The 8 Best Turntable Speakers Under $500 That Sound Great

If you find yourself longing for an improved turntable setup, the easiest way to boost your listening quality and experience is to look past the built-in speaker tables and move towards external speakers. 

Sure, some of the built-in designs are extremely cost friendly, but rest assured, you do not have to break the bank buying turntable speakers. 

Below, please take a moment to view some great affordable speakers that will pair quite nicely with your turntable.

Photo	Model	Key Feature
	JBL L52	Passive Speakers with Retro Design
	Audioengine HD3	aptX Bluetooth connectivity
	Edifier R1280DB	Powered Bookshelf Speakers w/Bluetooth
	Edifier R1700BT	Bluetooth Powered Speakers
	Kanto YU2	Built-in USB DAC
	Kanto YU4	Integrated Bluetooth w/aptX Technology
	Pioneer DM-40	Dual Inputs - RCA + AUX minijack
	Dali Oberon 3	Optimized 7" Wood Fibre Cone Woofer
	Elac Debut Reference	2-Way Bass Reflex Reference Speakers

Choosing the Right Speakers

When it comes down to the time to pick up new speakers for your turntable, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First things first: are they compatible with turntables. Many speakers on the market that are used for turntables are not exclusive to turntables, rather, they were designed to be multimedia speakers for everything from TV, gaming, and even desktop computers. 

This largely does not affect the sound quality, but the visual design of the speakers can vary because of this. In the recommendations below, you will see a variety of cabinet designs and colors. Going into the speaker search, it helps to know what style you like. 

Another key point to keep in mind is just how much under $500 you want to spend. Don’t skimp and assume $90 speakers sound the same as $490 speakers, but shop responsibly. There are a good variety of prices included in these recommendations, so everyone should have something to consider. Let’s get to the best turntable speakers under $500. 

Edifier S2000pro

Built with flat diaphragm tweeters and 5.5 inch woofers, the S2000pro represents the top of the line powered speakers for turntable use, as well as home theaters and studios. Of course, you want the best for your turntable setup, but these speakers also tout an insane amount of features for all audio uses in the home. The rear panel of the S2000Pro contain a fully featured set of controls and inputs, including RCA inputs which are available for both RCA and RCA to AUX connections. 

Experiencing the signature Edifier high definition audio through either the optical or coaxial connection feels smooth, and allows you to spin your favorite record as well as plug in an MP3 device or phone. 

The S2000pro’s XLR inputs also allow you to connect the speakers to a mixer for those more advanced in audio technology. In box, the speakers come with a 16-foot connecting cable.

Packaged in the S2000Pro comes with an elegant wireless remote control, which is great for adjusting volume with ease, as well as changing inputs, which EQ mode you prefer, and control other operations of the speakers. 

Keep in mind, these controls only affect your audio, and will not control the functions and mechanisms associated specifically with your turntable. Users mostly enjoy these speakers for the advantages that come with a flat diaphragm. 

This provides a fast response rate and allows listeners to enjoy the advantage of excellent high frequencies. The woofers are made from aluminum that produces a unique and clear sound, while the flatness of the tweeters provides smooth highs to balance out the booming lows. 

At just under $400, the Edifier S2000pro Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers are a wonderful option for your turntable. 

GigaWorks T20 Series II

For a more technical look to your speakers, the Creative Labs T20 series is a must look. These speakers feature BasXPort technology to enhance the low frequency response without the bulkiness of a subwoofer. 

Plus, the T20 Series II features convenient front access to the volume, bass, and treble controls and the auxiliary in and headphone jack, making this speaker system easy and convenient to use. Enjoy well-balanced audio with dedicated tweeters for sharp, detailed highs and robust mid-range drivers for richer, fuller sound.

You’ll see a lot of reviews for these being used for a computer, but the sound quality is more than enough for a turntable. At a low price of $68, these are a must have for those who want speakers with a unique design and futuristic look. 

