Sony turntables connect to computers via Bluetooth in three steps: turn on Bluetooth pairing mode on the turntable, search for it in your computer's Bluetooth settings, and select it to pair
Most Sony turntables with Bluetooth capability use the same pairing process as other wireless devices. The exact button or menu option varies by model, but the principle is identical: your turntable broadcasts a signal, your computer listens for it, and they agree to talk to each other. Once paired, the turntable appears as an audio output option in your computer's sound settings.
The main thing to understand before you start: Bluetooth audio has a small but real delay between what you see happening and what you hear. This matters if you're watching a video or playing a game, but not if you're just listening to vinyl records. If the delay bothers you, a wired USB connection is the alternative.
Key Takeaways
- Check your Sony turntable's manual or model number to confirm it has Bluetooth — not all Sony turntables do, and older models typically do not.
- Put the turntable in pairing mode (usually a button press or menu option), then search for it in your computer's Bluetooth settings within two minutes.
- Once paired, select the turntable as your audio output device in your computer's sound settings before playing music.
- Bluetooth audio has a slight delay that is not noticeable for music listening but becomes obvious if you watch video or play games.
- If your turntable does not have Bluetooth, a USB cable to your computer or a separate Bluetooth adapter are the main alternatives.
How to learn about your Sony turntable has Bluetooth
Not every Sony turntable includes Bluetooth. The feature is more common on newer models and mid-to-high-end equipment, but some budget models skip it. The fastest way to know is to look at your turntable's model number and search for the manual online.
The model number is usually printed on the back or bottom of the turntable. Search "[model number] manual" in your browser, read the PDF, and look for "Bluetooth" in the table of contents or search function. If the manual mentions Bluetooth pairing or wireless connection, your turntable has it. If it does not appear anywhere in the manual, your turntable does not have Bluetooth built in.
If you cannot find the manual, look for a Bluetooth button or icon on the turntable itself — usually on the back panel or near the power button. A dedicated Bluetooth button is a strong sign the feature is present.
The pairing process on Windows
On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices, and toggle Bluetooth on. Your computer will start searching for nearby devices. At the same time, put your Sony turntable into pairing mode — this is usually a button press held for three to five seconds, but check your manual for the exact method. The turntable's display or a light will indicate it is in pairing mode.
Within two minutes, your turntable should appear in the list of available devices on your computer. Click on it to pair. Windows will ask you to confirm the pairing, and then the turntable will be saved as a connected device. You can now close the Bluetooth settings.
After pairing, you need to tell Windows to use the turntable as your audio output. Right-click the speaker icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, select "Open Volume mixer," and under "Advanced," choose your turntable from the dropdown next to "Default audio device." Now sound from your computer will play through the turntable's speakers (if it has them) or through whatever speakers are connected to the turntable.
The pairing process on Mac
On Mac, click the Apple menu, go to System Settings, then Bluetooth. Toggle Bluetooth on. Put your Sony turntable into pairing mode at the same time. The turntable will appear in the list of available devices within two minutes. Click "Connect" next to the turntable's name.
Once connected, open System Settings again, go to Sound, and select your turntable from the "Output device" dropdown. If your turntable does not have built-in speakers, make sure speakers are physically connected to the turntable before you select it as the output device, or you will hear nothing.
What to do if the turntable will not pair
If your turntable does not appear in the Bluetooth list after two minutes, the most common cause is that pairing mode did not set up. Try holding the Bluetooth button for longer — some models require five to ten seconds. Check your manual for the exact timing. If the turntable has a display screen, it should show "Pairing" or a Bluetooth icon when the mode is active.
If the turntable appears but your computer will not connect to it, try "forgetting" the device and pairing again. On Windows, right-click the turntable in the Bluetooth settings and select "Remove device." On Mac, click the "X" next to the turntable's name. Then repeat the pairing process from the beginning.
If the turntable still will not pair after two attempts, restart both devices. Turn off the turntable, turn off Bluetooth on your computer, wait 30 seconds, and turn both back on. Then try pairing again. If this does not work, the Bluetooth hardware in either the turntable or computer may be faulty, and you may need to use a wired connection instead.
Using a wired USB connection as an alternative
If Bluetooth pairing fails or the audio delay bothers you, a USB cable is often a simpler option. Some Sony turntables have a USB port on the back that connects directly to your computer. This eliminates the delay and is more reliable than Bluetooth because there is no wireless signal to drop.
To use USB, plug a USB cable into the turntable's USB port and into an available USB port on your computer. Your computer should recognize the turntable as an audio device automatically. Go to your sound settings and select the turntable as the output device, just as you would with Bluetooth. No pairing is needed — the connection is when ready.
If your turntable does not have a USB port, a Bluetooth adapter is another option. These are small devices that plug into the turntable's audio output (the RCA cables) and broadcast the signal to your computer over Bluetooth. They cost between $20 and $60 and work with any turntable, regardless of age or brand.
Understanding Bluetooth audio delay and when it matters
Bluetooth audio has a latency of roughly 100 to 300 milliseconds, depending on your devices and environment. For listening to vinyl records, you will not notice this delay — your ear does not care if the sound arrives a fraction of a second after the needle hits the groove. But if you are watching a video or playing a game on your computer, the delay between what you see and what you hear becomes obvious and distracting.
If you plan to use the turntable only for listening to music, Bluetooth is fine. If you want to record vinyl into your computer or watch video while the turntable plays, a wired USB connection is the better choice. Some turntables support both, so you can use Bluetooth for casual listening and USB when you need zero delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pair the turntable every time I use it?
No. Once paired, the turntable stays in your computer's Bluetooth memory. The next time you turn on the turntable and enable Bluetooth on your computer, they will reconnect automatically. You only need to pair once, unless you pair the turntable with a different device or deliberately remove it from your computer's settings.
Can I connect the turntable to multiple computers?
Yes. Most Sony turntables can pair with several devices. Pair it with your first computer, then put it back into pairing mode and pair it with your second computer. When you want to use it with one computer, make sure Bluetooth is off on the others to avoid confusion. The turntable will connect to whichever device has Bluetooth enabled and is in range.
Why is there no sound coming through after I paired the turntable?
The turntable is paired but not selected as the audio output device. Go to your sound settings and choose the turntable from the output dropdown. Also check that the turntable itself is turned on and the volume is not set to zero. If the turntable has physical volume knobs, make sure they are turned up.
What if my Sony turntable is very old and does not have Bluetooth?
A Bluetooth adapter that connects to the turntable's RCA output cables is your best option. These adapters are inexpensive and work with any turntable. Alternatively, run an audio cable from the turntable directly into your computer's audio input (if your computer has one) or use a USB audio interface as a middleman.
Is Bluetooth audio quality worse than a wired connection?
Bluetooth uses compression to send audio wirelessly, so technically the signal is not identical to a wired connection. In practice, most people cannot hear the difference when listening to music. If you are an audiophile or recording vinyl professionally, a wired USB connection preserves more detail, but for everyday listening, Bluetooth is fine.