Best Speakers for a Record Player: 12 Picks to Enhance Your Audio Experience

What are the best speakers for a record player? A couple of days ago, my friend, Sophia, asked me this question as she bought a new Rega Planar 3 for her classic music cravings. I have also found that many people struggle to find a great speaker. Hence, I have decided to share my list of 12 favorites with you. Let's have a look!

Quick Answer

Quickly put, I have used tens of speakers for record players. During my discussion with Sophia, I highlighted the following benefits of external separate speakers for record players:

1. Enhance the intrinsic audio of the record player;
2. Match the aesthetic of your record player;
3. Have smart features to control the playback;
4. Provide multiple connection options like Bluetooth or AUX.

However, the real deal is how to get a product that covers the above perks. Continue reading below, as I have curated a list of 12 products that can justify the above criteria. Moreover, a buying guide at the end will help you make a refined decision. Let's dive deeper into this review guide!

A Comparison Chart of The 12 Best Speakers for Record Player

The following is the table that quickly compares 12 speakers for the record player:

Product name	Power type	Frequency response	Sensitivity	Features
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20	Active	41Hz - 40kHz	86 dB	$399.00 Check Price Review
KEF LS50	Active	79 Hz - 28 kHz	85 dB	$1,599.99 Check Price Review
Edifier R1280T	Active (Powered speakers)	75 Hz - 18 kHz	550 mV ± 50 mV input sensitivity	$119.99 Check Price Review
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2	Active	52-28kHz	88 dB	Price not available Check Price Review
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2	Active	46 Hz - 35 kHz	87 dB	$219.97 Check Price Review
Klipsch RP-600M	Active (Wired)	45Hz-25kHz	96 dB	$323.94 Check Price Review
Sony SSCS5	Active	53 Hz - 50kHz	87 dB	$169.99 Check Price Review
Audioengine A5+	Active (Wired or Bluetooth)	50Hz-22kHz	92 dB	$499.00 Check Price Review
Sonos Era 300	Active	60Hz-20kHz	84 dB	$430.99 Check Price Review
Andover Audio Spinbase	Active	65Hz - 20kHz	89 dB	Price not available Check Price Review
House of Marley Get Together Duo	Rechargeable battery	50Hz - 20kHz	88dB ± 3dB	$169.99 Check Price Review
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F	Active (Corded electric)	32Hz - 25kHz ±3dB	98 dB	Price not available Check Price Review

Let's explore these speakers in detail below:

1. Overall Best Speaker for Record Players: Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20

The following are the pros and cons of the speaker:

Pros  

• It boasts a strong bass extension without the bloat.
• The product is easy to drive with modest power.
• It has a good off-axis response, allowing you to hear music equally in any corner of the room.

Cons  

• The speaker has a single pair of stereo inputs.

If I have to choose a speaker for a range of music and records, that would be ES20s. I picked the product as my top choice because it gets great sound quality without putting a dent in your budget. The mineral-filled polypropylene woofer of the speaker delivers admirable bass slam without muddiness. Combined with the Terylene dome tweeter, the ES20 conveys detail without harsh edges.

Moreover, the expansive soundstage makes the speaker integrate nicely into surround systems. Build quality also impresses with the tariff. They punch above their weight without resorting to gimmicks. Are they the final word in resolution? No. But for listeners wanting authentic, full-bodied reproduction, the ES20s hit a sonic sweet spot. Here is what Koksal has to say about these speakers:

Features

The following are the features of the product:  

• A 1-inch Hi-Res Certified Terylene dome tweeter gives high-detailed sound up to 40 kHz.
• The speaker boasts a dynamically Balanced crossover and Power Port bass-enhancing technology.
• A non-resonant MDF cabinet construction to reduce distortions.

Specs 

The specs of Elite ES20 are mentioned below:

For more insights, check out this interesting video.

2. The Best Speaker with Uni-Q Drivers: KEF LS50 Meta

The following are the good and bad things about the speakers:

Pros

• It has a wide soundstage that gives you a realistic and immersive sound experience.  
• Its sound is tonally balanced with a smooth midrange.
• The speaker is compatible with a wide variety of musical tastes.

Cons

• It is a bit pricier compared to its counterparts.

If you want to see a real-life example of a pocket rocket, LS50 Meta is the one. Despite its small size, it produces loud sounds that can fill the room. I got my hands on this speaker a couple of weeks ago at Judy's, the senior content researcher at our lab. 

And I can say that its proprietary tech gives outstanding clarity and bass in a compact profile. KEF's smooth, balanced tonality works well with all music sounds. Moreover, it has an easy positioning, and its quality shames speakers twice their size. Plus, its imaging and detailing compete with far larger models. 

