Turntable to Powered Speakers Using 3.5 mm Female Input *Note: The adapter cable is not included with all turntable models.[/caption]

*Note: The adapter cable is not included with all turntable models.

Setup #3 – 3.5 mm (male) input on powered speakers

[caption id="attachment_1934" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Connecting Turntable to Powered Speakers Using 3.5 mm (male) Input[/caption]

• Connect the RCA (red and white) plugs from the turntable cable to an RCA to 3.5 mm (1/8") mini-plug (female) adapter cable.* Then connect the adapter’s 3.5 mm mini-plug to the powered speakers’ 3.5 mm input cable.

*Note: Some RCA adapters may have red and black plugs instead of red and white plugs. This is fine, just match red to red and white to black.

Once your connections are made from the turntable to the powered speakers, you may connect the AC power cable that came with your powered speakers and follow the manufacturer’s directions for powering on the speakers. You will need to make certain that the preamp selector switch on the rear of your turntable is set to LINE.

For additional turntable setup assistance, see our turntable support section, or you can direct questions to our Audio Solutions Department.

Published December 2015, updated December 2021.