Although the vinyl trying to come back in full swing, Audio-Technica has been manufacturing turntables for more than 50 years. You can connect the turntable’s line-level outputs to an integrated stereo amplifier, AV receiver, computer, boombox, Bluetooth speaker, or any other device with an analog audio input using the built-in phono preamp. Your specific needs and budget will determine how much you wish to spend on a pair of Best Speakers for Audio-Technica.
Today, we’ll concentrate on the solutions that offer the most value for money: those priced between $100 and $400. Let’s check our small list of Best Speakers for Audio-Technica.
Choosing the Best Speakers for Audio-Technica
You could get a more fundamental and uncomplicated approach to get the most sonic performance for our money. Alternatively, we can pay extra for items that aren’t essential. Wireless Bluetooth, tone control, and a built-in phono preamp are just a few of the features. If you’re a purist, you’ll probably go with something simple. For AT-LP120, I prefer to purchase the most basic edition of the Audioengine 5+. Some people may not like using wires, but I would recommend using wires to provide better sound quality. Therefore I recommend it.
Bluetooth isn’t the best wireless music transmission. Bluetooth can be lossy, compressed, and digital. Hardcore vinyl fans will be disappointed, as the warm, silky-smooth sound of vinyl is somewhat diminished when utilizing Bluetooth.
Bluetooth compatibility allows you to wirelessly connect various music sources (phones, computers, etc.) to the speakers. That’s great. To receive the best vinyl sound, and can still be connected to the Audio Technica turntable via cable.
As a result, choosing Bluetooth functionality increases the speakers’ versatility. Suppose you have the Bluetooth version of the Audio Technica turntable and Bluetooth speakers. In that case, you will be able to connect the turntable to the speakers wirelessly and via a cable for optimum sound quality.
Best Speakers for Audio-Technica
Edifier S1000DB Review
The Edifier S1000DB is most likely the ideal balance of affordability, efficiency, and features. They sound fantastic for the price (as do all Edifier speakers), are well-made, and include Bluetooth and tone control features as standard. However, there is no preamp on these. Deep bass is turned down to 48Hz (-4dB).
The Edifier S1000DB is marketed as a Hi-Fi and audiophile speaker with a far more premium feel than any of Edifier’s other bookshelf speakers. They’re also inside an ideal pricing range. It’s one of the Best Speakers for Audio-Technica.
Design and Performance
Speakers become more than speakers at this price point; they become a statement regarding innovation, design, and utility. Edifier is well aware of this. Though the S1000DB aren’t as abstract as speakers from other Edifier speakers, they have a very sophisticated aesthetic that will complement a more extensive range of applications; in other words, you don’t need a designer suite to match these speakers. The S1000DB is built as a lifestyle studio speaker, yet it is a bookshelf speaker at its core. They are colossal in size and unsuitable for computer use (but will work fine if you have an extensive enough desk).
Furthermore, the bass port and all of the settings are on the back, which isn’t ideal for folks who like to tinker and change all of the time, but it’s acceptable for static use in a single room, in a single place. They’ll look great next to a big TV if you have the room, and they’ll fit beautifully on a decent set of shelves. Their substantial matching weight of over 10kg each reinforces their superb feel in the palm! Once the speakers are in place, you won’t want to move them about too much.
The speakers have a terrific feel to them that matches their price tag. The S1000DBs are almost totally made of natural wood, unlike the R1700BT, which used walnut vinyl, and the R2000DB, which used a mix of MDF and plastic (not specified what type). As a result, they’re less likely to scrape, and the hardwood sides don’t scuff or collect fingerprints.
Each speaker has four rubberized feet on the bottom that prevent the speakers from straying during high-volume playback and damaging the speakers or the surface they’re set on.
Final View
While the S1000DB retails for roughly $700, it’s more typical to find it at around $550, and sometimes even less. It’s not much more expensive than the $400 R2000DB at that pricing, yet it’s noticeably superior in almost every regard. The S1000DB has a far more quality feel than any other Edifier bookshelf speaker, yet the highly finished wood doesn’t relatively equal the richness of some other speakers in this class for the price.
On the other hand, the speakers have no such flaws in terms of aesthetic design, and they are easily among the most aesthetically striking among the visually stagnant field of bookshelf speakers.
