Help setting up my new stereo slots - RCA vs Optical?

stereoaudioconnectionsRCAsetup

Registration:
14.02.2021
Messages: 502

Iron_Man Topic author

06.01.2025 13:09

I just bought a new component stereo system and I'm overwhelmed by all the connection options. I'm trying to connect a turntable and a CD player, and I'm confused about which inputs are best. Specifically, I'm debating between using the RCA outputs for the turntable and running an optical cable to the main receiver. Has anyone here dealt with this setup before? I want the best audio quality without introducing too much noise or interference. Any advice on the optimal wiring setup would be greatly appreciated.

12 Answers

05.01.2024
Posts: 1425

FalloutBoy

27.02.2025 22:19

For a turntable, RCA is almost always the way to go. Optical signals lose too much of the analog warmth and detail. You need the full signal path.

26.02.2022
Posts: 242

Boggs_C

13.03.2025 13:05

I highly recommend checking your turntable's manual. Many modern turntables have built-in phono preamps, which are designed specifically for RCA connections and proper grounding.

13.03.2024
Posts: 1222

Apone_A

18.03.2025 09:25

If you are connecting the CD player, optical is fine, but for the turntable, stick to RCA. The quality difference is noticeable, especially with high-end gear. Don't compromise on the source signal.

26.11.2023
Posts: 659

Apprentice_C

03.04.2025 18:27

Short answer: Use RCA for the turntable. Use the appropriate digital input (coaxial or optical) for the CD player if it has one. Mixing analog and digital is standard.

28.07.2021
Posts: 183

LogiPro in response

16.05.2025 16:33

Wait, are you sure about the optical for the turntable? If your turntable is a high-end model, it likely outputs line-level RCA signals. Optical conversion can introduce clocking issues and quantization noise.

15.04.2023
Posts: 1107

SteelHeart

25.05.2025 15:17

Speaking of noise, make sure you are grounding everything properly. A simple ground loop can ruin the best setup. Check your receiver's grounding options.

17.03.2023
Posts: 959

MoonShadow in response

03.07.2025 03:48

I disagree with the idea of forcing optical on the turntable. The signal integrity loss is too great. If your receiver has a dedicated 'Phono' input, use that and connect via RCA. It handles the necessary equalization.

21.07.2022
Posts: 1135

Soul_C

03.08.2025 09:18

For the best quality, always prioritize the dedicated phono input on your receiver if it has one. If not, use a high-quality external phono preamp connected via RCA. This is non-negotiable for vinyl.

17.07.2023
Posts: 899

Daughter_C

23.12.2025 23:13

I found that running a separate digital cable (coaxial) from the CD player and using RCA from the turntable provided the cleanest sound. It kept the signal types separated and clean.

04.07.2024
Posts: 997

Ally_C in response

06.03.2026 21:40

To respond to the previous point: If the CD player has both optical and coaxial, use coaxial. Coaxial digital connections often maintain a slightly better clock signal than optical for modern receivers.

04.10.2024
Posts: 373

Dogmeat_P

10.03.2026 15:06

If you are worried about noise, try running all your audio cables in separate raceways. Sometimes interference is simply electromagnetic, not related to the connection type.

14.09.2024
Posts: 593

Daughter_C

01.04.2026 22:09

Just a reminder: The 'best' setup depends on your budget and the components you own. Start with RCA for the turntable, and if the CD player is the bottleneck, that's where you might consider optical. Don't overthink it.

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