Best Bluetooth Speaker For Record Player

So, you've rediscovered the magic of vinyl or maybe you're just starting your record collection. The warm crackle, the album art – it's an experience. But what if your record player's built-in speakers just aren't cutting it? That's where a good Bluetooth speaker comes in.

This article is for the first-time buyer, the person who loves the idea of wireless audio but isn't sure where to start. We're cutting through the jargon and focusing on what matters most: getting great sound from your record player without breaking the bank.

Why Bluetooth Speakers for Record Players?

You might be wondering, "Why not just use traditional wired speakers?" The answer is flexibility. Bluetooth speakers offer placement freedom, allowing you to enjoy your vinyl anywhere in the room, or even on the patio. Many modern turntables now come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity.

Top 5 Bluetooth Speakers for Record Players: A Quick Comparison

Model	Price (USD)	Bluetooth Version	Wattage	Warranty
Sonos One (Gen 2)	$219	5.0	N/A (Class D amplifiers)	1 Year
Audioengine A1	$199	5.0	30W (15W per speaker)	3 Years
Tribit StormBox Micro 2	$59	5.3	10W	18 Months
Marshall Emberton II	$169	5.1	20W (10W per channel)	1 Year
Edifier R1280DBs	$129	5.0	42W (21W per speaker)	2 Years

Detailed Reviews

Sonos One (Gen 2): The Smart Choice

The Sonos One (Gen 2) isn't just a Bluetooth speaker; it's a smart speaker. It integrates seamlessly into the Sonos ecosystem, allowing for multi-room audio and voice control. It offers rich, detailed sound, making it a great option for smaller to medium-sized rooms.

Audioengine A1: Compact Powerhouse

Don't let the small size of the Audioengine A1 fool you. These powered speakers deliver impressive sound quality and clarity. They are specifically designed to work well with turntables, offering a balanced and natural sound signature. They offer both bluetooth and wired connections.

Tribit StormBox Micro 2: Portable Perfection

If you need something truly portable, the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is a great pick. It's small enough to clip onto a backpack, yet powerful enough to deliver decent sound. This speaker has an impressively long battery life for its size.

Marshall Emberton II: Iconic Sound

The Marshall Emberton II captures the iconic Marshall aesthetic with a rugged, portable design. It delivers a powerful and punchy sound signature, perfect for rock and pop music. Its multi-directional control knob makes it easy to adjust volume and skip tracks.

Edifier R1280DBs: Budget-Friendly Option

The Edifier R1280DBs offers great value for money. These powered bookshelf speakers deliver clear and balanced sound. It offers multiple inputs, including optical, coaxial, and RCA, making it versatile for various audio sources.

Used vs. New: Weighing the Options

Buying used can save you money, but it comes with risks. You might find a great deal on a high-end Bluetooth speaker, but there's no guarantee of its lifespan or condition.

Pros of Buying Used: Lower price, potential for higher-end models at a discount. Cons of Buying Used: No warranty, unknown history, potential for hidden damage or reduced battery life.

New speakers offer peace of mind with a warranty and guarantee of performance. However, they'll cost more upfront.

Reliability Ratings by Brand

While individual speaker models vary, some brands have a reputation for reliability. Sonos is generally considered very reliable. Audioengine has an excellent reputation for build quality. Marshall offers good balance of performance and reliability, while Edifier is known for good quality given their affordable price.

Checklist: 5 Must-Check Features Before Buying

Bluetooth Version: Aim for Bluetooth 5.0 or higher for a stable connection.
Wattage: Consider the size of your room. Larger rooms need more power.
Sound Quality: Research frequency response and listen to reviews.
Connectivity: Does it have the inputs you need (e.g., RCA, optical)?
Warranty: Check the length and coverage of the warranty.

Connecting Your Bluetooth Speaker to Your Record Player

The setup depends on your turntable. If your turntable has built-in Bluetooth, simply pair it with the speaker. If not, you'll need a Bluetooth transmitter.

Connect the transmitter to the RCA outputs on your turntable. Then, pair the transmitter with your Bluetooth speaker.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Experiencing static or dropouts? Make sure your turntable and speaker are within range. Try moving the speaker away from other electronic devices.

If you're using a Bluetooth transmitter, ensure it's fully charged or plugged in. Interference from other devices can also cause problems, so try switching channels on the transmitter if available.

Summary

Choosing the best Bluetooth speaker for your record player depends on your budget, room size, and desired features. The Sonos One (Gen 2) offers smart features and great sound. The Audioengine A1 provides a balanced and detailed listening experience. The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 offers portability. The Marshall Emberton II delivers iconic sound in a rugged design. The Edifier R1280DBs represents a good value option.

Remember to consider connectivity options, Bluetooth version, and wattage. Don't forget to weigh the pros and cons of buying used versus new. By carefully considering these factors, you can find the perfect Bluetooth speaker to elevate your vinyl listening experience.

Ultimately, the best way to determine if a speaker is right for you is to listen to it. See if you can find a store that carries the models you are considering and bring along a record you know well. This will allow you to assess the sound quality first-hand.

Ready to upgrade your vinyl setup? Click here to explore the latest deals on Bluetooth speakers!