Building a record collection requires the best bookshelf speakers for vinyl. Without the perfect sound system, you’ll never grasp the full gravity of your favorite records.
Jazz will seem more lively, classical will be more in-depth, and even rock will be punchier than ever before.
Today, we’ll explore five top-rated options for vinyl enthusiasts looking for a new listening experience.
Each set of speakers comes with several fantastic user-friendly features, helping you create the perfect soundstage with little experience.
Comparison Chart
Best Bookshelf Speakers for Vinyl: A Review
1. Klipsch R-51PM Powered Bluetooth Speakers
The Klipsch R-51PM Powered Bluetooth Speakers is our favorite pair of speakers that come ready for your record player.
With their built-in preamp, you must plug your record player into the speakers through the phono port.
Or, if you have an existing preamp, you can use that for an alternative connection.
Their sleek and stylish design makes them fantastic for any room in your home, and these speakers come at a reasonable price range.
Review
Let’s jump into the most interesting features of these powered bookshelf speakers.
- Custom Engineered Preamp
As mentioned, these powered speakers come with everything you need to listen to music right out of the box.
Their built-in preamp is fantastic for record players, helping you avoid the hassle of finding a separate amp.
You’ll also find the preamp is specially engineered to offer the best potential output and sound quality imaginable.
- Designed for Records
Undoubtedly, these speakers are one of the best solutions for your vinyl setup.
They feature a unique phono or line analog with an included ground screw terminal and switch.
Instead of connecting to your record player via Bluetooth, you can use this input to wire directly to the record player itself.
- Bluetooth Technology
These vinyl speakers are still a great choice if you have a more modern record player.
With their Bluetooth technology, you can choose to avoid hooking them up to a preamp at all.
Simply turn on the Bluetooth on your modern record player and pair it with the speakers for relatively good sound quality wirelessly.
- Other Input Options
Along with the phono preamp and Bluetooth, the Klipsch R-51PM Powered Bluetooth Speakers come with three other input options.
You can choose between analog RCA, USB, and digital optical.
- USB Input
One of the more unique input options on these speakers is USB.
If you have music saved on a thumb drive, you can easily plug the device straight into the speakers for a modernized listening experience.
It is a fantastic feature for musicians interested in sharing their latest tracks.
- Dynamic EQ
The integrated dynamic EQ is one of the most interesting features we wouldn’t expect to see in budget speakers.
With the Klipsch R-51PM Powered Bluetooth Speakers, you’ll find the speakers automatically match your listening ability to hear lower frequencies.
Dynamic EQ and dynamic volume technologies are newly added to these powered bookshelf speakers.
- Enhanced Listening
If sound quality is the main thing you’re looking for in powered speakers, this set is a great option.
It boasts Tractrix Horn Technology, which helps to reduce artificial reverb and redirects audio to the optimal listening position.
The speakers also have a linear travel suspension aluminum tweeter, which helps to bring out the more nuanced aspects of your favorite tracks.
An added benefit is the injection molded graphite woofer cones, which help to boost the rigidity of the speakers.
When it comes to low-frequency for your records, the Klipsch R-51PM Powered Bluetooth Speakers are a top-rated choice.
Pros:
- Incredibly easy to set up
- Impressive highs and mids
- Great sound separation
- Clear and crisp audio for records
Cons:
- Could be prone to minor interference
- Some bass could be muddled
2. Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers
Once you try the Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers with your record player, you’ll see how powerful they are.
These are a great option if you’re hunting for a set of speakers with pretty good bass response, easy-to-use volume control, and a dynamic range.
With a low-profile cabinet and reliable build quality, they are a step up from your existing vintage sound system.
Review
Let’s get into some of the best features of the Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers.
- Built-In Surround Sound
Surround sound can significantly change your listening experience, especially when it’s built into your speakers.
This speaker set features one 0.75″ tweeter and one 5.25″ dynamic balance driver.
Together, they help to offer stereo imaging that boasts well-balanced sounds with incredible bass and remarkably lower frequencies.
- Bundle-Friendly Design
These speakers are some of the best audiophile-oriented models with their compatibility.
Aside from being great when used on their own, they are also designed to be a part of a complete sound system.
You can connect them to the Polk Audio 5 Channel Home Theatre Bundle for a revolutionary listening experience.
You’ll also find these speakers to be compatible with the majority of home theatre A/V receivers.
Depending on your preferences, you can set them up with a 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, or 9.1 system.
- Mountable Design
One of the more interesting features of these speakers is you can set them up however you prefer.
You can place them on a bookshelf, mount them to the wall, or even put them on a stand, depending on which position offers the best listening experience.
