Having the best speakers for vinyl is the difference between having a musical experience and just listening to music. Although high-quality speakers do tend to cost more, you won’t regret spending the money. Splurging on speakers is similar to splurging on a really good pair of running shoes – they’ll last longer, work better and do what you expect them to do.
A buying guide wouldn’t be complete without giving you the rundown on what to look for when reviewing the 6 best vinyl speakers. Make sure to read this guide to the end to find out all about the different types of speakers, their dimensions, inputs, whether there’s a built-in amp or pre-amp, and whether they’re Bluetooth-enabled or not. If you’re not familiar with what some of these words mean, don’t worry, they’re all defined here. While all listed models are great, the Klipsch R-15PM is the best overall, so don’t miss it.
More features: Bluetooth-enabled, IR remote, phono pre-amp built-in
This Bluetooth-enabled dual powered monitor set has won our Editor’s Rating, and it’s pretty obvious why. While it doesn’t come with a super budget-friendly price tag, it does come with unmet reliability. Your room will be filled to the brim with sound, which is surprising considering these speakers are as just a touch taller and wider than a standard piece of paper, and are only 7 inches deep. The built-in amplifier that these speakers feature is custom-engineered to make them high-performance in a smaller package.
If you’re someone who’s looking for a reliable product that’s easy to use for the typical user, this is for you. While it’s not the cheapest product on the market, it’s definitely not the most expensive, putting it at the middle of the road in terms of pricing. Like we mentioned before, a little splurging on speakers can be good.
What’s even better, you can say goodbye to an old-fashioned A/V receiver with these speakers. That’s right, the Bluetooth technology makes connecting to these speakers a breeze. The speakers also have analog RCA, digital optical and USB inputs, making it very user-friendly. In addition to pairing your vinyl-playing device to these speakers, you can also pair the speakers to additional subwoofers, meaning that you can get multiple-room sounds just by pairing multiple speakers. If you’re someone who likes to entertain, this is a huge selling point. As you can see, this pick ticks all the boxes for someone who’s looking for an all-around solid set of speakers. You can’t go wrong with this pick!
More features: exclusive Dynamic Balance drivers and tweeters, 8Ω impedance, 100W maximum input
These speakers are a great budget pick. You can get home theater sound for next to nothing. This version is a pared-down version of the brand’s high-end speakers, which are unrivaled on the market. The small speakers include one 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, a 5.25-inch composite driver, and a performance-tuned front-firing bass port. This brings you bright and sharp sound. The inner workings of the speakers are encased in an acoustically designed MDF cabinet, dampening resonance and distortion to give you the best audio sound possible.
Using these speakers is very easy, no matter who you are. When you’re not playing music, you can use them as subwoofers for your home theater or even just your plain old television. While these are surprisingly high-quality for the price, don’t expect them to perform at the level that a $500 pair of speakers will – doing so will only set you up for disappointment. However, if you’re on a budget and just want a speaker that will do the trick, this is worth your money.
More features: updated high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) transducers
For 70 years, JBL has produced high-quality speakers at an affordable price. Everything has been developed from the ground up with this brand, and we love how easy this speaker is to use. That’s why it’s earned our nomination for best entry-level speakers for vinyl. There’s a reason that JBL is an industry leader.
These speakers feature next-generation powered monitors, which makes them perform highly. This model also offers stunning attention to detail, refined transducers, precise sound and impressive dynamic range that not only complements your audio, but enhances it at the same time. This speaker is able to provide 82 watts of total power from dual integrated, custom Class-D amplifiers. It is also able to reach SPL of 94 dB/108 dB. Finally, it’s been tested strenuously to ensure that it will last for years to come.
More features: RC, Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX technology, built-in phono pre-amp
These small speakers pack a big punch. They come with a Class D amplifier that puts out over 200 watts of peak power, filling even large rooms with crisp sound. It’s definitely a great starter set of speakers for everyone, but especially for vinyl lovers. These speakers come with a built-in phono preamp which makes it effortlessly easy to hook them up to your turntable and listen to your favorite records. If you’re not looking to listen to your records, it’s also easy to listen to your phone or device tunes, as this device is Bluetooth enabled and ready to go.
The designers wanted to make it easy for music lovers to enjoy music while embracing their love for digital and analog. Each speaker is encased in MDF cabinets, with Kevlar drivers that produce high-quality mid-range notes, making it sound like you’re having a concert in your living room. The designers have also paid mind to being sustainable, and these speakers feature an automatic standby setting for when you’re not using your speakers. However, when it’s time to get your jam on, you’re good to go. And, they are incorporated modern conveniences, like using a remote control that allows you to tweak input, tone and balance, as well as volume, to give you absolute full control over your experience every time you use them.
More features: Bluetooth-enabled (B1 aptX), RC
Audioengine’s A5+ Wireless system earns our Best Bookshelf Speaker for Vinyl combines the modern capabilities (like Bluetooth technology) with the audio performance of tapped-in models. Vinyl purists will rejoice at the clarity of the sound, and the depth and clarity that the frequency range provides.
Each speaker is grille-free, and features a 5-inch Kevlar woofer, with each channel delivering 50 watts of power. The left speaker features a volume knob, a remote receiver and a LED power indicator. It’s also home to the connections that you need, including the Bluetooth antenna, pairing button, AUX input, RCA input/output and a banana plug cable. What’s great about this is that all the cabling is included and detachable! Internally, a 24-bit D/A converter (unsampling) makes for a super high-quality playback.
