Suppose you’ve had a blast learning the ropes of creating beats and sounds out of a turntable. Are you ready to bring your entertainment setup to the next level? Maybe you just want to enhance how you experience the music playing on your record player.
Whatever the case, you will need high-quality speakers to pair with your turntable. If you’re after sound quality, we can help you choose versatile, good-sounding speakers. In fact, we’ll show you the best powered speakers for turntable setups and help you pick the one that fits your style.
Comparison Chart
Best Powered Speakers for Turntable Reviews
1. Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speaker
Audioengine started in 2005 with a simple goal: to design and build great-sounding devices for people to enjoy listening to music. Since then, they’ve manufactured some of the best-sounding, easy-to-use products that improve any music experience.
Today, we’ll talk about the A5+ Wireless Speaker, a slightly upgraded version of the A5.
Review
We all love the classics, but no one can deny that modernity has advantages too. Well, the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speaker combines the best of both worlds.
It’s one of the most praised active speakers, not just by people who bought them but also by speaker critics worldwide.
- Fully Analog Amplifiers
One of the most notable features of this speaker is the fully analog built-in amplifiers, something you don’t see every day, especially for Audioengine’s price.
Because of the analog inputs, the signal that comes from the turntable to the drivers is untampered. This feature ensures that you hear nothing but rich and smooth audio. It is essential for those who play vinyl records on their turntables because you want the music to be as pure as it can be.
- Deep Bass Range
Another thing that really caught our attention is its bass driver. It can reach a surprisingly deep bass range and only drops 1.5 dB at 50Hz. While other powered speakers might compete with these features, they’re often significantly more expensive.
- Optional Features
You can get the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speaker in black or white, but if you want a more classical theme, it also comes in a bamboo finish.
Audioengine also offers this beast with or without Bluetooth capabilities. Of course, the one with Bluetooth connectivity is more expensive.
Pros:
- Offers the best value for money
- Provides pure sound
- Intense bass
- Fully analog amplifiers
- Optional Bluetooth
- Three color options
Cons:
- Additional cost for Bluetooth connectivity
- Additional charge for the bamboo finish
2. Klipsch R-51PM Bluetooth Speaker
Paul Wilbur Klipsch, the founder of this brand, is an audio pioneer. He’s one of the most influential figures in the technological development of speakers, and he established the brand in 1948. Since then, the name Klipsch has become synonymous with audio equipment.
The R-51PM Bluetooth Speaker is a testament to the brand’s expertise in the field. We can tell you why it should be part of your home music setup.
Review
This powered bookshelf speaker is 8.5 inches long, 7 inches wide, and 13.3 inches tall.
- Phono Preamp
This device has a built-in phono preamp, which is perfect for turntables not equipped with preamplification. This feature makes the R-51PM one of the best speakers for vinyl enthusiasts because it makes the sound output rich, warm, lively, and engaging.
The built-in phono stage allows you to connect the speakers with any audio-playing device, including a computer, cellphone, or television. This means you can use this speaker for your vinyl setup and your entire entertainment unit.
- Undiminished Sound Quality
This pair of speakers have built-in amplifiers that are custom-engineered to ensure that the sound quality does not diminish while maximizing the audio output.
- Easy Setup
The compact design makes it easier to set up the speakers anywhere you want in your room as they don’t take up too much space.
- Wireless Control and Connectivity
Lastly, the Klipsch R-51PM comes with Bluetooth connectivity, as its name suggests.
It also includes a remote control so that you can access your speakers from anywhere in the room. Klipsch also included the batteries needed for the remote control so you can use the speakers immediately.
The only problem with it is that even though it comes in an elegant design, the only color option you have is a black finish.
Pros:
- Compact, easy to setup
- Has a decent vinyl playback system
- Includes a built-in phono preamp
- With remote control and Bluetooth connectivity
Con:
- No other color option besides black
3. Klipsch The Fives Powered Speaker
Klipsch really does keep on changing the landscape of active speaker designs and the audio industry as a whole. If you’re looking for a compact speaker unit, we can guarantee you that there are thousands of options out there.
However, not all of them can compare to The Fives Powered Speaker.
Review
The Fives sits halfway between similar devices’ middle and high-end price points. Nevertheless, it comes at a relatively affordable price, especially considering this powered speaker’s array of features.
- Incredible Bass
Its speaker drivers are so versatile that you’d have no problems playing bass-heavy music. It does not have any damping force, and Klipsch bumped up the bass driver at about 6 decibels at the very least.
This unit might be the best option if you’re looking for a speaker that provides a powerful output using lower-end frequencies.
- Compact and Standalone
The Fives is an excellent option for vinyl enthusiasts who have limited space. Aside from its compact speaker design, you also wouldn’t need subwoofers, as long as it’s for casual background music.
While the audio quality may not be as warm as some of the speakers on this list, it still provides a fuller sound that’s loud and clear.
- Flexible Connectivity and Control
In terms of connectivity features, The Fives really bagged the trophy here. For wireless connections, The Fives offers Bluetooth. It also comes with a controller for remote access.
On the other hand, you can also optimize its direct connections. You can choose from optical digital inputs, USB type-B and type-A, an HDMI socket, and even a sub output.
- Built-in Phono Stage
The Fives will even allow you to use an external phono preamp using its phono analog input. Nonetheless, it also has a built-in phono stage.
