Instead of buying another $550 Sonos Five to have 2 speakers for stereo:

Amplification for the AT-LPW30TK that has a built in phono preamp:

• Fosi Audio BL20A $68 mini amp. 3.5mm input instead of RCA output so use the correct cable or adapter.
• Yamaha R-S202 $199 $129 with Bluetooth.
• More mini amps: Aiyima A08, Fosi 2120, SMSL SA300.
• Or if there is also a TV in the room an AV Receiver with 4K HDMI and Bluetooth starting at $249. Then you can now or later optionally add more speakers for movie and TV surround sound.

Amplification with a built in phono stage preamp for the RT82 or EVO:

• Aiyima T5 $159.
• Onkyo TX-8220 $199.
• Yamaha A Series $299+.
• Or if there is also a TV in the room an AV receiver with 4K HDMI and a built in phono preamp starting at $299. Then you can now or later optionally add more speakers for movie and TV surround sound.

Plus passive speakers on sale:

• 6.5" Klipsch RP-160M $459 $195.
• 5.25" Polk ES15 $299 $209.
• 5.25" Triangle Borea BR02 $399 $229.
• 5.25" Chane A1.5 B-stock are around $285 shipped, internet direct value.
• 6.5" Monolith Encore B6 $358 262 pair.
• 5.25" KEF Q150 $599 $299.
• 5.25" ELAC Uni-Fi $579 $299, requires amp rated for 4 ohms.
• 6.5" Wharfedale Diamond 225 $499 $299.
• 6.5" Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 $599 $399.

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

• Single 6.5" Klipsch Reference R-610F $389 each $299 pair.
• Dual 6.5" JBL Stage 180 $199 each, buy 2 for a pair.

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 I can search? Reply here or chat.

Audio Guides, Speaker Placement, Accessories and Vinyl Care

Larger speakers: * 5.25" Monolith Encore B5 $299 $169 pair. * 6.5" Monolith Encore B6 $349 $189 pair. * 6.5" Klipsch RP-160M $459 $195.

Powered by an amp or receiver with a built in phono preamp via the PHONO input, no ART DJ Pre needed:

• Aiyima T5 $159 mini amp.
• Onkyo TX-8220 $199 stereo receiver.

Or Aiyima A08 $111 min amp plus the Art DJ Pre II phono preamp if you must have it.

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 get a used stereo receiver and a pair of used passive speakers. What is a Craigslist or nearby zip code I can search? Reply here or chat.

​

Audio Guides, Speaker Placement, Accessories and Vinyl Care

The Douk X1 tube amp is a speaker amp with built in phono preamp and built in Bluetooth receiver.

Similar to the AIYIMA T5.

Though yeah the tubes may be doing little to nothing.

If you are looking for better sound quality then upgrade the speakers first. The basic while decent to start with for a low budget Edifier speakers are the sound quality bottleneck, it's not the turntable.

What is a nearby town or zip code I can search for used options? Reply here or chat.

After a speaker upgrade you could upgrade to an elliptical tip stylus for the AT-LP60X.

​

If you don't want to use a receiver or stack it under your turntable with a riser shelf or turntable stand then better powered speakers are an option:

5.25" mid bass driver powered speakers for a small to medium size room:

• Neumi BSP5 $159 are a size up and a small to decent step up from the Edifiers.

4" mid bass driver powered speakers for a small room or desktop setup:

• Klipsch KD-400 $329 $159 adds USB input for a computer and a subwoofer output and should be a decent step up from the Edifiers.

​

Or instead of the receiver you could get a mini amp to power passive speakers:

• Fosi Audio BL20A $68. It has 3.5mm input instead of RCA input so use the correct cable or adapter.
• Over $100 Aiyima A08, Fosi 2120, SMSL SA300.
• Aiyima T5 $159 has a built in phono preamp for a turntable upgrade.

Passive speakers on sale:

• 5.25" Klipsch R-51M $269 $159.
• 5.25" Polk ES15 $299 $209.
• 5.25" Triangle Borea BR02 $399 $229.
• 6.5" Monolith Encore B6 $358 $263 pair.
• 6.5" Polk ES20 $399 $279.
• 5.25" KEF Q150 $399 $299.
• 6.5" Wharfedale Diamond 225 $499 $299.

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

• Single 6.5" Klipsch Reference R-610F $389 each $299 pair.
• Dual 6.5" JBL Stage 180 $199 each, buy 2 for a pair.

