Noob Question about Turntable and Computer Speakers

[KayKay]

Hiya, I just inherited a Technics Turntable from a friend, it has two RCA jacks in the back (Red and White) and I would like to hook it up to headphones or computer speakers.

I've tried it and there is no sound in my headphones at all. Not quiet, but literally none.

What do I need to put in between my turntable and my speakers?

Do I need both a pre-amp AND a power amp as well ? All the power amps I see don't allow me to plug in computer speakers. If I use just a pre-amp, will it make the sound louder?

Thanks in advance, I'm completely new to this topic

 

[Madwand1]

Hiya, I just inherited a Technics Turntable from a friend, it has two RCA jacks in the back (Red and White) and I would like to hook it up to headphones or computer speakers.
[...]
Do I need both a pre-amp AND a power amp as well ? All the power amps I see don't allow me to plug in computer speakers. If I use just a pre-amp, will it make the sound louder?

A preamp will bring the phono signal up to "line level", which is the level of most components. This should be fine for computer speakers, which also take a line level input and amplify it further. However, line level is in general not enough to power headphones (it might be enough for headphones with low power requirements), and does not provide a volume control. The "line level" output off a turntable might also be on the low end of the scale compared to other sources. So you should get something with a dedicated headphone jack if you want to use it for that purpose.

If you're always going to have a computer nearby which is on, you could consider this:

http://us.store.creative.com/Creative-Sound-Blaster-XFi-HD-Sound/M/B004275EO4.htm

 

[KayKay]

Thanks for the prompt response Madwand1!

My computer speakers have a small control station with a volume dial and headphone jack. Would that be enough to power my headphones if I use it through that jack?

 

[Madwand1]

My computer speakers have a small control station with a volume dial and headphone jack. Would that be enough to power my headphones if I use it through that jack?

It might be. If you like the sound you're getting through it now (connecting the computer or CD, etc.) and it has the capability to go even louder than you want, then it should be fine with a phono preamp.

 

[NutBucket]

The "line level" output off a turntable might also be on the low end of the scale compared to other sources.

Small correction; line-level is line-level. If the pre-amp is designed properly it will have the same output signal levels as any other device; cd-player, tape deck, etc.

 

[Howard]

Small correction; line-level is line-level. If the pre-amp is designed properly it will have the same output signal levels as any other device; cd-player, tape deck, etc.

Small correction; line level for pro gear and line level for consumer gear are not typically at the same voltage amplitudes, and definitely do not share the same peak voltage amplitudes.

 

[KayKay]

Ok thanks for the help, my turntable is now working perfectly with my new preamp