With their multi-mounting capabilities, you’ll find that the sound is more than enough to fill a midsize room.
- Dynamic Balance Technology
Dynamic Balance Technology is a proprietary tech from Polk Audio designed to improve their speakers’ frequency range and audio quality.
With this built-in feature, you’ll have much wider mid-ranges and brighter highs with all your favorite tracks.
Not to mention the bass response is far better than expected from speakers within the same price point.
- MDF Cabinet
The general build quality of these speakers is something to write home about.
The cabinets are crafted using furniture-grade MDF, guaranteeing the cabinet has reduced distortion and resonance.
You won’t have to worry about muffled noise and rattling, disrupting your listening experience.
- Easy Maintenance
Keeping your speakers clean is key to getting a clear phono signal when listening to your vinyl.
Thankfully, these Polk Audio speakers come with a removable grille, allowing you to clean any traces of dirt and dust for the best listening experience.
You won’t even need tools to remove or reinstall the grille once you finish cleaning.
Pros:
- Comes with five-way speaker binding posts
- Tasteful black vinyl cabinets
- Better bass response than expected
- Crisp and clear audio
Cons:
- May require some EQ tweaking
- Not ideal for large audio setups
3. Edifier R1700BTs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier R1700BTs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers are tastefully designed powerful speakers with many great features.
This set is ideal if you’re searching for a set of bookshelf speakers with smart features that offer optimal sound for vinyl.
It can connect wirelessly to your record player via Bluetooth or an amp, depending on your preferences.
Review
Let’s explore some of the large-scale sound features of the Edifier R1700BTs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers.
- Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm APTX HD
One of the main features to look for in smart speakers is their ability to connect to Bluetooth.
With these smart speakers, you’ll have Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm APTX HD, allowing you to support up to 24bit audio quality with wireless streaming.
This technology is essential for connecting to modern record players and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
- Numerous Outputs and Inputs
The Edifier R1700BTs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers offer numerous inputs and outputs.
You’ll have dual RCA inputs, allowing you to connect two devices simultaneously and switch between them effortlessly.
You’ll also have a subwoofer output with inbuilt crossover and autodetection, automatically switching to the appropriate settings.
- Two-Year Warranty
When you’re putting your money into a new sound system, you should protect your investment.
With these speakers, you’ll receive an automatic two-year warranty, ensuring your speaker system has extensive coverage.
It offers hassle-free labor and parts care within Canada and the United States.
- Sound Reproduction
When listening to records, natural sound reproduction is something every audiophile aims for.
These speakers have impressive natural sound, even at loud volumes, offering an impressive frequency response and dynamic range control.
You’ll have a 19mm silk dome tweeter, a four-inch woofer, and 66W of continuous power for undistorted listening.
- Wireless Remote Included
If you want to switch digital inputs or analog audio inputs, having a remote to do it for you is ideal.
With the Edifier R1700BTs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers, the wireless remote has been recently updated to offer even more functionality.
You can switch between line-in modes, adjust the treble, bass, and volume, and mute-unmute your music.
- On-Cabinet Controls
If you’re not the biggest fan of using a remote control, there are also on-cabinet controls for you to use to your advantage.
On the side of your speaker cabinet, you’ll find a bass dial, treble dial, and a master volume control.
There’s also the ability to turn the speakers on and off, disconnect Bluetooth, and switch the input modes.
- Durable Design
From the volume knob on the side of the cabinet to the cabinet materials, these speakers are designed to last.
They feature a removable mesh grille, allowing you to easily keep the speakers clean throughout your ownership.
The cabinet is made from high-quality MDF, ensuring you have very little resonance and vibration affecting your background music.
For added convenience, all the cables you need to begin listening to music are included.
You’ll have an RCA-RCA, 3.5mm-RCA, and speaker cable.
Pros:
- Multiple user-friendly inputs
- Quickly connects to record players via Bluetooth
- Impressive sound projection
- Handsomely designed
Cons:
- Poor remote connectivity
- Lacks a good high end
4. Moukey Passive Bookshelf Speakers
The Moukey Passive Bookshelf Speakers is a great budget-friendly option if you need speakers with few extra features.
With its plug-and-play design, you’ll find it’s a great entry-level option for your vinyl audio setup.
You’ll find the speakers have a few unique features at an affordable price, helping you get a pretty impressive tonal balance compared to expensive options.
Review
Let’s jump into the highlights of the Moukey Passive Bookshelf Speakers.
- Improved Sound Frequencies
These bookshelf speaker sets bring plenty to the table, especially for the everyday audiophile.
Each speaker has a five-inch, two-inch, and one-inch internal speaker, working with different sound frequencies.
