Top 10 Turntable Speakers for 2024: Expert Reviews and Ratings
If you’re looking to dive into the world of vinyl or rediscover your old record collection, finding the right pair of speakers to complement your turntable is essential. To truly appreciate the richness of the sound, every component in your audio setup needs to be top-notch. With the plethora of options available in the market, choosing the best turntable speakers can be overwhelming. However, fear not, as we have conducted thorough research and testing to identify the top 10 turntable speakers for 2024, including our best overall pick, the Klipsch The Nines.
Best Overall: Klipsch The Nines
Klipsch The Nines are our top pick for the best turntable speakers. These powered speakers feature 1-inch titanium tweeters on Tractrix horns and 8-inch woofers, delivering concert-like sound quality suitable for turntables and high-resolution audio files. With built-in phono preamp and various connectivity options like RCA, USB, Optical, AUX, HDMI, and Bluetooth, the Klipsch The Nines offer a versatile and immersive listening experience. While they may come at a higher price point, the exceptional sound quality and convenience make them a worthwhile investment.
Best Smart: Sonos Era 300
The Sonos Era 300 is our top choice for a smart turntable speaker. With six positional drivers and custom-designed acoustic accompaniment, the Era 300 provides an immersive audio experience in a compact design. This speaker offers high-fidelity streaming via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth sources, making it a versatile option for music enthusiasts. While it may not replicate the soundstage width of a stereo pair, the Era 300’s innovative design and smart features make it a standout choice for modern audio setups.
Best Floorstanding: Fluance Ai81 Elite
For those looking for floorstanding turntable speakers, the Fluance Ai81 Elite is an excellent option. These powered speakers feature a unique acoustic bass enhancement design and good frequency response, making them ideal for filling larger rooms with rich, detailed sound. With multiple connectivity options like RCA, Optical, and Bluetooth, the Fluance Ai81 Elite offers easy integration with various audio sources. While they may require multiple power outlets, their impressive performance and attractive design make them a solid choice for audiophiles.
Best Compact: Andover Audio Spinbase MAX
If space is a concern, the Andover Audio Spinbase MAX is the perfect compact turntable speaker solution. Designed to sit directly below your record player, the Spinbase MAX offers an all-in-one design with built-in phono preamp and IsoGroove Technology to prevent vibrations. While stereo separation may not be as good as multi-speaker setups, the Spinbase MAX delivers detailed and textured sound in a compact package. With Bluetooth support and adjustable sound settings, this speaker is a great choice for those looking for a space-saving audio solution.
Best Bookshelf: PSB Alpha iQ Streaming Powered Speakers
The PSB Alpha iQ Streaming Powered Speakers are our top pick for bookshelf turntable speakers. Compact yet powerful, these speakers offer natural, nuanced playback from any source, including dusty vinyl and digital files. With a moving magnet phono input and multiple connectivity options like RCA, AUX, Optical, and Ethernet, the Alpha iQ speakers provide a comprehensive audio hub for music enthusiasts. While they may not deliver as much bass as larger speakers, their balanced sound and versatile features make them a great choice for small to medium-sized rooms.
Best Passive: KEF LS50 Meta
For those looking for passive turntable speakers, the KEF LS50 Meta is an exceptional choice. These two-way bass-reflex speakers feature a new 12th-generation Uni-Q driver with Metamaterial Absorption Technology for reduced distortion and exceptional sound clarity. While they may come at a higher price point, the LS50 Meta speakers deliver transparent sound, extraordinary detail, and an expansive sweet spot for an immersive listening experience. Paired with a quality amplifier, these speakers offer an unparalleled audio experience for discerning listeners.
Best Budget: Edifier R1280DBs
If you’re on a budget, the Edifier R1280DBs are a great option for entry-level turntable speakers. These powered speakers feature a multi-driver audio system with EQ controls for bass and treble adjustments, Bluetooth support, and multiple connectivity options. While they may lack a built-in preamp, the R1280DBs offer excellent value for their price, delivering solid sound performance and convenience for beginner audiophiles. With a remote control and versatile features, these speakers are a practical and affordable choice for those starting their vinyl journey.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Turntable Speakers
Passive vs. Powered Turntable Speakers
When choosing turntable speakers, you’ll need to decide between powered and passive options. Powered speakers come with built-in amplification and sometimes a preamp, making them a plug-and-play solution for your turntable. On the other hand, passive speakers require a separate amplifier or receiver, offering more flexibility for customization and integration into a larger audio system. Consider your space, budget, and desired setup when choosing between powered and passive speakers.
Speaker Size
The size of your speakers can impact the sound quality and performance in your listening space. Bookshelf speakers with smaller drivers are ideal for smaller rooms, while floorstanding speakers with larger drivers are best suited for larger spaces. Consider the size of your room and the volume levels you prefer when selecting the right speaker size for your setup.
Your Listening Space
Take into account the size and layout of your listening space when choosing turntable speakers. Larger rooms may benefit from floorstanding speakers with more power and bass response, while smaller rooms may be better suited for bookshelf speakers. Consider how the speakers will sound in your space and whether they can fill the room with quality audio without overpowering or distorting the sound.
Should I Add a Subwoofer?
If you’re a fan of bass-heavy music or want to enhance the low-end frequencies in your audio, adding a subwoofer to your turntable speakers may be a good option. A subwoofer can provide deeper bass and a more immersive listening experience, especially for genres like hip-hop or electronic music. Consider whether you need additional bass support and how a subwoofer can enhance your overall audio setup.
Connectivity
When choosing turntable speakers, consider the connectivity options available to ensure compatibility with your audio sources. Look for speakers with multiple inputs like RCA, Optical, HDMI, and Bluetooth, allowing you to connect various devices to your speakers. Whether you’re connecting a turntable, TV, computer, or other audio sources, having versatile connectivity options can enhance your listening experience and make it easier to integrate different components into your audio setup.
Conclusion
Finding the best turntable speakers for your setup involves considering factors like speaker type, size, connectivity, and budget. Whether you prefer powered or passive speakers, compact bookshelf speakers, or floorstanding models, there are options available to suit your needs. From immersive smart speakers to budget-friendly entry-level options, the top 10 turntable speakers for 2024 offer a range of features and performance levels to enhance your vinyl listening experience. Choose the speakers that best fit your preferences and setup, and enjoy the rich, detailed sound quality of your favorite records for years to come.