Best Powered Speakers For Turntable

Powered speakers are great to have at home because they are portable and are so easy to use. The best thing about powered speakers is that they already have an amplifier built-in which means you can directly connect it to your smart devices, turntable, or record player without using an external amplifier.

If you have a vintage turntable that has not been used lately and wishes to make use of it, then you must have all the necessary components that could do justice to your listening experience. One such important component is the speaker, not any random speaker but a powered speaker that can withstand all the complexity and still give you an amazing sound experience.

Having said that, there are plenty of high-end speakers to choose from, but the ones that will go with your turntable too are rare. You have to choose speakers that have the best power output, a bigger driver size, and a higher frequency response.

So how will you distinguish these parameters from other models’ parameters? To ease your trouble, I have come up with some of the best powered speakers for a turntable so you can listen to your turntable in the best audio quality without distortion.

TOP POWERED SPEAKERS FOR TURNTABLES

Studio Monitor Speaker
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers - 2.0...
Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Audioengine A2+ Wireless Bluetooth PC Speakers -...
Bookshelf Speakers with Bluetooth
Edifier R1850DB Active Bookshelf Speakers with...
Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) (Walnut)
PRODUCT NAME
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers - 2.0...
Audioengine A2+ Wireless Bluetooth PC Speakers -...
Edifier R1850DB Active Bookshelf Speakers with...
Klipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) (Walnut)
BLUETOOTH
RATING
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-
-
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Studio Monitor Speaker
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers - 2.0...
PRODUCT NAME
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers - 2.0...
BLUETOOTH
RATING
-
Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Audioengine A2+ Wireless Bluetooth PC Speakers -...
PRODUCT NAME
Audioengine A2+ Wireless Bluetooth PC Speakers -...
BLUETOOTH
RATING
-
Bookshelf Speakers with Bluetooth
Edifier R1850DB Active Bookshelf Speakers with...
PRODUCT NAME
Edifier R1850DB Active Bookshelf Speakers with...
BLUETOOTH
RATING
-
Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) (Walnut)
PRODUCT NAME
Klipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) (Walnut)
BLUETOOTH
RATING
-

BEST POWERED SPEAKERS FOR TURNTABLES REVIEW

1) Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Edifier R1280T - Best powered speakers for turntable

PRODUCTS FEATURES:

  • 4-inch woofer for each unit.
  • 42 Watt RMS power output for highest sound production
  • Four Onboard EQ settings on the speakers itself
  • 2 Aux inputs and Dual RCA outputs
  • 13mm silk dome tweeter on each unit

The Edifier R1280T is a powerful speaker that provides excellent audio quality and has the right balance of affordability as well as high quality. If you are planning on getting a nice pair of bookshelf speakers for the turntable, then Edifier’s R1280T is the best choice for you and also not very steep in price. The speakers come with 4-inch primary woofers and tweeters for each speaker.

The inputs are pretty classic; 2 RCA audio cables so that you can connect your turntable directly to the speaker. One of the speakers has an adjustment knob where you can manage volume, bass, treble with ease. This 42W bookshelf speaker has a simple design that fits best for home as well as for offices.

Besides, these stylish stereo speakers have wooden matte panels that look more expensive than their price. The speakers have the right balance of lows, highs and mids, and EQ.

Overall, the sound response of these bookshelf speakers is unbeatable for its price. Although you can get better sound quality with high-end speakers, this will do if your budget is tight and you still want to buy a speaker to connect to your turntables and PC.

Pros:

  • Highly affordable powered bookshelf speakers for turntable
  • Produce excellent sound output
  • Multiple connections are easy
  • Treble is excellent
  • Vintage design

Cons:

  • A little heavy and bulky
  • Lack of connectivity options

2) Audioengine A2+ Wireless BLUETOOTH Speaker

Audioengine A2+ Plus Wireless Speaker

PRODUCTS FEATURES:

  • The 0.7-inch silk dome tweeter
  • 75-inch woofers
  • 30 Watt RMS maximum power output
  • Includes Bluetooth 5.0 technology
  • 1 RCA, 1 aux input, and one micro USB input

Audioengine takes its time in launching new products, hence you wouldn’t hear this name a lot. This does not mean it is not famous in the music industry. Anyhow, their A2+ wireless speakers were worth the wait. They have the tendency to handle higher frequency responses and no need for digital signal processing.

