Turntables and Record players are a unique entertainment source. There’s this weird sense of nostalgia attached to them, something that you simply can’t get from other musical devices.
Finding the right speakers for them can be a little tricky, however. You have to consider whether your choice is compatible with your turntable or not. Some speakers go with vintage record players, while others work better with modern turntables.
To help you make the right choice, we looked into some of the best speakers available for record players. And to help you choose the most suitable speaker for you, we’ve also included a buyer’s guide.
Before we get started, let’s briefly review the 3 best speakers for record players, based upon our analysis and customer opinion.
Top Pick
Known for superior sound quality, premium materials, easy setup and brilliant vocal clarity, this product is easily our top choice.
Runner Up
These speakers are the close runner-up, thanks to amazing sound clarity & specially enhanced sound coverage area.
Also Great
Another great product, as it’s equipped with crystal clear sound, deep bass and top-notch surround sound effect.
Best Speakers for Record Player - Top 10 Reviews
To give you a good idea of the 10 best speakers for record players/turntables, we’ve prepared a thorough review of each product, including their top features, pros & cons, and a final suggestion regarding each speaker system.
1. Best Speakers for Record Players/Turntables in Audio Clarity - Sony SSCS5 3-Way Bookshelf Speaker System (Pair) Review
Sony SSCS5 are the latest line of bookshelf speakers, which we found are particularly easy to install and display brilliant sound quality. Their best feature, however, is the large variety of built-in setups, dedicated to delivering excellent sound clarity and musical experience.
Best Speakers for Record Player - Main Features of Sony SSCS5 3-Way Bookshelf Speaker System (Pair) Review
- Easy Installation setup
These speakers are relatively easily to install in record players & turntables compared to rival products, making them a convenient choice.
- 3-speaker bass-reflex system
We discovered that the excellent sound production of the speakers is thanks to this feature.
- High Resolution Audio
As for sound clarity, the high resolution audio helps the speakers deliver crisp sound that brilliantly complements their music production.
- Optimized Crossover componentry
Further adding to their sound clarity, this intricate feature gives a clear path for the audio production.
- Easy to install
- Great sound quality
- Low sound distortion
- Compatible for all kinds of indoor entertainment
- No Bluetooth Feature
Based upon the excellent sound and music quality of Sony SSCS5, we recommend them for home theatre and musical entertainment purposes, especially in the case of record players.
2. Best Speakers in Surround Sound for Record Players/Turntables - KEF Q100 Bookshelf Loudspeakers Review
KEF Q100 gained a lot of appreciation from users for its classic American Walnut exterior and brilliant surround sound production. The speakers also benefit from their fantastic tweeters, which complement their surround sound effect nicely.
Main Features of KEF Q100 Bookshelf Loudspeakers
- American Walnut Finish
With a rustic look, the speakers benefit in terms of style and durability, making them a more attractive choice than rival products.
- 5.25 Inch Driver Array
This addition helps to provide a 3-dimensional sound coverage, thus giving the speakers their signature surround sound effect.
- 1″ Vented Dome Tweeter
- With modern tweeters, KEF Q100 generates good high frequency music and audio, thus further adding to the listening experience.
- Great sound quality
- Good high frequency audio
- Dynamic
- Stylish
- Durable
- Insufficient Bass Production
We found that the speakers benefit a lot from their stylish look, robust nature & good sound coverage, thus making them a great choice for record players.
3. Best Speakers in High-range Performance - Fluance Signature Series HiFi Two-Way Bookshelf Surround Sound Speakers Review
Fluance Signature Series HiFi speakers are quite popular when it comes to delivering unmatched highs, thanks to their high-end tweeters. The speakers also carry multiple features that cover mid-range & low-range sound as well as efficient surround sound.
Main Features of Fluance Signature Series HiFi Two-Way Bookshelf Surround Sound Speakers
- Neodymium Tweeters
We believe this to be the most impressive feature of the product, as it delivers outstanding highs that competitors can’t match.
- Midrange Pointed Dome
This great addition helps manage the mid-range performance of the speakers while also enhancing their overall sound coverage.
- Acoustically Inert Cabinets
The cabinets add durability to the speakers while also helping them produce smooth sound without any distortion.
- Woven Glass Fiber Cones
If you want speakers that deliver smooth and well-balanced bass, then you’ll find this feature to meet your requirements.