Features

The features of the product are listed below. Let's have a look:

• Its Metamaterial Absorption technology reduces distortion in the sound.
• It has a redesigned cabinet structure to optimize performance. 
• The upgraded Uni-Q 12th-gen driver array enhances clarity.

Specs 

These are the specs of the LS50 Meta:

3. Best Speaker with 4-inch Bass Unit: Edifier R1280T

Here are the pros and cons of the speakers:

Pros

• It delivers a warm, smooth sound profile.
• The product's convenient bass/treble controls provide you with excellent ease of use.
• It comes with a budget-friendly price point.

Cons  

• Its default tuning may lack detail for some users.

The R1280T punches above its weight with a compelling blend of features and performance at a very wallet-friendly price. I loved the handsome wood grain cabinets' house components that deliver a smooth, mellow tone.

Its bass has a surprisingly impactful thump from the rear ports. Moreover, convenient on-speaker controls let you tune highs and lows to taste. With a modest footprint and multiple inputs, the R1280Ts fit seamlessly into desktop or shelf setups. This is what Tim said about these speakers:

These are the speakers that provide balanced and rich sound along with an adjustable EQ at an affordable pricing.Tim Gideon @Contributing Editor @PCMag

Features

This product incorporates the following features:

• It has custom wood grain MDF cabinets to enhance aesthetics.
• There is a 4" bass unit to provide the optimum kick in the audio.
• The ability to control the speaker wirelessly with the help of a remote.

Specs 

Here are the specs of the R1280T:

4. Best Speaker with Continuum Mid-bass: Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2

Let's discuss the pros and cons of the speakers below:

Pros

• It gives a hard-hitting and lively bass response.
• The speaker has a 3D soundstage, giving you an extra audio depth layer.
• It delivers an audiophile-grade performance, giving you detailed audio.

Cons

• It loses some magic at low volumes.

The 606 S2 Anniversary Edition brings Bowers & Wilkins' signature punchy, dynamic bass and crisp detail to a stylish, collectible package celebrating the brand's legacy. I really love how they handle analog sound and convert it into digital signatures.

Our senior editor, Mike, informed me that its upgraded components are derived from premium models and join continuum cone driver tech for impressive clarity. On top of that, the commemorative oak finish looks as good as these speakers sound. 

Features 

The following are the features of the product:

• It features a 6.5" continuum mid-bass driver to match the sound with the required dynamics.
• There is a 1" decoupled aluminum dome tweeter for distortion-free audio.
• Advanced Flowport tubes to enhance the overall base. 

Specs 

The specs of the B&W 606 S2 are mentioned below:

5. Best Speaker with Spacious Soundstage: ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2

The pros and cons of the speaker are highlighted below:

Pros

• It has precise and transparent audio.
• There is a spacious stereo imaging soundstage for extravagant sound. 
• Its front port deepens treble extension, enhancing the overall listening experience. 

Cons  

• It may deliver overbearing bass in small rooms.

The Debut 2.0 B6.2s deliver ELAC's renowned clear, detailed sound with expansive staging at a very appealing price point. I got my hands on it 6 months ago and fell in love with its custom-designed aramid fiber woofers and tweeters that provide accurate tones across the frequency range.

Further, the low end extends surprisingly deep from the front ports while avoiding the boom. Just be sure to power them properly to unlock their full potential.

Features

The features of the product are given below:  

• It has hand-made aramid fiber woofers that give greater damping.
• There is a custom-tuned cloth dome tweeter that enhances frequencies. 
• It has 5-way binding posts for multiple connectivities with different inputs.

Specs 

Let's explore the specs of the 2.0 B6.2:

6. Best Speaker with Extended Bass Response: Klipsch RP-600M

These are the pros and cons of the speaker:

Pros

• The speaker delivers a hard-hitting bass depth.
• It has a rear-firing Tractrix port for extended bass response.
• The speaker boosts Copper-composite woofers that require less energy and are more efficient.

Cons

• At some tones, it gives an aggressive treble, which some listeners may not find pleasing.

The Premiere 600M definitely lives up to its promise of dynamic, detailed sound with an impactful bass. The horn-loaded tweeters and copper woofers combine for lively acoustics across genres. Low frequencies dig unexpectedly deep from the rear ports, which is surprisingly rare in this price segment.

What attracted me is its high sensitivity, which plays nicely with tube amps. While bordering on bright in the highs and requiring current to sing properly, the RP-600M makes a bold style and performance statement at a reasonable tariff. 

Features

The following are the features of the product:

• It features a 90 x 90 silicone composite hybrid horn for the crisper sound.
• There is a 1-inch Linear Travel suspension that ensures distortion-free audio.
• It has bi-wiring capabilities that separate low and high frequencies. 

Specs 

Here are the main specs of the RP-600M: 

7. Best Affordable Speaker: Sony SSCS5

The pros and cons of the speakers are listed below:

Pros 

• It delivers clear mids and detailed highs due to its composed design.
• The soft sound gives a richness and accuracy to the music.
• Thanks to its 2 speakers, the audio is pretty loud and has a sharp treble.