If you are fond of low bass, then you got subwoofer outputs as well. Audioengine A2+ has a top-notch design that will impress any buyer. Besides, it’s very affordable and the best wireless speakers for turntables, PC, laptops, or any other device.

This model comes in glossy red and white accents having a 5.3-inch speaker size, ideal for bookshelves, desks, and counters too.

Each speaker unit houses a 0.7-inch silk dome tweeter and 2.75-inch fiber woofer, both contributing to producing 60Watt of Peak Power output and 65Hz to 22kHz frequency response range. At the rear end, you would get RCA and aux input along with a micro USB input. This means you get flexibility in connectivity options.

The highs are notable, and lows are stagnant. Audioengine A2+ is offered with accurate sonic delivery and superb high and low bass. So, if you are thinking of using them for a turntable, you can completely rely on them to deliver amazing audio quality from your vinyl.

Pros:

  • It can be placed anywhere due to its small size
  • Highly accurate stereo quality
  • Sleek design
  • Strong build
  • Offers wireless connectivity

Cons:

  • Bass could be more powerful
  • No remote control supplied

3) Edifier R1850DB Active Bookshelf Speakers with Bluetooth

Edifier R1850DB Active Bookshelf Speakers - Best powered speakers for turntable

PRODUCTS FEATURES:

  • 70W total RMS power output
  • 10-degree tilt shape for better sound production
  • Includes 4.5-inch woofers and 0.75 silk dome tweeters
  • Treble and bass tuning provided
  • Optical, 2 RCA inputs, Digital coaxial input.

Versatile speakers are important to have when you are planning on setting up a new studio space. Edifiers R1850DB are studio speakers that are also the best active speakers for turntables. So if you have a turntable at home, all you need is this pair of speakers to enjoy your old records/ vinyl in the highest audio quality.

The Edifier R1850DB provides impressive sound quality, especially at such a low price. On top of that, they are well built with MDF wooden cabinets that not only add beauty to the speakers but also reduce resonance as compared to plastic cabinets. The Edifier R185DB houses a 4-inch woofer that perfectly handles low ends and mid-range.

To go with, there’s a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter that handles top ends, all working together under the frequency response range 60Hz to 20kHz. Besides, this speaker also offers basic tuning options so that you can adjust audio output, especially treble and bass.

When it comes to design, Edifier is always one step ahead of its competitors. Similarly, Edifier R1850DB is designed with the highest precision. The 10-degree tilt angle of the speaker projects sounds directly to your ears, unlike most active bookshelf speakers on the market.

Pros:

  • Offers Bluetooth connectivity
  • Sleek design
  • Includes remote control
  • Excellent for turntables and other audio devices
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Not super accurate

4) Klipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speakers

Klipsch RP-600M

PRODUCTS FEATURES:

  • I-inch Titanium LTS vented tweeters and 6.5-inch Copper Cerametallic woofers
  • Removable magnetic grills
  • Hybrid Tractrix Horn-loaded technology
  • Linear Travel Suspension technology
  • 45Hz to 25kHz frequency response

Klipsch RP 600m model is full of technology and the best sound; hence they are the best speakers for turntable setup. Kalisch RP600m has so many goodies that make this speaker great for all audiophiles. This pair of speakers has Titanium tweeters, due to which the distortion gets significantly low when you start playing any record.

The 6.5-inch Cerametallic woofers are an ideal material that adds stiffness to the speakers and also allows them to operate beyond their frequency range without causing any distortion.

Just like many other speakers, the front of this speaker is not wood. Instead, it has a dense composite material onto which the drivers are mounted. It greatly helps in reducing cabinet resonance which is common to see in many plastic-based cabinets.

