f there’s one thing audiophiles love to own, it’s a turntable with an extensive record collection. A well-maintained vinyl record plays music like no other device. It is a prized possession for music lovers and a must-have if you want to celebrate the beauty of music. That said, the quality of the output also depends on the speakers you connect with the turntable.
There is no substitute for the best. When you can get the best headphones for vinyl, why not the best speakers then? After all, you cannot have a high-end turntable and antique records without a matching speaker system to deliver the desired output.
So, which are the best vinyl speakers? How do you choose speakers for a vinyl record player? How do you connect the speakers to the turntable?
Worry not. We got answers to these questions and more. Our experts have tested a range of speaker sets before shorting the top ten best speakers for vinyl. We’ve got a speaker set for every vinyl lover, from budget-friendly models to high-end speakers. Shall we get started?
Roundup of the Best Speakers for Vinyl
| Overall Best Bookshelf Speakers for Vinyl | Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Overall Best Floor Standing Speakers for Vinyl | Klipsch R-28PF Surround Powerful Floor Standing Speaker |
| Best Passive Bookshelf Speakers for Vinyl | Pyle PBKSP22 |
| Best Active Bookshelf Speakers for Vinyl | Edifier S2000MKIII Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf 2.0 Speakers |
| Most Durable Speakers for Vinyl | Kanto YU6 Powered Bookshelf Speakers with Bluetooth and Phono Preamp |
| Most Premium Speakers for Vinyl | KEF LS50 Meta |
| Best Powered Speakers for Turntable | Klipsch R-51PM |
| Best Budget Powered Speakers for Turntable | Prosonic BT30 Active Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers |
| Best Vinyl Speaker With Multiconnectivity Options | Crosley S200A-WA 4″ Active Powered Bluetooth Stereo Speakers |
| Best Vinyl Speaker With Prebuilt Amp | Andover Audio Spinbase Turntable Speaker System |
What Types of Speakers Are Best for Vinyl?
Let’s start with the different types of speakers that are the best for vinyl records. We listed different types of speakers for you to get a better idea about each of them. That’s because every audiophile has their preference, and what’s best for one may not be for another.
Bluetooth Speakers
A Bluetooth speaker is a wireless model and is mostly famous for its portability. These speakers are compact in size and shape and run on batteries (or solar power). However, not all Bluetooth speakers deliver great sound quality.
A Bluetooth speaker is suitable with a Bluetooth turntable as it doesn’t require any cables. Otherwise, you’ll need a Bluetooth transmitter or a stereo AUX cable (if the speaker has this option). Also, these speakers are more suited for entry and mid-level turntables.
Passive Speakers
Passive speakers don’t have built-in amplifiers and need to be connected to external receivers. This may seem like an added requirement, but it is actually an advantage. You can choose just about any combination of speakers and amplifiers to set up the turntable system.
The range of passive speakers is extraordinary. There’s one for every budget. Also, you can make changes to the sound output by adjusting the amplifier settings. From bookshelf speakers to floor standing speakers, passive speaker sets come in different sizes, shapes, and models.
Powered Speakers
Powered speakers come with built-in amplifiers and don’t require any external amplifiers or receivers. These are also considered the best speakers to pair with a vinyl record player.
Moreover, you can easily find powered speakers at affordable prices. You can also check out the high-end range, though the options are fewer as the price increases. The best aspect is that you can directly connect the powered speakers to the turntable using a signal cable. It’s easy and quick.
Smart Speakers
Smart speakers have built-in voice assistants and can be wired or wireless. These are stylish and offer versatile connectivity options. Smart speakers do go with turntables, even though we cannot call it a perfect combo. If you have a Bluetooth turntable, opt for smart speakers to pair with it and enjoy the music.
Soundbars
A soundbar is a single speaker system and may or may not come with a subwoofer. It really isn’t a good choice for a turntable, primarily because soundbars don’t always come with auxiliary inputs. However, if you want to use the same speakers for TV and vinyl and have limited space at home, a soundbar will do the job.
How to Connect Turntable to Powered Speakers?
You might have noticed that the best speakers for vinyl are either passive models or powered speakers. Powered speakers are more preferred by users who don’t want too many connections with wires hanging around. Powered speakers come with and without a built-in phono-pre-amp.
Here’s how to connect the turntable to powered speakers:
- First, connect RCA cables and ground cables from the turntable to the speakers. Make sure to match the colors (red and white) when connecting to the RCA input.
- If the speakers have built-in phono, turn on the switch to enable it.
- Power the record player and the speakers by connecting them to individual power sources.
