Buying Guide for the Best Turntable Speakers
Choosing the right speakers for your turntable is key to getting the most enjoyable listening experience from your vinyl records. Speakers translate the sound signal from your turntable into music you can actually hear, so picking a pair that matches both your space and your listening habits will make a big difference. The big things to think about are the type of speakers, their size and power, and how they connect to your setup. It's also important to pay attention to whether you want built-in features or extra customization. Take a look at your room, how loud you like to listen, and the kind of music you love—these factors will point you toward the best choice for your needs.Active vs. Passive SpeakersThis is about whether your speakers have a built-in amplifier (active) or if they need an external one (passive). Active speakers plug directly into your turntable (if it has a built-in preamp, or you use an external one), and everything you need is built in—making them a simple, tidy choice, especially if you don't want extra equipment. Passive speakers, on the other hand, require a dedicated external amplifier or receiver to work. This setup can offer more flexibility and upgrade paths, since you can mix and match amplifiers and speakers, but it's a bit more complicated. If you want easy setup and minimal fuss, go for active; if you love trying different setups and customizing your audio experience, passive could be right for you.
Speaker Size and Driver TypeSpeaker size and the type of drivers (parts that actually move air and make sound) directly affect how your music will sound, especially in terms of bass and loudness. Larger speakers usually produce deeper bass and can fill bigger rooms with sound, while smaller speakers work well for personal listening in smaller spaces. For example, bookshelf speakers are compact and perfect for small to medium rooms, while floor-standing speakers are larger and better suited for bigger spaces and fuller sound—especially if you listen to music with lots of bass. If you have limited space or mainly play softer music, small to medium speakers are best. For high-volume listening or rich, full sound, larger or multi-driver speakers are ideal.
Power OutputThis refers to how much audio power your speakers can deliver, measured in watts. While more watts often mean louder possible sound, it doesn't mean better quality. For a smaller room, speakers with lower wattage will still sound plenty loud and clear. In bigger rooms or for parties, more power helps fill the space without distortion. Pick a speaker whose power matches your room size and how loud you listen. If you mostly play vinyl softly, moderate wattage is sufficient. If you like to crank up the volume, look for higher wattage output.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity is all about how the speakers hook up to your turntable. Traditional connections are through RCA cables or speaker wire, but many modern speakers also include Bluetooth, aux-in, or optical inputs for connecting other audio sources. If your turntable has a built-in preamp and outputs line-level signal, most powered speakers will work right out of the box. If you want to use your speakers for more than just your turntable (like streaming music from your phone), consider ones with extra inputs or wireless features. Always check your turntable's outputs and choose speakers with matching compatible inputs.
Frequency ResponseFrequency response is the range of sounds (from low bass to high treble) that the speakers can reproduce. A wider frequency response means more of your music's details and nuances will come through, especially bass and clarity in vocals or higher instruments. Typical frequency ranges are measured in hertz (Hz) and kilohertz (kHz). If you enjoy music with deep bass, look for speakers with a lower minimum frequency, while fans of jazz or classical may want finer detail in the higher frequency range. Use your music tastes and how much detail you want as a guide here.
Built-in FeaturesSome speakers come with extra features like built-in phono preamps, bass/treble controls, remote controls, or even integrated Bluetooth streaming. A built-in preamp is especially handy if your turntable lacks one, as it means you won't need extra gear. Bass and treble knobs let you tweak the sound to your liking, while Bluetooth opens up more listening possibilities. Think about which conveniences you value most—if you like a straightforward vinyl setup, you may not need extras, but if you want more versatility or easy streaming, built-in features are worth considering.