The correct connection depends on the input your speakers or stereo provides. Use the included 3.5 mm-to-dual-RCA cable and set the AT-LP60XBT to LINE for powered speakers or an amplifier’s AUX/LINE input. Set it to PHONO only when the receiving stereo has a PHONO input, and connect the system’s ground/earth terminal as required. For a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, put the receiver into pairing mode and hold the turntable’s wireless-function button for about two seconds.
The AT-LP60XBT has a switchable built-in phono equalizer/preamp, so an additional phono preamp is not needed for a normal AUX/LINE connection. Passive speakers cannot connect directly; they require a receiver or amplifier.
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Choose the connection before plugging anything in
Look at the input labels on the device that will play the record. The selector on the turntable must match that input, not the type of speaker cabinet. A powered speaker can have AUX, LINE, RCA, 3.5 mm, or Bluetooth inputs; the label on the input determines the setup.
| Receiving equipment | Turntable selector | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Powered speakers with AUX, LINE, or another non-phono input | LINE | Included 3.5 mm-to-dual-RCA cable |
| Stereo receiver or amplifier with AUX/LINE | LINE | Included 3.5 mm-to-dual-RCA cable |
| Stereo receiver or amplifier with PHONO | PHONO | Included cable to PHONO inputs, plus the system’s ground/earth connection |
| Bluetooth speaker, wireless stereo speaker, or Bluetooth headphones | PHONO/LINE position does not determine Bluetooth output | Wireless pairing |
Turn the receiving device’s volume down before making a wired connection. Select the matching input only after the plugs are seated. If the equipment has several similar-looking RCA sockets, read the printed labels carefully: a PHONO input is electrically different from AUX, CD, or LINE even though the plugs look identical.
#1 Best Overall
- Experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl
- Fully automatic belt-drive turntable operation with two speeds: 33-1/3, 45 RPM
- Anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter
- Redesigned tonearm base and headshell for improved tracking and reduced resonance
- Integral Dual Magnet phono cartridge with replaceable diamond stylus (ATN3600LC)
What the AT-LP60XBT’s output switch does
The AT-LP60XBT contains a phono equalizer and preamp that can be switched on or off. Audio-Technica’s AT-LP60XBT User Manual describes this directly: "This product has a built-in phono equalizer function." In practice, LINE applies the equalization and raises the cartridge signal to the level expected by AUX or line inputs. PHONO leaves the output at phono level for a receiver that has its own PHONO input and phono circuitry.
AUX, LINE, CD, and similar inputs are line-level inputs. They are not designed for the very small, unequalized signal from a cartridge, so using PHONO into one of them usually produces sound that is extremely quiet and tonally wrong. Conversely, a PHONO input expects the lower-level cartridge signal; feeding it LINE output can make the sound excessively loud and distorted. The selector and the receiving jack therefore have to be treated as a pair.
The supplied detachable cable is a 3.5 mm (1/8-inch) male mini-plug on one end and two male RCA plugs on the other. The red RCA plug is the right channel and the white RCA plug is the left channel. Match those colors and labels whenever the receiving equipment uses separate left and right inputs. Do not assume that the plug’s physical position in a row of sockets identifies the channel; use the R and L markings.
Check the equipment and cable first
Before choosing a new accessory, identify what is already on hand. Confirm whether the speakers are powered or passive, whether the amplifier has a PHONO input or only line inputs, and whether a wireless speaker actually receives Bluetooth audio. The AT-LP60XBT normally includes the cable needed for a standard RCA connection, so a replacement is conditional rather than automatic.
- Powered or active speakers: these contain an amplifier and may accept the turntable directly through AUX, LINE, or RCA input.
- Passive speakers: these need a receiver or amplifier with speaker outputs. The turntable cannot drive them by itself.
- Stereo receiver or integrated amplifier: use its PHONO input with PHONO output, or any AUX/LINE/CD input with LINE output.
- Bluetooth receiver: pair with a Bluetooth speaker, wireless stereo speaker, or Bluetooth headphones that support audio reception.