- Play your favorite record.
Are Active Speakers Good for Vinyl?
Active speakers are good for vinyl records. In fact, many music lovers now use active or powered speakers with turntables. And before you get confused about active and powered speakers, let’s briefly explain both types.
All active speakers are powered, but not all powered speakers can be classified as active. Both speaker types have built-in amplifiers. However, active speakers have an amplifier for each driver, while there is a common amplifier for all drivers in a powered speaker. Also, the signal path in a powered speaker is the same as the one created in a passive speaker, except that the amplifier is placed in one of the speakers.
Things to Consider When Looking for the Best Speakers for Vinyl
You must have spent considerable time researching the best vinyl record players before choosing one, right? The same rule applies to vinyl speakers too. You can’t simply connect any speaker to the turntable and expect superb sound quality. Look at the below factors to understand what aspects play a vital role in delivering balanced audio and powerful sound through the external speakers.
Speaker Design
Speakers come in various designs. The most popular ones are the bookshelf speakers and floor standing speakers. The number of drivers in each speaker depends on the size and design of the speaker enclosure. As you might have guessed, a 2-way speaker has two drivers, a 3-way speaker has three drivers, and so on.
However, it is crucial to understand that the driver count doesn’t directly translate to quality. A speaker with more drivers may not really be better than the one with fewer drivers. Good sound quality comes from a wide dynamic range, build quality, and crossovers.
Frequency Response
The quality of the speaker depends a lot on the frequency response. The bass frequencies are low, and the treble frequencies are higher. Since the human hearing range lies between 20Hz – 20kHz frequency, the speakers should also cover a similar frequency range. The frequency range determines your listening experience.
Size of the Drivers
The size of the drivers doesn’t automatically translate to superb sound. A bigger driver may not deliver great sound, and a powerful speaker might actually have smaller drivers. The size of the drive is only an indication of how much low end it can deliver. A bigger speaker might have better bass frequencies. To enjoy deep bass music, you need to buy a vinyl speaker with a wider lower range and bigger drivers.
Connectivity (Wired Vs. Wireless)
How do you want to connect the speakers to the turntable? Do you prefer Bluetooth wireless connectivity, or would you rely on the auxiliary inputs and RCA connections? This is a matter of taste that varies from person to person.
That said, Bluetooth connectivity works the best when speakers and turntables are wireless. You ought to pay attention to the Bluetooth range. The last thing we wish for is a connection drop because the record player and its speakers are not close enough to each other.
Power and Amplifier
Active and powered speakers don’t need a separate amp to support them. But if you want the flexibility of passive speakers, you need to buy an amplifier that allows you to tweak the speaker settings to produce a well-balanced sound. The speaker power is measured in wattage and is usually accompanied by the SPL decibel count. Make sure that the wattage of the passive speakers aligns with the requirements of the turntable and the amp.
Budget and Warranty
From budget speakers to premium speakers, you can find exactly what you want for the vinyl record player at home. Determine your budget limitations and then shortlist the best speakers in the range.
Most speakers come with a limited period warranty from the manufacturers. Just make sure that the warranty is applicable when you purchase the speakers online. Not all sellers are authorized or approved by the brand.
Top 10 Speakers for Vinyl Enthusiasts
1. Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Overall Best Bookshelf Speakers for Vinyl
- Wood finish cabinets
- Natural sound reproduction
- On-speaker volume controls
- Comes with a remote control
- Slightly bulky and heavy
- EQ control is limited
Edifier R1280T is the best overall bookshelf speaker for vinyl. There are powered speakers and come with a built-in amp and two AUX inputs. We love how easy it is to connect the speakers to the turntable and play our favorite vinyl records.
Firstly, the speakers balance between quality and price. We were surprised by the high-quality audio output, given that these are entry-level speakers. The design is classy and stylish, though they are a bit heavy for the bookshelf design. We expected the weight as the cabinets have a wood finish.
Secondly, unlike passive bookshelf speakers, these are powered and ready to play when you directly connect them to the turntable. Though we couldn’t do much to change the EQ settings (the knobs for treble and bass work but not as much as we want them to), we enjoyed the ease of using the remote as well as the volume controls on the speaker. It was convenient to adjust the volume any way we wanted.
To conclude, Edifier R1280T has one powered speaker and one passive speaker (the passive one is connected to the powered speaker). These are wired speakers, and the manufacturer did provide an RCA-to-AUX cable. However, that’s the extent of connectivity the speaker set can offer. It’s a slight drawback, but we aren’t too put out. The sound quality is more than good and the price is affordable. What’s more, the bass has a clear sound and was quite substantial as the vinyl spun on the turntable.
