Whether you’re new to vinyl or getting back into it after a decades-long hiatus, you’ll need the right equipment to play those records you found at the local thrift shop. This will include speakers. While there are record players that are self-contained units with built-in speakers, even those can benefit from separate speakers. Meanwhile, turntables (yes, they are different) always require speakers. Confused? You don’t have to be! This guide will break it down for you so you get the right gear and the best possible experience out of the box after you buy a record player.
In basic terms, both record players and turntables generate a signal as the needle moves along the record. But you won’t be able to hear the sound without amplification and speakers. As noted, some self-contained record players and micro systems have built-in speakers, but they usually aren’t powerful. So, you’ll still want to connect another speaker or set of speakers. Then you need to decide on the type of speakers, like powered or passive. Don’t worry, because by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what you need.
Turntables vs. record players: what’s the difference?
The first distinction you need to make is between turntables and record players. A turntable is the mechanism that spins the record. It consists of a tonearm and cartridge. It does not have a built-in amplifier nor speakers. By comparison, a record player may, but not always, include a built-in pre-amp, amplifier, and speakers. If it’s part of a larger system with additional functionality, a record player will have built-in speakers. But for the best possible audio experience, you want a straight turntable connected to quality external speakers.
Do record players and turntables need speakers?
Generally, as noted, both the best record players and turntables need speakers. You can technically listen to a record through a self-contained record player, but the sound won’t be loud and pronounced. It might suffice for low-volume background tunes. But with both, your best bet is to connect external speakers.
Which record players have built-in speakers?
Record players that have speakers built in are usually entry models, including suitcase record players. Many of these modern units also include features like Bluetooth. They are affordable, plug-and-play options, ideal for those just getting started with vinyl. The limitation is with volume and sound quality: they aren’t on par with other record players and turntables that require speakers, or with a set-up that also includes external speakers.
When should you invest in or use external speakers?
If you buy a turntable, you will need external speakers whether or not it has a built-in preamp or amp. If it doesn’t, you’ll need an amp as well. With a record player, you need external speakers if they aren’t built in or can choose to connect ones for louder and/or better-quality sound.
Passive vs. powered (active) speakers
There are two main types of speakers you can connect to a turntable or record player.
Powered or active speakers include a built-in amp and plug directly into a turntable that has a preamp, or even one that doesn’t. They have their own batteries so need to be plugged into power separately. These are great for eliminating the need for a separate preamp and ensuring a quick and simple setup. But they tend to be bulkier and bigger given all the electronics included.
Passive speakers, on the other hand, need a separate amp or receiver to work since they don’t have a preamp built in. Once connected to a separate preamp or a turntable with a built-in preamp, they get a signal from that and don’t require an additional power source. These are generally more lightweight. You get more flexibility with setup with passive speakers, choosing components like a separate preamp and being able to modify the setup based on your listening needs. You’ll often get better sound quality and the option to upgrade the system as your needs change.
Some ideal speaker setup options to consider
So, now that you understand the differences between speaker types as well as what you need, and what you can use, let’s look at some ideal setup scenarios.
1. Record player with built-in speakers
For the simplest set-up to get started on your listening journey, select a record player that has built-in speakers. This is ideal for beginners, casual listening, and small spaces where you don’t need the extra volume. As your needs change, most of these have ports for connecting external speakers, some can even connect to wireless ones. So, you can upgrade the sound by adding external components only if desired: it isn’t required.
2. Turntable with powered speakers
For a better audio experience, opt for a turntable and set it up with powered speakers that have built-in amplifiers. Make sure the turntable has a built-in preamp. If it doesn’t, which might be the case with vintage models, like one handed down from a grandparent, you will need to invest in an external preamp. If you already have powered speakers at home, maybe ones you use with a computer, you can use them.
3. Turntable with amplifier and passive speakers
For the best hifi experience and the most classic set-up, get a premium turntable and connect it to an amplifier and a pair of passive speakers. This setup is the most expensive option. It also requires the most components, more space, and involves a longer set-up process. But the pay-off in the end is greater flexibility and higher-quality sound.
4. Turntable with Bluetooth and wireless speakers
As noted, many modern turntables, especially ones designed for beginners and casual listening, come with built-in Bluetooth as well, or can work with a Bluetooth transmitter. With some that have Bluetooth Out, you can connect wireless speakers or even headphones to listen to vinyl from them. This is great for modern setups and small spaces where you want one unit to play all types of music, from vinyl to streaming. There are multi-systems that add CD, cassette tape, and AM/FM radio playback to the equation as well.
Speakers are worth adding every time
No matter if you buy a turntable or a record player and what audio technology is built into it, connecting external speakers is always a good idea. The only time you can get away without using them is with a record player that has built-in speakers. Even with these, however, using external speakers will amplify the sound beyond relatively quiet levels. Otherwise, they’re necessary.
It’s important to know what’s built into the turntable or record player, including a preamp and modern features like Bluetooth. This will help you determine what type of speakers you should connect and what other gear might be necessary as well, like an external preamp. Don’t forget the necessary cables as well.
Decide what speakers to use based on the turntable or record player you buy as well as space constraints, audio expectations, and budget. For the simplest, most compact set-up, a suitcase-style modern record player with built-in speakers is best. For something mid-level, go with a turntable and powered speakers, or even Bluetooth wireless speakers. But if you want the best sound quality possible, have room for a larger set-up, and a bigger budget, a turntable with an amplifier and passive speakers is the ideal scenario.
Find a wide selection of turntables and record players at Best Buy Canada.
