Best turntable speakers Buying Guide: the best turntable speakers you can buy in 2021.
Without speakers (or vinyl for that matter), your turntable is nothing but a pretty centrepiece, something to admire without actually being functional. Add a decent pair of speakers, however, and you’ve got the makings of a proper sound system.
The big question is: which speakers should you choose?
Before you start compiling a shortlist, you need to do your homework so you know what you are looking for. The vast majority of speakers will need to be partnered with a stereo amplifier that has a phono preamp (aka phono stage) built-in, so they’ll work with your turntable. If your amplifier doesn’t have a phono stage, you can always add an external one to your system.
If your deck has Bluetooth, though, you can wirelessly connect your record player to any Bluetooth speaker, be it a single unit or stereo pair. It’s a convenient way to connect, for sure, but perhaps not the best in terms of pure sound quality. It’s a trade-off of convenience versus sound quality – and only you can tell whether it’s one you’re happy to make.
Powered or active speakers have amplification built-in, but this still doesn’t get around the need for a phono stage in the chain. If you’re yet to buy your turntable, it’s worth thinking about getting one with a phono stage built-in. Also, make sure your active speakers have a volume control.
Right, that’s the technical advice out of the way. Now on with the turntable speakers!