The best speakers for vinyl in 2024: Expert recommended
Now that daylight saving has come to an end, nights will be cooler and longer for the rest of the year—meaning it’s time to cozy up inside and listen to your favorite music. Vinyl has made a comeback in a big way (though to be honest, it never really left). As tech experts and music lovers know, nothing compares to listening to vinyl; the rich, clear, and decompressed sounds seem to make the music resonate more deeply than it would played from another medium.
Also: Everything you need for a vinyl setup
But not all speakers were created equal, and not all speakers were created for vinyl. Experts and enthusiasts agree that the best speakers for listening to vinyl have specialized features, including multiple inputs, built-in phono preamps, and silk dome tweeters to ensure your records sound as crisp as possible. Impress your loved ones or enjoy your music solo with the best speakers for listening to vinyl.
What are the best speakers for vinyl right now?
As a vinyl enthusiast 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 due to 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
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PSB Alpha iQ
Best speakers for vinyl overall
The standout feature of the PSB Alpha iQ speakers is their built-in phono preamp. Since vintage record players don’t have a built-in phono preamp, you typically need a receiver to act as the preamp. If you have an older record player, these speakers eliminate the need for a receiver.
While the Alpha iQ speakers are lauded for being ideal for a vintage setup, verified customers said also they loved the modern features like Bluetooth connectivity and Apple AirPlay technology to listen digitally. A handy companion app called BluOS lets you select the audio output, customize EQ settings, and connect to streaming services like Spotify. BluOS is a multi-room streaming platform that allows you to listen to vinyl through other BluOS-powered devices (like speakers from Bluesound and other makers).
These bookshelf speakers can reach 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 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 I could switch quickly between listening to vinyl and 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
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Paradigm Monitor SE Atom
Best speakers for vinyl design
These bookshelf speakers provide a clear and balanced sound thanks to the tweeters’ pure aluminum dome design, which blocks out unwanted frequencies. They can also be raised with a speaker stand (sold separately) to enhance their sound.
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, primarily because 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 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 shine when paired with other Paradigm devices.
Paradigm Monitor SE tech specs: Type: Bookshelf/tweeter | Power: Up to 100W | Inputs: Binding post | Frequency: 61-21k Hz ±3dB
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Kanto YU6
Best versatile speakers for vinyl
If you want speakers that can play podcasts in addition to your favorite records, the Kanto YU6 bookshelf speakers could be your best bet. Their versatility lies in their input options: AUX, RCA with Phono, optical, and Bluetooth, meaning you can use them for pretty much any setup.
An included remote control also allows for adjustments to the volume, input, tone, and balance to better fine-tune your listening experience. Plus, they come in various colors including red, white, bamboo, and black for every aesthetic.
Review: Kanto YU6
ZDNET contributor Jack Wallen tested these speakers and said they exceeded his expectations. “The clarity (even at louder levels) was incredible,” he wrote in his review. And, with the help of the remote, I could add a bit more bass or treble as needed.”
Reddit users recommend these speakers for audiophiles on a budget since they “sound fantastic for the price and have a ton of connections if you’re not going through a receiver.”
Kanto YU6 tech specs: Type: Bookshelf/tweeter | Power: Up to 100W | Inputs: 3.5mm mini-jack AUX, RCA with Phono Switch, 1x Optical (TOSLINK), Bluetooth 4.0 with Qualcomm® aptX | Frequency: 50Hz – 20kHz
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Edifier R1280DB
Best budget speakers for vinyl
For a more budget-friendly option, the Edifier R1280DB speakers are a great set at just $150. One Reddit user said 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 can also 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
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Sonos Five
Best speakers for vinyl for a smart home
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.
Also: The top Sonos speakers: One, Arc, Beam, and more compared
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 looking to build a vinyl setup.
In addition, you can pair two Sonos Five speakers together for even more immersive sound—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
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Triangle Borea BR08
Best floor-standing speakers for vinyl
While all the other vinyl speakers listed above are bookshelf speakers, these floor-standing speakers might be the perfect statement piece. The Triangle Borea BR08 floor-standing speakers tower is just over three feet high and can fill a room with sound ranging from 65 to 131 square feet, making it 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 the layered and cohesive sound blew them away.
Triangle Borea BR08 tech specs: Type: Floor-standing | Power: 150W | Inputs: N/A | Frequency: 40Hz-22kHz
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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 |
|
Kanto YU6 |
$480 |
50Hz – 20kHz |
100W |
|
Edifier R1280DB |
$150 |
55Hz-20kHz |
42W |
|
Sonos Five |
$550 |
50Hz-60Hz |
120W |
|
Triangle Borea BR08 |
$549 |
40Hz – 22kHz |
150W |
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. |
|
Kanto YU6 |
A pair of versatile speakers that can connect to almost any setup. They come with an included remote to fine-tune the 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. |
Choosing the best speakers for vinyl is essential since they will ultimately determine how your music sounds. Ultimately, it comes 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.
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 put extensive research into different products and brands, taking into consideration user reviews (both good and bad), competitor analysis, and more.
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.
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
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.
Bluetooth speakers will only work if you have a Bluetooth turntable. If you opt for this route, you’ll be able to use more speaker options, but keep in mind you might not get as good of sound as wired speakers.
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.
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:
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:
ZDNET sourced an external industry expert for this article. Here is more information about him:
- Andy Fraser: A musician for over 20 years who also teaches music, and the owner of Guitar Inside Out, an advice blog about guitars.
