Best Speakers for Vinyl Record Players

Vinyl was unfairly forgotten for so long! But today, it’s made a real comeback and continues to win hearts. That’s because turntables provide a more natural feel and feature a better authentic analog sound than compressed digital representations.

However, without the best speakers for vinyl, a vintage record player isn’t that functional; it won’t deliver that pristine, quality audio. Conversely, by adding decent speakers, you’ll create a robust sound system.

Now, the biggest question – what are the best speakers for a record player? How to choose the right set?

To make your life easier and narrow down your search, I’ve handpicked and tested top-rated speakers for vinyl. You’ll also find here an in-depth buyer’s guide. So, even if you are new to turntables and speakers, after reading my review, you’ll be able to make an informed choice. Scroll down!

Passive, active, or floor standing speakers

When we are shopping for speakers, there are dozens of factors we should consider and evaluate. One of such factors is a type of speakers: active vs. passive. Let’s take a closer look at both of these types to understand which one is more suitable for you.

Active speakers feature their own built-in amplifier. Here are some benefits of active speakers:

• Some of the high-end models allow for wireless application
• Crossover does its job better since the signal goes through it prior to the amplifier

Passive speakers are driven by the external amplifier and connected to the amp through a wire. The benefits of such speakers are:

• It’s easier to upgrade or replace an amplifier.
• There are more connections, and you’ll need to plug the speakers into an amplifier.
• Passive speakers are lighter, hence easier to wall-mount.

Audiophiles consider passive speakers better for listening to vinyl since this type delivers better sound, and I totally agree with them.

Floorstanding speakers, also known as tower speakers, are commonly a passive type. They produce a big and surround audio that is difficult to match. If you dream of building a stereo system at home, these workhorses will be the right choice for you.

How I picked and tested speakers

I consider myself an audiophile, plus, I love technology and various modern gadgets. I try to explore every new musical device that appears on the market.

Today I’m here to help you choose the best speakers for vinyl records. Before writing this review, I analyzed dozens of speakers of various types, sizes, and shapes. When I narrowed down the choice, I aimed to design equipment for a casual vinyl listener. I used high-quality yet budget-friendly components. When testing speakers, I paying attention to the following parameters:

• Build quality – what materials are speakers made of?
• The size, material, and overall quality of the drivers
• Power output
• Signal-to-noise ratio
• Inputs for convenient vinyl connectivity
• Pure performance, quality, and well-balanced sound for different music genres.

To test and estimate various speakers, I used my favorite record player Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo with Stylus Ortofon 2M Red and 65Db signal-to-noise ratio. My turntable comes without a preamp, so the Emotiva XPS-1 phono preamplifier was the right option for me. When I need to hook up passive speakers, I used AV receiver Denon AVR-X4700H with a built-in phono preamplifier.

I really enjoyed the process of the sound quality testing since I was listening to my favorite recordings; they allowed me to assess the clarity of highs, mids, and lows. Here are my tracks:

• Radiohead – In Rainbows
• Massive Attack – Mezzanine
• Frank Sinatra – Makin’ Whoopee
• Lubomyr Melnyk – Pockets of Light
• Burial U – Hurt Me

Now, let me show you the result of my hard work – a list of the best speakers for a turntable.

Speakers For Vinyl Comparison Table

Best Speakers For Turntable Review

Bookshelf Speakers for Turntable

Bookshelf speakers are designed to rest on any elevated surface but the floor. They maximize sound in medium-sized or small rooms. Bookshelf speakers can work as stand-alone gear or as a part of a home stereo system. They sometimes require the use of additional components like a separate AVR.

If you have a turntable and want to upgrade your audio game, the market offers a wide range of bookshelf speakers for a vinyl player. Such a setup will definitely take your music listening experience to the next level.

Best powered bookshelf speakers for vinyl

Edifier S1000DB – best powered

If you are looking for the best powered speakers for vinyl, your search may end here. I have compared Edifier S1000DB to similar models, e.g., Klipsch RF-82’s, Edifier 1700s and can assure you that this product represents terrific value for those who have a pretty good ear for quality.

Let’s begin with its technical characteristics. What I love the most about this model is that I can join it to any type of input. S1000DB is equipped with PC, coaxial, optical, auxiliary inputs, plus it features Bluetooth aptX, thus, can connect wirelessly. I love its versatility!