View on Amazon: Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
2. Klipsch R-28PF Surround Powerful Floor Standing Speaker
Overall Best Floor Standing Speakers for Vinyl
- Multiple connectivity options
- Impressive sound sensitivity
- Great audio quality
- Versatile use
- Built-in ultra-low noise amplifiers
- High-frequency notes tend to be shrill
Klipsch R-28PF is the best overall floor standing speaker for vinyl. Klipsch speakers by this brand are known for high sensitivity and low distortion with a wide dynamic range. Seems like a package deal, isn’t it?
Firstly, the speakers have a solid build and weigh around 56 pounds. Though we are doubtful about the MDF laminate finish, the plastic legs appear to be sturdy and come with anti-slip rubber pads. It was fun to experiment with different ways to connect the speakers to the vinyl record player. The Bluetooth worked better than the RCA connections and digital cables.
Secondly, these powerful speakers have a 260-Watt built-in integrated amplifier. Needless to say, it packs a punch with the deep bass audio output. If only the higher notes didn’t sound so shrill! We used the remote to adjust the volume and EQ settings, and thankfully, it was a pleasant experience. That’s an easier option with speakers of this size.
In conclusion, Klipsch R-28PF is perfect for mid to large rooms (we prefer them in a large room, as the sound distribution is fantastic) if you want an enriching experience. The speakers also have a built-in voltage adapter and work with both voltage settings. That’s another plus, right? The price might appear a little high when you look at it. But other brands charge even more for the same features and sound quality. Klipsch offers a competitive and affordable price in comparison.
View on Amazon: Klipsch R-28PF Surround Powerful Floor Standing Speaker
3. Pyle PBKSP22
Best Passive Bookshelf Speakers for Vinyl
- High fidelity sound
- Wired and wireless connectivity
- 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter
- Full-range stereo sound reproduction
- Long-lasting and durable
- We did not experience any issues with these speakers
Pyle PBKSP22 are the best passive bookshelf speakers for vinyl and come for a budget-friendly price. The speakers have a built-in digital amplifier too!
Firstly, the manufacturer calls them active-passive speakers as they work both ways. We find this convenient, especially since the speakers also offer a range of connectivity options. They tend to blend into the décor, an advantage and a disadvantage. Though many people use the speakers with a computer, we connected them to the turntable and loved the output.
Secondly, they do work as wireless speakers but need to be connected to each other (the passive speaker should be connected to the active one). The rich sound quality surprised us. After all, we weren’t expecting such clear sound and notes from these average-looking speakers.
To sum up, Pyle PBKSP22 offer seamless pairing through USB, RCA inputs, and Bluetooth connectivity (with a range of 10 yards). The speakers work well with entry to mid-level record players and are some of the best turntable speakers in the entry-level market.
View on Amazon: Pyle PBKSP22
4. Edifier S2000MKIII Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf 2.0 Speakers
Best Active Bookshelf Speakers for Vinyl
- Big sound and great bass response
- Stylish and attractive design
- Multiple connectivity options
- Comes with aptX HD Decoding
- Four EQ modes
- Can’t adjust bass and treble from remote
Edifier S2000MKIII is the best active bookshelf speakers for vinyl records. With premium sound quality, high-resolution Bluetooth capability, and a remote for volume control, the speakers have a lot to offer.
Firstly, the speakers deliver what they promised, and we couldn’t have been happier about it. They look sophisticated but have a super easy panel at the back to connect to the turntable. We tried various connectivity options and selected Bluetooth as it paired very well with our wireless turntable. We faced no issues with connection drops. Ever.
Secondly, the speakers come with four equalizer modes. They have truly been designed for well-balanced sound output. Each mode allowed us to tweak the settings to suit the music genre. We have to mention the vocals mode. The clarity was amazing. It was a bit annoying to not have all controls on the remote, but that’s not a big deal.
Finally, Edifier S2000MKIII have a solid build quality. The speaker enclosure is made of wood veneer and shows that it means business. Our kids loved how well the speakers fit the existing décor and stood out at the same time. They’ve been taking pictures for Instagram (wink). When we compare the features and results with the price, we know this is one of the best deals in the market.
View on Amazon: Edifier S2000MKIII Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf 2.0 Speakers
5. Kanto YU6 Powered Bookshelf Speakers with Bluetooth and Phono Preamp
Most Durable Speakers for Vinyl
- Comes in different colors
- Three connectivity methods
- Comes with an integrated phono pre-amp
- Power-saving features
- Durable and sturdy
- No deep or punchy bass
- Bluetooth connection drops at times
Kanto YU6 is one of the most durable turntable speakers in the market. It is cost-effective and belongs to the mid-range price but has extensive features and great sound quality.
