Phono vs. AUX: Which Input Should You Use for a Turntable?

If you’re setting up a turntable and staring at the back of your receiver wondering whether to plug it into PHONO or AUX, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions when setting up a record player—especially because modern audio equipment works differently from many vintage receivers.

Phono vs. AUX: The Short Answer

A turntable should normally be connected to a PHONO input—not AUX—unless the turntable has a built-in phono preamp.

A turntable cartridge produces a very small, specialized audio signal that needs to be amplified and equalized before a typical amplifier or receiver can use it. That job is handled by a phono preamp, which may be built into the receiver, built into the turntable, or added as a separate component.

In simple terms:

Turntable → PHONO

or

Turntable → built-in/external phono preamp → AUX

If your turntable has a built-in phono preamp, you can connect it directly to AUX, LINE, CD, or another standard line-level input.

There is one more option: Bluetooth. A Bluetooth turntable can send audio wirelessly to a compatible Bluetooth speaker, headphones, or receiver, eliminating the need for an RCA connection altogether.

TL;DR: Which One Do I Use?

If you just want to know where the cables go, here’s the quick guide:

Your Equipment	Connect It This Way
Turntable with no built-in preamp + receiver with PHONO	Turntable → PHONO
Turntable with built-in preamp	Turntable → AUX/LINE
Turntable without preamp + receiver without PHONO	Turntable → external phono preamp → AUX/LINE
Bluetooth turntable + Bluetooth speaker/receiver	Turntable → Bluetooth

The one rule to remember

Every turntable setup needs one phono preamp somewhere in the signal chain.

That preamp can be:

• Built into your receiver
• Built into your turntable
• A separate external phono preamp

Never zero, and usually not two.

If you understand that one rule, the whole PHONO-versus-AUX question becomes much easier.

What is a Phono Input?

A phono input is specifically designed for turntables. It does two important things:

1. Amplifies a very weak signal

Turntable cartridges produce an extremely low-level signal that is not strong enough for regular speakers or amps.

2. Applies RIAA equalization

Vinyl records are cut with a special EQ curve. The phono stage reverses that curve so the music sounds correct.

RIAA equalization is the standardized EQ curve used when making and playing vinyl records.

Here’s the simple explanation:

• When a record is cut: Bass is reduced and treble is boosted.
• When you play the record: The phono preamp applies the reverse RIAA curve, boosting the bass and reducing the treble back to their original balance.

That’s why a turntable must be connected to a phono preamp (or a receiver with a PHONO input). Without RIAA equalization, records sound thin, shrill, and almost completely lacking in bass.

What is an AUX Input?

An AUX input (auxiliary input) is a general-purpose audio input. It is designed for devices like:

• Phones
• CD players
• Streamers
• TVs

But here’s the key difference – AUX does NOT amplify or equalize a turntable signal. So if you plug a turntable directly into AUX without a preamp, you’ll get:

• very low volume
• thin sound
• almost no bass

The Missing Piece: The Phono Preamp

This is where everything clicks. A phono preamp converts the weak turntable signal into a standard “line level” signal that AUX inputs understand. You need a phono preamp if:

• Your receiver does NOT have a phono input
• Your turntable does NOT have a built-in preamp

Phone preamps run the gamut on price. And which one you choose it really up to your budget and needs. Below are several phono preamps in a range of prices:

• Pyle Phono Turntable Preamp – $16.99
• Fluance PA10 High Fidelity Phono Preamp – $99
• Pro-Ject Phono Box DC MM/MC Phono Preamp – $139
• Pyle Phono Preamp for Turntable, Hi-Fi Compact Stereo Preamplifier

Turntables: Built-in Preamp vs No Preamp

Not all turntables are created equal.

Turntables WITH built-in preamp

These tend to be beginner-friendly and flexible. They typically allow you to plug directly into:

• AUX input
• powered speakers
• Bluetooth speakers (if supported)

Examples:

• Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable
• Fluance RT81 Elite – $299

Usually include a “LINE/PHONO” switch

---

Turntables WITHOUT built-in preamp

More common in:

• higher-end turntable models
• audiophile setups

These require:

• phono input on receiver or amplifier OR
• external phono preamp

These setups often sound better—but require more components.

Receivers: Vintage vs Modern Reality

Receivers have changed quite a bit over time, and this is where things start to get interesting for anyone setting up a turntable. Vintage receivers from roughly the 1970s through the 1990s almost always included a dedicated PHONO input along with a built-in phono stage (phone preamp), which made vinyl setups essentially plug-and-play. You could connect a turntable directly without needing any extra gear. Modern receivers, however, are a different story. Many now remove the PHONO input entirely, assuming most users are focused on digital sources like streaming or Bluetooth. As a result, if you don’t see a PHONO input on the back of your receiver, you’ll need an external phono preamp in order to properly connect a turntable and get correct sound levels.

Down and Dirty Guide to Hook up a Turntable

Understanding the difference between PHONO and AUX inputs can save a lot of frustration when setting up a turntable. While the technology may seem confusing at first, it really comes down to one simple rule: every turntable needs a phono preamp somewhere in the signal chain. Whether that preamp is built into your receiver, your turntable, or added as a separate component, having the right setup ensures your records sound the way they were meant to. Once you know what equipment you have, connecting a turntable becomes much less intimidating and a lot more enjoyable.