Edifier S1000DB acoustic package is just excellent! The speakers deliver a hefty 120 watts and feature a great signal-to-noise ratio – 85dBA. On top of that, they can boast 5.5-inch aluminum bass drivers and premium-class titanium dome tweeters. The speakers do exceptionally well together, producing flawless sound. The speakers get pretty loud, so if you love throwing parties, this set might be the right choice for you.

The next thing that has impressed me is S1000DB’s build quality. I’d say it’s on par or even above the Audiogene’s or Klipsch’s. The design is robust, which looks great and decreases resonance, hence delivering the full strength of the sound signal.

View on AmazonEdifierWalmart

Micca PB42X – best budget

Micca PB42X is the best budget speakers for vinyl. The price-quality ratio pleasantly surprised me!

I naturally compared the current model with the MB42X, and I must admit that PB42X is a far more powerful version. Besides, the latter features an internal Class-D amp with 15Wx2 of clean power, while the former doesn’t have an amplifier, and you’ll need to buy it to listen to your vinyl.

Another thing I appreciate in Micca PB42X is its simplicity and versatility – due to RCA and 3.5mm stereo mini-jacks, you can easily connect it to your record player, TV, computer, smartphone, or tablet.

The speakers produce pretty good sound quality thanks to high-performance drivers made of soft textiles (silk dome tweeters and woven carbon fiber woofer). However, you’ll need a little practice to get the perfect sound. For instance, if I want bass, I raise the low frequencies on the equalizer. So, just play around with the setup, and PB42X will get shrill and bright.

Audioengine HD6

I’m familiar with the Audioengine brand for about seven years, and I love their products. However, HD6 has impressed me the most! It’s a beautiful and powerful beast locked in a relatively small body. The speakers are super versatile and efficient due to the built-in amplifier, full-range variable output, dual audio inputs, and Bluetooth with extended range. It means you can connect all your gadgets, including a turntable, wirelessly or wired. I tested all inputs and found no problems dealing with them.

Next, this decent sound equipment includes an AKM AK4396A DAC, amplifier helps achieve a higher signal-to-noise ratio (95dBA) and lower noise floor, this results in superb sound.

And last but not least, drivers feature just perfect design – silk tweeters and fiber woven glass woofers. Such a design provides neutral, natural sound with a wide dynamic range.

View on AmazonAudioengine

Edifier R1280T

These analog speakers have great specs for the money. The total power output is 21W; on the back of the active speaker, you’ll find 2 inputs suitable for RCA to AUX and RCA to RCA connections. The manufacturer took care and included a variety of cables so that we can wire the speakers to most devices, including a turntable.

I previously had Edifier R1700BT – great speakers with more power and Bluetooth. And to tell the truth, I didn’t expect much from R1280T. However, I am pleasantly surprised by the full and rich sound it produces.

The signal-to-noise ratio is not too high but efficient – 85dBA. As for me, R1280T features a warmer and more natural tweeter than its big brother R1700BT does; bass response is also just excellent.

View on AmazonEdifierWalmart

Best passive bookshelf speakers for vinyl

Klipsch RP-600M – best passive

RP-600M speakers are highly valued among audiophiles and for a good reason. Their superb sound quality and solid construction are major ingredients that separate them from equally priced or even more expensive models.

Let’s take a closer look at its impressive technical specs. You can customize the speakers to enhance performance due to dual input terminals. The drivers are built to deliver just incredible acoustic.

Tweeter, made of titanium, and rear Tractrix port matched to woofers and cabinet reduce distortion and produce real-life sound. The speakers are fantastic with classical, jazz, blues, rock, and live acoustic recordings. RP-600M is balanced, efficient, dynamic and is excellent with digital, but in my humble opinion, they are the best passive speakers for vinyl records.

View on AmazonUpscale audio

Klipsch R-14M

Klipsch R-14M features a killer combination for those who are looking for budget-friendly, small speakers with big sound and clarity. I’ve decided to compare this model with my old Klipsch HDT500 and heard the difference as soon as the music started playing. I just got a kind of “Wow” moment! The sound was so clear and crisp!

R-14M is packed with great technology. The maximum cont power is 50W. There are rear posts that provide good connection flexibility and a firing post for minimal turbulence at lower frequencies.

But the thing I really appreciate is the combination of high-class aluminum tweeters and copper-spun shielded woofers that make the speakers super-efficient and powerful. It delivers clean, real-life audio.