Since they are made to be used as bookshelf speakers, the designers have taken this into account in their construction. Each bottom panel features foam rubber coverings that help to keep the speakers stable, and there’s also a screw mount on each speaker’s base so that you can make sure they stay put.
More features: 3-way speakers, Hi-Res Audio, 6Ω impedance, 100W maximum input
These Sony speakers are versatile and unprecedented. Their sleek style will blend into any home’s design, and don’t require any special set up or equipment to function highly. These speakers are able to take your music and capture it at a higher rate than a CD, which results in increased audio samples and spitting out high-resolution audio that rivals live performance. The 3-way, 3-driver design of the speakers also enhances the clarity of the sound, enabling you to hear great depth in all of your audio. The speakers include a rigid 5.12-inch MRC woofer that provides deep bass sounds, and also include a 0.98-inch tweeter and 0.75-inch super-tweeter that further enhance the sound. Unlike other speakers on the market, this set doesn’t compromise deep, rich bass sounds.
The cabinet design of these speakers was thoughtful, and provides you with clear crisp sounds. They are made of all-wood enclosures, which captures great acoustics and dampens unwanted vibrations. This all makes for a better listening experience. Finally, these speakers stay away from using paper cones that become weak over time and distort audio. These speakers use MRC fiber woofers to ensure that your audio is high quality for years to come.
If you’re new to the world of speakers, you probably read through the product ratings and reviews while being super confused. Don’t worry, this section will explain everything you need to know in layman’s terms so you’re able to make the most informed decision that you can. Let’s get started.
As mentioned on the first page of this buying guide, you can equate good speakers to good running shoes. If you skimp on the speakers, you’re probably going to be disappointed and frustrated. If you skimp on running shoes, you’re likely to end up hurting, disappointed and headed back to the store in just a few weeks to purchase new ones. That’s why it’s so important that you do your research, save up if you have to, and make the best purchase that you are financially able to do so. Now, this isn’t to say that you need to break the bank or max out a credit card to get a great vinyl speaker. That’s actually not what we’re advising at all. We’re saying that you should get the best that you can afford. Whether that’s $100 or $1,000. Just make sure to manage your expectations. A $50 speaker isn’t going to perform as well or as long as a $500 speaker will.
With that being said, getting a speaker at all will enhance your listening experience. This is because your vinyl turntable’s built-in speakers aren’t capable of producing a full-body, room-filling sound that high-quality speakers can. Choosing speakers for your turntable isn’t an exact science, but the good news is that there’s an endless array of speakers to choose from.
A lot of people make the mistake of just looking at sound quality when they are shopping for speakers. While that’s important you should also consider the following:
By carefully weighing all of these options, you’re sure to find the perfect speaker for you and your vinyl collection.
A great vinyl powered speaker is going to have wired connection and sound quality that brings out the highest highs of your audio, clarifies the mid-range sounds and enhances the deepest lows of your bass notes.
There are many different types and dimensions of speakers. Don’t think that size necessarily matters though. Remember, our phones contain more technology than what massive computers contained years ago. With technology today, sometimes the highest power can come in small packages. This is good news for those who might not have the most space to fit huge speakers.
And, most speakers today come equipped with Bluetooth technology, making them versatile. The versatility factor also helps justify spending a lot of money on speakers, as you can use them to amplify many different types of sound.
This category is all about personal preference. The main difference is that an integrated amp is a box that contains a built-in preamp and power amp. It does everything that a pre-amp can do without the need for two separate pieces of equipment and all their attendant wires and remotes. Good examples of such speakers on our list are Klipsch R-15PM and Kanto YU6.
This is something you definitely need to pay attention to. If a speaker doesn’t have the input you need for you to connect your turntable, don’t buy it. There are a wide variety of different inputs, so be sure to read carefully what input/output your specific turntable needs.
Like all electronic purchases, warranties vary greatly in length and what they cover. A typical warranty is around 2 years for speakers, but most stores and online sites offer the option of purchasing an extended warranty or care package. With most electronics, it’s good to err on the side of caution, unless you don’t really care about having to purchase new ones in the event of an accident.
As we’ve mentioned throughout this guide, any speaker you buy will be better than foregoing a speaker at all. The vast majority of turntables just don’t have the power to amplify sound like a separate set of speakers can. Based on our calculations, we recommend Klipsch R-15PM as our number one top pick for vinyl speakers. These speakers come in at a reasonable price, produce high-quality sound, have multiple different inputs and wireless technology and also have a 5-year warranty. Our second pick is the Polk Audio T15 speaker. This speaker is great for someone who’s just getting started. At an affordable price, it’s great for a beginner who wants to learn more about speakers. And, at an affordable price, it’s not that much of a loss if you end up wanting to upgrade at a later date. Our third pick is the Best Wireless Speakers for Vinyl, the Kanto YU6 speaker, which offer you great sounding and Bluetooth connectivity at the same time.
By picking any of the speakers in this guide, you’re sure not to be disappointed. We hope this guide helps you make the best decision possible and helps you find the best speakers for vinyl for your personal needs.