Cons

• The enclosure needs some treatment to improve bass.

I have always been a fan of Sony, a brand known for its audio quality and videography. This time, with SSCS5, they deliver a shocker. These 3-way bookshelf speakers deliver impressive clarity and range in compact packages at almost impulse-buy pricing. 

A sizable woofer anchored by a super tweeter and soft dome midrange reproduction delivers layered audio beyond their pay grade. While not quite stylish enough for audiophile living rooms or thumpy enough for bass heads, they work remarkably well for desktops, dorm rooms, or small space situations. 

Features  

Let's explore the features of the product:

• It has a 5.25-inch long-throw woofer for bass/midrange frequencies.
• It has a super tweeter for enhancing high-frequency detail.
• The speakers are powered by Mica-Reinforced drivers to reinforce the audio quality.

Specs 

The specs of SSCS5 are highlighted below:

8. Best Speaker with Wireless Connectivity: Audioengine A5+

Explore the perks and disadvantages of the speaker below:

Pros

• It has a crisp and balanced sound with a tight bass.
• The speaker has a low distortion that can improve the experience by miles.
• It provides an excellent ease of use with its easy setup.

Cons  

• It lacks the room-filling bass of floor standers.

The bookshelf speakers A5+ pack remarkable audio quality into reasonably priced enclosures. The custom driver components and potent amplification deliver crisp highs and a fuller low end than expected.

Moreover, Hi-res wireless streaming makes connecting a breeze. While a subwoofer would add some thunderous bass, the A5+ punches above its weight even without one. If I quote Mike for the money, you'll struggle to find this combination of premium drivers, connectivity, and fidelity from more consumer rivals.

Features

The following are the features of the product:

• 0.75" Silk fabric soft-dome tweeters for high-fidelity sound.
• It supports a high bit-rate Bluetooth playback for seamless music.
• It has a built-in power phono preamp to amplify the sound with efficiency.

Specs 

Let's explore the specs of the A5+:

9. Best Speaker with 3D Soundstage: Sonos Era 300

These are the pros and cons of the speaker:

Pros

• Its directional 3D soundstage delivers an immersive sound equally to all sides.
• The speaker fills the spaces of the room with layered Dolby Atmos immersion.
• It is precise and distortion-free across frequency ranges.

Cons   

• The Bluetooth sound quality is low because of its limited compatibility with ACC and SBC.

The Era 300 delivers an utterly captivating spatial audio experience belying its modest proportions. The angled drivers bathe rooms with crisply rendered, dynamically rich surround sound. Low frequencies pack a satisfying punch without muddying dialog. 

Moreover, I loved its integration with significant streaming platforms, which makes enjoying lossless Tidal or Apple Music a breeze. And while no substitute for a serious home theater array, the Era 300's lush, room-filling soundscape makes movies and music a treat.

Features

Let's explore the features of the product:

• 2 custom racetrack mid-woofers for stereo playback.
• It has angled side-firing silk-dome tweeters for a smooth center image.
• It has Trueplay technology for automatic tuning and optimization.

Specs

These are the specs of the Era 300:

10. Best Speaker with All-in-one Package: Andover Audio Spinbase

The following are the good and bad about this speaker:

Pros

• It has a simple plug-and-play setup that gets you spinning vinyl fast.
• The effective isolation of this speaker eliminates vibrations.
• It has a consistent tonal balance across ranges, regardless of the music type.

Cons

• It is not built for ultra-high-resolution playback.

Don't let its looks fool you – the Audio Spinbase packs some humongous specs under its hood. It pumps out impressive vinyl playback in all-in-one packages tailored for the best turntable speakers. A quad-speaker array surrounding integrated amplification bathes rooms with a smooth and balanced sound. 

Its proprietary isolation technology prevents unwanted distortion and feedback. While connectivity takes a back seat to vinyl performance, the Spinbase neatly combines simple operation with legitimate HiFi prowess. 

Features

The features of the product are mentioned below:

• It has a quad-driver array using a pair of 1-inch dome tweeters.
• The speaker features a 270-degree dispersion for immersive sound.
• The speaker has a proprietary ISOGroove technology that isolates sound in the turntable speakers.

Specs 

Let's explore the main specs of the Spinbase:

11. Best Aesthetically Pleasant Speaker: House of Marley Get Together Duo

Here are the pros and cons of the speaker:

Pros

• A crisp vocal reproduction and shimmering highs for turntable speakers' enthusiasts. 
• It has a switchable stereo pair and single mono modes for audiophiles.
• It has multiple connectivity options like wired aux, wireless, and USB inputs.

Cons  

•  Its bass drops off early, lacking impact.