Best Floorstanding Speakers for Vinyl

Dali Oberon 5 – best floor standing

I genuinely consider Dali Oberon 5 the best floor-standing speakers. This slim model looks not only elegant and compliments any home design but also houses impressive technical characteristics.

Oberon 5 has a single-wire connection input, making it straightforward to use. The speakers’ sensitivity is 88dB; they feature a 1×29’’ lightweight, soft textile dome tweeter and 2×5.25’’ wood fiber woofers. It allows the system to deliver well-balanced sound – clear high frequencies, well-defined mids, and deep bass.

I’ve compared this model with the Q Acoustic 3050i and found that Oberon 5 is much more articulate, especially in the mid and low range.

Another thing that impressed me is that Dali sounds excellent right out of the box. A rear model can boast such a characteristic!

Finally, all speakers from the Oberon series boast great contemporary design. But the current model looks even more stylish with an elegant aluminum base.

View on AmazonTurntable lab

Polk Audio TSi500

For such audio-holics like me, Polk Audio TSi500 is an absolute godsend. To speak the truth, I didn’t expect much from these speakers; however, I was a bit more than impressed when I got them!

Compared to other tower speakers in the same price range, the TSi500 model offers much better performance, it provides room-filling audio. The sensitivity is high – 91dB, the power handling is 20W per channel. Silk dome tweeter produces clear and crisp highs, which doesn’t hurt the ear.

The bass response is perfect, and the mids are very smooth due to the Bi-laminate natural textile cone. Highs, mids, and lows sound incredibly well-balanced. I tested my TSi500 on “Nardis” and “Elsa” by Scott LaFaros, bass is so deep and mind-blowing with these speakers.

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Buyer’s guide

How do I connect my record player to my speakers?

When I bought my first speakers for listening to vinyl, I just couldn’t wait to hook them up and finally hear sweet sounds soaring through my home. It’s the same with you, right? I’ve prepared this short guide so that you connect everything in no time and enjoy your favorite audio list.

Record player with internal amp and active speakers

If you are new to vinyl, such a set is the right pick for you since it’s more than easy to make it work, just plug and play!

All you need to do is hook up your record player to the speakers through an RCA. Easy-peasy! Enjoy the music!

Record player without an internal preamplifier and active speakers

Before you start, make sure you have two kits of RCA and a grounding wire.

The task isn’t very challenging, but you’ll have to make sure that you correctly connect cables prior to powering up, and you’ll succeed!

• Hook up speakers to the preamplifier via RCA.
• Use the second kit of RCA to connect the turntable to the preamp.
• Join a ground wire from the record and another one from the speakers to the preamplifier to get rid of feedback noise and buzzing.

Record payer with an internal preamplifier, receiver, and passive speakers

This combo is straightforward to set up! You’ll need just one kit of RCA cables to connect speakers to the turntable with a preamp. So, how to hook up?

• Connect your record player to the receiver via RCA cables.
• Hook up a receiver to the speakers via the speaker cable.

Record player with a preamplifier, receiver, and passive speakers

Although this luxurious setup may take up more space, I think it’s worth investments and a bit of extra room. Why? Because it’ll allow you to upgrade your gear at any time you want higher quality sound.

So, let’s join this “complicated” setup (lol), just make sure you have two sets of RCA cables.

• Connect the receiver to the preamplifier through the RCA.
• Hook up the preamplifier to the record player via the RCA cables.
• Connect the receiver to the speakers using the speaker cable.
• Join a grounding cable from the record player and another cable from the receiver to the preamp to get rid of feedback noise and buzzing.

What is the right way to place speakers for sound?

The first rule of thumb – the speakers must be far enough from each other. Next, if they are not wall mount, place them at least several feet away from the front wall and a couple of feet from the side walls, the distance should be similar but not identical. This way, the speakers produce better sound.

Do you need speakers for a record player?

The market does offer record players with built-in speakers. So, there is a fair question – why do we need to buy external speakers?

The thing is, internal speakers are tiny and may experience too much pressure if you listen to louder music. This damages the sound and the speakers. So, if you use quality, separate speakers for a turntable setup, you’ll significantly improve your music listening experience.

Can you use computer speakers for the record player

If you are new to vinyl, want to try it but don’t have good, separate speakers, feel free to use your computer speakers. Of course, they aren’t scaled in terms of power and can’t produce perfect sound quality; but after all, nothing will replace a home stereo.

On the other hand, even if you listen to vinyl through the computer speakers, it still can leave you vinyl-addicted.