PROS
- Strong amplifier
- Excellent sound
- Modest bass
- Bluetooth
- Excellent build quality
- Audio clarity/accuracy/detail, deep and warm bass
- Active speakers
CONS
- Limited color choices
- Expensive (but value for money
- Control knob’s location
Features of Edifier S1000DB
| Size | 8 x 13.5 x 10.5 in |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 48Hz – 20kHz (+/- 4dB) |
| Amplifier Power | 120W RMS (Class D) |
| Tone Control (Equalizer) | Yes |
| Phono Stage / Phono Preamp | No |
| Color | Wood |
| Wireless Bluetooth | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz – 20kHz (+/- 4dB) |
R1280 Edifier
Nothing, in my opinion, beats the Edifier R1280 if you’re searching for the most budget speakers for the Audio Technica. They are available with or without Bluetooth. However, they do not come with a preamp. When you first open the box and take the R1280s out, you can’t believe you got them for such a low price. As soon as you turn on the sound, you get the same sensation.
Edifier appears to have cracked the code to producing great-sounding powered speakers that are also inexpensive, attractive, and well-built. I’d like to know how they make money selling these at the current pricing. When you first open the box and take the R1280s out, you can’t believe you got them for such a low price. You are bound to keep these speakers in the list of Best Speakers for Audio-Technica.
Design and Performance
The R1280T speakers are 9.2 by 5.7 by 7.7 inches (HWD) each, with wood veneer paneling on the sides and a matte metallic finish on top. The grilles are gray fabric and detachable, with the Edifier logo on the bottom. Each speaker has a 4-inch woofer, a 13mm silk dome tweeter, and a vent for moving air and allowing the drivers to function more efficiently behind the grille. The right speaker is the only one in the powered pair, and its power is fed to the left speaker through a detachable wire (included). An IR sensor on the right speaker allows for simple remote control with only three buttons: Mute, Volume Up, and Volume Down.
The only powered speaker on the right is powered by a separate connection from the left unit (included). The right speaker even incorporates an IR sensor for simple remote control with only three buttons for mute, volume up/down, and mute. On the right panel of the speaker, there is a recessed region with three knobs. The lowest button is the bass, the middle is the bass, and the top is the treble. Detents to the halfway of the dial are present on the bass and treble switches.
Surprisingly, you can only see the volume control as a plus and a smaller sign, so you can see what level your system is set at. There is also no stop on the dial when full turns are made, so you can’t simply turn it left and know the volume is at its lowest setting. A power LED is located under these dials.
Final View
The audio quality of the Edifier R1280T is impressive for $100. Budget-friendly PC speakers seldom sound good and provide this great power. If you spend a little more money on your choice, we’re fans of the Harman Kardon SoundSticks III, the Logitech Z537, and the Audiostick 2+. If you’re wireless, HD3 speakers from Audioengine are robust but considerably more affordable. Check out 2 Amazing Speaker from Polk, also with great price points. You might also consider the Edifier R1700BT an alternative, but it’s also a little bit more expensive, with Bluetooth and slightly superior specs and design.
Edifier R1280T speakers offer lush, balanced sounds with adjustable EQ in a sleek package at a reasonable price. Thanks to its excellent sound quality, medium-capacity for an office or apartment, and perfect if button-down appearance, it’s an ideal companion for practically any desk layout.
Pros
- No amplifier required
- The sound is warm, equilibrated, and powerful
- Separate bass and treble checks
- Excellent price point
- Easy to connect
- Includes remote
Cons
- Not the deepest bass
- Few color options
Features
| Size | 5.75 x 9.5 x 7 in |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response | – |
| Amplifier Power | 42W RMS |
| Wireless Bluetooth | Optional |
| Tone Control (Equalizer) | Yes |
| Phono Stage / Phono Preamp | No |
| Color | Wood |
Audioengine’s A5+
The A5+ powered speakers from Audioengine are widely recognized as among the best desktop and bookshelf speakers available. Everything in the speaker is designed and manufactured by Audioengine from the bottom up, making it an audiophile-grade speaker. Audioengine just announced the A5+ Wireless speakers in 2018, which are practically identical to the Audioengine A5+ speakers but include built-in Bluetooth for music streaming. There is no need to connect the speakers to a computer, CD player, or turntable to listen to music, though you can. The Audioengine A5 Plus is unique in that it has a fully analog Class-A/B power amplifier, which sets them apart from practically every other powered speaker in this category. These specs are perfect for any of the Best Speakers for Audio-Technica.