Inspect the supplied lead for bent plugs, a loose mini-plug, or intermittent sound before troubleshooting the turntable itself. If it is missing, damaged, or too short, buy a cable with a stereo 3.5 mm male plug at the turntable end and the connector arrangement required by the receiving equipment. A cable intended for a microphone, mono input, or headphone output is not an equivalent substitute.
Connect to powered speakers or an AUX/LINE stereo input
Powered, active speakers contain their own amplifier, so they can accept the turntable’s line-level output directly when they provide a suitable AUX or LINE input. The same procedure applies to a stereo receiver or integrated amplifier whose available input is AUX, LINE, CD, or another non-phono input.
- Lower the volume. Turn the speaker or stereo volume control down, and switch the receiving device off if its instructions recommend connecting while powered down.
- Find the turntable output. Insert the cable’s 3.5 mm mini-plug into the AT-LP60XBT stereo output jack.
- Connect the channels. Insert the red RCA plug into the receiving device’s right (R) input and the white plug into its left (L) input. If the inputs are arranged vertically or horizontally, follow the printed R and L labels rather than the physical position.
- Select LINE on the turntable. Move the pre-amplifier selector to LINE. This activates the built-in phono equalizer/preamp for the line input.
- Select the input on the receiver or speakers. Choose AUX, LINE, CD, or the exact input where you inserted the RCA plugs.
- Start playback quietly. Start the record and raise the receiving device’s volume gradually.
The receiving equipment must have its own volume control. Audio-Technica’s manual notes that volume cannot be adjusted if the connected speakers or other equipment have no volume adjustment of their own. A basic powered speaker pair normally has a volume knob or remote; verify this before relying on a fixed-output setup.
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Rank #2
- High-fidelity audio with Bluetooth wireless technology Connects wirelessly to speakers and other devices equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology or to wired audio systems and powered speakers via included dual RCA output cable Compatible with aptX codec Fully automatic operation with two speeds: 33-1/3 and 45 RPM Anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter Redesigned tonearm base and headshell for improved tracking and reduced resonance Integral Dual Moving Magnet phono cartridge with replaceable diamond stylus (ATN3600LC) AC adapter handles AC/DC conversion outside of the chassis, reducing noise in the signal chain
If the speakers have only RCA inputs
That is the normal arrangement for the supplied lead: the mini-plug goes to the turntable and the two RCA plugs go to the speaker input. Do not use a PHONO input on the speakers unless you intentionally switch the turntable to PHONO and the speakers provide a genuine phono stage.
If the speakers have a 3.5 mm AUX input
The supplied lead terminates in dual RCA plugs, so it may not fit a speaker with only a 3.5 mm AUX socket. A different cable or adapter would be needed, with the turntable still set to LINE. Confirm that the replacement has the correct stereo connector arrangement and is intended for an audio input, not a headphone output or microphone input.
If the receiver has several line inputs
AUX, CD, LINE, and similar inputs are generally alternatives at the same signal level for this purpose. Connect to one unused pair, note its label, and select that exact source on the receiver. Do not connect the same turntable to PHONO and AUX at the same time as a way to increase volume; choose one correctly matched path.
Connect to a stereo system’s PHONO input
Use this method only when the receiver or amplifier has a dedicated PHONO input and, where applicable, a ground or earth terminal.
- Turn the system volume down. Keep the receiver off or at minimum while connecting.
- Set the selector to PHONO. This bypasses the turntable’s line-level phono equalizer output so the external stereo’s phono stage can do that work.
- Connect the audio cable. Insert the 3.5 mm plug into the turntable and connect red to the stereo’s right PHONO jack and white to its left PHONO jack.
- Attach ground or earth. Connect the system’s ground/earth lead or terminal according to the stereo manufacturer’s instructions. The AT-LP60XBT setup information specifies using the PHONO input jack and the associated ground/earth terminal when the stereo requires it.
- Select PHONO on the stereo. Start playback at low volume and raise it slowly.
Do not use PHONO output with an AUX/LINE input, and do not use LINE output with a PHONO input. Those selector/input combinations are the most common cause of either barely audible sound or severe overload. If the stereo has no ground terminal, follow its own connection instructions rather than improvising a ground connection.