- Great sound quality
- Good high frequency audio
- Good surround sound
- Smooth bass
- Highs can sound harsh sometimes
We concluded that Fluance Signature Series HiFi speakers produce brilliant highs, as well as smooth but not too overpowering bass, making them a great choice to consider.
4. Best Speakers for Record Players/Turntables in Sound Production - ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers Review
ELAC Uni-fi UB5 bookshelf speakers have gained quite the popularity for their superior sound quality, which simply can’t be beat by other speakers. They also have clear audio and brilliant bass production, making them a close second to our top choice.
Main Features of ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speakers
- 3-Way Design
Unlike most of their competitors, ELAC Uni-fi UB5 are 3-way speakers, which means you get a well-rounded full-range performance from them.
- Custom Designed Concentric Driver
Our analysis indicates the driver’s responsible for the unrivaled signature sound production of ELAC Uni-fi UB5.
- 5 ¼ Inch Aluminum Woofer
If you’re looking for speakers that deliver great bass, then this feature ensures that ELAC Uni-fi UB5 are the right choice.
- Crossover Design
An efficient crossover design helps ensure efficient full-range sound production without any complaints.
- Sturdy Braced Cabinet
The addition of cabinets provides easy installation and adjustment for the speakers, further improving your listening experience.
- Easy to install
- Great Full-range sound
- Good bass production
- Great sound quality
- Sound distortion complaints
We concluded that ELAC Uni-fi UB5 stand out from their competition thanks to their brilliant sound quality, thus making them a good choice for turntables.
5. Best Speakers in Amplified Power for Record Players/Turntables - Audioengine A5+ Active 2-Way Speakers Review
Audioengine A5+ carry acclaim for their high-range audio and music, thanks to their built-in amplifiers, which remove the need for an external amp/receiver, unlike other rival speakers.
Main Features of Audioengine A5+ Active 2-Way Speakers
- Built-in Amplifiers
We discovered that the amplifiers brilliantly complement Audioengine A5+ ‘s tweeters, enhancing the speakers’ audio to unmatched highs.
- Silk Tweeters
Silk tweeters prove to be an important feature, as they deliver efficient high-frequency sound & audio.
- Custom Kevlar Woofers
The high quality woofers produce well-balanced bass that nicely covers the low-range sound of the speakers.
- Remote Control
If you’re looking for speakers that are easy to control, then this feature makes Audioengine A5+ a good contender.
- Thermal Management
When it comes to thermal management, it allows for more usage without the fear of the speakers overheating.
- Bluetooth
Bluetooth allows for easy wireless connectivity. Although, there were connection issues when pairing with smart devices.
- Easy to use
- Great High-range sound
- Good bass production
- Great sound quality
- Bluetooth connectivity complaints
We concluded that the amplified audio function of the speakers makes them a heavy favourite among consumers, so they’re definitely worth considering.
6. Most User-friendly Speakers for Record Players/Turntables - Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers Review
Edifier R1700BT come with a great look, easy Bluetooth connectivity, remote control and great sound quality. The speakers have been praised by customers for their user-friendly nature, and brilliant music production.
Main Features of Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
- Bluetooth
Bluetooth allows speakers greater accessibility, as it allows you to operate them with any smart home device.
- 2X AUX Input
If you have a device with a 3.5mm headphone output or dual RCA output, then this feature allows you to directly connect it to the speakers.
- Remote Control
The remote control makes it even more convenient for users to handle and adjust the speaker settings.
- Wooden Exterior
There’s also the classic wooden finish to consider, which adds aesthetic value to the speakers.
- Woofer & Tweeter
Finally, we have the built-in woofer and tweeter, both of which make up for satisfactory full-range sound production.
- User-friendly
- Stylish
- Wireless connectivity
- No Bluetooth security
We concluded that the stylish wooden framework, user-friendly interface and good sound quality makes Edifier R1700BT a reliable choice for turntables and record players.
7. Most Innovative Speakers for Record Players/Turntables - Audioengine A2 Plus 60W Powered Desktop Speakers Review
Audioengine A2 Plus comes with a wide range of features that make for excellent sound and music production, amplified audio and brilliant bass production. They’ve also been praised for their dynamic nature, making them a good choice for any turntable or record player.
