5 Best Turntable Speakers for Record Players 2024: Ultimate Guide

The right speakers can transform your vinyl listening experience, bringing out the very best in your cherished records. While most top-tier speakers are designed to deliver excellent sound across various formats, selecting speakers for a record player involves a few extra technical nuances. Our guide is here to help you navigate these considerations, ensuring you find the perfect speakers to elevate your vinyl collection and enhance every listening session. Let’s embark on this journey to discover the speakers that will make your records sing like never before!

Top 5 Speakers for Vinyl Record Player

Navigating the world of turntable speakers can be a bit like finding your way through a musical maze—-there’s no single one-size-fits-all option, but certainly a few wrong turns to avoid. Our selection encompasses a diverse array of speakers, varying in shape, size, sound characteristics, and price points. This variety ensures that you have a wealth of choices to match the unique sound qualities of your specific turntable. Whether your preference leans towards compact bookshelf speakers, the grandeur of floorstanding models, or the simplicity of active speaker systems, our guide aims to cater to every audiophile’s taste. So, embark on this journey to discover the speaker that resonates not just with your turntable but with your personal audio desires as well.

DALI Oberon 1: Best Bookshelf Speakers 

Pros:

• Compact Design: Ideal for small to medium-sized rooms, blending easily into most home décor.
• Sound Quality: Delivers a clear, detailed, and well-balanced sound, typical of DALI’s high standards.
• Wide Dispersion: The soft dome tweeter ensures a broad sweet spot, making them less sensitive to positioning.
• Wood Fiber Cones: Provides a dynamic and detailed audio reproduction.
• Aesthetics: Available in several finishes, offering both performance and a stylish look.
• Ease of Placement: Their size and design allow for flexible placement options, including bookshelves and stands.

Cons:

• Bass Response: Limited low-end response due to the speaker’s small size might require a subwoofer for full-range sound.
• Power Handling: May not be suitable for huge rooms or extremely loud listening levels.
• Passive Speakers: Requires an external amplifier or receiver, which can be an additional expense and setup consideration.
• No Wireless Connectivity: Lacks built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, which is a common feature in many modern speakers.

Hailing from Denmark, DALI holds a prestigious spot in the audio world. The Oberon 1 emerges as a delightful surprise, packing an impressive value punch. These medium-sized bookshelf speakers not only boast an aesthetic appeal but also impress with their sound profile. Striking a balance between a ‘neutral’ sound and one that caters to the preferences of the everyday listener, they offer an auditory experience that’s both sophisticated and accessible. The sizeable woofers, unusual for their compact housing, give an extended bass range. While they don’t overwhelm with bass, they are pleasantly surprising, given their physical dimensions.

One crucial aspect to consider is that the Oberon 1 is a passive speaker, necessitating an external amplifier. Its rear-ported design calls for placement at least 300mm from any wall to optimize sound quality. DALI recommends aligning the speakers straight forward rather than angling them inwards. Opting for the Oberon 1 means securing a great bargain in the speaker market. Indulge in the rich sound of these speakers, and rest assured, you’re making a savvy choice. There’s little to no chance of regret with this high-value audio investment, as it brings both quality and aesthetic elegance to any listening space.

KEF LS50 Meta: Best Standmounters

Pros:

• Advanced Technology: Incorporates KEF’s innovative Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) for exceptional sound absorption and reduced distortion.
• High-Quality Sound: Offers detailed, clear, and natural sound with excellent imaging and soundstage.
• Compact and Stylish Design: The LS50 Meta speakers are well-designed, offering a modern aesthetic that fits well in various room settings.
• Build Quality: Robust construction with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity.
• Uni-Q Driver Array: Provides a consistent and wide sound dispersion, making room placement less critical.
• Versatility: Suitable for both hi-fi listening and home theater systems.

Cons:

• Bass Response: While good for their size, the bass might not be sufficient for those seeking deep low-end without a subwoofer.
• Requires Careful Pairing: Performs best when paired with high-quality amplification and source components.
• Passive Design: Requires an external amplifier, which can be an added cost and consideration.
• No Wireless Connectivity: Lacks built-in wireless streaming capabilities, which might be a downside for users looking for integrated streaming options.

In 2021, KEF introduced the LS50 Meta, elevating their already stellar standmount speakers to new heights. Fast forward three years, and they continue to lead the pack, merging exceptional audio performance with contemporary design and robust construction.

Despite their modest size, these speakers deliver a surprisingly rich and full-bodied sound. They command a strong presence, showcasing an authoritative approach to audio playback coupled with a satisfyingly punchy bass. The LS50 Meta handles large-scale dynamics with ease, demonstrating ample power and resilience. Even at elevated volume levels, they maintain composure, only showing signs of strain when pushed to extreme limits.

This combination of power, finesse, and elegant design makes the LS50 Meta a standout choice, consistently impressing audiophiles and casual listeners with their enduring quality and performance.

Wharfedale Diamond 12.3: Great Floorstanders

Pros:

• Sound Quality: These speakers are known for delivering a balanced and detailed sound with good clarity and imaging.
• Bass Response: Featuring a floor-standing design, these speakers offer a deeper and more pronounced bass response compared to many bookshelf models.
• Build and Design: These speakers have a stylish and modern design, available in several finishes to suit different room aesthetics. 
• Large Soundstage: Being floor-standing speakers, they tend to create a larger soundstage, which can enhance the listening experience in medium to large rooms.

Cons:

• Size and Footprint: As floor-standing speakers, they are larger and require more space than bookshelf models.
• Sensitivity and Power Requirements: These speakers may require a reasonably powerful amplifier to drive them effectively.
• Bass Control: In smaller rooms or rooms with certain acoustics, the bass might be overpowering, requiring careful placement or room treatment.

The Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 speakers, with their unassuming floor-standing design, easily adapt to most living spaces. However, they do appreciate a bit of openness around them to shine truly. In the audio realm, these speakers are akin to a well-orchestrated symphony. They bring forth a layered sound that’s replete with intricate details and dynamic subtleties. Not only do they uncover a wealth of auditory information, but they also present it in a manner that’s both organized and meticulously controlled.

A harmonious integration of drive units in the Diamond 12.3 ensures the midrange is both articulate and emotionally expressive. The low end, on the other hand, is agile and richly textured, providing enough heft to be satisfying yet measured enough not to overpower the overall balance. This careful equilibrium in sound presentation turns every listening session into an immersive and gratifying experience.

Paradigm Monitor SE Atom: Bookshelf Loudspeaker 

Pros:

• Compact Size: As bookshelf speakers, they are relatively compact, making them suitable for smaller spaces or as part of a larger surround sound system.
• Sound Quality: These speakers excel in midrange clarity, which is crucial for vocal and instrumental accuracy.
• Build Quality: The Atom speakers follow this tradition with a sturdy build and good finish.
• Versatility: They perform well in various setups, from stereo listening to home theater systems, and can be paired with other speakers in the Monitor SE series for a cohesive sound.

Cons:

• Power Requirements: To achieve their best performance, they may require a reasonably powerful amplifier, especially at higher volumes.
• Passive Speakers: They require an external amplifier or receiver, which is an additional expense and consideration.
• No Wireless Connectivity: As with many traditional bookshelf speakers, they lack built-in wireless streaming capabilities.

From the renowned Canadian brand Paradigm, the Atoms speakers come with a suggestion for optimal listening: position them so that their tweeters align with your ear height and angle them towards your preferred listening spot. This setup ensures you get the most out of their sound quality.

The Atoms don’t just sound good; they also have an appealing look. The tweeter is elegantly covered with a tasteful grill, and the smooth, curvaceous waveguide adds to their aesthetic charm. Not to be overlooked, the woofer is of commendable quality, too, contributing to the overall sound excellence.

While there may be some minor on-axis challenges, these speakers maintain commendable directivity. This quality makes equalization more straightforward, lessening the dependence on room acoustics. To fully tap into the potential of the Paradigm Monitor SE Atom speakers, a bit of equalization might be in order. And for those craving deeper bass, pairing them with a subwoofer is recommended for an enriched bass experience.

Q Acoustics 5040

Pros:

• Outstanding Clarity and Detail Resolution: The speakers excel in delivering crystal-clear sound and intricate detail, enhancing the overall listening experience.
• Expressive Dynamics: Capable of reproducing a wide dynamic range, these speakers bring life and energy to music.
• High-Quality Build and Finish: Boasting a solid construction, the speakers are also aesthetically pleasing.

Cons:

• Selective System Compatibility: To achieve the best performance, careful pairing with compatible audio equipment is necessary, as they may not match well with all systems.
• Reduced Forgiveness in Sound Reproduction: Unlike some previous models from Q Acoustics, these speakers are less tolerant of poorer quality recordings, meaning they might highlight flaws in the audio source more readily.

The Q Acoustics 5040 speakers are known for their impartial performance, gracefully stepping aside to let the music take center stage. When paired thoughtfully with compatible equipment, they offer an expressively insightful and top-notch performance, particularly impressive within their premium segment.

Their construction quality is equally notable. A blend of MDF and HDF materials contributes to a feeling of rigidity and stability, enhancing the overall build. 

Achieving the right setup, especially when combined with a well-matched source and amplifier, allows the Q Acoustics 5040 to truly excel. They provide an exceptional auditory value, creating a soundstage that is spacious, focused, and richly layered, along with remarkable stereo imaging. These speakers shine in clarity and precision, revealing an abundance of detail in the music. The result is an immersive and satisfying listening experience that stands out in their price category.

How To Choose The Best Record Player Speaker?

Selecting the ideal speakers for your turntable involves a bit of research to understand exactly what your setup requires. Most speakers necessitate pairing with a stereo amplifier equipped with a built-in phono preamp, also known as a phono stage, to ensure compatibility with your turntable. When your amplifier lacks a phono stage, there’s always the option of integrating an external one into your audio system.

In some cases, your turntable might already include a built-in phono stage, yet you will still require an amplifier to bridge the gap between the speakers and the turntable.

Another route is opting for powered or active speakers, which come with built-in amplification. However, remember that a phono stage remains a crucial component in your audio chain. If you’re in the market for a new turntable, consider one with a built-in phono stage. Although, from a purist’s perspective, a classic turntable setup often yields superior sound quality. Additionally, if you’re leaning towards active speakers, verify that they come with volume control for more streamlined usage.

Should your record player be equipped with Bluetooth, you have the convenience of wirelessly pairing it with any Bluetooth-enabled speaker, whether it’s a solo speaker or a stereo pair. This method of connection certainly brings ease and flexibility to your listening experience. However, it’s important to note that while Bluetooth connectivity offers simplicity, it might not always deliver the highest level of sound quality. Essentially, you’re looking at a balance between convenience and acoustic fidelity. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your personal preference – whether the ease of use outweighs the potential compromise in sound perfection is a choice only you can make.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the magic lies in finding the speakers that truly bring your vinyl collection to life. Whether you’re a seasoned record aficionado or just starting to dip your toes into the vinyl universe, rest assured there’s a speaker out there that’s the perfect match for your turntable.

It’s important to remember that the quest for the right speaker isn’t solely about sheer power. Sound quality and how well it pairs with your turntable are equally crucial. So, take a moment, no need to hurry. Consider your options carefully. Your vinyl treasures deserve the very best.