Pair the AT-LP60XBT with a Bluetooth speaker or headphones
Bluetooth is useful when the receiver is across the room or has no available analog input. The receiving product must support Bluetooth audio reception, such as a Bluetooth speaker, wireless stereo speaker, or Bluetooth headphones. A device that merely advertises Bluetooth for another function is not automatically a compatible audio receiver.
- Power the turntable. Connect its AC adapter. Keep the turntable and receiver close during setup.
- Enable pairing on the receiver. Put the Bluetooth speaker or headphones into pairing mode using that device’s own controls and instructions.
- Stay within range for pairing. Audio-Technica’s AT-LP60XBT User Manual recommends keeping the receiver within 1 m (3.3 ft) while pairing.
- Start pairing from the turntable. Press and hold the wireless-function button for about two seconds. The indicator flashes red and blue while the turntable searches.
- Wait for confirmation. The indicator lights blue when pairing completes. The manual states that the product remains in pairing mode for 30 seconds; if that window expires, begin the sequence again.
- Play a record. Set the receiver to its Bluetooth playback mode if it has one, then start the turntable. The PHONO/LINE selector does not control this wireless connection.
The turntable stores pairing information for up to eight devices. Pairing another device after that limit overwrites the oldest stored connection record. If a previously paired speaker no longer connects, put the desired receiver into pairing mode again and remove an obsolete record from the receiver or turntable as appropriate. Turn off or move other nearby Bluetooth receivers during initial setup if the turntable keeps selecting the wrong device.
Rank #3
- Bundle Includes: Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT Bluetooth Fully Automatic Stereo Turntable (Black) and 3-Inch Powered Studio Monitors Pair (Black)air
- Dual Magnet Cartridge: The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT has a Dual Magnet cartridge with a replaceable diamond stylus. The cartridge is integrated into the headshell for assured performance and ease of setup
- Sleek Design: This stereo turntable was designed to fit your digital lifestyle. It is combining the classic sound of vinyl with a sleek and stylish modern design. A newly designed arm base and headshell mean the unique style of the AT-LP60XBT is bringing vinyl into the 21st century
- Wireless Connectivity: With the AT-LP60XBT you can wirelessly connect with your favorite speakers, headphones, or other wireless devices. With its CSR BT chipset, the turntable is even able to connect to devices that support the aptX codec, which offers much-improved sound quality over the standard SBC codec
- Operates Like a Regular Turntable: The AT-LP60XBT can be operated just like a regular turntable with a traditional wired connection. Whether you go wired or wireless you'll get outstanding audio with the ease of automatic operation
Bluetooth codec information
Audio-Technica’s India product listing identifies aptX Adaptive audio, aptX audio, and SBC for that regional listing. Codec availability can vary by market and by the receiver’s own capabilities, so the listing does not guarantee that every paired speaker will use the same codec. The supplied documentation does not establish a universal Bluetooth-versus-wired sound-quality winner or a comparative latency figure.
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Using passive speakers
Passive speakers have no built-in power amplifier and cannot be driven directly from the AT-LP60XBT. Add a stereo receiver or amplifier with speaker outputs, then connect the turntable to that component:
- Use PHONO on the turntable when the receiver has a PHONO input, and connect the ground/earth terminal if required.
- Use LINE when the receiver offers only AUX/LINE or another line-level input.
- Connect the passive speakers to the receiver or amplifier’s speaker terminals using the amplifier’s required polarity and impedance guidance.
If you want a direct wired connection without a separate amplifier, use powered speakers with an appropriate line input instead. Buying an additional phono preamp is unnecessary for an AUX/LINE path because the turntable already provides switchable equalization and preamplification; an external phono stage is relevant only when you deliberately use a PHONO-level connection and need compatible equipment.
Connection examples
Example 1: powered speakers with red-and-white RCA inputs. Connect the mini-plug to the turntable, red to R and white to L on the speakers, set the turntable to LINE, select the speakers’ analog input, and use the speaker volume control.
Example 2: an older receiver labeled PHONO, AUX, and CD. Choose one path. For PHONO, set the turntable to PHONO and use the receiver’s ground/earth terminal if specified. For AUX or CD, set the turntable to LINE and use the corresponding input. Do not leave the selector at LINE simply because the receiver is an older model; the jack label controls the choice.
