Top Turntable Speakers for 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

Explore the best turntable speakers for 2025, ensuring a perfect audio experience for your vinyl collection.

What Speakers Should You Connect to Your Turntable?

When it comes to selecting speakers for your turntable, the truth is that pretty much any pair will do. The key is finding a set that fits the size, design, and sound quality that suits your preferences and budget.

However, there are a few technical details to keep in mind within your audio setup. First, a phono preamp and a stereo amplifier are essential for sound playback, sitting between the turntable and the speakers. These components can be packaged separately if you're aiming for a classic Hi-Fi system, or they may be integrated into the turntable or speakers for a more compact audio solution. Hence, this guide serves as a roadmap to various speaker types available on the market that can seamlessly connect to your turntable in different configurations.

You'll find traditional passive bookshelf and floorstanding speakers, as well as wireless and active speakers that come with built-in amplifiers. Such speakers don't require a separate amplifier, and many now also include inbuilt phono preamps, allowing you to connect your turntable directly without the hassle of additional gear. Furthermore, many modern turntables come equipped with their own built-in phono preamps, simplifying the connection to wireless and Bluetooth speakers, as well as to all-in-one systems.

We generally advise against purchasing turntables that have built-in speakers. From our experience, the vibration from the speakers negatively impacts playback accuracy and overall sound quality, and that's not something we endorse. Some cheaper models with integrated speakers may even damage your precious vinyl records, which is definitely something to avoid.

Quick List: Best Turntable Speakers

• Best Active Speakers: KEF LSX II. This multifunctional active wireless sound system offers a convenient way to stream music, but combine it with a turntable equipped with a phono preamp, and you have a complete Hi-Fi system.
• Best Active Speakers with Phono: Triangle AIO Twin. Looking for the simplest way to play audio from your turntable? These active speakers allow for quick listening and sound absolutely fantastic.
• Best All-in-One Solution: Ruark Audio R410. Come for the looks, stay for the extensive feature set (including a built-in phono preamp) and the expressive, direct, and balanced sound.
• Best Smart Speaker: Sonos Era 300. Spatial sound is what the Era 300 is all about, but this smart speaker also proves to be a very versatile device—just remember to grab an adapter to connect your turntable.
• Best Budget Bookshelf Speakers: Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3. These surprisingly powerful passive speakers are perfect for those with tight spaces and budgets. You'll be so captivated by their sound that you won't want to turn them off.
• Best Premium Bookshelf Speakers: KEF LS50 Meta. Equipped with ear-pleasing technologies and a subtle yet appealing exterior, these KEF floorstanding speakers set a high standard for sound sources at this price point.
• Best Budget Floorstanding Speakers: Wharfedale Diamond 12.3. Elegant, attractive, and well-built, these affordable towers deserve a place in the Diamond Hall of Fame.
• Best Premium Floorstanding Speakers: Fyne Audio F501E. You can only purchase these Fynes in one finish, but they provide a cohesive, dynamic, and detailed sound that’s quite compelling for the price.

1. KEF LSX II - Best Active Speakers for Turntables

Specifications:

• Type: Active standalone devices
• Drivers: 19mm tweeter, 11.5cm woofer
• Connectivity: Yes (rear)
• Two-Way: Yes
• Total Impedance: 8 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 86 dB
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 24 x 15.5 x 18 cm
• Weight: 3.5 kg (each)
• Finish Options: 5 (mineral white, lava red, charcoal black, cobalt blue, Soundwave by Terence Conran Edition)

Pros:

• Versatile sound characteristics
• Excellent imaging and dynamics
• HDMI and USB-C inputs
• Best suited for small rooms or desktop use

Cons:

• Wired connection required for real-time playback at 24-bit/192 kHz

The award-winning KEF LSX II is a stylish streaming system that doesn't require additional devices or boxes like when using separate components. The LSX II, which includes a network streamer, Bluetooth receiver, and amplifier embedded in a pair of stereo speakers, is an excellent choice for those seeking convenience and quality sound in two compact devices. Nothing else can compare in quality.

If you’re used to Hi-Fi gear being black, silver, or various shades of wood, the color options that KEF offers for the LSX II will be a pleasant surprise. You can choose from charcoal black or mineral white, but olive green, cobalt blue, and lava red also look quite attractive.

These 200-watt speakers operate on KEF's W2 wireless streaming platform, so while the original LSX offered numerous source options—streaming via DLNA—the LSX II expands its capabilities with wider streaming support and modern HDMI ARC and USB-C connectivity for your TV and laptop, respectively. While there’s no phono preamp included, if you have a turntable with a built-in phono preamp, the LSX II’s integrated amplifier allows for a direct connection.

An Ethernet port allows for playback of digital music files at 24-bit/96 kHz, while KEF’s low-latency wireless connection supports resolutions up to 24-bit/48 kHz (any higher will be downsampled for playback). They can also decode DSD256 and MQA files.

You won't need to listen to the KEF LSX II for long to understand that you’re in the presence of very high-quality speakers. Their sound features real refinement and maturity, but without being ostentatious; relaxed yet expressive when needed.

The Uni-Q drivers create a sound stage with vocals that sit right at the center of the sound scene. In terms of sound quality, the entire system is very appealing and has a natural warmth about it. This remains true whether you’re using the speakers in a more traditional configuration on stands or setting them on your desk.

Their size may limit the depth of the bass, but they're heavy enough that bass notes sound full and rich. The bass is tight and controlled, with a pleasing texture on the surface of notes. This results in a satisfying sound, making the overall system neat and stylish.

2. Triangle AIO Twin - Best Active Speakers with Phono

Specifications:

• Power: 2x 50W
• Drivers: 25mm tweeter; 13cm bass
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0, aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC, AAC
• Streaming: Wi-Fi, Internet Radio
• Streaming Services: Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music, Napster
• Resolution Support: Up to 24-bit/192 kHz
• Inputs: Ethernet, RCA/Phono MM, line level, 3.5mm, optical, USB-A
• Subwoofer Power: Yes
• App: Yes
• Remote Control: Yes
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 23.5 x 16.5 x 30.4 cm
• Weight: 10.3 kg (total)
• Finish Options: 6

Pros:

• Enthusiastic and capable sound quality
• Elegant design
• Versatile functions and connectivity options
• Good app

Cons:

• The built-in phono stage could be improved

If your turntable lacks a phono preamp and you want your system to be as simple as possible, consider the Triangle AIO Twin. This neat, elegant system does almost everything for you. The built-in phono preamp means you can just connect your player to the dedicated phono inputs, and you're ready to go. It offers impressive sound characteristics that make you want to keep listening—and you don’t have to spend over a thousand for it.

All amplification, streaming circuits, and connectivity are housed in the "main" speaker, with the cable to connect the second passive speaker coming from it, but both speakers feature 13cm mid/low-frequency drivers and 25mm high-frequency drivers. These are stylish and compact speakers available in six attractive colors.

All inputs are neatly labeled, and the button corresponds to an LED indicator on the front that changes color depending on which source is active. Alongside the RCA analog inputs, there’s also an optical input, ethernet socket, and 3.5mm jack, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth if you prefer to go cable-free. All this is easy to set up and manage thanks to the Triangle AIO app, which also allows you to create a multi-room system if you have other compatible Triangle products. The only thing it's really lacking is customizable EQ settings.

All major streaming services are supported—Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, Qobuz—and sound in high resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

When paired with a decent turntable, like the five-star Rega Planar 2/Nd3 or Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2, these speakers sound energetic enough for you to sing along, but they sound even better when streaming over Wi-Fi.

This is a system that's incredibly pleasant to listen to, sounding confident and balanced. It also has plenty of power, space, and bass, especially considering the size of the speakers.

