Choosing the right speaker for turntables gets tedious. The most common problem? The product’s great, but incompatible.
So, to save you the trouble, we’ve analyzed the top 7 speakers for turntables, and have also added a buyer’s guide to help you find the most suitable product.
We hope this review will help you find which speaker goes best with your turntable.
Out of all the products we tested, we found that these 3 delivered the most impressive results.
Top Pick
If you’re looking for something that’s convenient to operate, then Edifier S2000pro’s Bluetooth & remote control makes it a solid option.
Runner Up
Our runner-up is portable with a 20-hour battery life. Its wireless connectivity makes it even easier for you to use, without having to deal with the fuss of tangled wires.
Also Great
Our final entry has an LF & HF transducer, which generates powerful highs, and well-balanced lows. So for fans of full-range sound, this one’s a great option.
And now, let’s get into the detailed review of the 7 Best Speakers for Turntables.
Best Speakers for Turntables - Top 7 Reviews
1. Most User-friendly Speakers for Turntables - Edifier S2000pro Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers Review
The best quality of Edifier S2000pro by far is its user-friendly interface.
The speakers have an excellent Bluetooth range and remote control. We tested both these features against rival products, but the Edifier S2000pro remained uncontested.
Our analysis also revealed this product is composed of high-end audiophile components, which makes it perfect for home theaters & studios.
Our only critique is that they’re heavy and difficult to move around.
Best Speakers for Turntable - Main Features of Edifier S2000pro Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
- 1. Bluetooth V4.0 that gives excellent wireless connectivity.
- 2. Diaphragm Tweeters for sharp highs
- 3. 5.5-inch Woofers for deep bass
- 4. Remote Control for multiple speaker functions.
- 5. Coaxial inputs for digital audio streaming.
- Great sound
- User-friendly
- Wireless connectivity
- Stylish design
- Large & heavy
Edifier S2000pro tops this list because they’re very convenient to operate, making them a good option for modern turntables.
2. Best Wireless Speaker for Turntables - JBL Charge 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker with 20 Hour Battery - Black Review
Without a doubt, this is the best wireless speaker for turntables. We loved that it gives the user to choose between a wide variety of colors.
Not only that, but you also can connect up to 2 smartphones wireless without any hassle.
On top of that, this speaker has a long battery time, 20 hours to be exact, before needing to be charged.
Another thing that we liked about this product is that it is rugged and durable.
Main Features of JBL Charge 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- 1. This can connect up to 2 smartphones wireless
- 2. Lithium-Ion battery type
- 3. 20 hours of battery time
- 4. Bluetooth connectivity
- 5. Weighs 2.9 pounds
- Comes in many colors
- This can easily connect with devices wireless
- Long battery life
- Durable
- No micro SD card slot
If you are looking for a rugged speaker that has a long battery time and comes in many colors, then this is perfect for you.
3. Best Full-range Speaker for Turntables - Presonus E4.5-4.5" 2-Way Near Field Studio Monitor (Pair) Black (Eris E4.5) Review
This product is one of our favorites. We absolutely love the design of this speaker as it is so pleasing to look at. Not only that, but it also has a variety of audio inputs that allow you to connect almost any device with this speaker giving you versatility.
Furthermore, you are guaranteed to get an excellent full-range quality. It also has accurate sounds that enhance your audio listening experience.
Finally, this speaker also has a great bass quality as it has a 25-millimeter silk dome that further improves your experience.
Main Features of Presonus E4.5-4.5" 2-Way Near Field Studio Monitor
- 1. 25-millimeter silk dome
- 2. Class AB amplification
- 3. 13.01 pounds weight
- 4. 16.5 x 9.1 x 11.8 inches dimensions
- 5. 100 decibels peak sensitivity
- Great full-range quality
- Good looking design
- Variety of audio inputs
- Accurate sound
- Low-range is a bit lacking
This speaker is suitable for people looking for a good-looking product that gives accurate sound.
