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What else do I need when I buy speakers or a turntable?

Wondering what you’ll need with the speakers or turntable you’re buying?

This article will take you through the basic equipment you may need for several common home audio setups.

Passive Speakers:
  • Speaker wire - 12 gauge recommended
  • A/V Receiver or Amplifier - to provide power to the speakers and connect your audio source - commonly used brands are Yamaha, Denon, Sony, Onkyo, and more.
  • Speaker stands and mounts
  • Speaker isolation pads
  • Banana plug connectors

Powered/Active Speakers
  • Cables to connect your audio sources – RCA, Optical, etc
  • Speaker isolation pads
  • Speaker stands and mounts
  • Banana plug connectors


Turntables
  • Phono Preamp – if your receiver has a PHONO input, it already has a built-in preamp. While you do not need to purchase an external preamp, they are usually more feature-rich than built-in models. The Classic (RT80) and Elite (RT81) turntables feature a built-preamp. When using a preamp in a turntable or an external model, do not connect them to a PHONO input on a receiver as this will cause distortion from an overpowered signal.
  • Record & Stylus cleaning kit – dirty records and styli are the leading cause of poor vinyl audio experiences. Keeping your records and stylus clean is the most essential part of turntable maintenance. 
  • Record weight/stabilizer
  • Acrylic, cork, or rubber platter mats
  • Acrylic platter (compatible with Reference Series only (RT82, RT83, RT84, included with RT85)
To find these recommended accessories and more, visit our Accessories page.

Further reading: 
The Ultimate Guide to Turntables
The Ultimate Guide to Home Theater Setup