Main Features of Audioengine A2 Plus 60W Powered Desktop Speakers
- Integrated DAC
We came across this installation during our analysis, and found it to be quite efficient in producing crisp and clear audio from the speakers
- Built-in Analog Power Amplifiers
If you’re a fan of speakers with great amplified music, then this feature makes Audioengine A2 Plus a good option.
- Dual Analog Audio Inputs
To explain in simple terms, you can connect two smart devices simultaneously to the speakers.
- Subwoofer Connection
If you’re interested in connecting a subwoofer to the speakers for an even better amplified sound experience then you’ll like this character a lot.
- Custom Aramid Fiber Woofers and Silk Tweeters
A combination of high-end woofers and tweeters allow for brilliant low and high frequency sound production respectively.
- Dynamic
- Great Full-range sound
- Clear audio
- Efficient amplified power
- User-friendly
- Sound crackling complaints
The multiple innovative features of Audioengine A2 Plus make for an overall brilliant listening experience for record players.
8. Most Affordable Speakers for Record Players/Turntables - Polk Audio T15 100 Watt Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) Review
Polk Audio T15 stands out from their competition thanks to their top-quality sound and affordable price. The speakers come with multiple features that make for great sound quality considering their cheap rate.
Main Features of Polk Audio T15 100 Watt Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers
- 0.75 Inches Tweeter
The tweeter makes for sharp and loud highs which most speakers in the same price range cannot produce.
- 5.25 Inches Dynamic Balance Driver
The inclusion of a driver allows for dynamic and well-balanced sound production, thus delivering excellent audio and music.
- Wall Mountable
If you’re looking for adjustable and easily to install speakers then this feature makes Polk Audio T15 a good choice.
- Subwoofer
We found that the subwoofer produces deep and rich bass, further enhancing the low-range sound quality.
- Affordable
- Rich bass
- Clear audio
- Good high-range sound
- Low durability
- Small shelf-life
After reviewing all the features of Polk Audio T15 in great detail, we concluded that their good quality and cheap rate make for a very convenient choice for record players.
9. Most Stylish Speakers for Record Players/Turntables - Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers Review
Aside from their terrific sound and music quality, Edifier R1280T instantly stand out thanks to their signature wooden finish. The speakers are durable, stylish, user-friendly and produce a rich sound.
Main Features of Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
- 2 x AUX Input
The AUX inputs allow you to simultaneously connect two devices to the speakers, making it easier to use.
- Remote Control
The remote allows you to easily control and adjust the speaker settings and volume.
- Classic Wooden Finish
The inclusion of a rustic exterior adds some aesthetic value to the speakers, which brilliantly complements any home furniture.
- Silk Dome Tweeter
Finally, the addition of standard tweeters makes for efficient and well-balanced high frequency sound.
- Stylish
- Clear audio
- Good high-range sound
- Wireless control
- Easy to use
- Low durability
We concluded that aside from their style, the user-friendly nature and great high-range sound production of Edifier R1280T makes them definitely worth considering for a turntable.
10. Best Speakers in Wireless Connectivity for Record Players/Turntables - Kanto YU4 Powered Speakers with Bluetooth and Phono Preamp Review
Kanto YU4 have garnered quite the reputation thanks to their excellent full-range sound production, Bluetooth and wireless connectivity and dynamic nature, making them a good fit for turntables.
Main Features of Kanto YU4 Powered Speakers with Bluetooth and Phono Preamp
- 4” Kevlar Drivers
The drivers are responsible for efficient and well-balanced mid-range sound production based on our review.
- 1” Silk Dome Tweeters
As for the tweeters, we concluded that they help produce excellent high-range sound and crisp audio without any issues of sound crackling.
- Integrated Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX Technology
If you’re looking for excellent wireless control and connectivity in your speakers then this feature makes Kanto YU4 worth considering.
- Built-in Phono Preamp
This feature is especially important as it allows you to connect the speakers to any classic or modern record player.
- Clear audio
- Good high-range sound
- Wireless control
- Easy to use
- Dynamic
- Expensive
- Faulty auto power down feature
Unlike most speakers, Kanto YU4 are especially designed for turntables and record players, and based on their top-end music production and sound control, they’re definitely worth considering.