You can choose between a black or a walnut cabinet, but the walnut option is significantly more expensive.
Pros:
- Has a wide range of connectivity options
- Bass heavy
- With a built-in phono preamp
- Elegant and compact design
- Includes remote control
Cons:
- Bass could be too much for some people
- Additional cost for the walnut cabinet option
4. Edifier S1000MKII Audiophile Speaker
Edifier first operated in Beijing, China, in 1996. Fourteen years after its inception, Edifier became the first brand that gained a national trademark because of its strategy implementation. As of now, Edifier has 23 overseas companies, 56 warehouses, and more than 200 affiliated distribution centers around the globe.
Surely, Edifier wouldn’t reach the pinnacle of success if it did not have groundbreaking and highly-competitive products in the first place. To show you just how much they know about this field, here’s their widely sought-after S1000MKII Audiophile Speaker.
Review
The S1000MKII is a hi-fi speaker that will impress every audio enthusiast worth their salt. It eliminates noise and distortion often created by unstable digital music sources.
This product uses a class D amplifier to reduce distortion and allow you to increase the music volume without sacrificing the audiophile sound quality.
- Versatile Connectivity
It utilizes multiple audio inputs to make everything so much more convenient for you. You can simultaneously connect the coaxial, aux, and optical inputs. Also, you can switch between these connections on command using the wireless remote.
This speaker also has Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX HD decoding to expand its connection options further. This caliber of wireless connectivity ensures that the digital audio input is as stable as it gets.
However, the Bluetooth connectivity is only between a mobile gadget and the speaker set, as one of the speakers connects passively. This means both speakers must be connected using a single cable, limiting your setup options.
- Digital Sound Processing
The S1000MKII also uses Digital Sound Processing (DSP). This feature allows you up to 120 watts of amplifier power, producing nothing but rich and powerful sound.
It has a reasonably broad frequency response. On the lower range of frequencies, it can deliver a deep bass sound reaching down to 48Hz or -4dB.
- Affordable Yet Sturdy
This mid range speaker is an excellent option if you’re on a tight budget. The sturdy construction and sound quality undoubtedly make it worth the price.
Edifier believes in the quality of its products. That’s why this pair of bookshelf speakers come with a 2-year warranty for the parts. You also get a 2-year labor warranty if you reside in the USA and Canada.
Pros:
- Reduces distortion
- Wide frequency range
- Multiple wired and wireless connectivity features
- Deep bass
- With remote control
Con:
- Fairly heavy (40 pounds)
5. Edifier R1280DBs Bluetooth Speaker
The last contender we have on this list is another product from Edifier. Some people trying to improve their turntable setups may not have the luxury of spending thousands of dollars on a pair of speakers. Nonetheless, we still want our sound system to be of pretty decent quality and to look rather good.
Edifier solves our problems with the R1280DBs. This budget speaker will certainly enhance the visual appeal of your vinyl setup. It ensures you still have great audio quality while preventing you from breaking the bank.
Review
Despite being below the $200 price point, the R1280DBs Bluetooth Speaker is well-built. It even reaches the point where it looks more expensive than average or pricier speakers.
- High-end Bluetooth
The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair the speaker with your digital devices, eliminating the need for messy cables. Moreover, the built-in Bluetooth feature is the 5.0 version, which Edifier uses for many of its R-series speakers. Just like the highly-regarded R2000DB, the R1280DBs’ Bluetooth connectivity is as stable as it can get.
- Stable Wired Options
Nonetheless, if you prefer wired connections or your turntable does not have Bluetooth, you can use the optical and coaxial inputs instead.
You can also switch between these connections using the remote control included in the package. This remote control allows you to adjust the volume, bass, and treble outputs.
Nevertheless, there are also knobs or dials on the side panels for adjusting the treble, bass, volume, and input.
- No Sound Distortions
The speaker includes a 13mm dome tweeter and a 4-inch subwoofer, powered continuously at 42W, guaranteeing that there are no distortions in the sound output.
The only drawback we saw (or heard) from this is that, because of the small subwoofer, it can’t deliver a deep bass sound, but hey, for its price, it’s an acceptable trade-off.
- Timeless Appearance
The cabinet is made with medium-density fibreboards finished in a classic wooden style.
If you want a sleeker design, you can attach the removable mesh grill to cover the cone heads. This also allows you to clean the speaker with a dry cloth.
Pros:
- Affordable price (cheapest unit on this list)
- Multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.0
- Versatile remote control
- Sleek design
Cons:
- Not as loud as most of the speakers on this list
- Bass frequency is not as deep
Read also: QSC vs EV Powered Speakers
Which Powered Speakers Are Best for Turntables?
We’ve finally reached the final part of this review, where we decide what’s the best powered speakers for turntables.
After carefully considering all the products’ features, we’ve determined that the best overall pick is the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speaker. It’s packed with everything you’d look for in a turntable speaker. Furthermore, Audioengine even gives you the option to opt out of Bluetooth connectivity if you’re looking to save money.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for an average speaker below $200, the Edifier R1280DBs Bluetooth Speaker is definitely worth a look. It’s an excellent option if you’re not into overemphasized bass outputs anyway.
Lastly, if you have thousands of dollars to spend on a turntable speaker, be sure to check out the KEF LS50 Wireless II. It’s one of the best speakers for turntable enthusiasts who are really trying to bring their vinyl setup to a whole new level.