Additionally, they have rear ports for connection, so while you can place them in different spots, don’t set them too close to the wall, as they need some space to breathe.

3. Ruark Audio R410 - Best All-in-One Speakers

Specifications:

• Power: 120W (Class D)
• Inputs: HDMI eARC; phono preamp with moving magnet; line level; digital optical; USB-C; Ethernet
• Sources: Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 5.1; Apple AirPlay 2; Chromecast; Spotify Connect; TIDAL Connect; UPnP; FM; DAB; DAB+; Internet Radio
• Maximum High-Resolution Support: 32-bit/384 kHz
• Finish Options: x2
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 15 x 56 x 29 cm
• Weight: 9.5 kg

Pros:

• Powerful, convincing sound from all sources
• Extensive specifications
• Stunning modern/retro aesthetics

Cons:

• Can sound bass-heavy at times
• Display could be larger
• No dedicated app control

While the concept of an all-in-one music system might seem a bit old-fashioned to some, if you’re looking for something that looks just as good as it sounds, the Ruark R410 definitely checks both boxes. With a built-in phono preamp, you won't need anything else to connect your turntable.

The Ruark R410 is available in two finishes—walnut and soft grey—but whichever you choose, it’s sure to turn heads and elicit admiring comments. The build quality is equally impressive.

The R410’s feature set is anything but old-fashioned. It includes dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1 (supporting SBC, AAC, and aptX HD codecs), FM/DAB/DAB+ and internet radio, plus HDMI eARC in case you want to use it with your TV.

With so many options, a few more controls on top and a dedicated app for management wouldn’t hurt, but the 4-inch screen in a portrait orientation is bright and clear, albeit a bit small.

Behind the wooden grille, you’ll find a pair of 20mm silk dome tweeters and a pair of 10cm paper mid/bass drivers with dual bass reflex ports at the bottom to enhance low frequencies. All are powered by a 120-watt Class D amplifier.

The result is remarkably stable regardless of source, creating a sense of unity and coherence in sound, without an obvious crossover feeling. The sound is positive and assured but not brash or overly aggressive, although it would be wise to reduce the bass by a couple of decibels in the EQ settings.

While this might not be the most dynamic sound you’ve ever heard, and it doesn't create the broadest soundstage, it has decent drive and good rhythmic expression, with high levels of detail across the frequency spectrum. It fills a room with sound without struggling to reach the highest volume levels.

4. Sonos Era 300 - Best Smart Speaker

Specifications:

• Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC)
• Streaming: AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi 6
• Features: Spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, stereo pairing, Sonos voice control, Alexa voice control, Trueplay setup, adjustable EQ
• Connections: USB-C line-in (separate adapters required)
• App: Yes
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 16 x 26 x 18.5 cm
• Weight: 4.47 kg
• Finish Options: x2 (matte black, matte white)

Pros:

• Huge sound scale
• Detailed, spacious, dynamic, and cohesive sound
• Impressive, deep bass
• Engaging due to spatial soundtracks
• Wide support for streaming features
• User-friendly

Cons:

• Pricey
• Unique design may not appeal to everyone
• Wired connection adapter comes at an extra cost
• Lacks Tidal Dolby Atmos support

Opening a new era (if you’ll pardon the pun) of spatial sound, the innovative Sonos Era 300 is an excellent way to combine two music formats from opposite periods of history. The Sonos Era 300 features Bluetooth, so you can connect your turntable wirelessly. If you prefer a wired connection, that’s possible too. You’ll need to purchase a wired adapter for £19 to physically connect the turntable, as well as a phono preamp, since the turntable doesn’t have one. However, Sonos performs excellently whether you’re listening to something in Dolby Atmos format or just in plain stereo.

The unusual shape of the Era 300 is functional: six speakers are angled to fill every corner of the room with sound. On top, there are responsive touch controls, although you’ll likely control the speakers almost exclusively through the Sonos app, and you can have your choice of color—if it’s either black or white.

