If you are a vinyl fan who also highly appreciates the convenience of modern technologies, you may be interested in the best turntables for the Sonos system. Pairing these devices is actually a brilliant idea since you’ll still be able to hear the needle gliding through the grooves and have an opportunity to stream music in different rooms around your house.
Sonos is one of the most high-end audio components on the market; however, these speakers cannot play with any turntable. Hence, there are some factors you should consider when shopping around for a TT. I’ve created this article so that you learn these factors . So, without further ado, let’s get to the details!
Turntables for Sonos comparison table
| Name | Drive type | Operation type | Speeds | Phono Pre-Amp | Bluetooth | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB best overall | belt | manual | 33 1/3, 45 RPM | yes | no | Review |
| Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB | direct | manual | 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM | yes | no | Review |
| Rega Planar 1 Plus | belt | manual | 33 1/3, 45 RPM | yes | no | Review |
| Pro-Ject Automat A1 | belt | fully automatic | 33 1/3, 45 RPM | yes | no | Review |
How I picked turntables for Sonos speakers
First off, a turntable compatible with Sonos must include a built-in preamp that directly hooks up to the speakers.
Another thing to consider is that more technologically advanced players are more compatible with Sonos systems. If you want to get the most out of your investment, go for a mid-range turntable rather than a cheaper alternative.
With that in mind, I’ve chosen the models listed below for their suitability (e.g., integrated phono-preamp), overall performance, and positive customer feedback. So, keep reading to find a fine partner for your Sonos speakers!
How I tested record players for Sonos
To test my vinyl setup with Sonos speakers I used the following equipment:
- Amplifier: Sonos Amp
- Speakers: pair of Sonos Five
- Speaker wire: stereo mini to RCA Y-audio
To evaluate the sound quality of the record player for Sonos, I listened to the following records:
- Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On [1971]
- Leonard Cohen – Popular Problems [2014]
- Jeff Buckley – Grace [1994]
- Michael Jackson – Thriller [1982]
- Four Tet – Sixteen Oceans [2020]
- Fleetwood Mac – Rumours [1977]
Best turntable for Sonos reviews
Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB – best overall
Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB is an audiophile entry-level record player with an integrated bypassable preamplifier for easy connection to any hi-fi system, including Sonos.
But what I really like in Phono SB is its unique construction – its CNC-machined plinth has no plastic parts, meaning there aren’t any hollow spaces inside. Such a design effectively reduces vibrations and prevents sound deterioration. Further, an 8-millimeter-thick bead-blasted glass platter spins smoothly on any record surface while keeping ideal speed stability. The skillful engineering makes Phono SB stand out against its competitors. You’ll hardly find such a fine build quality in the same price range!
The one-piece aluminum tonearm with the Ortofon OM 5E cartridge ensures absolute accuracy and great sound quality. Additionally, the Allen key supplied allows you to fine-tune the tracking force on the needle for optimal performance.
Lastly, the player comes with a 7″ single adapter and a power supply, allowing you to start listening right out of the box.
The Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB is the best turntable for Sonos in the market for an entry-level turntable under $500. Even the Sonos manufacturer itself has endorsed the T1 Phono SB on its official website. Is it worth commenting on anything else except that the turntable’s innovative design, sound, and quality components represent the best value for the price/quality of my chart? It’s easy to use, ready to go right out of the box (it has a built-in preamp and Ortofon OM5E cartridge ), and the glass plate perfectly holds balance and spin speed. All you have to do is upgrade the cartridge over time and buy an external phono stage (which I recommend for all models without exception), and then you’ll have a great result for analog sound.
Key specs
- Drive type: belt.
- Operation type: manual.
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45.
- Cartridge: Ortofon OM5E.
- Built-in preamp: yes.
- Bluetooth: no.
- USB: no.
- AUX: no.
Pros
- Reputable brand.
- Great build and finish.
- Sleek design.
- Upgradable cartridge.
- Hassle-free setup.
- For the price, this player is hard to beat.
Cons
- Although the counterweight is adjustable, there isn’t a marker ring, so you’ll need to use a scale to adapt the tracking force for a new cartridge.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB – also great
Audio Technica has an excellent reputation in the industry, and AT-LP120XUSB is a decent model of this brand. In all honesty, I hesitated about what product should go first in my review – Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB or Audio Technica AT-LP120XUSB. They both are of high quality and have a lot to offer, even for a critical ear.
Although Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB has plenty of user-friendly features and unique construction, several things make AT-LP120XUSB outperform our top-list product.
Firstly, this fully manual, direct-drive player can spin records at 3 speeds – 33, 45, and 78 RPM, so you can choose any vinyl format. Secondly, it has variable pitch control with a quartz speed lock. Further, the deck can boast a balanced S-shaped tonearm with an AT-HS6 replaceable headshell and AT-VM95E DM cartridge with a 0.3×0.7mil elliptical stylus.
A stroboscopic platter and a popup stylus target light make this model beautiful and convenient to use. Like that wasn’t enough, AT-LP120XUSB has a USB port, allowing you to hook up directly to your PC and digitize your vinyl collection.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB did not take the first line of my rating since it is a non-professional deck for learning (future) DJs. This makes it somewhat specific for a wide range of consumers. Besides, despite some advantages (3 speeds, backlight, S-shaped tonearm), budget models are still inferior in terms of the quality of components compared to their competitors. In this case, the case and other parts contain too much plastic. And yet, this is also a great turntable for those who want to listen to music through wireless Sonos speakers. After all, the sound of the AT-LP120XUSB is very good and quite detailed, and the price of the turntable can please a large number of vinyl fans. Plus, as always, the sound can be improved over time.
Key specs
- Drive type: direct.
- Operation type: fully-manual.
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45, 78.
- Cartridge: Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge.
- Built-in preamp: no.
- Bluetooth: no.
- USB: yes.
- AUX: no.
Pros
- Beautiful, durable design.
- Great sound quality.
- Built-in switchable phono preamp.
- There is no motor noise.
- The needle drops very gently.
Cons
- Poor setup documentation.
- When damaged, hardwire RCA cables might be hard to replace.
Pro-Ject Automat A1
The Automat A1 is another Sonos-compatible turntable manufactured by Pro-Ject – our top-list brand. Starting off this review, I want to emphasize that the current model and Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB are both high-quality machines sitting in the same price range. However, they use different materials and components. And it’s only up to you what design and construction you prefer.
The A1’s solid construction with no empty spaces in the wooden shell and precision-balanced platter help to dampen vibrations and significantly improve the sound. Further, a ULM aluminum tonearm with an Ortofon OM10 cartridge produces accurate tracking, and a solid, rigid headshell guarantees that there will be no skipping during playback.
The A1 has an integrated switchable preamp that allows you to easily connect the TT to any audio system, including Sonos. In addition, this model ensures a seamless connection to the amp via semi-balanced, low-capacitance cables with improved shielding, as well as the elimination of any noise interference.
Perfect build results in superior sound. A great soundstage, well-balanced midrange, punchy highs, and bass are just some of the reasons why I enjoy this babe so much.
Another best record player for Sonos of my rating is again from Pro-Ject. Despite its similarity to the review winner, the Automat A1 model, as the name implies, has fully automatic control. Perhaps this is too subjective, but this fact makes me downgrade this model. Vinyl classics and their traditions require fully manual control. Although I agree that automatism is convenient, especially for beginners, the cost of turntables is still not low.
The Pro-Ject Automat A1 sounds great (for its category), has good basic options, and is perfectly compatible with Sonos. However, the aluminum brittle straight tonearm and the lack of 78 RPM speed are a bit disappointing. Still – a plus for the stable chassis and the excellent Ortofon OM10 cartridge.
Key specs
- Drive type: belt.
- Operation type: fully-automatic.
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45.
- Cartridge: Ortofon OM10 cartridge.
- Built-in preamp: yes.
- Bluetooth: no.
- USB: no.
- AUX: no.
Pros
- Well-trusted manufacturer.
- Solid construction – built to last.
- Amazing sound.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Only basic features, however, it’s not really a downside.
Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB
The AT-LPW50PB is another great Sonos-compatible turntable from Audio Technica – it has an integrated switchable phono stage and a removable dual RCA output cable for hooking up to devices with or without a dedicated phono input.
This belt-drive player with a fully manual operation delivers perfect sound quality. It has an anti-resonance 30mm-thick MDF plinth to suppress low-frequency acoustic feedback and a sensor-monitored motor that ensures correct platter rotation speeds of 33 and 45 RPM.
But what I like the most about this deck is its straight carbon-fiber tonearm that features adjustable tracking force and comes with a replaceable AT-HS4 headshell and AT-VM95E DMM cartridge. It’s worth noting that Audio Technica has been producing world-recognized cartridges for over 50 years, and that experience shows in the pretty-quality, upgradable AT-VM95E cartridge that includes a 0.3×0.7mil elliptical needle.
Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB is a classic vinyl player, unlike the bells and whistles that its AT-LP120XUSB counterpart has to offer. But this is far from the main thing when you are looking for a record player that works great with Sonos speakers. This model has the necessary and sufficient “conditions,” including a built-in phono stage, removable dual RCA output cable, as well as stable record playback and good warm sound extraction with the popular AT-VM95E cartridge. I can’t say it’s anything supernatural, but for fans of the brand, I’m sure it’s nice to know that you can combine vinyl tradition with modern technology. Nevertheless, think twice before purchasing a turntable with a glossy surface. Besides being a dust magnet, your every fingerprint will remain on the surface.
Key specs
- Drive type: belt.
- Operation type: fully-manual.
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45.
- Cartridge: Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge.
- Built-in preamp: yes.
- Bluetooth: no.
- USB: yes.
- AUX: no.
Pros
- It is a step up from entry-level turntables.
- Gorgeous piano-black finish.
- Upgradable cartridge.
- Die-cast aluminum platter.
- Easy setup.
Cons
- The gloss black plinth is a dust and fingerprint magnet.
- It may be too basic for some users.
Rega Planar 1 Plus
Rega Planar 1 Plus is impossible to overestimate! To begin with, Rega merged two award-winning products: a Rega Planar 1 vinyl player and a Rega Fono Mini A2D preamplifier. The end outcome is awesome!
This player produces an amazingly transparent sound. It excels in handling high frequencies and clearly separates vocals and instruments. In fact, the sound is strikingly similar to a Planar 1 with an external Fono Mini A2D. This is what sets this model apart from its rivals, including Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB with its high-end cartridge!
Planar 1 Plus is a plug-n-play turntable with a pre-installed Rega Carbon MM cartridge and a stiff headshell. They are appropriately mounted on the handcrafted RB110 tonearm that features innovative, super-low friction bearings, resulting in exceptional usability.
Last but not least, the player comes with a phenolic, high-mass platter and improved acryl chassis, reducing unwanted vibrations and ensuring more reliable speed stability.
Rega Planar 1 Pluss can make a great vinyl setup for Sonos audio system, especially if you are seeking a player with a high-performance integrated phono-preamp. More than that, it delivers superb sound and will last you a lifetime!
Key specs
- Drive type: belt.
- Operation type: manual.
- Speeds, RPM: 33 1/3, 45.
- Cartridge: Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge.
- Built-in preamp: yes.
- Bluetooth: no.
- USB: no.
- AUX: no.
Pros
- Sleek contemporary design – beautiful matt black or white finish.
- Sounds and tracks excellent right out of the box.
- Uses high-quality components.
- Hassle-free setup.
Cons
- The motor makes a slight noise that is only audible when the record isn’t playing.
Turntable for Sonos system buying guide
As I mentioned above, a Sonos-compatible turntable must include a built-in phono stage and be in the same price segment as the speakers to deliver a good sound quality. But to be sure you are buying a suitable model for your home, do consider the following:
- If you’re a beginner, go for an automated or semi-automatic record player. These machines are technologically improved, making them simpler to use. On the other hand, you’ll perform all activities by hand in a manually operated system, which might be less convenient.However, if sound quality is critical to you, you should choose a manual player.
- However, if sound quality is critical to you, you should choose a manual player.
- Pick a turntable that can spin at 33, 45, and 78 RPM speeds if you want to play any vinyl format.
- Bluetooth and USB are extremely useful extras – you can use Bluetooth to stream music to speakers, headphones, or a soundbar, and USB lets you digitize your old vinyl collections.
How to connect a turntable to your Sonos system?
Below, I’ll describe how to connect a turntable for Sonos Five to the system, using the items I mentioned in the section “How I tested record players for Sonos”:
- Using the line-in connector on the back, connect your turntable to the largest speaker.
- Connect the split cable to the matching colors of the L/R audio outputs on the back of your record player and plug the single end of an RCA Y-audio cable into the line-in port of Five/Play:5.
If you have a record player and third-party speakers but no amplifier, you can use Sonos Amp to hook them up to your Sonos system.
Simply use the audio wire included with your amplifier. Connect one end to your player and the other to the appropriate colors of the rear of your Sonos Amp’s L/R inputs.
