Contributor I

Answered

Audio Technica AT-LP5 connection to existing system

Forum|Forum|9 years ago
November 17, 2016
16 replies
2824 views

Hi, sorry if this has already been answered but if it has my search skills are poor. I'm looking to purchase a Turntable to play some of my old LP's and have come across the Audio Technica AT-LP5 which looks to get good reviews and was wondering what i would need to connect it to my current Sonos setup of Soundbar, Sub and 2 x Play 1's all connected with the Sonos Boost for my Wifi. I can see that Sonos have two options in the Connect and the Connect:Amp but would rather not buy the more expensive Connect:Amp if it will just as additional features that i don't need.

Thanks in advance for any response to my questions.

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Best answer by ratty

You perhaps misunderstood. A CONNECT is perfectly capable of accepting a Line-In from the TT without any further equipment, and sending the signal to your PLAYBAR.

My point about adding an amp and speakers was if you wanted to actually use the CONNECT as another 'room' capable of playing audio. That is after all its primary function: to provide a Sonos 'front-end' to conventional stereo kit.

Airgetlam

The difference between the Connect and the Connect:Amp is basically one contains an amplifier, the other doesn't. Just make sure that the Audio Techinca has the appropriate output level to go match the needs of the inputs on the Connect.

Bruce

jj896Author

Contributor I

It says in the manufacturers specification sheet that the turntable has audio output as follows:
“PHONO” (Pre-amp bypassed) - 4 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec
“LINE” (Pre-amp engaged) - 150 mV nominal at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec

It appears to have a pre-amp so i take it that means i dont need to buy the more expensive Connect:Amp unit. It also has the feature to allow the pre-amp to be bypassed so i take it that both Sonos units would work. Not sure if the mV or frequency makes any difference.

http://eu.audio-technica.com/hifi-phono/turntables/AT-LP5

Thanks for your fast response too.

ratty

Is the turntable going to be anywhere near the PLAYBAR? If it is, and presumably you will only listen to the TV or the turntable, you don't need a CONNECT or a CONNECT:AMP simply to input from the TT. (Of course if you want to output from Sonos to something else then a CONNECT/CONNECT:AMP makes sense.)

Basically all you'd need is:
- a line-level analog-to-digital converter
- an IR-controlled optical switch to flip between the TV and the TT signal

All in all, this would be much cheaper than buying a CONNECT simply to link in the TT.

(BTW, both the CONNECT and CONNECT:AMP only accept line level input. Neither contain a phono pre-amp.)

J

John B

Great advice from @ratty as always. I think this is the sort of ADC you would need (although not quite sure about the line level aspect):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Pro%C2%AE-Analogue-Digital-Converter-TOSlink/dp/B009K55TJI

I can vouch for this optical switch, which I have used for some time:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ViewHD-TOSLINK-Digital-Switcher-VHD-TS3X1/dp/B00G188Z7A

jj896Author

Contributor I

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately I cannot and would not be connecting to my playbar as I have no place to put the TT near it. I would also like to connect to my wireless setup so if in future I decide to expand my Sonos system I want to be able to use it anywhere in my home. It would also be nice to be able to listen to music in another room while allowing the TV to be watched.

ratty

IMO you're likely to get better value by buying a PLAY:5 in that case. It will accept a Line-In and can be deployed as required. The Line-In can be played anywhere.

To deliver audio a CONNECT would require an amp+speakers (or active speakers), and a CONNECT:AMP would need passive speakers.

J

John B

IMO you're likely to get better value by buying a PLAY:5 in that case. It will accept a Line-In and can be deployed as required. The Line-In can be played anywhere.

To deliver audio a CONNECT would require an amp+speakers (or active speakers), and a CONNECT:AMP would need passive speakers.

Agreed. The Connect and Connect:Amp are very expensive ways just to get a line-in. With a P:5 you get a great speaker for your money.

jj896Author

Contributor I

i agree that buying a Play 5 would be a better choice with more for my money but as i already have the full Sonos surround setup in my living room i don't really want to add another speaker in there which is where i have identified a nice spot for it to go out of the way.

I appreciate all your advice for the best way forward so if you can just answer one last thing regarding the connectivity. So if i bought the TT and the Connect, why do i need to as mentioned above buy some speakers and an amp? Does it not have an internal amp on the TT with a line out connection and does the Connect no connect to my existing setup meaning i can play the vinyl through the Sonos speakers i already own?

rattyAnswer

You perhaps misunderstood. A CONNECT is perfectly capable of accepting a Line-In from the TT without any further equipment, and sending the signal to your PLAYBAR.

My point about adding an amp and speakers was if you wanted to actually use the CONNECT as another 'room' capable of playing audio. That is after all its primary function: to provide a Sonos 'front-end' to conventional stereo kit.

jj896Author

Contributor I

OK thanks ratty.

Not sure why the CONNECT would be designed to be used in a specific room, surely its just designed to allow you to connect other media players which the customer may have that they would still like to be able to use rather than dispose of or sell no matter what room they are in. As you say if i was using it in a room other than they one with the SONOS surround in then i could use a PLAY 5.

Suppose its all down to personal preference of how each person wants their system to work, i just wanted to make sure that it would work.

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