Firstly, we have to talk about the design and build quality of these speakers. It’s exactly what we expect from high-quality products. Though the cabinets are made of MDF, they are handcrafted for extra sturdiness and durability. The 1” silk dome tweeters and 5.25” Kevlar drivers give their best to deliver optimal sound.
Secondly, this active speaker also has an integrated phono-amp. We connected it to the turntable immediately after removing it from the box. We tried the AUX inputs, USB, and Bluetooth before deciding to go with AUX. The Bluetooth connection felt a little weak.
To conclude, Kanto YU6 is a trendy pair of bookshelf speakers and comes in attractive colors. Frequency response was 50Hz to 20KHz, so the speakers did deliver balanced audio. However, the bass wasn’t just what we expected. It could have been better, but since there’s an output slot for a subwoofer, we aren’t complaining much. We simply plugged in a subwoofer which did the job even better. The remote is decent enough, though nothing to rave about.
View on Amazon: Kanto YU6 Powered Bookshelf Speakers with Bluetooth and Phono Preamp
6. KEF LS50 Meta
Most Premium Speakers for Vinyl
- Authentic analog sound
- Comes in four premium colors
- Versatile
- Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT)
- KEF’S 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- We did not experience any issues with these speakers
KEF LS50 Meta are the most premium turntable speakers in the market with precise sound presentation and advanced sonic technology.
Firstly, the speaker enclosure is made of polyester resin, glass fiber, and calcium carbonate for strength, durability, and effective sound output. The highlight of the Meta-model is the use of Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), which resulted in a clear sound and cleaner highs with less distortion. Yes, we are impressed.
Secondly, the speakers are passive. We paired them with a whopping external amplifier, and that really worked wonders. Anything aspect we noticed was the importance of placement. Sure, we placed them in the same room (obviously) but not on the bookshelves. We left them out on the side tables, and that made a lot of difference.
To sum up, KEF LS50 Meta are very expensive and don’t necessarily have as many features, but the tonal quality is wow. The well-balanced sound and imaging are just so good! The large-scale sound took us by surprise, especially after we had to spend100 hours breaking them. That’s a long time, though the results were worth the wait. The LS 50 Meta speakers are available in four colors with a smooth finish that screams class. Pair them with a high-end turntable and play those scratch-free records for a great listening experience.
View on Amazon: KEF LS50 Meta
7. Klipsch R-51PM Powered Bluetooth
Best Powered Speakers for Turntable
- Multiple input options
- Suitable for smaller rooms
- Comes with remote and on-speaker controls
- Dynamic and rich sound
- Switch between internal phono and in-line
- Doesn’t support Hi-res audio codecs
- Needs a subwoofer for bass
Klipsch R-51PM are the best powered speakers for vinyl record players in the mid-range level. The brand uses quality drivers in its speakers, and this model is no exception.
Firstly, these are small speakers and compact in design. They are designed for smaller spaces and can be placed on bookshelves or side tables. The sound output is impressive for their size, though we admit that there is very little bass. We plugged in a sub to increase the bass. The internal phono isn’t great either. We stick to in-line for better audio quality.
Secondly, the multiple input options are rather good and work equally well. No issues with Bluetooth whatsoever. As with most powered speakers, the right one in the set is where all the magic happens. On the front, there is an LED light, a knob for volume control, and a panel at the back with input and output slots.
In conclusion, Klipsch R-51PM speakers are great for warm genres like pop and rock. The high notes sound better once the speakers break in. We noticed that the sharpness mellowed to the right extent. Just turn off the EQ if you want to listen to the vinyl records at a higher volume. The audio is cleaner that way. We like the layout, shape, and size of the remote. It fits comfortably in the hand and has buttons with enough space between them.
View on Amazon: Klipsch R-51PM
8. Prosonic BT30 Active Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
Best Budget Powered Speakers for Turntable
- Budget-friendly
- Silk dome tweeters
- Full range drivers
- Versatile and multiple input options
- We did not experience any issues with these speakers
Prosonic BT30 are the best budget turntable speakers with a decent warranty and various input options. The speakers have full-range drivers to deliver good sound from the vinyl records.
Firstly, the speakers are strictly an entry-level model. They cost less than a hundred dollars and come in two colors- black and white. As expected, we weren’t impressed with the appearance. We can’t call these good-looking and would rather place them deep inside a bookshelf. But they work well, especially with the Bluetooth connection.