Example 3: passive bookshelf speakers and an amplifier with AUX only. Connect the speakers to the amplifier’s speaker terminals, connect the turntable to AUX with LINE selected, and select AUX on the amplifier. The turntable feeds the amplifier; it does not feed the passive speaker cabinets directly.
Example 4: a Bluetooth-only listening setup. Put the powered Bluetooth speaker or headphones into pairing mode, hold the turntable wireless button for about two seconds, watch for the red-and-blue flashing indicator, and complete pairing within the 30-second window. The analog selector position is irrelevant.
Rank #4
- High-fidelity audio with Bluetooth wireless technology
- Connects wirelessly to speakers and other devices equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology or to wired audio systems and powered speakers via included dual RCA output cable
- Compatible with aptX codec
- Fully automatic operation with two speeds 33-1/3 and 45 RPM
- Anti-resonance die-cast aluminum platter
Wired or Bluetooth: which connection fits?
| Option | What you need | Main advantage | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wired LINE to powered speakers | Powered speakers with AUX/LINE and the supplied cable | Direct stereo connection with simple input matching | The cable must reach, and the speakers need their own volume control |
| Wired LINE to receiver | Receiver or amplifier with AUX/LINE | Works with a broad range of existing stereo equipment | The receiver must be set to the input used by the RCA plugs |
| Wired PHONO to receiver | Receiver with PHONO input and any required ground/earth connection | Uses the stereo’s phono stage | Connecting to an AUX/LINE input with this setting gives an incorrect level and equalization |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth audio receiver and the turntable’s AC power | Wireless placement and no analog cable run | Pairing mode is time-limited, and the receiver must support Bluetooth audio reception |
The choice is primarily about the input available on the equipment you already own. The documented instructions do not provide a latency test or a general sound-quality ranking between these methods. Wired connection is the simplest route when the cable and correct input are available; Bluetooth is convenient when placement or cable routing is the priority.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot the common problems
No sound or only a very low level
- Confirm that the speaker or stereo is powered on and that its selected input matches the jacks in use.
- Check the turntable selector against that input: LINE for AUX/LINE, PHONO for PHONO.
- Make sure the record is turning and the stylus is lowered correctly.
- Inspect the stylus for damage and verify that it is seated correctly. A damaged or incorrectly seated stylus can cause weak or absent output even when the cables are correct.
- Reseat the 3.5 mm plug and both RCA plugs.
- Confirm that the powered speakers or receiver actually have a volume control and that it is not muted.
A particularly common setup error is leaving the turntable on PHONO while connecting it to AUX or LINE; that combination produces a very quiet signal. If the system has a source selector, selecting the wrong source can create the same symptom even when the cable is perfect.
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Check for the opposite mismatch: LINE selected into a receiver’s PHONO input. Switch to PHONO only when the receiving jack is genuinely PHONO. Also lower the receiver volume before changing inputs. If distortion remains on a correctly matched connection, stop the record and inspect the stylus and its seating rather than continuing at high volume.
One channel is missing or the stereo image is reversed
Turn the system down, then reseat both RCA plugs. Verify red-to-right and white-to-left at the receiving end. If the missing channel follows a particular plug when you swap the channel positions briefly, the cable or input may be the source; restore the correct color mapping afterward. A loose mini-plug can also interrupt both channels intermittently, so push it fully into the turntable output.
Bluetooth does not pair
- Put the speaker or headphones themselves into pairing mode; waiting with the receiver powered on is not enough.
- Move the receiver within 1 m (3.3 ft) of the turntable during pairing.
- Hold the turntable’s wireless-function button for about two seconds and look for the red-and-blue flashing indicator.
- Restart the process if the 30-second pairing period ends.
- If eight devices have been stored, remove an old pairing or pair again so the oldest record can be overwritten.
- Check that the receiver is an audio-receiving device, not a Bluetooth product designed only to transmit.
