Klipsch RP-160 are discontinued close out now that there is a newer model available. They may sell out in a week or they may be available at that price for months. Have you listened to Klipsch speakers that can be bright? Some may prefer the possibly neutral Emotiva or warm Wharfedale over Klipsch. Consider buying 2 or 3 pairs of speakers to find out what you like then send back the others.

The full size Onkyo and Yamaha with class A/B amp sections do have a built in phono preamp and have more inputs than many mini amps. The class D Aiyima does not have a built in phono preamp. The AT-LP3 has a built in phono preamp so you don't need one in or attached to the Ayima.

You could optionally upgrade to a better $65 or $99+ external phono preamp later.

More compact amp options:

• Aiyma A07 $65 has 1 input for your turntable, no Bluetooth or tone controls.
• Fosi Audio BL20A $68 mini amp with remote has 3.5mm input instead of RCA output so use the correct cable or adapter.
• Douk Audio X1 $149 compact amp has a built in phono preamp.

Pass on most anything from turntable lab and pass on their bundles that don't make much sense.

Pass on the YU speakers that are pricey for what they are and you can do better for around the same cost. Pass on the tiny A2+ that are small computer type speakers for a small desk.

Both turntables are around the same entry level quailty. Do you need a fully automatic turntable?

​

Better setup for under $350:

• Manual better turntable: AT-LPW30TK $175 has a built in phono preamp.
• Plus powered speakers: Neumi BSP5 $139.

​

Or passive speakers and separate speaker amplification with Bluetooth:

• Fosi Audio BL20A $68 mini amp. 3.5mm input instead of RCA output so use the correct cable or adapter.
• Onkyo TX-8220 $199 stereo receiver.
• Or if there is also a TV in the room an AV receiver with 4K HDMI starting at $229. Then you can now or later optionally add more speakers for movie and TV surround sound.

Passive speakers on sale:

• 5.25" OSD Nero M5B $199 $159.
• 5.25" JBL Studio 530 $599 $199 best deal.
• 5.25" Emotiva B1+ $329 $199 with coupon code WINTER10.
• 6.5" ELAC Debut B6.2 $399 $239.

Or floor standing towers, then you don't need to buy or build speaker stands:

• Triple 5.25" Jamo S809 $219 pair black or $199 walnut.

Or 5 speakers for an AV receiver:

• Jamo stand mount $199.

Plus speaker wire, pure copper oxygen free 16 AWG or optional thicker 14 AWG. Then How To Strip Speaker Wire and How to Install Speaker Wire.

​

Optional turntable upgrades:

• Fluance RT82 $299 has auto stop and then an optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for lower wow and flutter and speed variation. Pass on the older RT80 and RT81 that lack the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better. Connect to a phono preamp to connect to the Neumi powered speakers or Fosi mini amp or AV receiver or the Onkyo stereo receiver or Douk X1 mini amp both have a built in phono preamp.
• Drop + Audio-Technica Carbon VTA with a built in phono preamp adds a carbon fiber tonearm, a better stylus, VTA adjustment, a better stylus and replaces some plastic parts with metal over the AT-LPW30TK.

​

Or look for a used stereo or AV receiver and a pair of used passive speakers. What is a Craigslist or nearby zip code to search? Reply here or chat.

​

Setup Guide / Signal Path: Turntable > Phono Preamp (separate or built into the turntable or speaker amplification) > Speaker Amplification (separate or built into speakers) > Speakers

Audio Guides, Speaker Placement, Accessories and Vinyl Care

That will work. Powered speakers have a built in speaker amp.

RT83 > included RCA cable > phono preamp > buy an RCA cable > Ai41.

Fluance RT83 currently includes a free PA10 phono preamp.

RCA Cables: KabelDirekt, Crutchfield Reference, Crutchfield, Monoprice Oynx, Monoprice, Blue Jeans Cables.

Passive speakers are powered by an amp or receiver.

Examples:

Amplification with Bluetooth:

• Fosi Audio BL20A $68 mini amp.
• Yamaha R-S202 $199 $129 stereo receiver.
• Douk Audio X1 $149 compact amp with a built in phono preamp.
• Onkyo TX-8220 $199 stereo receiver with a built in phono preamp.

Passive speakers on sale, plus speaker wire sold separately:

• 5.25" Klipsch RP-150M $449 $199.
• 5.25" JBL Studio 530 $599 $199 best deal.
• 5.25" Emotiva B1+ $329 $199 with coupon code WINTER10.

Setup Guide / Signal Path: Turntable > Phono Preamp (separate or built into the turntable or speaker amplification) > Speaker Amplification (separate or built into speakers) > Speakers

Audio Guides, Speaker Placement, Accessories and Vinyl Care

Turntables:

Pass on the older RT81 since the newer improved Fluance RT82 adds the new optical sensor speed controlled servo motor for lower wow and flutter and speed variation and the speed won't drift since the sensor is monitoring the speed 400 times a second.

The entry level AT-LP60X has automatic playback and is easy setup beginner plug and play if those are features you need. If you must have an automatic turntable then the better AT-LP3 $199 adds adjustable tracking force and a removable cartridge. Balance the tonearm and set the tracking force, same as the manual turntables.

