Do Record Players Need Speakers? (Plus How to Connect Bluetooth Speakers)

Do record players need speakers? All-in-one record players don't; they have speakers built in and play as soon as you plug them in. A turntable does need speakers, plus a preamp (often built in) and an amplifier, unless you buy powered speakers that include the amplifier. Many record players can also connect to external speakers, wired or by Bluetooth, when you want bigger sound.

Which Record Players Have Built-In Speakers?

Suitcase players, consoles on legs and cabinet-style record players usually have speakers built in. For example:

• Arkrocket Curiosity suitcase record player ($99)
• Arkrocket Discovery II with legs, with two 5W speakers ($189)
• Arkrocket Huygens furniture-style cabinet ($249)

Some turntables come with separate speakers in the box, like the Arkrocket Cassini and Polaris II with 40W bookshelf speakers. Browse every option in record players with speakers.

Built-In vs External Speakers

Which Kind of External Speaker?

Powered (active) speakers have an amplifier inside and connect straight to a turntable with a built-in preamp. Passive speakers need a separate amplifier or receiver. Bluetooth speakers connect wirelessly to a record player with Bluetooth out. For a full comparison, see active vs passive speakers.

How to Connect Speakers to a Record Player

Powered speakers (wired)

1. Check that the turntable's preamp is on (often a PHONO/LINE switch set to LINE).
2. Run an RCA cable from the turntable's output to the speaker's input.
3. Connect the two speakers to each other if required, and plug them in.
4. Start with the volume low, play a record, then turn it up.

Passive speakers with a receiver

1. Connect the turntable to the receiver's PHONO input (or LINE/AUX if the turntable has a built-in preamp switched on).
2. Attach the turntable's ground wire to the receiver's GND post, if it has one.
3. Wire the speakers to the receiver's speaker terminals, matching + and -.

How to connect a Bluetooth speaker to a record player

1. Make sure your record player has Bluetooth out (also called Bluetooth transmit). Bluetooth in only streams from your phone to the player.
2. Put your Bluetooth speaker in pairing mode.
3. Switch the record player to Bluetooth out or pairing mode (see its manual).
4. Wait for the indicator to show it's connected, then play a record.
5. If it won't connect, unpair the speaker from your phone first; many speakers only connect to one device at a time.

Record players with Bluetooth out include the Arkrocket Coryphaeus, the Elvis Presley '68, and Crosley's Cruiser Plus and Voyager. No Bluetooth out? A plug-in Bluetooth transmitter connected to the RCA or headphone output does the same job.

Tips for Better Sound

• Keep speakers off the turntable's shelf to avoid vibration and skipping.
• Place two speakers at ear height and as far apart as they are from you.
• Use the wired connection for the best sound quality; Bluetooth compresses the signal.
• Keep the stylus clean and replace it when worn. See record player needle replacement.

FAQs

Can I use any speakers with a record player?
Almost, as long as the signal is amplified. Powered speakers work with turntables that have a preamp; passive speakers need a receiver or amplifier.

Can I play a record player through a soundbar?
Yes, if the soundbar has an analog or Bluetooth input and the record player has a line-level or Bluetooth output.

Why is my turntable so quiet through my speakers?
It's probably missing a preamp. Turn on the built-in preamp, use the receiver's PHONO input, or add a phono preamp.

You may also like:

• Active vs Passive Speakers
• Record Player vs Turntable
• How to Set Up and Use a Record Player