Record players are intended to offer quality sound. However, they become more impressive when coupled with amps, which augment and boost speakers to play out loud after receiving sound. In this article, we explore some of the best amps and speakers for your record player.
Best Amps For Record Players
Albeit many modern record players come with pre-built-in amps, they are not powerful enough. It is, therefore, your responsibility to boost your sound quality. The following are the top five amps you can use with your record player.
1. Best Overall: Pyle Home Audio Power Amplifier
It is a dual-channel stereo amplifier with 2 X 120-Watt power, which you can use with several speakers. The 4-ohm impedance that it comes with is a powerful component that boosts audio quality.
- 2X120 WATT POWER: The Pyle Dual Channel Stereo Amplifier is perfect for your PA and home theater acoustic...
- 4 INPUTS: This personal digital amp box supports various external sources 3 pairs RCA audio input for tuner,...
- PAGER/MIXING MODE: The mini integrated indoor AV receiver features pager and mixing switch. In pager mode, the...
This device consists of four practical inputs including RCA inputs for the tape deck and camcorder. It is also fitted with EQ controls with easy-control buttons.
Pros
- It is a dual-channel that produces better sound.
- The device has EQ controls for convenient sound control
- It is easy interphase
- The amplifier has both a pager and mixing model for convenience
- The push-type speaker terminal comes with makes the direct connection of speaker wires to the amp.
Cons
- To some users, the device is not durable.
2. Best Amp With Equalizer: Technical Pro Class-T Mini Amplifier
This device is fitted with a direct equalizer functionality which allows unfiltered sound to pass through.
- 20 Watts per Channel (RMS) Inputs: RCA, AUX, Microphone input (1/4'' ) Outputs: Push Button (2 loudspeakers),...
- Direct / Equalizer function allows option of unfiltered pass-through Power / volume knob makes it easy to turn...
- LED Knob provides a glowing effect on Knob for easy access in dark environments LED can be turned on and off...
The amp is believed it can give you up to 20 watts per channel, very powerful. It measures 5.5 x 6.2 x 1.75 inches, and its weight is 1.2 pounds.
Pros
- It is easy to control, thus user friendly
- It has multiple outputs for increased convenience
- The amplifier comes with rackets, making mounting so easy.
Cons
- It delivers 40 watts and not 60 watts as indicated
- It does not cancel output to speakers; thus hard to use with headphones
3. Most Durable: Denon PMA-600NE Stereo Integrated Amplifier
This unit is regarded as a great partner to your record player. It boasts of a divided circuitry making that disengages digital circuits. The slim-designed amp has a vibration-resistant device and a high power (70 watts at 4 ohms) to give you accurate multi-dimensional sound.
- ENJOY MASTERFUL AUDIO PERFORMANCE EVEN AT THIS PRICE POINT – Divided circuitry allows you to disengage...
- SLIM DESIGN, INTEGRATED AMP – Enclosed in a vibration resistant design, the PMA-600NE powers the widest...
- BLUETOOTH SUPPORT AND DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY – Extend your audio experience with nearly unlimited sources. 2...
It also has Bluetooth connectivity, giving you the convenience of connecting with any device you want. It measures 17.1 x 12.1 x 4.76 inches, and its weight is 19.26 pounds. It is built with high-grade audio components for enhanced longevity.
Pros
- It has high power with multi-dimensional solid sound.
- Its divided circuitry disengages digital circuits easily.
- The amplifier features Bluetooth connectivity for convenience
Cons
- The remote volume control is not precise
- No USB digital input
4. Best Budget Buy: Prime Eligible Yamaha A-S301BL
Yamaha has always been on top when it comes to electronics. This device, in particular, is a dual-channel amplifier that can do 60 watts each, and it comes with a direct model for great sound purity.
- Package Weight : 21.0 Lbs
- Digital Coax And To Slink Optical Input
- Analog Inputs Including Phone
Pros
- There’s an option for the direct mode to get greater sound purity.
- It is loaded with five analog inputs and two digital inputs.
- It is affordable
- The amplifier has excellent sound.
- It has a traditional HI-FI design with a beautiful finish
- It is easy to use and control
Cons
- Its Bluetooth connectivity is not great
5. Best Sound Clarity: Marantz PM8006
It comes with multiple connection possibilities and a preamp output to connect larger amplifiers. It has a power of 70 watts per channel, thus lowering distortion and improving clarity.
- BRILLIANT MUSIC QUALITY & FLEXIBLE OPERATIONS – 6 audio inputs, 70 watts per channel (70 x 2) make it...
- LOWER AUDIO DISTORTION & IMPROVED CLARITY – Enjoy the best playback from all your music sources – digital...
- ENDLESS CONNECTION POSSIBILITIES – Includes a pre-amp output so you can connect a larger power amplifier or...
Pros
- It features an electric volume circuit
- The amplifier has a powerful sound of 70 watts X 2
- It has a triple-tone control system
- Easy to operate the unit
Cons
- Its Bluetooth connection is weak
Best Speakers For Record Player
1. Best Wireless Speaker: JBL Charge 4
This is a brilliant option for record players, especially if you need speakers you can easily travel with.
- WIRELESS BLUETOOTH STREAMING: Wirelessly connect up to 2 smartphones or tablets to the speaker and take turns...
- UP TO 20 HOURS OF PLAYTIME: Built-in rechargeable Li-ion 7500mAH battery supports up to 20 hours of playtime...
- IPX7 WATERPROOF: Take Charge 4 to the beach or the pool without worrying about spills or even submersion in...