If you want an Audio Technica then instead of AT-LP120X, AT-LP60X, AT-LP3, turntables with a solid MDF plinth like the Fluance RT82:

• AT-LPW30TK $219.
• Drop + Audio-Technica Carbon VTA $349.

​

Speakers:

Pass on tiny A2+ with 2.75" mid bass drivers unless they are for desktop use on a small desk.

Pass on Edifier R1280 that will be a sound quality bottleneck for the turntables or they are often paired with the low budget AT-LP60X if your budget is low.

I recommend an amp or stereo receiver and better value $300 to $600 passive speakers on sale for $200.

Amplification with Bluetooth:

For turntable with a built in phono preamp (not the Fluance RT82):

• Fosi Audio BL20A $68 mini amp Bluetooth and a subwoofer output. 3.5mm input instead of RCA output so use the correct cable or adapter.

For turntables with or without a built in phono preamp, all the turntable options:

• Douk Audio X1 $149 has a built in phono preamp.
• Onkyo TX-8220 $199 has a built in phono preamp.

Or is there also a TV in the room to get an AV receiver with HDMI?

Passive speakers on sale:

• 5.25" OSD Nero M5B $199 $159.
• 6.5" Klipsch RP-160 $549 $195.
• 5.25" JBL Studio 530 $599 $199 best deal.
• 5.25" Emotiva B1+ $329 $199 with coupon code WINTER10.
• 6.5" ELAC Debut B6.2 $399 $239.

Or floor standing towers, then you don't need to buy or build speaker stands:

• Triple 5.25" Jamo S809 $219 pair black or $199 walnut.
• Dual 5.25" Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+ $499 $359 with coupon code WINTER10.
• Dual 5.25" JBL Studio 570 $599 $179 each.

Plus speaker wire, pure copper oxygen free 16 AWG or optional thicker 14 AWG. Then How To Strip Speaker Wire and How to Install Speaker Wire.

​

Or what is a nearby town or zip code I can search for used receiver and speaker options?

​

Setup Guide / Signal Path: Turntable > Phono Preamp (separate or built into the turntable or speaker amplification) > Speaker Amplification (separate or built into speakers) > Speakers

Audio Guides, Speaker Placement, Accessories and Vinyl Care

The Denon isn't worth $360 and the MSRP is over inflated for what it is compared to many other options in the price range.

Turntables:

• AT-LP3 $249 $125 will have similar performance and sound for less than half the cost if you need a fully automatic turntable.
• The manual AT-LPW30TK $249 $175 is a better turntable than both the Denon DP-300F and AT-LP3.
• Fluance RT82 $299 adds auto stop. Pass on the older RT80 and RT81 that lack the new speed sensor that the RT82 has. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better.

Passive speaker alternatives to the Klipsch R-51PM powered speakers:

Klipsch:

• Better and larger 6.5" Klipsch RP-160 $549 $195 from the better Premiere line.
• Floor standing towers, then you don't need to buy or build speaker stands, 6.5" Klipsch Reference R-610F $389 each $299 pair.
• 5.25" Klipsch R-51M $279 $149 are the passive version of the powered R-51PM.

Polk:

• 5.25" Polk ES15 $299 $219.
• 6.5" Polk ES20 $399 $279.

Amplification for the passive speakers:

The AT turntables have a built in phono preamp so amp options without a built in phono preamp:

• Fosi Audio BL20A $68 mini amp with remote. 3.5mm input instead of RCA output so use the correct cable or adapter.
• Yamaha R-S202 $199 $99 stereo receiver with remote.

The Fluance RT82 does not have a built in phono preamp so amp options with a built in phono preamp:

• Douk Audio X1 $149.
• AIYIMA T5 $159.
• Onkyo TX-8220 $199 stereo receiver adds a remote.

Plus speaker wire, pure copper oxygen free 16 AWG or optional thicker 14 AWG. Then How To Strip Speaker Wire and How to Install Speaker Wire.

Audio Guides, Speaker Placement, Accessories and Vinyl Care

Neither Fosi has a built in phono preamp since they don't have a "PHONO" input.

Setup for either Fosi:

• Turntable > Technolink TC-750 phono preamp > Fosi amp > Pioneer passive speakers.

The $45 Technolink TC-75 should already be better than a phono preamp built into a compact or mini amp that may only have a $15 value.

Which model Pioneer speakers?

If the Pioneers are basic entry level and you are looking for an increase in sound quailty then consider upgrading the speakers first or at the same time as the switch from the Yamaha AV receiver to a mini amp. The switch from the full size Yamaha AV receiver to a sub $150 class A/B compact amp or a class D mini amp won't be an upgrade, it will just be smaller.

The class A/B tube hybrid Fosi T3 looks good.

For class D mini amps, Aiyma A07 if you don't need Bluetooth, or Fosi BT20 if you don't need subwoofer output or Fosi BL20 has subwoofer output and a remote. Or more options from SMSL such as the SA300.

