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The best speakers for vinyl you can buy: Expert recommended
There's nothing like the crisp and crackling sound of listening to vinyl. The warm, analog sound of a vinyl record is something you don't get with any other audio medium, not even the high-quality Dolby Atmos songs on your Apple Music playlist.
Also: Everything you need for a vinyl setup
However, to get the complete vinyl listening experience, you need the right speakers, and not just any speakers will do. The best speakers for vinyl have multiple inputs, built-in phono preamps, silk dome tweeters, and other standout features to make your records sound how they were made to be experienced. Not all speakers are created equal, and some were made specifically for listening to vinyl.
What are the best speakers for vinyl right now?
As a vinyl enthusiast myself with a vintage setup, I combined my own hands-on experience, expert recommendations from music industry professionals, and extensive research to choose the best speakers for vinyl. My pick for the best vinyl speakers overall is the PSB Alpha iQ speakers because of their built-in phono preamp, crisp and loud sound, and EQ customizations. We also included speakers from brands like Paradigm, Edifier, Sonos, and more so your vinyl collection sounds the way it should.
Also: The best Bluetooth turntables
The best speakers for vinyl in 2024
- Built-in phono preamp
- Useful BluOS app for EQ customizations
- Crisp and loud sound
- Expensive
The standout thing about the PSB Alpha iQ speakers is that they have a built-in phono preamp. Since vintage record players don't have a phono preamp built in, you need a receiver to act as the preamp. If you have an older record player, these speakers eliminate the need for a receiver.
Although the Alpha iQ speakers are ideal for a vintage setup, verified customers said they ultimately chose these speakers because of their modern features like Bluetooth connectivity and Apple AirPlay technology to listen digitally. A handy companion app called BluOS lets you choose the audio output, customize EQ settings, and connect to streaming services like Spotify. BluOS is a multi-room streaming platform that also allows you to listen to vinyl through other BluOS powered devices (like speakers from Bluesound and other makers).
These bookshelf speakers get up to 180W of peak power (the most power on this list) and have a frequency response of 60 Hz - 20 kHz. The drivers are 4-inch mid-bass drivers paired with .75-inch aluminum dome tweeters -- meaning great sound quality for such a compact speaker.
I tested these speakers with my vintage setup and was loved their full bass response and transparent sound. While not as room-filling as my floor-standing vintage Technics speakers, vinyl records sound crisp with the Aplha IQs. It was easy to set these speakers up and connect them, and switch quickly between listening to vinyl and listening to one of my Spotify playlists.
PSB Alpha iQ specs: Type: Bookshelf | Power: 180W | Inputs: AUX, HDMI ARC port, Phono, Bluetooth | Frequency: 60 Hz-20 kHz
- Relatively affordable
- Quality build
- Compact size
- Lacking a bit in mid-range sound
- No subwoofer
These bookshelf speakers provide a clear and balanced sound thanks to the pure aluminum dome design of the tweeters, which block out unwanted frequencies. They can also be raised with a speaker stand (sold separately) to further enhance their sound in a room.
Andy Fraser, a musician for over 15 years and the owner of Guitar Inside Out, praises the Paradigm Monitor SE series for their well-built design, especially since Paradigm builds all its speakers in-house.
"The attention to detail and quality can be clearly seen in the construction and assembly," Fraser said. "But more importantly, they sound great and so realistic. For someone like me who really focuses on the instruments, you can hear the musicianship and skill of every instrument being played."
You can also opt to pair these speakers with other models in the Paradigm Monitor SE lineup, such as the Monitor SE 2000C Center Channel speaker. Reddit users say that these speakers really shine when paired with other Paradigm devices.
Paradigm Monitor SE tech specs: Type: Bookshelf/tweeter | Power: Up to 100W | Inputs: Binding post | Frequency response: 61-21k Hz ±3dB
- Great price
- Easily control volume and EQ with knobs on speakers
- Plenty of connectivity options
- Lower power packs less of a punch
For a more budget-friendly set of turntable speakers, the Edifier R1280DB speakers are a great option at just $150. One Reddit user said that these speakers "are nearly unmatched in quality for their price," and make a solid option for a minimalist setup.
These bookshelf speakers have numerous connections: RCA, Bluetooth, auxiliary, optical, and coaxial. There is also an included remote control, but you shouldn't need it as often since you can adjust the equalization of treble and bass on the side panel knobs.
The Edifier R1280DB speakers have 4-inch bass drivers and a 13mm silk dome tweeter. And, while the overall power is lower than other options (42 watts for both speakers), the sound quality is still good for the price.
Edifier R1280DB tech specs: Type: Bookshelf | Power: 42W | Input: RCA and Bluetooth | Frequency: 55Hz-20KHz
- Smart home compatible
- Trueplay technology
- Six custom-designed drivers
- Expensive for just one speaker (it will cost you even more if you want a pair)
- Truplay only works with iOS
If you want something smart home-friendly with superb sound quality, the Sonos Five is an excellent speaker compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control.
You can also easily control the bass, treble, and loudness through the Sonos App or Apple AirPlay 2. Sonos' Trueplay technology puts the speaker-tuning capability in your hands to adapt and optimize the speaker to a room's unique acoustics.
The Sonos Five speaker packs quite the punch into just one speaker. It has six Class-D digital amplifiers tuned to match the six dedicated speaker drivers, which include three 23mm tweeters and three 4-inch mid-woofers. One Reddit user said that the Sonos Five speaker is "definitely a versatile and easy way to get into vinyl" for those that are looking to build out a vinyl setup.
