Top 10 Best Speakers for a Record Player of 2021

In the last few years, record players have made a huge comeback! Many people are now finding vinyl and record players to be of great value for the audio industry and are in need for a speaker that will up their audio playback experience.

In this guide, we are going to take a look at the best speakers for a record player so that you can get one for yourself. Whether you have an unlimited budget for your audio system or you’re on a tight budget, in this list, you’re going to find all kinds of options that may suit your needs best.

List of Best Speakers for a Record Player

1. JBL Charge 4 – Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Portable speakers have upped the game for turntables these days. The JBL Charge 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speakers are an incredible option for record players and it outshines most of the high-end speakers in the market.

Now you can take your record players to a campsite or even a beach accompanied by the best speakers you can look for.

Features: The JBL Charge 4 is highly versatile and can be used with all kinds of record players and not just the Bluetooth ones. And since the speaker is waterproof, now you won’t have to worry about it getting damaged in the rain or near the beach.

The manufacturing quality and overall construction is very rugged and durable. Don’t expect it to get damaged for a very long time. We also loved the battery timing which can last up to 20-hours once the speaker has been charged completely.

The sound quality is good for listening outdoors but we would say it could have been improved. The high frequencies are full of distortion while there is massive resonance interruption throughout the playback.

If you are looking for a speaker with lots of connectivity options then JBL 4 is a good choice. It comes with Bluetooth connectivity so you can conveniently connect your record player with the speaker when you’re out of the house. Though this speaker isn’t the most commendable bookshelf speaker option but it does make for a very good travel companion.

Bottom line:

The JBL Charge 4 – Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a really good Bluetooth speaker for outdoors and traveling. It’s highly portable and massively durable which makes it a good option.

2. Polk Audio T15 – 100 Watt Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers

Looking for an affordable speaker option that doesn’t cost a lot and offers decent sound quality then you might want to check out the Polk Audio T15 Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers.

These are a very economical set of speakers for listening to your favorite vinyl records and trust us when we say; you won’t be disappointed by your purchase.

Polk Audio is a massive contributor in the world of audio equipment. Their speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers deliver topnotch performance so they are always a safe brand to bet with.

Features: The Polk Audio T15 Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers comes under the price radar of $100. Though you aren’t really getting high-end tech in this price but even for a small amount, we found quality and standard in the audio playback.

The speakers feature a silk tweeter and it comes with a Dynamic Balance Technology by Polk Audio that splits frequencies appropriately and delivers a sonic performance. We also found these speakers to be highly resistant against vibrations and distortions. They produce a fine tune with very less distortion and no apparent interruption by the vibrations caused by bass response.

The overall bass is good enough for the price however if you want a bigger response, it won’t hurt to pair the speaker up with a subwoofer.

Bottom line:

The Polk Audio T15 100 Watt Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers are an incredible option for people who love listening to their records but also don’t want to spend too much money. The speakers are backed by a 3-year warranty so your money is safe.

3. ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 Bookshelf Speakers

The ELAC Debut 2.0 Bookshelf Speakers are a budget-friendly purchase that is really going to make your record player sing. These are a highly dynamic set of speakers at this price point, capable of producing all sorts of music, no matter what frequency you plan to throw at them.

The best part is, the ELAC Debut 2.0 Bookshelf Speakers are extremely versatile. If you plan on using them with a high-end system, the speakers are going to sound even better with that.

Features: The Debut 2.0 Bookshelf Speakers create a very well-balanced sound and work magically with record players. We do have some reservations with the mid-ranges as they do not sound as warm as they do on other speakers but still, the overall sound production is impeccable and it makes each and every recording sound really good.

ELAC has a massive experience in coming up with high-quality speakers and that shows in this model. These are also the best turntable speakers you can get for an affordable price. The sweet sounding and versatile speakers will make sure you have an amazing time listening to all your favorite recordings.

The construction quality and design is also topnotch. The ELAC Debut 2.0 Bookshelf Speakers also effectively resist vibrations and produce resonance free audio.

Bottom line:

Looking for affordable speakers for record players that is going to make all your music and recordings sound better? Go for the ELAC Debut 2.0 Bookshelf Speakers. They are extremely affordable and offer great functionality for the price.

4. Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System

The next product in line is the Sony SSCS5 3-Way Bookshelf Speaker System that offers commendable performance. The price tag of this speaker is a bit higher as compared to the other models on this list so only go for this one if you have money to splurge.

This is a versatile speaker set that happen to be the best bookshelf speakers you can ever find.

Features: The Sony SSCS5 3-Way Bookshelf Speaker System are a newly upgraded speakers that feature woofer, a tweeter and a super tweeter combination which delivers impeccable sound quality. The woofer is mated with a Mica Reinforced Cellular cone with composite diaphragm that boosts bass frequencies drastically. The size of the woofer is very compact yet it delivers impeccable bass as compared to most of the speakers.

Sony has finely tuned the tweeters in these speakers to optimize definition. The speakers have a very efficient design that absorbs all kinds of vibrations and distortions omitting really well. You won’t have to worry about having to put up with distorted sound.

The enclosure comes in a ported design and is made out of wood for better resistance against resonances.

Bottom line:

The Sony SSCS5 3-Way Bookshelf Speaker System comes with some massive improvements and it is bound to take your breath away as soon as you turn it on.

The overall build quality, performance efficiency of these speakers is remarkable. It works very well for low and high-frequencies both. The speakers are also backed by a 3-year warranty.

5. Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Edifier Speakers have always been known for delivering exceptional sound quality, that too on a budget and that is when we saw the R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers and we knew they were going into the list of our recommendations.

The speakers hold a stellar rating on Amazon and are also among the bestsellers. The speakers produce high-quality sound to fill a medium sized room and come integrated with a powerful amplifier to pump up the bass as you go.

Features: The Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers are one of the most functional and easy to use record player speakers that we have seen on the market. The front panel of the speakers feature treble, bass and volume dial so you can easily access all of its features without having to put any extra pressure on yourself.

The speakers are also accompanied by a simple and easy to understand remote control so now you won’t have to worry about hovering over the speakers to control them anymore. You can conveniently adjust the volume or bass from afar.

The Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers also feature dual RCA inputs so you can use them between two sources simultaneously. We also loved the vintage woodgrain finish. The overall construction quality and design of the speakers will help them blend in your home environment conveniently.

Bottom line:

Have you been in search of high-quality and elegant looking speakers that produce phenomenal sound without the addition of foreign attachments? If so, then go for Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers.

They produce incredible bass on their own and offer a perfect audio listening experience.

6. Polk Audio T50 Home Theater Floor Standing Tower Speaker

In search for the most affordable speaker in the market? We bet you have heard about the topnotch Polk Audio T50 150watts Home Theater Floor Standing Tower Speaker.

We highly recommend this speaker for people who have enough space in their homes to accommodate a floorstanding speaker. A floorstanders offers better bass and frequency response rate as compared to bookshelf speakers. All you have to do is get them hooked with a powerful amp, a good turntable and you will have a massive sound stage at your hands.

Features: If you’re wondering that you will have to spend a good fortune to get the best floorstanding speakers then don’t worry because the Polk Audio T50 has got you covered. This speaker features four drivers, one mid, one tweeter and two bass radiators that look and sound incredible. It offers incredible value for your money and you are never going to be disappointed with how good it is going to sound with your record player.

The overall sound quality is pretty crisp and the bass is also heavy. If we compare both of these aspects to its more expensive counterparts then the overall sound quality and bass is much more than what we may have expected.

It comes in a black finish while the speaker grill is removable to give you a more customized finish.

Bottom line:

The Polk Audio T50 150 Watt Home Theater Floor Standing Tower Speaker is one of the best floorstanders in the market that offers impeccable performance. You’re going to love this speaker for its affordability and the fact that it offers great functionality.

7. Klipsch R-14M 4-Inch Reference Bookshelf Speakers

Since our last recommendation asked you to designate special large space for its accommodation, we understand that how not all of us have the luxury of bigger spaces to listen to our favorite music. So if you have limited space at hand then Klipsch R-14M 4-Inch Reference Bookshelf Speakers are everything you need.

