How to Choose the Best Speakers for Your Turntable Setup

Choosing the right speakers for your turntable setup is one of the most important parts of building a vinyl system you’ll love. The right speakers make your records sound their best, fit your room, and match your listening style. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by specs, brands, and audio jargon. Let’s cut through the noise and focus on what matters, so you can make a smart choice and enjoy your records the way they’re meant to be heard.

Start With Your Turntable’s Output

Before you even look at speakers, check your turntable’s output. This will determine what kind of speakers and other gear you need.

• Does your turntable have a built-in phono preamp? Look for a switch labeled “Phono/Line” or an output labeled “Line Out.” If you see this, your turntable can send a signal directly to powered speakers or an amplifier.
• If your turntable only has “Phono Out,” you’ll need a phono preamp. Some amps and powered speakers include this, but many don’t.

Why does this matter?
A turntable’s cartridge produces a very weak signal called “phono level.” This signal needs extra amplification and equalization (RIAA EQ) before it can be played through regular speakers. That’s what a phono preamp does. Without it, your music will sound thin, quiet, and lifeless.

Quick tip:
If you’re not sure, check your turntable’s manual or look up your model online. Most modern entry-level turntables include a preamp, but many audiophile decks do not.

Active vs Passive Speakers

You’ll see two main types of speakers for turntables: active (powered) and passive. Your choice here affects your entire setup.

Active (Powered) Speakers

Active speakers have a built-in amplifier. You plug them into a power outlet, connect your turntable (with a preamp), and you’re ready to play music. Many powered speakers now include a phono preamp, so you can connect your turntable directly.

Pros:

• Fewer boxes and cables
• Simple setup
• Some models have Bluetooth or streaming built in
• Great for small spaces or desktop setups

Cons:

• Upgrading the amp means buying new speakers
• Usually less powerful than separate amp + passive speakers

Passive Speakers

Passive speakers need an external amplifier or receiver. The amp powers the speakers and often includes a phono preamp. If not, you’ll need to add a standalone phono preamp between your turntable and amp.

Pros:

• More upgrade options (swap amp or speakers separately)
• Usually more power and flexibility
• Bigger range of models at every price point

Cons:

• More boxes and cables
• Slightly more complex setup

Which should you pick?
If you want a simple, all-in-one solution, go active. If you want to tinker, upgrade, and build a system over time, go passive.

Phono Preamps: The Key Link

The phono preamp is the unsung hero of vinyl playback. It boosts your turntable’s weak signal and applies the RIAA EQ curve, which is essential for accurate sound.

Built-In vs External Preamps

• Built-In Preamp (Turntable or Speaker): Convenient, but quality varies. Many entry-level turntables have decent built-in preamps.
• External Phono Preamp: Offers better sound and upgrade potential. Brands like Schiit, Pro-Ject, and Cambridge Audio make popular models.

How to Know If You Need a Preamp

• If your turntable has a “Line Out” or a “Phono/Line” switch, you have a built-in preamp.
• If your speakers or amp have a “Phono” input, they have a preamp.
• If neither does, you’ll need to buy an external phono preamp.

MM vs MC Cartridges

Most turntables use moving magnet (MM) cartridges, which work with almost any phono preamp. Moving coil (MC) cartridges are less common and need a compatible preamp. If you’re using a stock cartridge, you’re almost certainly using MM.

Speaker Types: Bookshelf, Floorstanding, and More

Speakers come in many shapes and sizes. The right type depends on your space, your budget, and your listening habits.

Bookshelf Speakers

Bookshelf speakers are compact and fit on shelves, stands, or desks. They’re perfect for small to medium rooms. Most powered speakers are bookshelf-sized.

Best for: Apartments, bedrooms, small living rooms, desktop setups.

Floorstanding Speakers

Floorstanding (tower) speakers are larger and sit on the floor. They deliver more bass, more volume, and a bigger soundstage. Great for big rooms or if you want to fill your space with sound.

Best for: Large living rooms, dedicated listening rooms, home theaters.

Compact/All-in-One Speakers

Some speakers are designed to sit right under your turntable (like the Andover Audio SpinBase MAX). These are great for tight spaces or minimalist setups. They’re engineered to reduce vibration and feedback.

