Vinyl records and their players have seen a resurgence in recent years – partly because of the love of the medium as well as the supposed improved quality of their sound. However, the dynamic and warm sound of records touted by audiophiles compared to compressed digital tracks is only as good as the system they’re played on, including the speakers. Therefore, a good pair of speakers can make all the difference when it comes to your record player setup.
How can you determine which speakers will deliver high-quality sound when there are so many options? That’s why we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to choose the best speakers for your automatic turntable, as well as cover popular entry-level setups that can help get you started. Whether you’re looking for affordable speakers or a premium build configuration for the best sound quality, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
Record player market overview
Why speakers matter in a record player setup
How to choose the best speakers for a record player
Step 1: Know what kind of system you have (or what to have)
Step 2: Decide where you’ll use your speakers
Step 3: Understand key speaker features
Step 4: Do your brand research
Step 5: Read reviews
Step 6: Set a realistic budget
Step 7: Try before you buy (if you can)
Common mistakes to avoid
Final thoughts: It’s about your ears
Record player market overview
The market size for record players in 2024 was USD 374.14 million, and it’s projected to reach more than USD 470 million by 2023. When purchasing their first turntable, many folks are also looking for the best speakers for their record player setup.
Why speakers matter in a record player setup
Vinyl records offer a warm, rich sound – but you won’t get that experience if your speakers aren’t up to the task. Great speakers bring out the details, depth, and tone that make records sound special.
According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), 43.6 million records were sold in the U.S. in 2024. Back in 2006, when records first began to come back, less than a million were sold.
How to choose the best speakers for a record player
Step 1: Know what kind of system you have (or what to have)
Before shopping for speakers, it’s essential to understand your current audio setup. Or, if you’re new to vinyl, what kind of setup do you want to build? Choosing the right speakers depends heavily on how your turntable connects and what additional gear you may (or may not) need.
For new buyers: Picking the correct type of turntable
If you haven’t bought a record player yet, think about how hands-on you want to be:
- All-in-one turntables (with built-in speakers and amplifiers) are easy to use, but often have lower sound quality. These are good for casual listeners who want plug-and-play convenience, but they can limit future upgrades.
- Modern turntables with built-in preamps are a great middle ground. You can connect these directly to powered speakers without needing extra equipment. Look for models from Audio-Technica, Fluance, or Pro-Ject that advertise “phono/line switch” or “built-in preamp.” These are popular entry-level models for a wide variety of music enthusiasts.
- Manual turntables with no preamp or amp offer more customization and typically better sound, but they require extra gear – namely, a phono preamp and an amplifier (if you’re using passive speakers). These setups are ideal for audiophiles or anyone serious about sound quality.
Pro tip: If you’re starting from scratch, an easy turntable setup that is an excellent choice for beginners includes:
- A turntable with a built-in phono stage (e.g., Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT or Fluance RT82)
- A pair of powered bookshelf speakers (e.g., Audioengine A5+, Edifier S1000MKII)
This kind of setup balances simplicity and sound quality – and gives you room to upgrade over time.
For existing users: Understand your gear
If you already have a turntable, check whether it includes a built-in preamp – many models today do, but not all. If it doesn’t, you’ll either need a:
- Phono preamp, or phono stage (a small box that boosts the signal to line level), or;
- A receiver or amplifier that has a “phono” input
Then, check your speaker compatibility:
- Powered or active speakers: Easy to use, connect directly to turntables with a preamp
- Passive speakers: Require an external amplifier or receiver to power them
Another thing you’ll want to check is the types of input/output connections your speakers have. While this isn’t necessarily the most critical part of powered speakers, it is essential to have the correct connections to all your audio equipment. Common inputs include:
- RCA (most common for turntables)
- 3.5 mm AUX input
- Bluetooth (for wireless streaming)
- Optical/USB (for digital sources)
Step 2: Decide where you’ll use your speakers
The space where you’ll listen to music has a significant impact on what kind of speakers will work best.
- For small rooms or apartments, bookshelf speakers are a great choice. They’re compact but still powerful.
- For large rooms or home audio setups, floor-standing speakers offer more volume and deeper bass.