4. Best Surround Sound Speaker for Turntables - Polk Audio T15 100 Watt Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) Review
We must start off this review by mentioning the amazing surround sound quality of these speakers. Not only is the quality of surround sound great, but these speakers are also very inexpensive.
Plus, you can even mount them on your walls if you feel the need to. They are easily mounted and come with screws and instructions manual to assist you.
This product gives the users the option to either get just the speakers or the entire bundle which includes the subwoofers. It is a great value for your money.
Main Features of Polk Audio T15 100 Watt Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers
- 1. Mountable
- 2. Option to choose from different variants
- 3. Compatible with most AV receivers
- 4. 8.25 pounds weight
- 5. 7.3 x 6.5 x 10.7 inches dimensions
- Amazing surround sound
- Affordable
- Great value for money
- These can be mounted on walls
- They can sometimes overheat the amplifier
Are you looking for an affordable speaker that has an amazing surround sound? If yes, then this is ideal for you.
5. Best Speaker for Turntables in Audio Clarity - Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System (Pair) Review
As soon as we tested this speaker, we were amazed to hear such high-resolution audio. Not only is the sound quality exceptional, but the 3 driver system also ensures enhanced audio clarity. The high-range of this speaker is also phenomenal.
While we are speaking about ranges, the woofer of this speaker boots the low-range frequency for improved results.
Lastly, the compact design of this speaker allows you to easily store it in your cabinets.
Main Features of Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System
- 1. Weighs 19.9 pounds
- 2. 17.9 x 10.7 x 16.2 inches dimensions
- 3. 100 watts maximum input
- 4. A 25-millimeter soft dome tweeter
- 5. 87 decibels sensitivity
- High-resolution audio
- 3 driver system for enhanced clarity
- The woofer boosts the low-range frequency
- These can be conveniently placed in cabinets
- Mid-range is not satisfactory
Have you ever wanted a speaker that has enhanced clarity and high-resolution audio? If yes, then this product has got you covered.
6. Best Speaker for Turntables in Bass Response - Micca PB42X Powered Bookshelf Speakers Review
These speakers only weigh 4 pounds, making them lightweight and extremely portable. Not only that, due to the ported enclosure, you will get a minimal amount of distortion. Overall, the bass response time is great.
To further add to the bass, the woven carbon fiber ensures that you will get an added bass which is a welcomed feature.
Furthermore, the silk dome tweeter guarantees that you will get improved treble. Plus, it also makes sure that the users get a dynamic sound which is great to hear.
Main Features of Micca PB42X Powered Bookshelf Speakers
- 1. Woven carbon fiber for added bass
- 2. Silk dome tweeter for improved treble
- 3. Crossover is optimized
- 4. Weighs 4 pounds
- 5. 6.5 x 5.8 x 9.5 inches dimensions
- Fantastic bass response time
- Minimal distortion due to ported enclosure
- Dynamic sound
- Light in weight
- They vibrate when you play loud music
This product is suitable for users that are looking for a lightweight product that has a dynamic sound.
7. Most Stylish Speaker for Turntables - Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers Review
The thing that we loved most about this product is that these are the only speakers on this list that come with a 2-year warranty. On top of that, they have a really stylish design that adds to your home’s decoration.
Another thing that we like is that this speaker gives you the option to control the bass, treble, and volume according to your liking.
You can connect multiple audio inputs in these speakers which makes your life a whole lot convenient.
Main Features of Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
- 1. 2 AUX inputs
- 2. Comes with a 2-year warranty
- 3. Remote controlled
- 4. 10.8 pounds in weight
- 5. 6.9 x 9.5 x 5.8 inches dimensions
- 2-year warranty included
- Stylish design
- Option to control bass, treble, and volume
- This can connect multiple audio inputs
- The bass response time does not justify the price
If you want a speaker that can connect multiple audio inputs and is stylish, then this product is what you need to look out for.
Buyer’s Guide
What kind of speakers are best for turntables?