Howling or feedback-like noise
Reduce vibration before changing electrical settings. Place the turntable on a stable, level surface, move it away from nearby speakers, and prevent the speaker cabinet from sharing a resonant surface with the turntable. Lower the volume while relocating equipment. Feedback is an acoustic vibration problem, so changing PHONO to LINE will not cure it when the input is otherwise correctly matched.
Before you buy another cable or component
Start with the equipment you have. The AT-LP60XBT already includes the 3.5 mm-to-dual-RCA cable, and a compatible powered speaker, Bluetooth receiver, or stereo receiver may be all that is needed. Consider a replacement cable only if the supplied lead is missing, damaged, or too short. Match its connector ends to the turntable and receiving input, and do not assume that every 3.5 mm or RCA lead is wired for stereo audio.
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- Existing receiver with PHONO: use the supplied cable, PHONO, and the required ground/earth connection.
- Existing receiver with only AUX/LINE: use the supplied cable and LINE.
- Only passive speakers available: add a suitable amplifier or receiver; the turntable cannot power the speakers itself.
- Wireless-only listening desired: use a Bluetooth audio receiver such as compatible powered speakers or headphones and follow the pairing procedure.
Product availability, included accessories, and codec descriptions can vary by market. Confirm the listing for your location before paying for a replacement or assuming a particular Bluetooth feature is present.
Best Value
- High-fidelity audio with Bluetooth wireless technology Connects wirelessly to speakers and other devices equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology or to wired audio systems and powered speakers via included dual RCA output cable Compatible with aptX codec Fully automatic operation with two speeds: 33-1/3 and 45 RPM Anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter Redesigned tonearm base and headshell for improved tracking and reduced resonance Integral Dual Moving Magnet phono cartridge with replaceable diamond stylus (ATN3600LC) AC adapter handles AC/DC conversion outside of the chassis, reducing noise in the signal chain
Quick setup checklist
- Receiving input identified as PHONO or AUX/LINE.
- Turntable selector set to the matching position.
- 3.5 mm plug fully inserted into the AT-LP60XBT.
- Red RCA connected to right and white RCA to left.
- Ground/earth connected when using a receiver’s PHONO input and the system requires it.
- Receiver input selected and volume initially low.
- For Bluetooth, receiver in pairing mode, within 1 m, and pairing started within the 30-second window.
- Stylus seated correctly and turntable isolated from speaker vibration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I set the AT-LP60XBT to PHONO or LINE?
Set it to LINE for AUX, LINE, CD, or other non-phono inputs. Set it to PHONO only for a receiver’s dedicated PHONO input, including any required ground or earth connection.
Can I connect the AT-LP60XBT directly to powered speakers?
Yes. Use powered speakers with a suitable AUX, LINE, or RCA audio input, connect the supplied 3.5 mm-to-dual-RCA cable, and select LINE on the turntable.
Can I connect it directly to passive speakers?
No. Passive speakers need a receiver or amplifier to provide power. Connect the turntable to that amplifier, then connect the speakers to the amplifier’s speaker terminals.
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Why is the record barely audible?
The turntable is often set to PHONO while connected to AUX or LINE. Set the turntable to LINE, select the receiver’s actual input, and check the plugs and stylus.
Why is the sound loud or distorted?
LINE output connected to a PHONO input can overload the phono stage. Use PHONO only with PHONO, or move the cable to AUX/LINE and select LINE.
How do I pair a Bluetooth speaker?
Put the speaker into pairing mode, keep it within 1 m (3.3 ft), hold the turntable’s wireless-function button for about two seconds, and complete pairing while the red-and-blue indicator is flashing. Pairing mode lasts 30 seconds.
Does the PHONO/LINE switch matter for Bluetooth?
No. That selector controls the wired analog output. Bluetooth pairing uses the wireless-function button and a compatible Bluetooth audio receiver.
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It stores pairing information for up to eight devices. Pairing another device after that limit overwrites the oldest stored record.
The Bottom Line
Match the selector to the receiving input: LINE for powered speakers or AUX/LINE, PHONO for a stereo’s PHONO jack, and no selector change for Bluetooth. Use the included cable first, connect red to right and white to left, keep volume low during setup, and use an amplifier whenever the speakers are passive.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