Also: The top Sonos speakers: One, Arc, Beam, and more compared
In addition, you can pair two Sonos Five speakers together for even more immersive sound—just keep in mind one speaker alone will cost you $549.
Sonos Five tech specs: Type: All-in-one | Power: 120W | Inputs: Bluetooth, 3.5mm audio| Frequency: 50-60Hz
- Great sound quality in highs, mids, and lows
- Solid build
- Best for larger rooms
- Expensive for just one speaker, and you'll need two for full sound
While all the vinyl speakers above are bookshelf speakers, you might want something that makes a statement, like floor-standing speakers. The Triangle Borea BR08 floor-standing speakers tower at just over three feet and can fill a room with sound ranging from 65-131 square feet, making them the perfect option for larger rooms or homes.
These speakers have four drivers, a 25mm EFS silk dome tweets, and a 16cm midrange. Their three-way configuration diffuses all frequencies without interference between the transducers, producing clear voices and instruments.
You'll have to shell out well over $1,000 to get this pair of turntable speakers, but when you have both for your vinyl setup, verified Amazon customers say that they were blown away by the layered and cohesive sound.
Triangle Borea BR08 tech specs: Type: Floor-standing | Power: 150W | Inputs: N/A | Frequency: 40Hz-22kHz
What are the best speakers for vinyl?
The best speakers for vinyl are the PSB Alpha iQ speakers based on sound quality, price, and power. However, these speakers would also be a great addition to any vinyl setup.
Speaker | Price | Frequency response | Power |
PSB Alpha iQ | $1,299 | 60Hz-20kHz | 180W |
Paradigm Monitor SE Atom | $300 | 61-21k Hz ±3dB | 100W |
Edifier R1280DB | $150 | 55Hz-20kHz | 42W |
Sonos Five | $550 | 50Hz-60Hz | 120W |
Triangle Borea BR08 | $549 | 40Hz – 22kHz | 150W |
Which speakers for vinyl are right for you?
It really depends on what your current vinyl setup looks like. If you have a vintage record player, the PSB Alpha iQ or the Triangle Borea BR08 would make for great speakers.
Newer turntables would pair well with the Sonos Five, Paradigm Monitor SE Atom, or the Edifier R1280DB.
Choose these speakers... | If you want... |
PSB Alpha iQ | The best overall option. They have built-in phono preamp for a vintage vinyl setup, and an app for EQ customizations. |
Paradigm Monitor SE Atom | A well-designed pair of speakers for vinyl. These bookshelf speakers provide a clear and balanced sound. |
Edifier R1280DB | Budget-friendly speakers for vinyl. These bookshelf speakers have numerous connections: RCA, Bluetooth, auxiliary, optical, and coaxial. |
Sonos Five | Speakers for vinyl that are compatible with your smart home devices. You can also easily control the bass, treble, and loudness through the Sonos App or Apple AirPlay 2. |
Triangle Borea BR08 | Floor-standing speakers for vinyl. These speakers tower at just over three feet and can fill a room with sound ranging from 65-131 square feet. |
Factors to consider when choosing the best speakers for vinyl:
Choosing the best speakers for vinyl is essential since they will ultimately determine how your music sounds. Ultimately, it came down to the following factors:
- Power: This refers to the maximum power a speaker can handle without causing damage. The higher the wattage, the better and louder the speakers usually sound.
- Frequency: A speaker's frequency response is measured in hertz and represents how well it can reproduce the audible range of sound. Most speakers are capable of responding from around 45-20,000 Hz.
- Inputs: Consider speakers that offer different kinds of inputs so you can have options for how you want to listen to your music and vinyl collection. Speakers for vinyl usually have RCA inputs.
- Pricing: Speakers for vinyl greatly range in price depending on the brand, quality, and overall sound. They typically range from $150 a pair up to splurge-worthy setups costing $700 per pair.
How did we choose these speakers for vinyl?
When choosing the best speakers for vinyl, I considered my own experience with some of the products and my knowledge of vinyl and building out a vinyl listening setup, as well as spoke to music industry experts on their take of what the best speakers are.
For products we have not gone hands-on with, we do, extensive research into different products and brands, taking into consideration user reviews (both good and bad), competitor analysis, and more.
How do you get the best sound for your vinyl?
Getting the best sound quality out of your vinyl collection is more than just having the best speakers for vinyl. Here are some tips to truly level up your listening experience:
- Make sure your turntable is level.
- Make sure your turntable's cartridge and stylus are working correctly, and if necessary, replace or upgrade them.
- Store your records correctly—vertically, not horizontally!
- Clean your records every so often.
What is a frequency response?
Frequency response determines how well and clearly a sound can be reproduced by the speakers. It is measured in hertz (Hz). Look for a wider frequency response, especially close to 20Hz - 20,000kHz.
Also: The best sound systems
Why does my vinyl sound fuzzy?
A fuzzy or muffled noise when playing a vinyl record isn't the speakers' fault, but a problem with a turntable's stylus. The stylus is most likely damaged or worn down. To fix this issue, first try cleaning the stylus from dust with a small brush to see if that solves it. If it still sounds fuzzy, you should replace the stylus with a new one.
What is the best record player?
The best record player for listening to vinyl is the Audio-Technica LP120, but we also recommend the Fluance RT81 Elite or the Pro-Ject Phono SB.
Try to avoid Crosley Cruiser Turntable models since they are known to ruin your records. However, higher-end Crosley turntables are still a decent option you can look into.
Are there alternative speakers for vinyl worth considering?
There are plenty of other quality speakers on the market that would make great speakers for vinyl. Here are a few other options to look into: