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A Line Output for Your Existing System
A built-in phono preamp raises a turntable’s phono signal to line level for an audio system’s AUX or line input. It provides the phono amplification inside the record player, allowing a direct analog connection to equipment without a dedicated phono input. The makers describe destinations ranging from home stereos to mini component systems and powered speakers.
That preamp does not drive passive speakers. Powered speakers or an amplifier are still needed, with the connection determined by the receiving equipment. A dedicated PHONO input and an ordinary AUX input call for different output settings on the turntable. The internal preamp can serve the latter connection, while a switchable design also accommodates equipment with its own phono stage.
The control labels vary. Audio-Technica and Fluance use PHONO/LINE settings, while Denon’s DP-300F and DP-400 use an equalizer ON/OFF switch. The analog connection also deserves a separate look from any USB connection: Audio-Technica describes the AT-LP120XUSB’s USB output as a connection to a computer for converting records to digital audio files.
Entries are ordered alphabetically by maker, then by model number within each maker. The order is not a ranking. The manufacturers’ manuals call for precautions around electrical power during setup and use. Follow their assembly and connection instructions, and observe the power requirements for the model and country of use.
Audio-Technica AT-LP70X
The Audio-Technica AT-LP70X is a turntable with a switchable internal phono preamp for connection to a home stereo, powered speakers, or another component with or without a dedicated phono input. Audio-Technica’s manual says to select LINE when connecting the AT-LP70X to an amplifier’s LINE/AUX jack and PHONO when using its PHONO jack. For direct speaker connections, the manual specifies active speakers with built-in amplification. Some may need conversion cables, and connection to a PC sound card’s line input may require an audio adapter sold separately.
The manual lists an approximately 1.0 m RCA audio cable and an AC adapter in the package. The package also includes the platter, drive belt, felt mat, dust cover and hinges, 45 RPM adapter, Quick Start Guide, and Caution Guide. Audio-Technica’s manual says to complete assembly before connecting the AC adapter and to check that its voltage and plug are correct for the country of use.
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is a fully manual turntable with a selectable phono preamp and a detachable dual RCA output cable. Its analog connection can feed a home stereo with or without a dedicated phono input. Audio-Technica’s manual specifies LINE for an amplifier’s AUX jack and PHONO for its PHONO jack. Audio-Technica describes converting records to digital audio files with Audacity or other recording software.
Audio-Technica’s manual lists an approximately 1.4 m RCA audio cable, a 1.9 m USB cable, and an AC adapter among the included accessories. The package also contains an AT-HS6 headshell with an AT-VM95E cartridge, counterweight, stylus target light, platter, felt mat, 45 RPM adapter, and dust cover with hinges. The manual instructs owners to finish assembly before connecting the adapter and to complete all audio connections before attaching it to the AT-LP120XUSB. It also says the product can be used only in the countries where it is sold, and to make sure the AC adapter’s operating voltage and plug are correct for your country.
Denon DP-300F
The Denon DP-300F has a built-in phono preamp for an ordinary auxiliary input on a receiver or audio system. Denon’s manual says to set the equalizer switch to ON, its factory setting, for a terminal other than PHONO, and OFF for PHONO. An incorrect setting may produce extremely weak or distorted sound. Denon specifies the DP-300F’s equalizer output as 150 mV at 1 kHz, with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Denon’s manual lists a head shell with cartridge, counterweight, turntable with belt, turntable sheet, 45 rpm adapter, dust cover, hinges, spare lead wire, operating instructions, warranty, and service station list. Its connection diagrams show the turntable’s pin-plug cable, approximately 3 feet/1.0 m long, connecting to the amplifier’s AUX IN or PHONO IN.
For setup, the manual says to turn off the receiving device and leave the record player unplugged until all connections are finished. Keep the tonearm’s retaining twist tie in place until assembly is complete. The manual also says power requirements differ by area: make sure the unit, rated AC 120 V, 60 Hz, meets yours, and consult a qualified electrician if in doubt.
Denon DP-400
The Denon DP-400 is a turntable whose built-in phono equalizer allows direct connection to a mini component system or integrated amplifier without a phono terminal. Denon’s manual says to set its EQUALIZER ON/OFF switch to ON for a device without a built-in phono equalizer. It warns that an incorrect setting causes extremely low or distorted audio. Denon specifies the DP-400’s rated equalizer output as 150 mV at 1 kHz.
The manual lists an audio cable, an AC adapter, and five interchangeable AC adapter plugs in the package. It says to attach the plug needed for your wall outlet. Other accessories include a dust cover and stand, turntable, turntable sheet, 45 rpm adaptor, head shell with cartridge, counterweight, Quick Start Guide, and Safety Instructions. Denon’s manual says to keep the AC adapter disconnected during assembly and adjustments, and to finish all connections before plugging it in. It also warns against bundling the adapter with connection cables because this can cause humming or noise.
Fluance RT81 Turntable
The Fluance RT81 includes a Texas Instruments phono preamp, RCA line outputs, and a ground terminal. Fluance specifies a 140 mV line output and a PHONO/LINE switch, with all electronics bypassed when using an external preamp. For an amplifier without a phono input or powered speakers such as Fluance’s Ai41, the company directs owners to select LINE. The RT81 has no built-in speakers.
Fluance’s product page lists a 3-foot RCA cable with ground wire and a 5-foot AC power adapter in the package. The included headshell carries an Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge, alongside a counterweight, aluminum platter, rubber belt and mat, 45 adapter, dust cover, and hinges. Fluance’s manual says to use only the official included power adapter. It also cautions that the spring-loaded dust cover hinges can close with strong force during installation.
Methodology
A turntable qualified when its maker explicitly described an internal phono preamplifier or phono equalizer that provides an analog connection to a line input. A USB output alone would not meet that rule. Product facts come from each maker’s own product page and manual, including connection settings, included accessories, and setup cautions. The maker’s product page appears as the source under every entry, and information taken from a manual is attributed to that manual.
Each entry describes the connection an owner can make and the hardware included to make it. The selection is not exhaustive; other turntables also meet this rule. These descriptions leave out sound-quality judgments, quality rankings, and unrelated specifications. They distinguish the internal phono stage from the downstream equipment needed for playback.
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