If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the vinyl resurgence, it is that there’s a legion of music enthusiasts who need the music to be tangible and look for a sense of impermanence in music that the digital simply can’t offer.
If you’re one of those music listeners who need to touch, feel, and admire a record, here are the best speakers you can pair with your turntable to enhance the beauty of your vinyl collection.
Quick recommendations
After listening to an extensive range of speakers, I think the KEF LS50 Meta is the best option for most record player setups.
Great for casual as much as critical listening, this bookshelf speaker’s transparent sound signature will please even the most demanding record collectors at a price that’s surprisingly reasonable for what you get.
If you’re on a budget, the Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2 offers a vibrant and smooth sonic experience with a touch of warmth that’ll enhance the characteristics of your turntable.
Finally, if you’re into floor-standers, I strongly recommend you try the Wharfedale Evo4.4. Powerful, accurate, and beautiful to look at, this tower speaker is revealing without sounding too analytical: a joy for the ears.
Contents
Use these jump links to navigate to the desired section of the review.
Why you should trust me
I am an audiophile and audio engineer with over 10 years of experience in the music industry.
Whether I use my hi-fi equipment for deep-listening sessions or to enjoy my record collection, my ears always focus on the quality of frequency response across the spectrum, which is something I always consider when testing speakers of all levels.
For years, I’ve been reviewing bookshelf and floor-standing speakers that offer great value for money, hoping to provide analog music enthusiasts of all levels with the information necessary to enjoy their record collection in the best possible way.
How I chose the speakers for this list
You might recognize some of the speakers from my previous articles on the best bookshelf speakers or other reviews, and that’s because these speakers notoriously offer excellent value for money.
With this article, I tried to offer a wider overview of great speakers ranging from entry-level to professional, that’ll hopefully satisfy the needs of both amateurs and experienced audiophiles who want to pair their turntable with the best speakers out there.
In short, here’s what I looked for:
- Sound quality: It should be accurate, immersive, and balanced across genres.
- Ease of use: Simple setup and user-friendly customization options for everyone.
- Compatibility: A speaker should work well with all vinyl players and include multiple connectivity options.
- Size: Here you’ll find both bookshelf and floor-standing speakers.
- Price: Options for every budget, with a focus on value for money.
- Extras: Features like Bluetooth and sound personalization options are a big plus these days.
Here are the five speakers I recommend for most record player setups:
- Best overall: KEF LS50 Meta
- Best budget: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
- Best floor-stander: Wharfedale Evo4.4
- Best wireless: Fluance Ai81
- Best at $1000: Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3
Also, check out the Honorable mentions for speakers that didn’t make my best list but are worth checking out.
Best overall: KEF LS50 Meta
- Tweeter: 1″
- Woofer: 5.25″
- Frequency response: 79 Hz to 28 kHz
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Sensitivity: 85 dB
- Bluetooth: No
Just like many others, I’m a huge fan of the incredible LS50 Meta: built to last a lifetime, with a unique sound texture that is rich and detailed, KEF’s bookshelf speaker sets the bar really high when it comes to speakers for record players.
The vented aluminum dome tweeter and the magnesium-aluminum alloy cone woofer blend magnificently to create an enveloping soundscape that’s transparent and defined, with depth that can only be upgraded with an equally excellent subwoofer, like the iconic KEF KC62.
Making the most of KEF’s patented technologies, like Metamaterial Absorption Technology and the carefully-designed cabinet, the LS50 Meta can be an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced analog music lovers.
Read my full KEF LS50 Meta review for more information and test results.
What I like
- Unsurpassed sound quality at this price.
- Excellent build quality.
- Elegant design.
What I don’t like
- Fans of bass-heavy music might want to add a sub.
Best budget: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
- Tweeter: 1″
- Woofer: 5.25″
- Frequency response: 46 Hz to 35 kHz
- Impedance: 6 ohms
- Sensitivity: 86 dB
- Bluetooth: No
There’s something magical about the Elac B5.2. Widely renowned as one of the best budget-friendly speakers on the market, this bookshelf speaker has nothing to do with entry-level except its price.
The sound coming out of a pair of Debut 2.0 B5.2 is warm and detailed in such a way that it makes every record sound timeless.
The purity of analog music is magnified by the careful blend of frequencies, pristinely reproduced by the speaker. From subtle transients to powerful crescendos, everything reaches your ears with impressive clarity and perfect sound imaging.
In summary, if you have $300 to spare, look no further than the Elac B5.2: it’ll take your analog sound system to a whole new level.
Read my full Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2 review for more information and test results.
What I like
- Warm, detailed sound that makes records timeless.
- Affordable.
What I don’t like
- A subwoofer might be needed depending on the music genre reproduced.
Best floor-stander: Wharfedale Evo4.4
- Tweeter: 1.2″
- Midrange: 2″
- Woofers: 6.5″
- Frequency response: 40 Hz to 22 kHz
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Sensitivity: 89 dB
- Bluetooth: No
When it comes to floor-standing speakers, there are very few that offer the same level of refinement, articulation and clarity as the Wharfedale Evo4.4.
The iconic manufacturer has released many exceptional products since its inception in 1932, but the premium Evo4.4 is a perfect mix of craftsmanship and technology that might impress even the most seasoned vinyl enthusiast.
