Yes, bookshelf speakers can be very good for turntables. In fact, many high-end audiophiles prefer to use bookshelf speakers with their turntables.
There are a few reasons for this. First, bookshelf speakers are typically very accurate and detailed. This means that they can reproduce the sound from a turntable very faithfully. Second, bookshelf speakers are often better at reproducing high frequencies than larger speakers. This is important for vinyl playback, as high frequencies are where a lot of the detail in music is located.
However, it’s important to choose the right bookshelf speakers for your turntable. Not all bookshelf speakers are created equal. Some bookshelf speakers are designed for home theater use, while others are designed for stereo music listening. When choosing bookshelf speakers for your turntable, it’s important to look for speakers that are designed for high-quality music reproduction.
Here are a few things to look for when choosing bookshelf speakers for your turntable:
- Frequency response: The frequency response of a speaker tells you how high and low it can reproduce sound. For turntables, you’ll want to choose speakers with a wide frequency response, so that they can reproduce the full range of sound on a vinyl record.
- Sensitivity: The sensitivity of a speaker tells you how loud it will play for a given amount of power. Turntables don’t produce a lot of power, so you’ll want to choose speakers with a high sensitivity.
- Impedance: The impedance of a speaker tells you how much resistance it offers to electrical current. Turntables typically have an output impedance of 47 ohms, so you’ll want to choose speakers with an impedance of 4-8 ohms.
Here are a few specific recommendations for bookshelf speakers that are good for turntables:
- KEF LS50 Meta
- ELAC Debut Reference DBR62
- Q Acoustics 3050i
- Klipsch RP-600M
- Wharfedale Diamond 12.3
These speakers all offer excellent sound quality, wide frequency response, high sensitivity, and compatible impedance. They are all great choices for use with a turntable.
Tips for using bookshelf speakers with a turntable
Here are a few tips for using bookshelf speakers with a turntable:
- Place the speakers on stands. This will help to decouple the speakers from the surface they are sitting on, and it will also improve the sound quality.
- Position the speakers equidistant from the listening position. This will create a more balanced soundstage.
- Angle the speakers slightly towards the listening position. This will help to focus the soundstage and improve the imaging.
- Experiment with different speaker placements. The best speaker placement will vary depending on your room and your personal preferences.
Bookshelf speakers can be a great choice for turntables. They offer excellent sound quality, versatility, and affordability. If you’re looking for a new pair of speakers for your turntable, be sure to consider bookshelf speakers.
Additional insights
Here are some additional insights into why bookshelf speakers may be a good choice for your turntable:
- Bookshelf speakers are often more affordable than floorstanding speakers. This can be a major consideration for people on a budget.
- Bookshelf speakers are easier to place in small rooms. Floorstanding speakers can be too large for some rooms, but bookshelf speakers can be placed on shelves, stands, or other surfaces.
- Bookshelf speakers can be paired with a subwoofer for deeper bass. This is a good option for people who want to enjoy the sound of vinyl with the added impact of deep bass.
Overall, bookshelf speakers are a great option for most people who are looking for speakers to use with their turntable. They offer excellent sound quality, versatility, and affordability.