Secondly, the speaker enclosures are made of MDF wood and plastic and seem strong enough. The speakers sound aggressive, too, though we could hardly detect the mids. Yep, almost non-existent, which means the vocals aren’t as clear as they should be. A bummer, no doubt, but we have to remember the price.
To Conclude, Prosonic BT30 have a surprising depth and pretty much no white noise. But the bass is very much present, and we were willing to forgive the lack of mids for such good bass. The speakers can touch the highest volume and still be clear with almost no distortion. We guessed this is due to the Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Dynamic Range Control (DRC) technology used by the manufacturer.
View on Amazon: Prosonic BT30 Active Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
9. Crosley S200A-WA 4″ Active Powered Bluetooth Stereo Speakers
Best Vinyl Speaker With Multiconnectivity Options
- 1-inch soft dome tweeter
- Ease of use
- Multiple input options – AUX, optical, USB
- 50W built-in amplifier
- Budget-friendly
- Uses Bluetooth as a default mode
- The volume knob is somewhat flimsy
Crosley S200A-WA are the best active powered speakers with multi-connectivity options for the turntable. The speakers are an entry-level model with a modern design and decent looks.
Firstly, the speakers are affordable and pocket-friendly. They pair easily with entry-level turntables and sound great. In fact, the speakers sounded much better than we expected. The mid-range is super clear. We enjoyed listening to vocals on these speakers. The bass could be a lot better, though.
Secondly, the speakers are neither big nor small. They are the perfect size to sit on the side tables, desks, shelves, or beside the turntable. The Bluetooth connectivity was strong, which was a relief because the wires were too short to keep the speakers a bit away from the turntable.
Finally, Crosley S200A-WA are sare easy to use. It hardly took us more than a couple of minutes to play the first track from our favorite vinyl record. Just remember that the speakers tend to be in Bluetooth mode by default. Oh, be careful with the volume knob. It is so delicate and cheaply made that we are worried it’ll fall off one day, and we wouldn’t even notice. And yes, you need to press the power on/ off button for a couple of seconds to turn it off. Tiny misses, but that’s expected for the price.
View on Amazon: Crosley S200A-WA 4″ Active Powered Bluetooth Stereo Speakers
10. Andover Audio Spinbase Turntable Speaker System
Best Vinyl Speaker With Prebuilt Amp
- Connects to every turntable
- Built-in phono and preamp
- Ultra-wide sound staging
- No vibrations or distortions
- Compact and user-friendly
- Doesn’t come with a remote
- The bass and treble controls are at the back
Andover Audio Spinbase Turntable Speaker System is the best vinyl speaker with a built-in preamp and super easy features. It is cost-effective and compact.
Firstly, the speaker system looks like a boxed version of a soundbar. However, it is a combination of phono preamp and speakers so that you can directly connect it to the turntable and play your vinyl records right away. That’s what we did, though we went on to try all the input options to determine which one was the best. We preferred the wired connection more.
Secondly, the minimalistic design blends in with the background and the setting. Our guests didn’t even notice the spin table near the record player until we pointed it out. That’s an advantage and a disadvantage, depending on what you prefer.
To sum up, Andover Audio Spinbase Turntable Speaker System is a great choice for turntables, despite a few glitches. There’s no remote control, and we found it tricky to use the knobs at the back to adjust the bass and treble. Moreover, the sound was as full as we expected. That said, the spin table gave us good bass with noticeable stereo separation. The Bluetooth connection was stable too. These made us add the speaker system to the list.
View on Amazon: Andover Audio Spinbase Turntable Speaker System
Frequently Asked Questions About Speakers for Vinyl
Yes. You can use computer speakers with a record player. That said, the sound quality will be average or poor, depending on the quality of the PC speakers.
Not necessary. You don’t need any special speakers for vinyl records. However, the best turntable speakers are the ones that deliver impressive sound with dynamic balance technology and enhance your listening experience. Furthermore, you can connect the speakers to the turntable in different ways.
Final Words
We hope you now have a better idea about the best turntable speakers in the market and their features. We recommend Edifier R1280T for the best powered bookshelf speakers, Klipsch R-28PF Surround for the best floor standing turntable speakers, and Prosonic BT30 for the budget-friendly price.
However, take your time to read the features and reviews thoroughly to determine which speaker set is the perfect choice for your vinyl record player. Got any personal experiences to share about your favorite vinyl records and speakers? Tell us in the comments!