Best for: Tight spaces, dorm rooms, minimalist setups.

Subwoofers

A subwoofer handles deep bass frequencies. Some powered speakers let you add a sub for extra punch. Not essential for vinyl, but nice if you want more low-end.

Technical Specs That Matter

Don’t get lost in the numbers, but some technical specs do matter when choosing speakers for your turntable setup.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity tells you how loud speakers play with a given amount of power. Measured in decibels (dB), higher sensitivity (88dB or above) means more volume with less power.

• High sensitivity: Good for low-powered amps or powered speakers.
• Low sensitivity: Needs more power to play loud.

Impedance

Impedance (measured in ohms, usually 4, 6, or 8) affects how much power your amp needs to deliver. Most home speakers are 6 or 8 ohms, which matches most amps and powered speakers.

• Match your amp and speakers: If your amp says it supports 4-8 ohms, you’re fine with most speakers.

Power Handling

Power handling tells you how much power (in watts) a speaker can handle. For powered speakers, this is built-in. For passive speakers, match your amp’s power output to your speakers’ recommended range.

• Too little power: Speakers won’t play loud enough.
• Too much power: You risk damaging your speakers at high volumes.

Frequency Response

Frequency response tells you what range of sounds a speaker can reproduce. Look for a wide range (e.g., 45Hz–20kHz). Lower numbers mean deeper bass.

• Bookshelf speakers: Usually go down to 50–60Hz.
• Floorstanders: Can go lower, sometimes to 30Hz.

Crossover

A crossover splits the audio signal into highs, mids, and lows, sending each to the right driver (tweeter, woofer). Most speakers have built-in crossovers. You don’t need to worry about this unless you’re building custom speakers.

Connectivity: Wired vs Wireless

How you connect your speakers matters for sound quality and convenience.

Wired Connections

• RCA: Most turntables and powered speakers use RCA cables.
• Speaker Wire: Passive speakers connect to amps with speaker wire.
• Aux (3.5mm): Some powered speakers have a headphone-style aux input.

Wired connections give you the best sound and reliability.

Wireless Connections

• Bluetooth: Some turntables and speakers have Bluetooth. Easy to use, but can compress audio and lose detail. Lots of advancements from Bluetooth are coming (like lossless audio), but it will be some time before they are commonplace.
• Wi-Fi/Streaming: Some powered speakers support streaming over Wi-Fi (Sonos, KEF LSX II, PSB Alpha iQ). Better quality than Bluetooth, but more expensive.

Tip: For serious listening, stick with wired connections. Use wireless for convenience or background music.

Speaker Placement and Room Size

Speaker placement affects sound more than you might think. Here’s how to get it right.

Match Speaker Size to Room Size

• Small rooms (up to 150 sq ft): Bookshelf speakers are ideal.
• Medium rooms (150–300 sq ft): Larger bookshelf or small floorstanders.
• Large rooms (300+ sq ft): Floorstanding speakers or bookshelf speakers with a subwoofer.

Placement Tips

• Ear Level: Place tweeters at ear level when you’re seated.
• Speaker Stands: Use stands for bookshelf speakers to reduce vibrations and improve clarity.
• Distance from Walls: Pull speakers at least 6–12 inches from the wall. Too close, and you’ll get boomy bass.
• Speaker Angle: Angle (toe-in) speakers slightly toward your listening spot for better stereo imaging.
• Symmetry: Try to keep speakers the same distance from side walls for balanced sound.

Avoid Common Placement Mistakes

• Don’t put speakers in corners unless they’re designed for it.
• Don’t stack your turntable on your speakers-vibrations can cause feedback and damage records.
• Don’t cram speakers into bookshelves unless they’re designed for it.

Recommended Speakers for Turntables

Here are some of the best speakers for turntables, based on expert reviews and user feedback. All are available in the US.

Best Active (Powered) Speakers

KEF LSX II

• Compact, wireless, and audiophile-grade sound.
• Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wired connections.
• Pricey, but delivers stunning clarity and detail.

Klipsch The Fives

• Powerful, retro-styled, and versatile.
• Built-in phono preamp, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth.
• Big, dynamic sound with punchy bass.

