Easiest Turntable Set-Up EVER

In our journey through the world of turntables, we've highlighted the cheapest and easiest all-in-one options, pointed you towards the most high-end record players, and shared our own venture into record collecting. But today, we're going to guide you through the simplest turntable setup possible - devoid of a tangle of wires, complicated equipment, or budget-breaking components. Let's dive straight in...

The two basic pieces of equipment you need are a turntable and speakers. I cannot recommend enough the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable (the one on the right) for your record player needs.

and you need to buy speakers like these below,and I highly recommend the Audio Engine A5+ (the wood-grain ones on the right).

These turntables are special because they all feature built-in preamps, saving you from buying any additional equipment related to the record player. The speakers also need to be at least similar in functionality to the ones above, as they need to be powered (active) speakers, considering you won't connect your turntable to a receiver. This setup allows for cost-effective, simple, and easy-to-upgrade systems. Plus, you save money to invest in more vinyl, which is a definite win-win.

The AT-LP120XUSB-BK, with its perfect balance of function, quality, and price, is a great choice for a turntable. I've personally experienced it, analyzed numerous reviews, and compared it with both higher-end and cheaper alternatives. As for the Audioengine A5+ speakers, their power, quality, and multiple features make them worth the price. They can directly connect to your iPhone with a standard USB input (you could even charge your devices by your speakers!), have a subwoofer output for future additions, and most importantly, they deliver a phenomenal sound.

At the most basic level, all you need for the easiest turntable setup is a turntable with a built-in pre-amp and RCA output, and speakers with RCA input and power, just like the ones I've recommended.

That's it! Isn't that exciting? By following this guide, you can avoid the need for a separate receiver or pre-amp. Just plug your speakers and turntable into the power outlet, connect the components with RCA cables, and you're all set to go. This kind of setup is perfect for dorms, apartments, or even as a secondary setup in a loft. It allows you to enjoy your records to the fullest without breaking the bank.

However, keep in mind that while the cheaper options listed above (Crosley Cruiser and the AT-LP60X) will work with this setup, they fall short when compared to the AT-LP120XUSB-BK. A unique feature of the Crosley is its ability to play music without any external speakers, making it a portable choice.

As for speakers, the Audioengine A5+ are highly recommended for their size and capacity to fill a room with sound. They might cost a bit more, but they deliver the best performance. You could opt for the cheaper Audioengine A2+’s, but remember, they won't deliver the same full, high-performing sound as the A5s.

Here's a comprehensive video demonstrating the setup. exhaustively long though.

Hope this guide helps you in setting up your turntable and immersing yourself in the world of vinyl. Once you've got your turntable all set up, be sure to check out our top 25 albums you should own on vinyl--It's a great place to get started with your collection.