Of course, support for spatial sound is the standout feature of Sonos, but don’t forget what made Sonos famous in the first place: its superior multi-room capabilities and streaming service compatibility. Voice control is provided by Sonos' own AI assistant, but if you want to do anything more than control music playback, you’ll need to use Amazon's Alexa, which is also built-in. Google Assistant is no longer supported.

While vinyl records may not take full advantage of spatial sound, even in stereo mode, the Era 300 sounds clear and cohesive. Each track contains enough detail and smooth dynamics, and the songs fill the room with a scale and power usually associated with much larger speakers.

With Dolby Atmos tracks, that effect becomes even more pronounced, enveloping you in sound. It’s so convincing that it’s tough to pinpoint where the music is coming from. How well this effect translates depends on the song and how it has been mixed for spatial audio, but in most cases, we love the effect from the Sonos Era 300.

Spatial sound is only available via Amazon Music and Apple Music, and you need to use Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth, but when playing in stereo format, a wide range of streaming sources is supported. If you’re a subscriber to Amazon or Qobuz, you can also listen to high-resolution files at 24-bit/48 kHz.

5. Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 - Best Budget Bookshelf Speakers

Specifications:

• Type: Bookshelf
• Drivers: 25mm tweeter, 13cm mid/bass driver
• Connectivity: Yes (rear)
• Two-Way: Yes
• Total Impedance: 8 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 84 dB
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 30 x 16.5 x 20.7 cm
• Weight: 4.65 kg
• Finish Options: 3 (black, white, oak)

Pros:

• Enhanced clarity, refinement, and openness
• Rich, dynamic, and lively sound
• Enjoyable to listen to

Cons:

• Sweet highs may sound a bit forward
• Requires careful system matching
• Price increase compared to predecessors

Bowers & Wilkins’ most compact and affordable stereo speakers, the 607 S3, are perfect for small spaces. Perhaps the best thing about them is that they clearly know how to have fun, meaning you need to be careful about what you pair them with, but if you match them correctly, you’ll enjoy listening to them as well.

You can always rely on Bowers & Wilkins to produce stylish and well-built products, and this third iteration of the award-winning 607 series doesn’t tarnish that reputation. It would be quite difficult to distinguish different generations from each other, but considering that they all look more expensive than they actually are, that’s not a bad thing, even if the asking price for the S3 has risen.

Inside each cabinet, available in black, white, or oak finishes, you’ll find a 13cm mid/bass Continuum driver and a 25mm dual-dome tweeter. They are positioned closer together than before for improved integration, and Bowers & Wilkins has used technology first introduced in more expensive products and integrated it here to enhance overall performance. This means the tweeters are made from titanium, with an elongated rear-loading tube system and a new grille design; a more powerful motor assembly to support the mid/bass driver; and a redesigned terminal layout at the back to keep everything neat and tidy.

The B&W 607 S3 doesn't take long to impress, and we’re struck by how engaging and musical they are from the start. Even songs we regularly listen to for testing purposes sound vibrant.

However, this doesn’t mean they fall short in other areas. They sound rhythmic, coherent, lively, and well-organized, and overall they sound more open. Clarity is outstanding, and details are sharply defined. Despite their small size, the 607 S3 fills a room with sound from small to medium-sized spaces without introducing distortion even at high volumes, and they remain melodic and dynamic even when we turn the dial the other way.

6. KEF LS50 Meta - Best Premium Bookshelf Speakers

Specifications:

• Type: Bookshelf
• Drivers: Uni-Q driver array (25mm tweeter and 13cm mid/bass driver)
• Connectivity: Yes (rear)
• Two-Way: No
• Total Impedance: 8 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 85 dB
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 30.2 x 20 x 27.8 cm
• Weight: 7.8 kg
• Finish Options: 4 (graphite, titanium grey, mineral white, royal blue)

Pros:

• Exceptional sound transparency
• Fine and precise presentation
• Innovative technology

Cons:

• Avoid placing them on a bookshelf or against a wall

When KEF released the LS50 Meta in 2021, they took an already excellent pair of floorstanding speakers and improved upon them. Three years later, they still stand as the best in their class, combining exceptional sound quality, modern aesthetics, and robust construction. It’s no wonder they’ve garnered many awards.

Crafted from MDF with reinforced construction and meticulously finished, with a curved front panel made from molded compound, the LS50 Meta looks modern and won’t risk becoming outdated anytime soon. After all, the original LS50 was released back in 2012 and still looks fresh. If something works…

The main changes occurred internally, where KEF revamped the Uni-Q driver array and added a metamaterial absorption technology (MAT) to better handle sound emitted from the rear of the 25mm aluminum dome tweeter. This patented technology, borrowed from the LS60 Wireless, enables a cleaner and less distorted sound at high frequencies.

Standing only 30cm tall, they are relatively compact, but don’t take this as an invitation to place them on a bookshelf or right against a wall; they will sound best on stands with a little open space around them. These speakers aren’t particularly sensitive, so it makes sense to use them with an amplifier that can deliver ample power, such as the Cambridge Audio CXA81 or Arcam A15.

If you've heard the original LS50 speakers, the sound of the Meta will feel familiar, but it’s undoubtedly a significant improvement. They sound much clearer and more refined than before, especially at high frequencies.

The sound is astonishingly rich for their compact size, with a good degree of detail and a decent amount of bass. The large-scale dynamics are well-executed, and they have plenty of power; these speakers rarely sound strained unless the volume is cranked up very high.

They are also much more transparent than before and convey low-level details, like instrumental textures, more convincingly. You won't realize it until you start admiring their delicacy and precision; the soundstage is expansive and sharply focused, with instruments convincingly layered on top of one another.

7. Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 - Best Budget Floorstanding Speakers

Specifications:

• Type: Floorstanding
• Drivers: 25mm tweeter, 2x 13cm mid/bass drivers
• Connectivity: Yes (rear)
• Two-Way: Yes
• Total Impedance: 8 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 89 dB
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 97.5 x 18 x 34.8 cm
• Weight: 19.6 kg
• Finish Options: 3 (light oak, black oak, pearl walnut)

Pros:

• Magnificently balanced presentation
• Expressive and demonstrative midrange
• Nice build and finish

Cons:

• Performs best when given some breathing room
• More expensive competitors offer higher quality sound

Creating truly talented floorstanding speakers and selling them at an affordable price is tough, but that’s exactly what Wharfedale achieved with the Diamond 12.3. If you’re looking for a pair of refined, entertaining, and well-constructed speakers for your turntable, this is an excellent award-winning purchase.

Standing 98cm tall, the Diamond 12.3 isn’t an especially imposing pair of floor supports, so they will fit into most rooms relatively easily, but you’ll still need to give them some room to breathe. Regarding build quality, the cabinets are carefully constructed with a traditional straight design and neat foot placement. The 12.3 models are available in four finish options—black, walnut, white, and stylish light oak—and all are justified by their relatively low price.

They utilize a 2.5-way design, with the upper 13cm driver handling all frequencies from mid to low, while the second driver reinforces the low frequencies. The uniquely shaped front panel leaves as much of the 25mm tweeter open as possible, and the contour closest to the dome provides a small degree of horn loading.

Thanks to the relatively complex crossover, the sensitivity of the Diamond 12.3 is 89 dB/W/m, with a minimum impedance of 5 Ohms. This means that these floorstanding speakers are unlikely to pose a problem for any decent amplifier that matches their price point.

The Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 produces a fantastic layered sound filled with details and dynamic subtleties. They convey a wealth of information, but they do so in an organized and controlled manner.