Features: The overall design and size of these speakers is really compact so you won’t have any trouble finding a small space to fit them into.

The best part about Klipsch R-14M 4-Inch Reference Bookshelf Speakers is that even with small size, each speaker is capable of sustaining 50watts of energy per channel which is more than enough to fill a small to medium sized room with enigmatic music.

Both of these speakers are capable of acting as center, left or right channel speaker if you have bigger entertainment system installed in your home. We loved the remarkable sound quality these speakers produced for such a minimal price point and compact size.

The overall connectivity options are great. The easy to understand user manual gives you all the information you need for setting the speakers up. However, if you want more powerful bass, we suggest that you pair them up with a subwoofer for that purpose.

Bottom line:

The Klipsch R-14M 4-Inch Reference Bookshelf Speakers come at a reasonable price and in a compact size. The overall sound quality is perfect and they can act as all left, right and center channel speakers in a huge entertainment setup.

8. Audioengine A2 Plus – 60W Powered Desktop Speakers

In the last few years, portable turntables have gained a lot of popularity which in turn has created a target market that is always in search for high-quality yet portable speakers.

The Audioengine A2 Plus 60W Powered Desktop Speakers are a remarkable choice for this aspect. These are high quality speakers that produce impeccable sound from a relatively portable setup and look amazing while doing it.

Features: The Audioengine A2 Plus 60W Powered Desktop Speakers work best with mid and high-range frequencies, as expected so you can turn up the parties at your home to quite a notch.

What surprised us most was the bass performance. For small drivers and a compact size, the bass response was really impressive and enjoyable. We didn’t find the need to attach a foreign subwoofer with the speaker which we would call is an achievement for a small speaker set of its caliber.

The height of Audioengine A2 Plus 60W Powered Desktop Speakers is just 6inches and they weigh around 3lbs so you can easily take them out whenever and wherever you want. It also comes with several connectivity options so you can use it in a variety of ways instead of just pairing it up with your turntable.

Bottom line:

The Audioengine A2 Plus 60W Powered Desktop Speakers are one of the best portable speakers on the market. Whether you want to connect your record player or smartphone, the speakers can be used in a variety of ways and offer impeccable bass for small sized speakers.

9. JBL Arena B15 Black – Bookshelf & Surround Speaker

Most of the speakers that we have suggested so far come at very reasonable price points. Adding another name to that list, the JBL Arena B15 Black Bookshelf & Surround Speaker is another option that you can go for.

Features: The selling point of JBL Arena B15 is the fact that it features the popular high definition imaging wave-guide technology that its high-end counterpart, the Master Reference Monitor uses. That was a studio range model while this one can be conveniently used at home parties and outdoor camping events.

This is a 2-way speaker that features poly-cellulose woofer which is highly flexible and durable on a very optimized surface area accompanied by a soft dome tweeter.

Because of the relative crossover circuitry, the woofer and the dome tweeter work exceptionally well. You can use them in a large audio system or as standalone speakers easily. The performance efficiency of JBL Arena B15 is commendable and we were thrilled with the sound quality it produced.

The reason why it is said to be one of the bestselling speakers on Amazon is because it comes with a technology that is most found in high-end speakers. The powerful bass and great frequency response rate make JBL Arena B15 worth buying.

Bottom line:

We know how hard it is to find high-end tech in affordable speakers and that is why JBL Arena B15 Bookshelf & Surround Speakers landed on this list. We absolutely loved its overall functionality and the fact they can be used as standalone speakers with massive power make them worth buying.

10. Micca MB42 Bookshelf Speakers

The last model that we would like you to look into is the Micca MB42 Bookshelf Speakers. This is another affordable option that you’re really going to like.

Finding a distortion free compact size speaker for record players might have seemed impossible earlier but not anymore. Micca MB42 Bookshelf Speakers is a commendable choice in that regard. It comes with a various features on a reasonable price tag that makes it worth considering.

Features: The Micca MB42 Bookshelf Speakers come with carbon-fiber woofers that deliver impeccable bass response and are highly durable to withstand rigorous use. The woofer on this speaker is accompanied by a silk tweeter to deliver high-end frequencies impeccably.

