I was wondering if i can plug anything other than a turntable into the PHONO jacks on my old amplifier?

Question

I just got given an older stereo system. I have more stuff to input than inputs, and i know that the PHONO jacks are dedicated to turntables, but i wanted to know if i could plug other things into the PHONO inputs. I'm pretty much clueless about the detailed aspects of audio equipment so any help would be much appreciated.

Answer 1

Probably not 'cos they are configured to take the output from (usually ) a magnetic cartidge which only has a VERY low output. If you do plug in s'thing like a CD player the output is a lot greater and you will get excessive volume, distortion and you could damage your amp.

Answer 2

No, you should not plug anything else other than a turntable into the phono jacks on your amp. Apart from the input levels and impedence problems, there's one more important difference here.

The records were/are made with an equalization so as to reduce bass (low frequencies). The reason behind this is that low frequecies demanded a lot of needle movement in the groove which is difficult to manufacture without errors and consumes a lot of space too. Most of the phono inputs were meant for this and so apart from boosting the input levels they also increased the bass levels and sometimes reduced the high frequencies.

You should not plug anything other than a turn table into the phono input. However there are some amps that just have an input named phono but at the same level as other inputs and these amps run turntables with a specialized pre-amp for turntables. If yours is this kind, it'll be mentioned somewhere. If you don't have any information, best would be to leave the phono alone and use it only if you do have a turntable (regardless of moving magnet or moving coil type cartridge).

Answer 3

Most of the answers here are correct and good advice. So a little .........."Logic's Logic"

The word "Phono" usually is an indication of "phonograph" or turntable. This input on the back of receivers is connected to an internal pre amp to boost the signal from the needle. The pre amp brings the phono signal up to what we call "Line Level". This is the level of all the other inputs on your receiver. Modern day turntables have a switch that either turn on or off a pre amp in the turntable so you can attache the turntable to a standard line level input.

The line level connections are sometimes referred to "phono plugs" or "RCA" connections. Here in lies the confusion as they are line level or "broadband connections". Though they have nothing to do with RCA (radio corp of america) or cable. And as above phono usually means turntable.
All history aside...your question..no, nothing but a turntable can be plugged into the jacks marked "phono". Go to your local radio shack and you can get a switch that will allow you to add more line level devices than you have inputs for.

or you can ask for my cousin in Saudia Arabia. His name is Bin Dere Dundat


12/20 - wow all have been given a thumbs down...decision on this will be tough as they are all "right" in some way. (well most of em) but they are not all bad answers so dont go by that indicator.."use the force Luke..."

Answer 4

Depends how old it is. A very old system and you'll have problems because the phono input will be high impedance for crystal cartridges. Later phono inputs are medium impedance and will probably work ok with most anything.

Answer 5

No you should not plug anything else to the phono jack, it is made to the specifications of turntables only.

Answer 6

No, the 'phono' jack is probably a power connector for a transformer. Check the underneath for a voltage rating.

Answer 7

I used to plug my minidisc in to the phono jacks with no problems at all. They're just inputs and seemed to be fine.

Answer 8

It depends on the model, provide it and we can tell you.

Answer 9

TV
MP3
Computer
Playstation
Smoothy maker / radio
etc