They easily connect with the Bluetooth connectivity option. Besides, they are compatible with a wide range of devices, are waterproof, and the built-in battery lasts up to 20 hours.
Pros
- It can be used with many devices
- Waterproof
- More than one speaker can be connected to the record player
Cons
- Audio clarity is not as good
- Only links to two devices at a time
2. Best Speakers With EQ:PreSonus Eris E4.5
Though they are built primarily for use as “studio monitors” for music production, the PreSonus Eris E4.5 speakers are a brilliant choice for record players.
- A great choice for music lovers, content creators and gamers, the Eris E4.5 media reference monitors bring...
- Now comes included with Studio One Prime and Studio Magic plug-in suite, over $1000 USD worth of music...
- 4.5-inch, woven-composite, low-frequency transducer produces an accurate, balanced sound.
Suitable for people who are just listening or practicing DJing with the record player.
Pros
- Powerful and can cope with up to 100 dB SPL
- Transient and subsonic protection eliminates unwanted noise
- EQ control
Cons
- Some low bass frequencies can be missing as the sound begins at 70 Hz
- Not wireless
3. Best Budget Speaker: Polk Audio T15
These speakers are not just affordable; they deliver decent sound quality. They have a dynamic balance technology that efficiently splits sound frequencies to better sonic performance.
- GET SUPERIOR HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE WITH IMMERSIVE SURROUND SOUND – Featuring (1) 0.75" tweeter & (1) 5.25"...
- Use these wall-mountable bookshelf speakers as FRONT, LEFT-RIGHT SETUP, SURROUNDS OR AS REAR SPEAKERS and get...
- CREATE A FULL-FLEDGED 5.1 HOME THEATER SETUP with the complete range of T-series speakers from Polk with two...
Pros
- Affordable
- Low distortion
- Expandable with a Polk Subwoofer
Cons
- Not active speakers
- Bass is not so powerful
4. Best Sound Quality: Audioengine A5+
This powered speaker wins against many speakers for record players for impressive sound with high fidelity.
- PREMIUM POWERED BLUETOOTH BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS: Audioengine has brought traditional high-quality audio equipment...
- FEATURES: Analog class A/B power amplifiers with dual analog audio inputs for connecting multiple devices at...
- 150 WATTS OF POWER: Experience room filling sound from a small footprint with 150W of combined peak output....
Pros
- Excellent quality Bluetooth connectivity with up to 100 feet range
- Up to 3-years warranty
- Gold-plated connections
Cons
- Expensive
- It needs a subwoofer for full coverage of audio frequencies
Best Speakers For Audio Technica Record Player
1. Best Overall: Audioengine A5 Plus
This speaker wins against many speakers for Audio Technica Record players for versatility and excellent compatibility with a wide range of devices. Besides, you can either choose to go with Bluetooth or wireless.
- PREMIUM POWERED BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS: Clear, precise and powerful audio that fills any room, the award winning...
- FEATURES: Analog class A/B power amplifiers with dual analog audio inputs for connecting multiple devices at...
- 150 WATTS OF POWER: Experience room filling sound from a small footprint with 150W of combined peak output....
Pros
- Aesthetic finish
- Classified as Hi-Fi
- Great bass support
Cons
- Bass isn’t that great at low volumes
- It can be pretty expensive
2. Best For The Money: Kanto YU4
It is an elegantly designed speaker with expansive sound quality. It has a subwoofer output that makes it easier to connect to the powered subwoofer of your AT record player.
- REMARKABLE SOUND – Enclosed in handcrafted MDF cabinets measuring 8.7" tall, YU4’s 1” silk dome tweeters...
- EASY STREAMING – Built-in Bluetooth with Qualcomm aptX technology lets you enjoy high-quality streaming from...
- VINYL-READY – Equipped with an integrated phono preamp, YU4 can be easily connected to any vintage or modern...
Besides, it comes with remote control for more straightforward navigation.
Pros
- Automatic powerup
- It gives you many color options
- Fully functional remote control
Cons
- Bass isn’t that great
Speakers For Record Player
Other speakers for record players include:
- Edifier S2000 pro
- Mica MB42
- Klipsch R-15PM
- Polk Audio T15
- Kanto YU6
- Sony SSCS5
- JBL 305 MKII
- B&W 606
- Fine Audio F302
- KEF LS50 Meta
FAQs
1. Do you need special speakers for the record players?
Yes, you may need speakers for a record player. To project the sound, speakers are required. You have the option of using passive or active, or powered speakers. Passive speakers lack an amplifier and must be powered by an external amplifier, which you must supply.
2. My amp is not strong enough. What does it mean?
If the amp is not strong enough, you can harm the speakers by giving them too much high-frequency energy. This will eventually cause your amplifier to clip. The increased power in these harmonics is what causes speaker damage. This part should not be neglected. It is best to invest.
3. How do I choose a speaker for my record player?
- Choose the one that can literally make you feel the music vibrating through your body.
- See if the speakers come with a built-in amplifier.
- Check if they have Bluetooth or not. If they do, see the version of the Bluetooth.
- Note if they are appropriate for the room and the size of the room.
- Check if they have a surround sound system.
4. Do I need a preamp for a record player?
The simple answer is yes. They require a preamplifier to enhance the signal to a level that your speakers or amplifier can handle. However, you might not need to purchase a separate preamp, check with the seller.
Conclusion
The best amp for a record player from our analysis is the Pyle Home Audio Power Amplifier. In addition, the best speaker for record players from court analysis is the JBL Charge 4. In addition, you may also be interested in our guide on the best budget speakers for record players and turntables.