- If you want a clean look with fewer wires, consider wireless (Bluetooth-enabled) speakers. Note that traditional wired setups tend to offer better sound quality.
Keep in mind that speaker placement also matters – ideally, place speakers at ear level and around 6 to 10 feet apart for optimal stereo sound.
Step 3: Understand key speaker features
When comparing speaker options, don’t just look at price and style; pay attention to these specs and key performance elements:
- Frequency response: This tells you how wide a range of sound a speaker can produce, typically measured in hertz (Hz). For vinyl, you want speakers that can handle a full spectrum of sound – ideally 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz (20 kHz).
- Sensitivity: Measured in decibels (dB), sensitivity shows how loud a speaker gets with a given power input. Higher sensitivity (above 88 dB) generally means better efficiency.
- Power handling: This tells you how much power (in watts) the speaker can handle without distortion. It’s essential to match your amp’s power output with your speaker’s capabilities if using passive speakers.
- Impedance: Usually between 4 and 8 ohms, impedance affects how much power is drawn from the amplifier. Most modern gear is compatible across a range, but check to ensure compatibility between speakers and amps.
Step 4: Do your brand research
Rather than looking for one “best” product, it’s often smarter to focus on reputable brands known for sound quality and reliability. Here are some popular speaker brands that are highly rated in the vinyl community:
Audioengine
Audioengine is known for high-quality powered speakers like the A5+ and HD6. Their products are stylish, compact, and ideal for beginners or casual vinyl lovers.
Klipsch
A legacy brand with strong performance, especially in passive speaker options. Their RP series is well-regarded for punchy sound and dynamic range.
ELAC
ELAC’s Debut series offers excellent value for the price and is often recommended by audiophiles for both beginners and advanced users.
Acoustics
A British company offering well-balanced sound in affordable bookshelf speaker packages like the 3020i – a top choice for small to medium rooms.
Edifier
A budget-friendly brand that makes good powered speakers for casual listening. Models like the R1280T or S1000MKII are often recommended for their quality-to-price ratio.
KEF
Known for high-end sound and design, KEF’s LS50 Meta is a premium choice for audiophiles. Pricey, but the clarity and depth are top-tier.
Step 5: Read reviews
Online reviews are helpful, but look for trusted sources rather than just Amazon reviews. Good places to read or watch detailed speaker reviews include:
- What Hi-Fi?
- CNET Audio
- The Vinyl Factory
- YouTube channels like Andrew Robinson, PS Audio, or Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac
Also, pay attention to user forums like Reddit’s r/vinyl or r/audiophile, where real users share unfiltered experiences.
Step 6: Set a realistic budget
How much should you spend? It depends on your priorities. Here’s a rough guide:
- Under USD 150: Budget powered speakers (e.g., Edifier R1280DB). Great for casual listeners.
- USD 150-500: Mid-range powered speakers or entry-level passive pairs. You’ll get better sound, especially with trusted brands.
- USD 500-1,000+: Audiophile territory. Brands like KEF, Klipsch, and ELAC dominate here with stunning clarity and craftsmanship.
Don’t forget to budget for stands, cabinets, cables, and possibly an amplifier or preamp, depending on your setup.
Step 7: Try before you buy (if you can)
If you have a local audio store, go in and listen to speakers in person. Bring your favorite records and test how they sound. This is the best way to compare the warmth, bass, and clarity of different models.
If you’re buying online, look for sellers with easy return policies, so you can test the speakers in your space and send them back if they’re not a good fit.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even savvy buyers can make a few missteps. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Buying speakers that don’t match your turntable setup (e.g., a passive system without an amp)
- Prioritizing looks over sound – a sleek, or ultra-compact design speaker may look nice in your smaller space, but could sound flat
- Ignoring room acoustics – bare walls and floors can make even great speakers sound harsh.
- Overpaying for unnecessary features, like LED lights or smart home integration, if you’re only using them for records
Final thoughts: It’s about your ears
There’s no single “best speaker” for everyone. What matters most is how a speaker sounds to you, in your space, with your music. By taking the time to understand your needs and do a little research, you’ll find speakers that make your vinyl collection shine.