Klipsch R-15M

As the brand likes to say in its promotional materials, buying a pair of Klipsch speakers does not mean you are buying a set of speakers. You’re buying a piece of American audio history,  built on more than 70 years of remarkable acoustic technology. 

It sounds dramatic, but it’s true. The Klipsch name is synonymous with great audio quality, and the R-14M 4-Inch Reference Bookshelf Speakers are no exception.

Klipsch Reference bookshelf speakers feature proprietary 90×90 Tractrix Horn technology mated with an aluminum tweeter, for the most impressive high-end response and greater extension, enhanced imaging and powerful dynamics. This creates the cleanest, most natural sound possible that picks up every detail of your vinyl records. 

The Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) tweeter minimizes distortion for enhanced, detailed performance while the copper-spun Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) woofer provides remarkable low frequency response with minimal cone breakup and distortion. 

Plus, Klipsch Reference bookshelf speakers feature a rear-firing port that is perfectly matched to the cabinet and drivers. This design is precisely flared to minimize turbulence even at the lowest frequencies. 5-way binding posts provide the maximum connection flexibility. 

With easy setup and great sound, this pair of speakers from Klipsch should be a top contender as you search for bookshelf speakers under $500 for your turntable. 

Bose Companion 2 Series III

While we are on the topic of great brands in audio, how do you not mention Bose? Often thought of in the same breath as home surround sound systems for theaters, the popular brand has also made quite a name for itself with noise canceling headphones and, yes, bookshelf and turntable speakers that give you a fidelity your music deserves. 

Sit down to spin a few records or hear a new single you picked up and what you hear in sound quality might surprise you. After a listen, the power of the Bose Companion speakers seem to extend far beyond what you see. Sound is spacious and lifelike, made possible by TrueSpace stereo digital processing circuitry that keeps them small yet powerful. 

Hearing Bose speakers mean you also feel them. You’ll notice deeper low-end performance and more detailed sound, thanks to the speakers’ ported cabinet design and great tweeter and woofer balance. 

Everything you need is in the box, and you can set up in minutes. Volume control and headphone jack are on the right speaker. If that design makes these seem too much like computer speakers, you may want to pass on them. 

They are considered multimedia speakers, so they can be used for computers and televisions, but they work great as turntable speakers. While they have a more modern cabinet to them, they still output that signature Bose sound, and for $100, that’s something to be very excited about. 

Do note—to make these really work effectively, you’re going to need a record player that has a 3.5mm audio output jack.  If yours don’t have that, then maybe the next speaker option below is better suited for your needs.

Kanto YU6

The Kanto YU6 are close to that $500 limit, but at $399.99, they are worth every penny. They feature an RCA, 1/8″ mini, and two optical TOSLINK inputs, plus built-in Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. The RCA input can function as either a line-level or phono input via a rear-mounted switch, and a ground terminal is onboard to attach to your turntable. 

A 5V USB port is also built-in to keep your phone charged during playback. Each speaker has a 5.25″ Kevlar woofer and a 1″ silk dome tweeter to produce a total RMS output of up to 100W. An IR remote is included, along with speaker wire and an 1/8″ AUX cable for instant connectivity.

Vinyl isn’t your only option either. Inspired by an appreciation for both digital and analog connectivity, the YU6 is designed to give you the freedom to enjoy all your devices. Connect your turntable directly to the speakers’ built-in phono preamp, tor utilize the various ports to connect everything from computers, phones, tablets, other Kanto speakers, and more. 

Seeing as this speaker set does, literally, everything you could want, these speakers for your turntable do so much more for a great price.

Audioengine A2+

The Audioengine A2+ Powered Speakers are the reference standard for compact audio, and as more turntable users get space conscious, these small but high-performance speakers are the perfect upgrade for all your music. In a bold red color, these can steal the show of your setup if you are looking for a little pop. 