Buyer’s Guide
Buying speakers record players can be challenging, since most good speakers don’t necessarily work well with a vinyl or a record player, as they may be designed for other types of uses like for desktop computers or home theaters.
In other instances, some speakers might complement classic record players but might not work well with modern record players and vice versa. So, when buying the best product, you have to take the nature of your turntable and speaker into consideration.
So, in order to help you make an informed decision, we’ve enlisted the most important qualities of speakers suitable for record players/turntables.
Audio Quality
The most important thing to consider is the audio quality of the speakers. Most speakers are designed for digital music streaming and usually play digitally compressed music files.
With an analog device like a record player, the audio quality of these speakers may not be up to par. Speakers designed for record players usually have a good sound balancing feature that allows them to process analog sound with ease.
So, to get the best music experience possible, you need to go for speakers best known for their sound balancing feature.
Phono Pre-Amp
The best speakers for record players have a built-in phono pre-amp. Some turntables come with an integrated amplifier which provides well-enhanced audio. Most turntables, however, don’t have this feature.
When you attach a standard speaker to a turntable, there’s a chance it will malfunction due to overloading. A phono pre-amp protects your speaker from overloading and provides well-enhanced audio.
So, if you want to play it safe, the best choice is to buy a speaker with a phono pre-amp.
Affordability
As we discussed, the best speakers for a record player or a turntable require a built-in phono pre-amp and well-balanced audio. Such products can be quite expensive, so you have to take their affordability into account.
Speakers with additional features like a subwoofer or Bluetooth will naturally cost more. So, before buying the appropriate speaker, make sure it’s within your price range and has all the essential features that you need.
Wireless Control & Connection
Aside from sound quality and price, a speaker’s user-friendly interface is important. Most modern speakers will either have wireless connectivity or remote control or both.
So, if you’re looking for something that makes it easier to play music on your device, then we recommend speakers with Bluetooth or remote control for your convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is the bass response of Sony SSCS5 without the subwoofer?
Even without a subwoofer, Sony SSCS5 produces a pretty great bass response. Although, the subwoofer does make a considerable difference.
Do Fluance Signature Series HiFi Two-Way Bookshelf surround sound speakers have a built-in amplifier?
No, unfortunately Fluance Signature Series HiFi Two-Way Bookshelf surround sound speakers don’t have a built-in amplifier. So, you’ll have to buy one separately.
Are banana plugs easy to connect to KEF Q100W Bookshelf Loudspeakers?
Yes, banana plugs actually work pretty nicely with KEF Q100W Bookshelf Loudspeakers.
Would you recommend an external amp for ELAC Uni-fi UB5?
Yes, we’d actually recommend an external amplifier for ELAC Uni-fi UB5 as it terrifically enhances the audio of the speakers.
Do Audioengine A5 Plus have a built-in DAC?
No, Audioengine A5 Plus do not have a built in DAC. Audioengine does offer a stand-alone DAC though.
What’s the maximum length of the wires connecting the two speakers of Edifier R1700BT?
The cable length is 16ft or 5m for Edifier R1700BT. Their main website also sells cables of varying lengths.
Will the output of Audioengine A2 Plus power a subwoofer?
No, the output of Audioengine A2 Plus won’t power a subwoofer. You’ll need a seperate power source for the subwoofer.
Would Polk Audio T15 work well for a large or spacious room?
No, we wouldn’t recommend Polk Audio T15 for large rooms or spaces since they work best in smaller areas.
Do the front plates of Edifier R1280T come off?
Yes, the front plates of Edifier R1280T are removable, and they look and sound great as well.
Are you able to play sound from two different inputs at the same time in Kanto YU4?
No, you can only play sound from one input at a time from Kanto YU4. You can’t play music from more than two inputs simultaneously.
Wrapping Things Up
In the end, let’s quickly review the 3 best speakers for record players according to customers.
First up is the Sony SSCS5 bookshelf speaker system, which has been praised for its easy installation, great sound quality, low sound distortion and dynamic nature.
Second are the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth bookshelf speakers, which are popular for their user-friendly interface, stylish design and good wireless connectivity range.
Finally, we have the Polk Audio T15 bookshelf speakers, which have received acclaim for their affordability, rich bass, clear audio and good high-range performance.
And that’s the end of our article. Do let us know which speaker system you liked the most for your record player/turntable as we’d highly appreciate your opinion.