The authority and energy reproduced by the Evo4.4 goes hand in hand with the subtle nuances and transients magnified by the speaker.
The soundstage feels cohesive and balanced, tending towards a neutral representation but with enough coloration to create a unique, immersive texture.
The black woven kevlar gives lower frequencies, depth, and articulation, while the excellent dome midrange further highlights the energy of every composition reproduced.
The Wharfedale Evo4.4 is a floor-stander that delivers a refined, immersive sound that you’ll never get bored of at a more than reasonable price.
Read my full Wharfedale Evo4.4 review for more information and test results.
What I like
- Engaging listening experience.
- Clarity across the entire frequency spectrum.
What I don’t like
- Not for small environments.
Best wireless: Fluance Ai81
- Tweeter: 1″
- Woofers: 6.5″
- Frequency response: 30 Hz to 20 kHz
- Power: 150 W
- Bluetooth: Yes, 5.0
For a long time, I was skeptical about powered speakers, and especially powered floor-standers. That was until I got my hands on the amazing Fluance Ai81.
Now, I must admit, this wireless speaker can be a great option for vinyl collectors who value simplicity but still want a great-sounding floor-stander.
This two-way, three-driver powered speaker comes with two 6.5-inch woven glass fiber drivers that can reach as low as 30 Hz, complemented by a 1-inch neodymium tweeter that brings to life a vibrant and spacious soundstage.
Bluetooth and analog connectivities are spot-on across all devices, whether you connect it to your TV, tablet, or turntable, which makes it a great option for those who want a pair of multi-purpose speakers.
At roughly $500 a pair, the Fluance Ai81 is a bargain and undoubtedly the best wireless floor-standing speaker you can get at this price.
But it’s not all bells and whistles: audiophiles won’t appreciate the coloration or the blurry spatial imaging, and there’s some perceived vibration on the high-end, too, something I haven’t noticed in other Fluance models.
Still, for the casual listener, this is fantastic value for money.
What I like
- Affordable.
- Super-intuitive.
- Versatile.
What I don’t like
- Not for demanding audiophiles.
Best at $1000: Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3
- Tweeter: 1″
- Woofer: 6.5″
- Frequency response: 52 Hz to 28 kHz
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Sensitivity: 88 dB
- Bluetooth: No
If you’re obsessed with total acoustic clarity when listening to your vinyl records, I’d definitely recommend a pair of B&W 606 S3 to upgrade your listening experience.
The 600 Series by Bowers & Wilkins has been a household name in the world of high-fidelity sound, and the evolution of the already excellent S2 takes sound transparency and depth to a whole new level.
The Continuum cone driver and Double Dome aluminum tweeter bring to life a powerful, immersive soundstage untouched by unnecessary artifacts.
Despite the coloration-free experience, the speakers offer an enveloping reproduction where clarity and detail reign supreme.
I can imagine this bookshelf speaker as being a dream for audiophiles or audio engineers who value transparency above all.
However, for those who are into long listening sessions, I’d suggest speakers with a smoother and warmer sound signature, like the aforementioned Elac B5.2 or Fluance Ai81.
Read my full Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 review for more information and test results.
What I like
- Transparent, rich sound.
- Superb build quality.
What I don’t like
- Too analytical at times.
Honorable mentions
Although they didn’t make it into my top five, here are three other speakers that can greatly enhance the quality of your vinyl collection with high-quality and accurate sound.
These are exceptional speakers I’ve talked about in other articles, and I think they’re valid options if they fit within your budget.
- Sony SS-CS5. This 3-way, 3-driver bookshelf speaker has always been among my favorites, not because it offers the best sound but because it provides great value for money. You can get a pair of SS-CS5 for less than $200, which makes them an excellent option for music enthusiasts on a budget.
- Klipsch RP-600M. This speaker represents a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and acoustic craftsmanship. Everything about it is designed to create an enhanced listening experience, and the result is a speaker that perfectly reproduces the energy, color, and nuances of every composition.
- Q Acoustics 3050i. This two-way floor-stander sounds much more balanced and refined than its predecessor, which tended to enhance lower frequencies, sacrificing midrange detail. The new 3050i delivers an excellent soundstage with a crisp and accurate texture that’ll impress heavy bass enthusiasts as much as classical music lovers.
Recent updates
- April 11, 2024: I’ve replaced the B&W 606 S2 with the newer 606 S3 as the “Best at $1000” pick. The refreshed 606 takes transparency and depth to a whole new level.
- April 10, 2024: I’ve added a Quick recommendations section and explained the picking criteria in more detail. I’ve also moved the Klipsch RP-600M to the Honorable mentions.
- April 9, 2024: I’ve added the Fluance Ai81 as the “Best wireless” pick. At just around $500, it’s a great value for those new to the vinyl game.
- February 2, 2024: I’ve made minor changes to the article structure and updated the text for better readability and user experience.
- December 15, 2023: I’ve verified the accuracy of picks. The Elac B5.2 is now my “Best budget” pick. No other changes in recommendations.
- August 9, 2023: I published the original selection of best options based on my experience using the speakers in different setups.
Final thoughts
There are so many other great speakers to pair with a turntable! Yet I believe these are the ones that can truly upgrade your audio system and bring your record collection to life.
Do let me know in the comments below if you think I forgot to mention some unmissable speakers, and I’ll give them a shot for the next article update.
Happy listening!