While its competitors usually include a digital Class-D amplifier that is easier to construct and less expensive. If you’re a die-hard vinyl fan who loves the warm, silky sound it produces, you might want to go with an analog speaker to keep your system pure and free of digital technology. Audioengine also creates its tweeters, woofers, and other vital components. As a result, these aren’t mass-produced speakers with off-the-shelf components but rather custom-designed speakers to their specifications.
Design and Performance
The A5+ Wireless speakers have the same high-quality sound as the A5+, but with a built-in Bluetooth receiver and 24-bit DAC, streaming Spotify or Tidal from your phone is a breeze. High-resolution streaming is supported by the speakers, including Bluetooth aptX, SBC, and AAC. If you don’t want to stream music, the speakers feature multiple inputs and connectivity choices so that you may connect them to a turntable, stereo receiver, or desktop. Audioengine provides a 30-day “trial period,” during which you can get a full refund if you don’t like it, but you definitely will.
If you’re not planning to stream music, you can obtain the same audio quality for $100 less on Amazon with Audioengine’s several-year-old A5+ powered speakers.
The A5+ Wireless speakers are practically indistinguishable from the A5+ powered speakers you’ve long adored. Aside from the Bluetooth antennas, the only noticeable difference is that each speaker’s tweeter is now centered, rather than slanted to one side as it was on the A5+. However, they offer incredible stereo sound and are more adaptable than ever before. Regardless of how you listen to them, they’re going to sound fantastic.
Even though the A5+ Wireless speakers are excellent, there are a few things to consider before purchasing them. Because these are near-field speakers, you should turn them slightly towards you rather than straight for the best listening experience. The A5+ Wireless speakers excel at handling middle and high frequencies.
Final View
When it comes to wireless bookshelf speakers, the A5+ Wireless are the crème of the crop at around $500. You can easily stream high-resolution audio from your smartphone, tablet, or computer or connect them to any existing hi-fi components. They’re adaptable, sound great with or without a subwoofer, and look great in any living room or workplace setting.
The Audioengine A5+ Wireless brings vibrant and lifelike sound to be small and medium-sized rooms, adding the convenience of a wireless connection while maintaining the same outstanding audio performance we’ve loved for over a decade.
PROS
- Excellent design
- Optional Bluetooth
- Excellent sound quality
- Deep bass
CONS
- Price
- No tone control
Features of Audioengine’s A5+
| Size | 7.8 x 7 x 10.8 in |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 50Hz – 22kHz (+/- 1.5dB) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS (Class A/B) |
| Wireless Bluetooth | Optional |
| Phono Stage / Phono Preamp | No |
| Tone Control (Equalizer) | No |
| Color | White Black Bamboo |
Kanto YU4
Kanto is another speaker brand that has grown in popularity for usage with turntables. They offer two separate powered speaker versions, each with a built-in phono preamp. The Kanto YU4 and the Kanto YU6 are two different Kanto YU models.
Kanto’s main speaker line comprises the YU2, YU3, YU, and YU6 models, which are pretty popular. Today, we’ll be looking at the YU4s, which are in the upper-middle of the spectrum. The Kanto YU4 is the more affordable of the two and is likely the best choice for most vinyl collectors. If you want to invest the extra money, the more extensive and more expensive YU6 will provide a louder sound and deeper bass. They’ve gotten rave ratings all over the place like the rest of the speakers in this post. They also connect to turntables that don’t have a built-in preamp, eliminating the need for a separate preamp.
These best Speakers for Audio-Technica have been developed so that they can be used in a variety of situations. Whether you’re just listening to music, viewing movies, or playing video games, they provide. They will fit into the majority of areas due to their relatively small size.
Design and Performance
Kanto is known for designing and manufacturing speakers that look not only nice but also sound fantastic. The YU4s come equipped with 4″ Kevlar drivers and 1″ silk tweeters. Kanto has produced a clean sound with a real depth when listening by employing high-quality materials. This level of sound depth is tough to achieve with drivers of this size, so kudos to the designers.
Bluetooth 4.0 with Qualcomm aptX is standard on the YU4s. This means that using smartphones, tablets, or computers to connect to these speakers is quick, simple, and effective. Kanto has expanded their target demographic and tailored to how most music is consumed now by including Bluetooth.
