5 Powered Speakers For Your Minimalist Turntable Setup
Many turntable users, both beginners and advanced, are opting for "minimalist" turntable setups. This refers to a turntable that plugs directly into powered / active speakers (meaning amplifiers are built in to the speaker), bypassing the traditional stereo system.
These minimaist setups have two main benefits: less cost and less stuff. Here we run down 5 of our favorite powered speakers for home listening. New to turntables? Also check out our Beginner's Guide To Turntable Setups.
TIP: How do you know if a speaker is powered or passive? Powered speakers will have a power plug.
Minimalist Turntable Setup: Turntable's output plugs straight into powered speakers.
the industry standard compact
Audioengine A2+ ($249 pair)
In A Nutshell
- At the sub-$300 (per pair) price range, the A2+s are the industry standard
- Compact and loud, great for vinyl. Want bigger and louder? Check the A5+
- Overall build quality is excellent, a solid pair of speakers. High satisfaction product.
Top Features
- Great design, look and feel from company that perfected this category of speaker
- Designed for audiophiles, maintains essential features while removing extra features that might interfere with audio output
- Built-in DAC, plug in your computer via USB for improved sound when playing digital files
- We especially like them with the DS1 Speaker Stands
- Available in multiple colors view all
Limitations
- No built-in Bluetooth (you could add something like the Arcam miniBlink and plug it into the Aux input)
- No adjustments for bass and treble
ideal size + all the features you need
Kanto Yu4 ($299.99 pair)
In A Nutshell
- Mid-sized bookshelf that falls into sweet spot of loudness + compact size
- Packed with features including AptX Bluetooth and built-in phono preamp
- User friendly design with front-panel control knob + remote control
- Customization / design-friendly, available in wide range of colors + finishes
Top Features
- AptX Bluetooth connectivity: in addition to your records, wirelessly stream phone / computer
- Built-in switchable phono preamp: works with all turntables
- Remote control: controls input, volume, L/R balance and bass + treble levels
- Optical inputs, subwoofer output, USB charge port
Limitations
- Audiophiles may want more of an emphasis on sound quality
performance + features at impossible price
Edifier: R1280DB Powered Speakers ($129 pair)
In A Nutshell
- Impossibly priced: great sounding + full featured speakers for $129 per pair?
- Features Bluetooth connectivity, RCA + optical / coax inputs
- Features on-board bass + treble controls, plus remote
Top Features
- Best budget speaker under $150, hundreds of positive reviews
- Versatile inputs: (2) separate RCA inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, optical / coax for TV / Gaming
- We really like the on-board bass + treble controls, especially for listening to vinyl
- Available in Black + Wood Brown
Limitations
- Build-quality not equal to other speakers on the list
smartly designed single speaker unit
B&O Play: Beolit 17 ($499)
It's a common misconception that turntables require specialized stereo speakers. High-quality Bluetooth speakers also work well with turntables.
In A Nutshell
- Great-sounding portable Bluetooth speaker that works well as a home speaker
- Connect a turntable via stereo 3.5mm jack (an adapter may be required)
- Excellent design combined with quality build + materials
Top Features
- Rechargeable battery with up to 24 hours of play time
- 360 sound: fills room with sound
- Pair a second unit for stereo sound
- Basic and advanced controls using Beoplay app
Limitations
- Not true left-right stereo sound, however with this particular model, you can pair 2 units for stereo play
- You may need an RCA to 3.5mm adapter to connect your turntable, we recommend this one.
Minimalist + Stylish: Beolit 17 in Stone Grey, U-Turn Orbit TTL Edition Turntable, connected with Audioquest FLX-Mini.
bonus pick: when you're not ready for full minimal
Onkyo CS375 Audio System ($249 for whole set)
In A Nutshell
- When you still want the convenience and inputs of a stereo system, but not the bulk
- Incredible value at $249
- Wide array analog + digital inputs including AUX RCA (turntable), USB drive, Bluetooth, optical and CD
Top Features
- Small footprint, clean design, ready to play
- Intuitive design with LED screen and jog wheel and tactile controls
- Adjust bass and treble
- Includes remote control
- Also available in network / WIFI model Onkyo-N575
Limitations
- with 20w per channel, designed for regular sized rooms
easy option for merging digital and analog music
Sonos Play:5 ($499, available at our NYC Storefront)
In A Nutshell
- Connect a turntable to the Play:5's 3.5mm input or to the RCA inputs of the Connect (Further reading: our Guide To Using A Turntable With Sonos)
- Get benefits of both digital and analog setups
Top Features
- Build your system by adding more Sonos units
- Ease of setup and ease of use
Limitations
- Audiophiles prefer to build and customize their own audio system, rather than being tied to Sonos' technology
looking for your own minimalist turntable setup?