The drivers are well integrated, delivering clear and expressive mids, while the low frequencies are dynamic, rich, and textured, with enough weight to satisfy without compromising the overall sound balance.

Crank up the volume, and these speakers will not complain; they will sound powerful and energetic when needed, yet refined, a rarity for floorstanding speakers at this price. They also sound good at low volumes, so you won’t have to push them hard to bring them to life.

8. Fyne Audio F501E - Best Premium Floorstanding Speakers

Specifications:

• Type: Floorstanding
• Drivers: Isoflare array (25mm tweeter, 15cm mid/bass driver), 15cm woofer
• Connectivity: Yes (rear)
• Two-Way: Yes
• Total Impedance: 8 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 90 dB
• Dimensions: 98.4 x 25 x 29.4 cm
• Weight: 18.9 kg
• Finish Options: 1 (black ash)

Pros:

• Cohesive, expressive, and engaging presentation
• Tight and melodic bass
• Even dispersion characteristics
• High build quality
• Great value for money

Cons:

• Available only in one finish

The new entry-level Fyne Audio F501E floorstanding speakers are aggressively priced. The F501E employs the brand's patented Isoflare driver technology, which we’ve only previously seen in more premium models, and these floorstanding speakers provide performance that surpasses more renowned competitors in the mid-range price bracket.

To reduce costs, the brand sacrificed aesthetics for maximum performance, meaning the F501E speakers are available only in one (and quite simple) color—black. Nevertheless, build quality is high, and the speakers feature smart technologies that simplify their positioning and connectivity. The Isoflare design ensures integrated sound with very even and wide dispersion. The low frequencies are evenly distributed thanks to the downward-firing ports, ventilation holes, and Basstrax technology, allowing these speakers to be less fussy about placement within a room.

The F501E sounds very pleasing, smoothly and expressively rendering all music genres. Rhythm and dynamic shifts are conveyed with control and finesse, and instruments and voices sound natural. Overall, the sound is crisp and clear, with a well-balanced tonality—the highs are refined and don’t become harsh or bright when listening to complex material, and the bass remains taut and melodic, yet powerful enough. In our review, we noted that the F501 provides "an open sound with vocals that superbly convey nuances and barely perceptible intensity changes. In comparison, the Q Acoustics 5050 sounds somewhat detached and mechanical."

These are remarkably insightful and improvisational floorstanding speakers, combining sophistication with power, capable of convincingly reproducing both intimate recordings and full-scale orchestral crescendos. For the price being asked, we couldn't wish for better. We are satisfied, and we think you will be too.

When it comes to choosing the right speakers for your turntable, you need to prepare yourself to know what you're looking for. The overwhelming majority of speakers must be connected to a stereo amplifier that has a built-in phono preamp (phono stage) to work with your turntable. If your amplifier lacks a phono preamp, you can always add one to your system.

Alternatively, your turntable might have a built-in phono preamp, but you’ll still need an amplifier between the speakers and the turntable.

You can also use powered active speakers or active speakers with a built-in amplifier, but this doesn’t eliminate the need for a phono stage in the chain. If you haven’t purchased a turntable yet, consider getting one with a built-in phono stage (though we still believe that a dedicated turntable for purists will always sound better). Moreover, if you choose this route, be sure that your active speakers have a volume control.

However, if your deck has Bluetooth, you can connect your turntable wirelessly to any Bluetooth speaker, whether it's a mono unit or a stereo pair. This is certainly a convenient way to connect, but it may not be the best in terms of sound quality. This is a compromise between convenience and sound quality, and only you can decide if you’re willing to make it.

Of course, it's always a good idea to ensure that you’ve budgeted appropriately and are purchasing a speaker that matches your turntable in terms of level. For instance, cheap speakers won’t do justice to a turntable that costs thousands of dollars, and it’s always worth trying out speakers, if possible, before making a final purchase.

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