The YU4s are very stunning. Their attractive and practical speaker system is made possible by their basic design and outstanding build quality. Whereas some brands go for a bold aesthetic that draws attention to characteristics like the woofers, Kanto has created a sleek, modest, and clean aesthetic that we believe will appeal to most people.
The speakers are likewise made of high-quality materials. The Kevlar drivers are sturdy and robust, allowing them to work well even at higher volumes. The dome-shaped tweeters are silky smooth and offer bright, polished highs. Even the MDF housing has been engineered to provide the best possible audio quality.
Kanto’s automated standby and power-up modes are standard on the Kanto YU4s. This means that when you cease listening, power is conserved, and your speakers will power up quickly and simply when you’re ready to resume.
Final View
Since we reviewed the Audioengine A5+ several years ago, Audioengine has been the gold standard for premium desktop speakers. After examining the Kanto YU4, I am confident that Kanto is a strong competitor in this area, closely rivaling Audioengine with an equally fantastic portfolio of high-grade powered speakers that offer superb sound quality and fantastic design top-notch adaptability.
The Kanto YU4 is presently available for roughly $262 on Amazon, a touch pricey for a pair of powered speakers but reasonable for a speaker of this caliber. Despite using smaller, the Audioengine HD3 is $400, which is quite expensive than the Kanto YU4.
The Kanto YU4 is an excellent set of speakers in general. The Kanto YU4 is an attractive solution for anyone wishing to drastically improve their audio experience without spending 2-3 times as much on entry-level audiophile-quality speakers with a separate amp.
Pros
- Wireless Connectivity
- Quality of Sound
- Analog Connectivity
- Analog Connectivity
- Warranty (2years)
Cons
- Lack of Sub-bass
- Not the deepest bass
Features of Kanto YU4
| Size | 5.5 x 7.5 x 8.7 in |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 60Hz-20kHZ |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS Class D |
| Wireless Bluetooth | Yes |
| Tone Control (Equalizer) | Yes |
| Phono Stage / Phono Preamp | Yes |
| Color | Many |
Brief comparison of all the speakers
| Edifier S1000DB | R1280 Edifier | Audioengine’s A5+ | Kanto YU4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pros | – Strong amplifier – Excellent sound – Modest bass – Bluetooth is included as standard – Excellent build quality – Audio clarity/accuracy/detail, deep and warm bass – Active speakers | – No amplifier required. – The sound is warm, equilibrated, and powerful. – Separate bass and treble checks – Excellent price point – Easy to connect. – Includes remote. | – Excellent design – Optional Bluetooth – Excellent sound quality – Deep bass | – Wireless Connectivity – Quality of Sound – Analog Connectivity – Analog Connectivity – Warranty (2years) |
| Cons | — Limited color choices — Expensive (but value for money) — Control knob’s location | – Not the deepest bass – Few color options | – Price – No tone control | – Lack of Sub-bass – Not the deepest bass |
Final Thoughts: Best Speakers for Audio-Technica
We hope that the top speakers we’ve mentioned in this post will benefit you in making an informed selection. Although we are certain that any of them will function well with your Audio Technica record player, we recommend that you assess your budget and requirements first.
Choose only the speakers that best fit your tastes. But, for us, in this list of Best Speakers for Audio-Technica, Edifier S1000DB is the author’s number one choice.
FAQs: Best Speakers for Audio-Technica
If you still have some questions to be answered about the Best Speakers for Audio-Technica, check out this section.
Is it necessary to use speakers with the Audio Technica LP120?
The Audio Technica LP120 does require speakers. This is due to the fact that the turntable has no built-in speakers and just built-in amplifiers.
Is an amplifier required by Audio Technica?
An analog output (RCA connector) is available on all Audio-Technica turntables, allowing users to connect directly to powered speakers. Powered speakers have an internal power amplifier, its own power supply, and, in some cases, a volume control.
Is it possible to connect my turntable to speakers directly?
If your turntable has a built-in preamp and your speakers have a built-in amplifier, you can connect your turntable straight to speakers. However, if your turntable just has a PHONO output, you’ll need to connect it to a separate preamp. Alternatively, use a receiver with a built-in preamp.
Hi, my name is Afnan Bin Ibrahim, and I’m an aspiring freelance writer. Read more