The RP600M is rated at 96db, which means you can drive these speakers with a low-power amp or receiver while enjoying your music at the highest volume. Overall, the Klipsch RP 600M is an ideal speaker with superb bass output that is far beyond its size.

So, do not look at the size because they are pretty powerful, even for live music sessions in a room full of people. I highly recommend this speaker if you own a turntable so that you get the exclusive advantage of big sound from old records.

Pros:

  • High-quality wooden vinyl finish.
  • Compact and efficient home speakers
  • Offers high sensitivity
  • Bi-wire and amplification are available
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Creates some extra fullness in the average-range voicing

5) ELAC DEBUT 2.0 B6.2 Bookshelf Speakers

ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Bookshelf Speakers

PRODUCTS FEATURES:

  • 87dB sensitivity
  • 2 way stand mount loudspeakers
  • 6.5-inch aramid fiber woofer and 1-inch silk tweeter
  • Internal bracing feature
  • Frequency response ranging from 44Hz to 35kHz

Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 is an award-winning bookshelf speaker that made its way in the top speakers of 2021 and we highly recommend it for your turntable. The build of this bookshelf speaker is basic lightweight but helps in reducing unwanted resonance or distortion.

The Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 has a better sound as compared to the B6 model. The audios like acoustics, electric drums, bass, and guitars are heard more clearly with the help of mid-range and highs. Moreover, high-frequency sounds are better resolved on the Debut 2.0 B6.2 model as compared to previous models.

Most of the elements of this model are similar to the original B6 version, with a slight difference in the mid-range quality and material used. This also means you have to match it with the right amplification so that the sound comes out soothing and not noisy.

The high-frequency horn in the speaker delivers a seamless transition within its spectrum range, whereas the bass reflex ports let these speakers play louder even at higher volumes. The size matters a lot when it comes to speakers.

Well, the size is 6.5-inch is pretty appreciable, and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter makes the overall output highly responsive. If you are planning on getting the best budget-powered speakers for turntable, then Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 is the model you should consider.

Pros:

  • Clean sound production
  • Incredible bass
  • Elegant design
  • Reasonable cost
  • 3 years warranty

Cons:

  • Nothing much

6) Micca PB42X Active Near Field Studio Monitors

Micca PB42X

PRODUCTS FEATURES:

  • Class D built-in amplifiers.
  • Ported/Enclosed cabinet.
  • 4-inch carbon fiber woofer cone surrounded by rubber.
  • The 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter
  • 60 to 20kHz frequency response

Micca PB42X Powered Bookshelf Speakers The Micca PB42X is one of the best bookshelf speakers for turntables, and hence it is worth mentioning in this listicle.

This is a pair of speakers you can use to add an extra beat to your regular TV, computer, or even turntable sound. This speaker is styled and contoured with a jet black matte finish, and the design is exquisitely perfect for any decor even blends perfectly in the office decors.

The Micca PB42X has a built-in amplifier; hence there is no need for external equipment or wiring, for that matter. The drivers are well placed, having a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter and 4-inch woven carbon fiber woofer along with an adjustment knob for deep and rich bass.

There are 2 15W amplifiers along with RCA and a 3.5mm headphone jack that ensures a seamless connection between the speakers and the turntable or PC. If you are style concerned, then this blend of classic and modern speakers will totally work.

Pros:

  • Excellent audio quality
  • Built-in Class D amplifiers.
  • Multiple input options
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Clean and modern appearance

Cons:

  • No Bluetooth connection

7)Kanto YU6 Powered Bookshelf Speakers with Bluetooth

Kanto YU6 Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers- Best powered speakers for turntable

PRODUCTS FEATURES:

  • 100W Total RMS power output.
  • 2-way stylish speaker design
  • 1-inch Silk Dome Tweeters
  • 1.75-inch Flared Bass Ports
  • RCA with Phono, 1/8” Aux, 2x Optical In
  • Bluetooth 5.0 technology with apex

If you are looking forward to plugging your turntable into a functional pair of speakers, then KANTO YU6 is the best speaker for the turntable.

When you have the prevalence of options of wireless connection, then why go for difficult speaker arrangements? All you have to do is plug this speaker into the device of your choice; it could be either a PC or a turntable.

Mere Bluetooth connectivity is not serious, audiophiles seek they want more; hence powered speakers make more sense. Each speaker unit of KANTO YU6 has a 1-inch silk dome tweeter and a 5.2-inch Kevlar woofer. On the rear side, you get RCA stereo input, analog line audio, and one 3.5mm mini-jack, which means you get the flexibility to connect to TV, PC, and Vinyl.

I highly recommend this bookshelf speaker for multiple uses and also make a good companion for your old-school turntable.

Pros:

  • Unmatched connectivity
  • Kevlar woofers
  • Silk dome tweeter
  • You can also do easy device charging
  • Built-in phono preamp

Cons:

  • Bass could have been better.

8) KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers

KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers- Best powered speakers for turntable

PRODUCTS FEATURES:

  • 63Hz – 28kHz frequency response
  • 87dB sensitivity
  • Two-way bass reflex
  • 25mm (1in.) vented Aluminum dome.
  • 165mm (6.50in.) Aluminum Uni-Q

If you have minimal space in your studio and still want to buy the best Bluetooth speakers for turntable, then the KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speaker is the best one you can opt for.

The speaker comes with KEF’s patented Uni-Q driver array and a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) port that helps Q350 to deliver a comprehensive and natural sound quality and excellent bass.

There are dampened tweeters that are excellent for lower treble performance and also prevent noise cancellation. Due to the Uni-Q driver in the cabinet, there is a significant change in the bass clarity.

The cabinet drivers consist of a Uni-Q driver array: 1-inch vented aluminum dome and LF/MF: 6.50-inch aluminum Uni-Q, together make the speaker sound perfect even at higher volumes. So, if you have an option to buy a bookshelf speaker, the KEF Q350 speakers are the best alternative to go with vinyl or turntables.

Pros:

  • Stylish design
  • Excellent mid-range and lows
  • Provides maximum audio output
  • Vented Wooden cabinet
  • Two-way driver design

Cons:

  • Not best at low volumes

9) Audioengine HD6 Powered Bookshelf Stereo Speakers

Audioengine HD6 150W - Best powered speakers for turntable

PRODUCTS FEATURES:

  • Extended-Range Wireless aptX-HD Bluetooth
  • 2-Speaker Stereo system.
  • Silk Tweeters & Aramid Fiber Woofers
  • Subwoofer Output
  • Remote control

The Audioengine HD6 is Audioengine’s flagship product that is filled with all features, connectivity options, and amazing build quality that makes this speaker stand out from the crowd. When it comes to connectivity, you get a standard Bluetooth rapport, RCA inputs, and a 3.5mm headphone jack which helps you connect compatible CD players, tapes, and turntables too.

The drivers include 5.5-inch built-in aramid fiber woofers and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter along with a subwoofer to boost your highs and low basses. This is an excellent composition of sound, style, and build that you shouldn’t miss out on buying.

Pros:

  • Midrange frequency is ideal
  • AptX HD Bluetooth connectivity
  • Excellent wooden built
  • Built-in power amps
  • Compact design

Cons:

  • The sound integrity is mediocre

10) Fluance Ai41 Powered Stereo Bookshelf Speakers

Fluance Ai41

PRODUCTS FEATURES:

  • 1-inch silk neodymium tweeter
  • 6.5-inch composite driver
  • RCA, Optical TOSLINK, and Type-C USB.
  • 120W Class-D amplifier
  • 5-inch stereo speakers

This stereo bookshelf speaker is the best way to cheer up your taste in music, especially if you are fond of turntable records. If you own one, this is the best speaker pair you can opt for.

For unparalleled performance, this speaker has a 90W amplifier that refines the audio that comes from the output to enhance your musical experience. Besides, the driver has a premium neodymium tweeter that improves the dispersion of highs, whereas the light 5-inch woven glass fiber woofers help with acoustic accuracy.

There are plenty of connectivity options that come with this pair of bookshelf speakers that allow you to connect your turntable or any other audio device directly without any hassle of wiring.

Pros:

  • Excellent response to high frequencies.
  • Seamless connection
  • 2 drivers for better sound production
  • Includes a control knob
  • Excellent highs, mids, and lows

Cons:

  • A little expensive

Difference between active, passive, and power speaker

Powered speakers and active speakers can be used interchangeably, but there is still a difference.

Passive

Passive speakers are dependent on the external amplifiers or receiver. The signal is first amplified to a passive cross-over and then sends the higher frequencies of the tweeter to the bass driver.

Active

Active speakers are also dependent on amplifiers. These types of speakers need one amplifier for each driver. Meaning there is a dedicated amplifier for the tweeter as well as drivers.

Power

Power speakers are not dependent on external speakers. This is because power speakers have built-in amplifiers that help in direct connection to the music source of your choice.


THINGS YOU MUST KNOW WHILE BUYING THE BEST ALL IN ONE RECORD PLAYER

To buy any speakers, you have to know all their specifications. If you do not pay attention to the parameters of the specifications based on which the speakers should be bought, then your purchase might not stand worthy.

Besides, if you own a turntable and have really good music records to listen to, then you should spend your money on the right pair of speakers only. Below are the buying parameters that you should always consider while buying speakers for the turntable.

BUDGET

Before anything else, the most important thing you have to consider before buying speakers for the turntable is your budget. Money can be a sensitive subject for some buyers; hence I would never advise any user to overspend for high-end speakers.

Understand your needs and know what you can practically afford. Powered Speakers can vary in terms of price based on the type of speakers you are using and the brand too. However, the market for powered speakers is vast, so there should be plenty of options to choose from under a restricted budget.

Stereo

This is another important parameter while buying the best turntable speakers. To have the best sound, It is always recommended to buy powered speakers that consist of two or more stereo speakers so that each of the speakers can spread out to get stereo imaging.

If you are a person who likes to listen to turntable records while lying far away from the turntable, in that case, you should have at least 2 speakers, but if you listen to your turntable from a few inches distance, then a single speaker should be fine.

SIZE

To get a decent overall sound and perfect bass, you must consider the speakers, which are bigger as the smallest powered speakers are not entitled to produce deep bass. Only a bigger size PA speaker can do that. Since the turntable is the focus here, you should look for a bookshelf speaker that comes in medium to large sizes.

Connectivity options

If you are looking for active speakers for a turntable, you should never ignore this parameter. Speakers that come in a wide range of wireless and wired connectivity options are highly advised here. With vast options, you are not only making the connectivity easier for turntable but also opening doors for versatility.

Make sure your powered speakers have XLR, RCA, Bluetooth, and TRS connectivity options so that you can also connect these speakers to your PC or smartphone whenever needed.


CONCLUSION

Here I have mentioned some of the best Bluetooth speakers for turntables. The things which you must consider before buying speakers for your turntable are the affordability and also the connectivity options you get with it. Make sure the speaker you are buying has the highest output capacity so that you can enjoy your record music in the highest volume without any distortion.


FAQ

1. How to put speakers for optimal sound?

Turntable speakers are best heard when kept 2 to 3 feet away from any wall as this will control the sound reflections that, if not controlled, can impact playback audio quality. Always position the speakers in the toed-in direction or inward direction so that they are pointed towards the listener. Make sure you do not place the speakers too close to the wall as it will block or dampen the reflection of signals.

2. Can I connect a turntable directly to speakers?

Yes, it is possible only if the speakers are powered speakers. Powered speakers for turntables have built-in amplifiers, so there is no need to use external amplifiers. You can connect your turntable directly if you can have a phono preamp already integrated into your turntable or the powered speakers. Some Klipsch turntable speakers have phono inputs which make your work easier.

3. Do powered speakers need an amp?

Powered speakers do not need external amplifiers because they already have them. That is why they are called powered speakers and not just speakers. Depending on your power speaker’s input options, you can connect them to various devices without using an amp. If your turntable has such an input option, you should go for bookshelf speakers for the turntable.

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