Edifier R1280DBs

• Budget-friendly, easy to set up.
• Bluetooth, optical, and RCA inputs.
• Good sound for the price, perfect for beginners.

Best Passive Speakers

Polk Audio T15

• Affordable, widely available, and easy to drive with most amps.
• Balanced, clear sound with a smooth midrange and crisp highs.
• Compact size fits well in small to medium rooms.
• Versatile for stereo vinyl setups or as part of a larger system.
• Wall-mountable for flexible placement.

KEF LS50 Meta

• Legendary soundstage and imaging.
• Detailed, accurate, and revealing.
• Needs a good amp to shine.

Wharfedale Diamond 12.3

• Affordable floorstanders with smooth, rich sound.
• Easy to drive, works with most amps.

Best Streaming Bookshelf

PSB Alpha iQ

• Powered, streaming bookshelf speakers.
• Phono input, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and more.
• Clean, neutral sound.

Best Smart Speaker

Sonos Era 300

• Spatial audio, Wi-Fi streaming.
• Needs a line-in adapter for turntables.
• Great for multi-room setups.

How to Connect Your System

Let’s walk through some common setups for connecting your turntable, preamp, amp, and speakers.

1. Turntable with Built-In Preamp + Active Speakers

• Set turntable to “Line.”
• Connect RCA cables from turntable to speakers.
• Plug in speakers and turntable.
• Play music.

2. Turntable with Phono Out + Active Speakers with Phono Input

• Connect turntable to speakers’ phono input.
• Set speakers to “Phono.”
• Plug in and play.

3. Turntable with Phono Out + External Preamp + Active Speakers

• Connect turntable to phono preamp.
• Connect preamp to speakers’ line input.
• Plug in and play.

4. Turntable with Phono Out + External Preamp + Amp + Passive Speakers

• Connect turntable to phono preamp.
• Connect preamp to amp’s line input.
• Connect amp to speakers with speaker wire.
• Plug in and play.

5. Bluetooth Turntable + Bluetooth Speakers

• Pair devices.
• Play music wirelessly.
• Simple, but not always the best sound.

Tip: Always use quality cables and connectors. Cheap cables can introduce noise and hum.

Accessories and Upgrades

A few small upgrades can make a big difference in your vinyl setup.

Speaker Stands

Stands isolate your speakers from vibrations and put them at the right height. Look for stands with adjustable spikes or rubber feet.

Isolation Feet

Isolation feet for your turntable or speakers help reduce vibrations and feedback. Brands like IsoAcoustics and Audio-Technica make affordable options.

Record Cleaning Tools

Clean records sound better and last longer. Use a carbon fiber brush, cleaning solution, or a record cleaning machine.

Better Cables

Upgrading to shielded, well-made cables can reduce noise and interference. Don’t spend a fortune, but avoid the cheapest options.

Subwoofer

Adding a subwoofer can fill out the low end, especially in larger rooms or for bass-heavy music.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying speakers too big or too small for your room.
  Big speakers in a small room can sound boomy. Small speakers in a big room can sound thin.
• Ignoring the need for a phono preamp.
  Without a preamp, your music will sound weak.
• Stacking your turntable on your speakers.
  Vibrations can cause feedback and damage your records.
• Using Bluetooth for critical listening.
  Bluetooth is convenient, but wired connections sound better.
• Neglecting speaker placement.
  Even the best speakers sound bad if placed poorly.
• Mixing brands without checking compatibility.
  Some amps and speakers don’t play well together, especially with impedance or power mismatches.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right speakers for your turntable setup is about matching your gear to your space, your budget, and your ears. Start by checking your turntable’s output and decide if you want a simple powered setup or a more flexible passive system. Don’t get lost in specs-focus on what matters: sound quality, room fit, and connectivity.

Bookshelf speakers work for most rooms. Floorstanders are great for bigger spaces. Powered speakers are simple and tidy, while passive speakers let you upgrade over time. Pay attention to sensitivity, impedance, and power handling, but don’t obsess over numbers.

Place your speakers well, keep your records clean, and use decent cables. Most of all, trust your ears. Listen to a few options if you can, and pick the speakers that make your records sound alive.

Your vinyl deserves it.