More compact amps $115 to $240:

• https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-HTA50BT-Hybrid-Stereo-Tube-Amplifier-with-Integrated-DAC-Sub-Out-and-Headpho-300-3844?quantity=1
• https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-HTA20BT-Hybrid-Stereo-Tube-Amplifier-with-Bluetooth-4.2-USB-Aux-Inputs-Headpho-300-3840?quantity=1
• https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=16153
• https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-HTA100BT-Hybrid-Stereo-Tube-Amplifier-with-Bluetooth-USB-Aux-In-Sub-Out-100W-300-3842?quantity=1
• https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-APA150-150W-Power-Amplifier-300-812
• https://www.crutchfield.com/p_452NEROXD/OSD-Nero-Stream-XD.html?tp=34948

If you must downgrade or possibly side grade to a built in phono preamp:

• https://www.amazon.com/Stereo-Bluetooth-Vacuum-Amplifier-Turntables/dp/B08M6GGR6P/
• https://www.parts-express.com/FX-Audio-TUBE-P1-Tube-Amplifier-with-Headphone-Output-230-265?quantity=1
• https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-HTA100BT-Hybrid-Stereo-Tube-Amplifier-with-Bluetooth-USB-Aux-In-Sub-Out-100W-300-3842?quantity=1

Also check out r/BudgetAudiophile for sub $150 compact and mini amps.

Audio Guides, Speaker Placement, Accessories and Vinyl Care

Which model turntable do you have or are looking to buy.

iFi Zen AIR Phono is an alternative to the Pluto 2 for the same $99 price.

Or start with a built in phono preamp in the speaker amplification for passive speakers:

• Douk Audio X1 $149.
• Onkyo TX-8220 $199.
• Or is there also a TV in the room to use with an AV receiver?

Passive speakers on sale:

• 5.25" OSD Nero M5B $199 $159.
• 6.5" Klipsch RP-160 $549 $195.
• 5.25" JBL Studio 530 $599 $199 best deal.
• 5.25" Emotiva B1+ $329 $199 with coupon code WINTER10.
• 6.5" ELAC Debut B6.2 $399 $239.
• 5.25" Chane A1.5 B-stock are around $285 shipped, internet direct value.
• 5.25" KEF Q150 $599 $299.
• 5.25" ELAC Uni-Fi $579 $299, requires 4 ohm rated amplification.
• 6.5" Wharfedale Diamond 225 $499 $299.

Or floor standing towers, then you don't need to buy or build speaker stands:

• Triple 5.25" Jamo S809 $219 pair black or $199 walnut.
• Dual 5.25" Emotiva Airmotiv T-Zero+ $499 $359 with coupon code WINTER10.
• Dual 5.25" JBL Studio 570 $599 $179 each.
• Dual 6" Jamo Concert 9 Series C 95 II $459 $199 each.
• Dual 6.5" Wharfedale Diamond 240 $999 $499 pair.
• Dual 6.5" JBL Studio 580 $799 $299 each.

Plus speaker wire, pure copper oxygen free 16 AWG or optional thicker 14 AWG. Then How To Strip Speaker Wire and How to Install Speaker Wire.

​

Or look for a used stereo or AV receiver and a pair of used passive speakers. What is a Craigslist or nearby zip code to search? Reply here or chat.

​

Setup Guide / Signal Path: Turntable > Phono Preamp (separate or built into the turntable or speaker amplification) > Speaker Amplification (separate or built into speakers) > Speakers

Audio Guides, Speaker Placement, Accessories and Vinyl Care

Which model speakers?

Turntable without built in phono preamp setup options:

• Separate phono preamp and speaker amplification.
• Speaker amplification with a built in phono preamp via the Phono input.
• Separate phono preamp and powered speakers with a built in speaker amp.
• Powered speakers with a built in speaker amp and a few models have a built in phono preamp.

Amplification with a built in phono preamp:

• Douk Audio X1 $149.
• Aiyima T5 $159.
• Onkyo TX-8220 $199. Adds subwoofer output and a digital optical input over the Sony. Adds subwoofer output, a digital optical input, and a built in phono preamp over the Yamaha.
• Yamaha A Series $299+.
• NAD C316BEE V2 $349+
• Or if there is also a TV in the room an AV receiver with 4K HDMI staring at $329. Then you can now or later optionally add more speakers for movie and TV surround sound.

Optionally get a dedicated headphone amp if you have good headphones or will listen to headphones more than speakers.

Audio Guides, Speaker Placement, Accessories and Vinyl Care

EVO connects directly to the Phono input on the Onyko that has a built in phono preamp.

Or the popular Yamaha A Series $299+ integrated amps also have a built in phono preamp via the Phono input.

If you must have smaller mini or compact amps:

• AIYIMA T5 and Douk X1 both have a built in phono preamp via the Phono input.
• AIYIMA-A08-PRO plus iFi-Audio-Zen-Air-Phono separate phono preamp.
• Dayton Audio HTA100BT and FX Audio TUBE-P1 also both have a built in phono preamp too.

If you start with a built in phono preamp you can optionally later upgrade to a better $99+ external phono preamp.