STACK #249 July 2025

TECH FEATURE

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How do I get audio around the house if my turntable and speakers are in another room? A temporary solution is to move a connected Bluetooth speaker from room to room as you move through the house. But for a more permanent fix, chaining a group of wireless Bluetooth speakers placed throughout the house is the simplest approach. It’s also important to remember that not every Bluetooth speaker can be paired with multiple speakers. However, some of the bigger brands support multiple-device syncing. This means Bluetooth speakers can be placed in different rooms, so whatever is on the turntable can be played throughout the home. The ability to chain multiple speakers together is inherent in the speaker’s signal technology, not the turntable. A compatible system is generally paired using an app. It’s easy to do and a great way to pipe vinyl right through a home. Most traditional bookshelf speakers are not designed to be ‘chained’ across multiple rooms. speakers or if you want to hear your copy of To Pimp a Butterfly right through the house. Quality-powered bookshelf speakers will provide a conventional experience wherever you place them without the hassle of trailing cables, but Bluetooth speakers will offer versatility and ultimate portability. 3. If you decide to go down the Bluetooth path, choose a model that allows you to chain them together. The number of speakers you can chain together will also vary from brand to brand. Ready to go? Here are some tips to get started 1. Choose a turntable that has Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in preamp. It can be tempting to shoot for the cheapest turntable available. But, if you’re serious about vinyl and you care about its preservation over time, opt for a mid-level model from a reputable brand in that space. 2. Decide whether you’re happy with a single pair of Bluetooth-connected powered bookshelf

Want to play your vinyl across multiple rooms in the house? Here’s how you can do it. Words Paul Jones T he notion that the music you play on vinyl has to be confined to the same room as your turntable and speakers are as old as, er, So, do I also need an amplifier? All speakers need amplification. The question you may be asking yourself is, do I need a separate amplifier to hear my music? No, if you intend to use powered bookshelf or Bluetooth speakers. How does that work, then? WIRELESS WAX

vinyl itself. Pick up a Bluetooth-enabled turntable and speakers you can chain together and let your record collection run free. Types of turntables There are two main types: belt-driven and direct drive. Belt-driven turntables connect the motor to the platter (where the record sits) via an elastic belt. This helps absorb motor vibrations, delivering cleaner, more natural sound – ideal for audiophiles and beginners alike. Direct drive turntables, with the platter directly attached to the motor, offer better torque and quicker response. This makes them the go-to choice for DJs who need precise control for scratching, back spinning, or pitch adjustments. Bluetooth connectivity Bluetooth functionality is a must for mobile music. Bluetooth turntables still operate like traditional analogue decks but contain a built-in Bluetooth transmitter that converts the signal to digital. This allows for wireless streaming to Bluetooth- or Wi Fi-connected speakers, offering a combination of vintage sound and modern convenience. Do I need a preamp? Yes. Most entry- to mid-level turntables will come with a preamp built in, but make sure you check before making the purchase. A preamp boosts the ‘quiet’ signal from the cartridge (where the stylus or needle is housed) and corrects the tone so your music plays clearly through your speakers.

Powered bookshelf and Bluetooth speakers have built-in amplifiers. Pair those with a Bluetooth enabled turntable complete with an inbuilt preamp, and you have music, sweet music. The benefits of powered bookshelf and Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-connected speakers are numerous. They are easy to set up and offer excellent alternatives for users with limited space. Many powered and Bluetooth speakers feature impressive sound quality for compact systems. And with Bluetooth speakers specifically, you can put them anywhere in a room without worrying about hiding cables.

Bose SoundLink Max

Sony ULT FIELD 5

SonosMove

26 JULY 2025

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