Everyone knows the difference between custom-built, small batch products and the general disappointment of mass-produced products. The A2+ was designed and is hand-built with the goal of exceeding expectations of both value and performance. These small speakers are great with their highs and lows and really pack a punch, making them the go-to system for space conscious turntable fanatics.

Fluance Ai40W

If you search for turntable speakers online, you probably come across the Fluance brand. Their Ai40W Powered Two-Way 5″ 2.0 Bookshelf Speakers have made waves in the vinyl community, and for $200, they are the real deal. 

Offering a whole new level of auditory freedom, the Fluance Ai40 Powered Bookshelf Speakers deliver rich, room-filling stereo sound. Designed for serious performance, these 2.0 active speakers pack a powerful punch; the ultimate expression of our passion for pure sound straight from the vinyl to your ears. 

Enjoy the elegance of a jazz performance or experience the raw power of a live rock concert, the Ai40 envelops you in detailed, crisp, and natural sound no matter what the genre.

The beautifully-crafted wood cabinet not only looks stunning, it is acoustically tuned to deliver precise, warm, and distortion-free sound that will transport you to your own personal nirvana. 

Designed with superior performing components, these speakers include an integrated class D amplifier that delivers a robust, powerful sound. The silk soft-dome tweeters produce natural highs, while the woven, glass fiber drivers round out the performance with detailed mids and deep bass, recreating the vocals of every song as if your favorite singer was performing in your home. 

Forget stripping speaker wire or mapping inputs and channels on an audio receiver; these plug and play speakers easily connect through RCA or Bluetooth aptX, allowing you to connect your turntable in no time, with options to expand to other devices easily. 

JBL Arena B15

For more than 60 years, the JBL brand has delivered products that exemplify the technology and expertise gained through our leadership in professional sound reproduction. 

With a growing popularity in the bluetooth speaker market, the brand is getting attention it has long deserved, and turntable owners should take notice. MSRP says these speakers from JBL are $200, but they often go as low as $99. 

The JBL Arena B15 Black Bookshelf & Surround Speaker are the last recommendation on this list for a good reason. At their price point, the JBL Arena speakers are some of the most impressive turntable speakers under $500. 

If you want to put some hard-hitting material on your shelves, look no further –with its powerful 5.5-inch polycellulose woofer and High Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide, the JBL Arena speakers are a flexible solution for any turntable setup.

High Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide technology takes its cues from the legendary JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor while 1-inch soft dome tweeter provides clean, powerful highs that bring out the brightness of your favorite songs. 

5.5-inch polycellulose woofer brings room-filling JBL sound to all of your favorite records, allowing for every deep bass-filled sound to come through with a powerful punch that does not crackle or waver. 

Looking to save space? An integrated wall mount solution for flexible installation and system configuration could not be easier, and even if you have never mounted a mirror let alone speakers, the setup is simple as can be. 

If you decide to upgrade as you grow with your love for vinyl, these are just one of the speakers in an entire series of JBL Arena loudspeakers: 2 floorstanding speakers, 2 bookshelf speakers, 1 center channel speaker, and 1 subwoofer model. With room to grow and a great entry price, the JBL Arena route is a strong, smart way to go for vinyl speakers. 

Conclusion

Your turntable setup is something that is fairly straightforward. A table, speakers, and a few records. It is not that simple to those who love the hobby. The speakers are your guide to each record, and the sound of every groove takes you away to a place and time where you first heard the record. 

This connection to the physical act of listening to music is unreal, and incomparable to any medium of audio. Your speakers need to get the job done, but it is not enough to simply play the music, it has to play it well. 

These turntable speakers under $500 are great places to start when you want a new set of speakers for your records but are not in a place to drop thousands of dollars. With big names like Bose and Klipsch offering great options for an even greater price, you cannot go wrong with the choices in this article. 

Consider your setup, how you want it to look, and of course, what you can spend. When you are investing money in something you love, you cannot make a wrong choice, but hopefully this list gets you a little closer to your new favorite speakers. As always, happy spinning!

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