The Edifier Speakers are the best speakers for your turntables. After testing dozens of speakers, we came to the conclusion that they are the best in terms of sound quality and their user-friendly nature. They have a stylish design and can be controlled by a wireless remote which makes your life a lot simpler. You are guaranteed to get a fantastic quality of sound which will enrich your music experience. These speakers cover the entire full-range and they do not distort the sound at all.
What tone should I expect from speakers for turntables?
If you have good quality speakers with superb features, then you can expect a clear tone from them. On the other hand, if your speakers are low quality and don’t have good features like good quality of full-range or low-bass frequency, then the tone of the speakers will be unsatisfactory. We recommend that you invest in high-end speakers so that you can have a great time listening to music. It is a worthwhile investment even though the initial costs can be expensive.
Should I go for a preamp or not?
This depends on the model of the speakers that you have. Most of the modern speakers have a built-in preamp. Even some of the older models have this feature. The main purpose that you need a preamp is to amplify the low-level signals. What this means is that most probably you will not have to get a preamp for your speaker but just in case you should check if your model already has it or not.
Passive vs active speakers
The active speakers are the ones that have a built-in amplifier. These speakers only need a power source, like a battery, to start working and producing sound. Whereas, the passive speakers are the ones that need an outside power source like an amplifier, for them to work properly.
What difference do room dimensions make?
You might have heard people say that a larger room will need more speakers or large speakers. While this is true, the reasoning behind it is very interesting. This is due to the fact that audio reflects from surfaces such as the floors, walls or ceilings. The larger the room, the more the audio will bounce. This means that it will not only take longer to reach you, it will also dampen the audio. This process is called the reverb time. The longer the reverb time, the less audio you will hear. It also ruins the overall experience as you will not be able to hear the audio clarity or the bass frequency just to name a couple of things.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can JBL Charge 4 read an sd card?
The JBL Charge 4 is an amazing speaker that gives you a clear and crisp sound. It is portable and also has a great looking design. The downside for many people, however, is that it cannot read an SD card since there is no SD card slot. There is a USB port added, however.
Do you need a receiver to use Polk Audio T15?
Since these speakers are more powerful than average TV, you do need a receiver. Also, these speakers do not have a built-in amplifier since these are passive speakers. So if you wish to attach it to a device that does not have an amp, you will need a receiver.
What type of speaker wire terminal does Sony SSCS5 have?
There are mainly two types of speaker wire terminals, the binding posts, and the spring clips. Both of these have their own advantages and disadvantages. When talking about the Sony SSCS5, it has the binding posts wire terminal.
Would you recommend using Micca PB42X as front speakers in a surround sound setup?
We would recommend using this speaker as your front speakers. Our team has tried it and we got positive results. Not only does it sound clear, but it also is plenty loud. They should be simple enough to connect with your setup and you should not have any problems.
Will Edifier R1280T work well as TV/home theater speakers?
Yes the Edifier R1280T can absolutely work as a TV/home theater speaker. This is due to the fact that it has RCA inputs. If your TV or theater supports the RCA cables, then you can connect this turntable and use the speaker. You can even connect this with your mobile device.
Do I need a preamp for turntable speakers?
This depends on the model of your turntable. The majority of the turntables, even some of the older models have a preamp built inside them. If your model does not have a preamp then simply get the RCA cables and connect them to the audio system. It is as easy as that.
What makes one speaker sound better with a turntable than others?
Since every speaker produces a different frequency, some speakers are bound to be better than the rest. If you want a speaker that represents the audio correctly and gives you a good quality of sound, you should look for one that produces less variation in frequencies.
Wrapping Things Up
Turntables have gained attention in the past few years which, no doubt, adds to the value of our top picks.
In the end, we have to go with Edifier S2000pro Bookshelf Speakers due to their rich sound & user-friendly nature.
And that concludes our article. Do inform us which speaker you’ll be using for your turntable.
