Does Amp ouput to SONOS speakers same as PORT?

Maybe confusion on the turntable amp, actually a pre-amp, it isn't just an amplifier to raise cartridge signal levels to line-in levels it also contains an essential equalization circuit. Without the equalization the sound is unlistenable regardless of the signal level.

So you need a phono pre-amp aka RIAA equalization pre-amp between the cartridge and your line-in connection. It can be built into the turntable or a stand alone box but it must be present. Most recievers offer a dedicated phono input that feeds the RIAA equalization  circuit before passing the signal to the normal line-in electronics.

Bottom line, Port or Amp need the RIAA equalization applied before the line-in connection.

​@Stanley_4 is correct.  A turntable without a built-in Phono Preamp needs an external Phono Preamp.  A Phono Preamp has nothing to do with the need to amplify the turntable signal in order to play over a pair of speakers.

Thanks all for the replies. Im a little confused but from what I have read I am better off keeping the PORT and buying a separate Amp that will sit between the new turntable and the PORT as the AMP does not act as an AMP for a turntable input…

have I understood that correctly?

No. The line-in on the Sonos Port and the Sonos Amp are the same. No difference. The difference is your turntable. If the new one doesn’t have a Phono Preamp built in (as the old one does?), you will need a separate Phono Preamp. 

Listen to your turntable on Sonos

Yes and no.  There are two concepts at work here: 

One is “amplification”, which is a used to power passive, external speakers.  This is the only reason to purchase a Sonos Amp (short for “amplification”) instead of a Port. 

Then there is the concept of a “preamp”, more properly called a Phono Preamp.  A Phono Preamp takes the RIAA signal from a phonograph/turntable and converts it to the line-level signal used by the Sonos Line-In.  A Phono Preamp can be internal (built into the turntable) or external (a separate unit).  If the turntable you are purchasing does not have an internal Phono Preamp, then you will need an external preamp regardless of the fact you have a Port/Amp.  You can get an external Phone Preamp on Amazon for around $25.

Thanks, that completely clears it up for me. Seems a wasted opportunity but I get it. Won’t need the Amp then 😊

Thanks, I did get that AMP was from “amplification “ hence my confusion in thinking it would “amplify “ the input from the turntab

​@Mr Flibble 

The Sonos Amp would only be required if you were wanting to use wired 3rd party speakers for turntable audio output. That was my choice. Since you already have the Port continue to use it. 

Also, switching from a turntable with a built-in Pre-Amp to one without is not necessarily an upgrade. There are many more factors to consider. Such as cartridge type, tone arm material and shape, tracking force adjustment, plinth construction just to name a few. I have a Pro-Ject Carbon Sonos Edition that has a built-in Pre-Amp that is switchable (on/off).

I chose to turn off the built-in pre-amp. Instead I have a Cambridge Alva Duo Pre-Amp that sits between my turntable and Sonos Amp which has wired Def Tech Bookshelf speakers for audio output. 

Below is an example of using a 3rd Party Pre-Amp. If the turntable has a built-in Pre-Amp the connection to the AVR would be direct.

To clarify the AVR in the picture would be replaced by your Port.

Since your current turntable has an RIAA phono preamp built in you can test this yourself.

Turn off the turntable pre-amp or move the cables (depending on the turntable) so you have a direct RIAA signal. Play something and carefully increase the volume to where you can hear the music. Probably needs to be way up. Listen a bit to the sound you are getting.

TURN THE VOLUME DOWN!!!

Put the pnono pre-amp back in and play something, adjust the volume as needed.

The difference you hear in tone (not volume) is the RIAA equalization. You can look it up to find out more about it if it interests you.

Thanks all for your responses, I have the information I need now.