Don't expect skull-rattling bass from the Get Together Duos, but their lightweight enclosures breathe new life into acoustic and classic content. I love the Vocals coming through with sparkling clarity thanks to the custom drivers and bamboo's natural resonance. 

Additionally, it has a rigid build quality backed by lengthy warranties. While low frequencies fade early, focusing on pristine mids in eco-friendly trappings is central to House of Marley's unique mission. 

Features

This product provides the following features:

• It has an aesthetically pleasant construction with renewable bamboo enclosures and REWIND fabric grilles.
• It is a portable Bluetooth mono speaker and can be used on the go.
• It comes with 2 years of warranty for customer satisfaction.

Specs 

The following are the specs of the Get Together Duo:

12. Best Speaker with Titanium Tweeter: Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F

Here are the pros and cons of this speaker:

Pros

• It has a linear frequency response and enhanced tonality.
• The speaker has a central imaging feature that creates realistic sound.
• These are well-built and have a heavy base.

Cons  

• The sound clarity can be improved.

The RP-8000F achieves a commendable balance of scale, precision, and musicality. Their broad soundstage and dialed-in dispersion create an enveloping sweet spot. Sensitivity gets reasonably loud with modest power.

I really enjoyed its lush instrumental textures and sparkling dynamics that never fatigue. Yes, they're spendy, but their insightful and captivating prowess rewards investment.

Features

You can find the features of the product below:

• There is a 1-inch titanium tweeter with a Hybrid Tractrix Horn.
• It has dual 8-inch Cerametallic copper woofers.
• There are gold bi-wire binding posts.

Specs 

The following are the specs of the RP-8000F: 

6 Key Considerations When Choosing the Best Speakers for Your Record Players

I might not have covered this topic if Mike hadn't joined our discussion. I realized that with knowledge from different experts, I should provide my readers with essential considerations that'll give them more clarity on record player speakers. Let's learn more about them in the section below:

1. Active Speakers vs. Passive Speakers: What's the Difference? 

Passive speakers require an external amplifier, while powered or "active" speakers have built-in amplification. The advantage of having an active speaker is that it is self-powered with limited customization.

On the other hand, a passive speaker has unlimited customization with matching whatever amplifier you want. Here, I would like to quote Peter Thomas:

Ultimately, the best actives will always best the best passive speakers.Peter Thomas, Co-founder @Professional Monitor Company Ltd (PMC)

2. How do Bookshelf Speakers vs. Floor-standing Speakers Compete Against Each other?

For vinyl, bookshelf speakers placed at ear height on sturdy stands often outperform taller floor standers. This positioning creates an equilateral triangle between you and the stereo speakers for ideal imaging and soundstage. However, you can't place them on the same shelf as that of record players as this can create vibrations, disturbing the sound. 

On the other hand, quality floor-standing speakers in a well-treated room can still excel. They are usually preferred because of the size and loud audio. However, they are pretty large. Therefore, most people go with the bookshelf speakers.

3. What is the Game of Watts vs. Impedance

Pay attention to speaker power limits and impedance ratings when pairing with an amp. Wattage is the amount of power that most speakers get, while impedance is a measure of how much the speakers resist the flow of electric current. If the impedance is low, the speaker will get the electricity easily.

While getting a speaker for a record player, it is recommended that you always get an amplifier that has almost twice the speaker's wattage. This will ensure that your speakers fine-tune the audio without any disturbance.

4. What is the Best Frequency Response for Speakers?

Humans can only listen to frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. Therefore, getting a speaker that covers this frequency response seems only reasonable. However, frequency response is not the only factor to consider. Even speakers lacking sub-bass can sound excellent with the right components upstream.

5. What is the Optimum Sensitivity for Vinyl Speakers?

Sensitivity, measured in dB at a given input power, indicates how loudly speakers play. The speakers with low sensitivity, like 85 or 86, require an external amplifier.

However, the higher the sensitivity rating, the better the speaker's sound gets. Remember that the power requirements become double for every 3 dB increase in loudness.

6. How Can Connectivity Affect Your Speaker Quality?

Passive speakers connect to amps via speaker cables through 5-way binding posts or spring clips. 5-way binding posts are more complicated. They allow multiple connections and are usually more expensive.

On the other hand, spring clips are cheap, but you may have to consider the audio quality. Therefore, you must pay attention to the cables and connections used – they can hinder sound quality if not properly matched.

FAQs

Conclusion

Quickly summing up, the best speakers for record players can level up your vinyl listening experience. They provide benefits like superb sound quality, excellent clarity, and detailed-centric audio. While choosing such a speaker, always consider factors such as connectivity, sensitivity, and physical appearance. 

Looking at the above qualities, I would rate Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 higher than the others. It has a mid-range pricing, pretty excellent sound quality, and high-resolution audio clarity.