The best speakers for vinyl in 2024: Expert recommended

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

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 

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

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

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

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