Connecting a Turntable to a HomePod: A Surprisingly Complex Task

While a dedicated stereo amplifier offers the most elegant solution, it's possible to connect a turntable to a HomePod wirelessly. This, however, requires a turntable with USB output (or a USB interface like the Behringer UFO202) and some additional software. I recently tackled this challenge, and the journey was less straightforward than expected.

Why the Effort?

My Audio Technica ATLP1240 turntable boasts both a preamp and USB connectivity, making this project feasible. Many modern turntables include USB, simplifying the process. If yours doesn't, a relatively inexpensive USB audio interface, such as the Behringer UFO202, provides the necessary functionality. Both methods below utilize USB audio input.

Audio Technica ATLP1240USBXP: A high-torque turntable with USB connectivity.

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Behringer UFO202: A budget-friendly USB audio interface.

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Method 1: iPhone/iPad

My initial attempt involved an iPhone, leveraging its AirPlay capabilities. This requires an app to capture and transmit audio wirelessly. I used the free AirChord 2 app, which seamlessly handles this task, even identifying the music. Quanta ($2.99) offers a premium alternative.

Using a USB Type-B to USB Type-C adapter (necessary for my iPhone 16 Pro), and setting the turntable to "Line" mode, the iPhone recognized the turntable, and AirChord 2 immediately began streaming to my HomePod.

This method worked flawlessly, but it's important to note that your iOS device is occupied during playback. A powered USB-C hub might be a worthwhile investment for extended use.

Method 2: Mac

My second approach utilized a MacBook Pro. The same USB connection method worked, with the turntable appearing as a USB audio input. However, routing the audio to the HomePod required Airfoil ($39), a powerful app that allows for flexible audio routing. After granting Airfoil network access, selecting the USB input and HomePod as the output, the music streamed seamlessly.

While this method is reliable, it necessitates a Mac. An older Mac mini could serve this purpose, allowing remote access when needed. For consistent performance, consider using an app like Amphetamine to keep your Mac awake.

Lessons Learned

This endeavor highlighted the lack of a simpler, integrated solution. While functional, both methods are less than ideal. The ideal solution would be built-in Bluetooth audio support on the HomePod. Until then, a dedicated stereo system remains the most elegant approach.

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