For an affordable price point, we didn’t find any resonance in these speakers. The build quality is great and highly durable which keeps it making from unwanted noise through audio playback.

The Micca MB42 Bookshelf Speakers come in a very compact size and are really easy to setup. It has a decent frequency response rate of 60 Hz to 20 kHz which ensures you have balanced audio tracks playing out in your party.

However, one thing you need to keep in mind that these are passive speakers so you will need an amplifier to power them up. But, for people who love adjusting frequencies and trebles themselves, it would be a solid purchase.

Bottom line:

The Micca MB42 Bookshelf Speakers is a reasonably priced speaker that offers a lot of stunning features. It is highly recommended for people who are buying a speaker for the very first time and don’t want to regret their purchase.

Buyers Guide for Best Speakers for a Record Player

If you have come to the conclusion that it is finely time to get yourself speakers for the record player you adore so much then let our buyer’s guide be of service to you.

Buying speakers for record players simply means that your player doesn’t have inbuilt speakers or it does but they are not good enough. Inbuilt speakers are a good option but if you want topnotch sound quality then they are never going to satisfy your ears.

So, how do you choose speakers best for record players? Here are a few features you need to consider while you’re on the shopping spree.

Wireless or wired

If you want to go wireless and get rid of all the wires that trouble you then the very first thing you need to do is ensure your record player supports Bluetooth. We know this is pretty obvious but it is the first step to getting the best speakers.

Wireless speakers come in really handy but make sure the Bluetooth they feature is reliable and won’t disconnect over and over again.

And if you’re going for the wired option, just make sure that your wires fit and that your record player has an outlet that will connect it with the speakers.

Power

As far as the power of speakers is concerned, it will be measured in wattage and you will also find a term known as “SPL” that is measured in decibels. The sound pressure level is the maximum volume you can play consistently at without causing damage to the speakers.

Most of the above mentioned models are active speakers which mean they generate their own power and do not require an amp to do it for them. However, if you like tweaking up speakers yourself then going for passive speakers is another option to consider.

It will give you complete liberty regarding how much power would you like each speaker to sustain.

Frequency response

Every speaker comes with a frequency response rate which relates to the audio frequencies they can replicate. The high end of a frequency runs treble whereas at lower end you find bass. The more balanced a frequency response rate is, the better sound production will be.

Some speakers struggle with the lower frequency response rates which is bass. A human ear cannot hear below 40 kHz but some speakers struggle higher than this which leaves bass very empty and fake.

If you like listening to music with a deeper edge then you might want to consider speakers with better low frequency response rate.

Price point

One of the major things to set straight when buying speakers for record players is your budget. If you jump into the market with a budget of $50 then you are not going to go anywhere. Most of the good quality speakers available in the market start from a price point of around $60 to $70.

Decide your budget beforehand and then make a choice. Speakers for record players are usually very affordable and you will find a good option at the $100 threshold. But you will have to do your research thoroughly and compare several models with one another.

Some common FAQs regarding best speakers for a record player!

Answering some of the most commonly asked questions about speakers for record players below,

Are there special speakers that are needed for record players?

Not really. A record player can be connected to any speaker for that matter as long as both have the outlets for connectivity.

Do I need to invest in a good record player speaker from the very beginning?

That is completely up to you. If you have amount to splurge then you can easily go for a high end speaker but if you don’t have enough means then investing in a regular speaker can also be a good option.

Are built-in speakers in record players worth having?

Most of the inbuilt speakers in record players don’t offer good quality sound which is why people look for upgrades. If you have a record player with a good inbuilt speaker then maybe you can pair it up with an amplifier to pump your bass up.

Conclusion,

So, this is everything we had on the best speakers for a record player. We hope this article has been thoroughly helpful to you and now you will be able to make a choice that will prove to be of a lot of worth to you.

For any suggestions or recommendations in this regard, do let us know through your feedback below. We highly appreciate it.

Here are our top three choices for different budgets,

• For minimum budget – Polk Audio T50 Floor Standing Tower Speaker
• For medium budget – Klipsch R-14M 4-Inch Bookshelf Speakers
• For maximum budget – Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers