Close5 Blog How to Build a Vinyl Record Stereo System at Home on a Budget - Part II

AmplificationIn part one, we discussed audio source - in this installment, we're going to talk about amplification. Once you have your audio source, you will need to amplify the sound. Record players produce audio at the phono level, which is much quieter than normal level. A phono pre-amp can bring it to line level, which is the level required to output sound with speakers.There are two common ways of amplification:A home theater receiver that has a phono preamp.A phono preamp that's built into the record player, or standalone as a separate unit.If you have multiple audio sources like a record player and an HDTV that's connected to a video game system, set top box, cable receiver, etc., then a home theater receiver is your best bet. Home theater receivers have inputs for multiple different sources and many can amplify your record player, which will convert Phono to Line level (aux).When shopping for a receiver, verify that the receiver or record player has a phono preamp. If it does not, you will need an external standalone phono preamp. The way to verify if the receiver has a phono preamp is to look for an input called "Phono." If the receiver has one, the receiver usually has a preamp installed if there is an input for RCA cable and a spot for a ground wire.Some effective search terms on Close5 are "receiver," "stereo amp," or "home stereo." Great questions for sellers are· "How many inputs does the receiver have?" - You will want at least 3 or 4 for all of the audio sources you may want to connect to your stereo· "Does the receiver have a phono input and/or pre-amp?" - If it doesn't have a phono preamp, you will need a standalone phono preamp to operate. It may be most cost effective to move on to a receiver which has it, rather than buy a separate phono preamp.With your receiver, you can connect all of your audio sources separately or through your TV. Everything connected by HDMI goes to your TV and your TV outputs sound via RCA or digital audio cable (toslink) to your receiver. If your TV only outputs in digital audio cable (toslink), you will need your receiver to accept that input or an external converter accessory.Once you connect all of your audio sources to a receiver and your record player is amplified through a phono preamp, the last step is to connect speakers.SpeakersAfter reviewing audio source and amplification, we're going to cap off this series with a discussion on speakers. The key to speakers is choosing the right type of speakers and the placement. There are multiple configurations, but the easiest is a 2.1 setup. 2.1 would mean two speakers, one on each side of stereo, and a sub woofer. The most common speakers are floor standing speakers or book shelf speakers. Bookshelf speakers are good for a smaller room or apartment. Floor standing speakers are better bigger rooms.When shopping for speakers, use search terms like "bookshelf speakers", "floor standing speakers", "tower speakers", or "home theater speakers"Setup tips: You will connect your speakers via speaker wire to your receiver in the left speaker or right speaker output, and your sub woofer to the sub output. Some receivers can accommodate more speakers like 3.1, 5.1, or 7.1 configurations for more channels or surround sound.Speaker placement is extremely important. You will want speakers to be at the same height level as your ears while listening. Floor standing speakers have the speakers elevated to have a direct line to your ears. Bookshelf speakers can be places in various positions, but the best spot is a similar height as your ears.RecapNow you see how easy it is to build a vinyl record stereo system at home on a budget! The winning formula is Record Player + Receiver + Speakers = Awesome stereo. Breaking into the world of home stereo systems can be confusing, but after you set up the basics, you have the flexibility to upgrade piece by piece. The deals are out there on Close5, now go find them!The information contained in this article reflects the personal opinions and recommendations of the author based on his or her own experience; you should make sure to do your own research before purchasing any item on a classifieds platform.