Over time, you’ll notice you’ll have more spacious sound with open mids, higher treble options, and a pretty decent bass response.
- Wiring Options
When setting up your high-quality speakers, it’s essential to consider their wiring options.
The Moukey Passive Bookshelf Speakers comes with a five-way binding post, allowing you to connect numerous devices the best way you see fit.
Even first-time record owners will find it simple to wire their amp to the speakers right out of the box.
- High-Detailed Audio
As mentioned, these are versatile, good-sounding speakers thanks to their high-detailed audio.
You’ll find they produce decent sound in a frequency band between 20 and 20,000Hz.
Whether you’re listening to more recently mastered tracks or vintage records, the speakers work to produce the most natural-sounding audio possible.
- Intelligent Crossover
Investing in bookshelf speaker sets with intuitive technology is an excellent option for music lovers.
The Moukey Passive Bookshelf Speakers features intelligent crossover, which immediately optimizes your music’s quality.
On the inside of the passive speaker, you’ll find a specially engineered crossover. It ensures your highs, mids, and lows are sent to the right speaker to be interpreted.
When listening, the passive speaker will produce the highest quality audio at the perfect volume without you having to make any fine-tuned changes.
- Handmade Cabinet
One of the largest issues with an affordable speaker is it tends to look cheap, which won’t add to your audio setup.
Fortunately, these speakers are affordable but look luxurious with their handmade cabinets.
Each speaker is made accurate within one centimeter, offering equal structure and levels for the best possible listening experience.
- Wall Mountable
Although the Moukey Passive Bookshelf Speakers are bookshelf speakers, they can also be mounted.
On the back of the cabinet, you’ll find independent hooks on a back panel.
These components make it easier to find the ideal setup for any listening experience in any room.
Pros:
- Offer respectable sound quality
- Fill midsize rooms easily
- Reasonable highs
- Easily connect to an amp for record players
Cons:
- The bass is too light
- Some audio may sound muffled
5. Edifier R1280Ts Powered Bookshelf Speakers
If you’re hunting for an impressive active speaker set, the Edifier R1280Ts Powered Bookshelf Speakers is a great option.
These speakers offer 42W RMS and a high-quality wooden enclosure that looks fabulous when displayed.
Audiophiles interested in upgrading their existing active speaker setup will love these powered speakers, thanks to their built-in amplifier and other great features.
Review
Let’s look at some of the best features of the Edifier R1280Ts Powered Bookshelf Speakers.
- Boosted Sound Quality
The sound quality of these speakers has been recently improved, offering a new listening experience.
You’ll have 42 watts of undistorted, continuous power, providing a more enriching audio journey for vinyl, MP3s, and even television audio.
Paired with the 13mm silk dome tweeter and the four-inch subwoofer, your bass will be remarkably punchier than with lower-quality speakers.
- Added Sub-Out Port
The built-in crossover is one of the more unique features of these speakers, aside from their built-in phono preamp.
You’ll find the added sub-out port automatically activates the crossover when you connect a subwoofer.
It’s an ideal feature to have if you want to add an external active woofer and have automatic detection to take advantage of.
- Improved Remote Control
Its remote control is one of the largest improvements to the Edifier R1280Ts Powered Bookshelf Speakers.
You can do multiple things with the remote, including adjusting the volume and muting or unmuting from anywhere in the room.
In addition to the remote, there are added adjustments on the side of the cabinet, including:
- Bass adjustments
- Treble adjustments
- Volume controls
- Easy Maintenance
The Edifier R1280T offers some of the easiest maintenance, thanks to its removable mesh grille.
You can easily get to the sensitive components of the speakers by removing the mesh and cleaning it with a dry cloth.
You can wipe the outside of the unit with a dry, soft cloth to remove any traces of dirt and dust.
- Versatile Connectivity
The versatility of these speakers makes them an excellent choice for a vinyl record player, home entertainment setup, or even a computer.
With dual RCA inputs, you can connect two devices at the same time. You’ll find that these speakers can easily connect to tablets, DVD players, TVs, and even your PC.
Pros:
- Work well with all genres
- Plays clear audio from records
- Small yet powerful
- Tight bass at loud volumes
Cons:
- Doesn’t feature Bluetooth
- A slightly harsh treble
What Are the Best Bookshelf Speakers for Vinyl?
Our choice for the best bookshelf speakers for vinyl is the Klipsch R-51PM Powered Bluetooth Speakers.
Its clean and crisp audio is great for natural sound reproduction, and the speakers have the perfect inputs for vintage and modern record players.
With a good balance of bass and many features for first-time audiophiles, they’re a fantastic pair of speakers to consider.