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

Speaker amplification with a built in phono preamp:

• Aiyima T5 $159 mini amp adds a headphone jack over the Douk X1.
• Onkyo TX-8220 $199 stereo receiver has a headphone jack, adds a subwoofer output plus a digital optical input for a TV over the Sony STR-DH190.

Ideally spend just as much more on the speakers as on the turntable or buy on sale or buy used for half the cost.

New passive speakers on sale:

• 5.25" Monolith Encore B5 $299 $169 pair.
• 6.5" Monolith Encore B6 $349 $189 pair.
• 6.5" Klipsch RP-160M $459 $195.
• 5.25" Polk ES15 $299 $209.
• 6.5" Polk ES20 $399 $279.
• 5.25" KEF Q150 $399 $299.
• 6.5" Wharfedale Diamond 225 $499 $299.

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

• Dual 5.25" Monolith Encore T5 $659 $366 pair.
• Dual 6.5" Monolith Encore T6 $799 $425 pair.

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

Aiyima A01 and Aiyima A07 Pro both add Bluetooth, tone controls and a subwoofer output over the A07.

Or instead of the Art DJ Pre II a mini amp or stereo receiver with a built in phono preamp via the phono input:

• Aiyima T5 $169.
• Onkyo TX-8220 $199, stack in under the turntable with a riser shelf or turntable stand.

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

What is a nearby town or zip code I can search for used speaker options? Reply here or chat.

For $50 less consider the higher quality Pro-ject Debut Carbon EVO $449 demo sale.

Pass on the Fluance phono preamp.

Speaker amplification, with a built in phono stage preamp to start with:

• Aiyima T5 $159 mini amp.
• Onkyo TX-8220 $199 stereo receiver.
• Yamaha A Series $299+ integrated amp.
• Or if there is also a TV in the room an AV receiver with 4K HDMI and a built in phono preamp starting at $349. Then you can now or later optionally add more speakers for movie and TV surround sound.

Plus passive speakers on sale:

• 5.25" Monolith Encore B5 $299 $169 pair, great deal.
• 6.5" Monolith Encore B6 $349 $189 pair, great deal.
• 6.5" Wharfedale Diamond 225 $499 $299.
• 6.5" Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 $599 $399.

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

• Dual 5.25" Monolith Encore T5 $659 $366 pair
• Dual 6.5" Monolith Encore T6 $799 $425 pair.
• Dual 6.5" Wharfedale Diamond 240 $999 $599 pair.

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

The older RT81 is not worth buying anymore since the newer improved Fluance RT82 for $50 more adds a $100 increase in performance and component value since it adds the new optical sensor speed controlled motor for much lower wow and flutter and speed variation and the speed won't drift since the sensor is monitoring the speed 400 times a second. Includes the OM10 cartrdige that is just as good as the newer version 2M Red. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better.

Fluance RT82 $299 + Technolink $49 phono preamp is a step up from the basic $15 value phono preamp built into the RT81 + Klipsch KD-400 $329 $159 powered speakers on sale with analog RCA input for the turntable and phono preamp, USB input for a computer, digital optical input for a computer or TV, Bluetooth for streaming audio, and a subwoofer output.

​

A lower cost better value option is AT-LPW30TK $249 $175 with built in phono preamp + Klipsch KD-400 $329 $159.

​

Or the automatic AT-LP3 $249 $125 with built in phono preamp + Klipsch KD-400 $329 $159.

​

Or instead of powered speakers, a separate amp and passive speakers:

Amps with a built in phono preamp for the Fluance RT82:

• AIYIMA-T5 $159.
• Sony STR DH-190 $149 stereo receiver.

Or amps with line input for the AT-LPW30TK or AT-LP3:

• AIYIMA-A08-PRO $111.
• Fosi Audio DA2120A $126 adds USB input for a computer and a digital optical input (3.5mm input instead of RCA input so use the correct cable or adapter)
• Yamaha R-S202 $199 $99 stereo receiver.

Any of the above amps plus passive speakers:

• 4.5" JBL-Stage-A120 $149.
• 4" Micca-RB42 $149 go low for their small size.
• 4" Klipsch-R-41M $139.
• 4" Kanto-YU-Passive-4 $179.
• 4" Polk_Audio_Signature_Elite_ES10 $179.
• 5.25" Neumi BS5 $109.
• 5.25" Polk-Audio-Monitor-XT15 $149.

Plus speaker wire for the passive speakers, pure copper oxygen free 16 AWG. Then How To Strip Speaker Wire and How to Install Speaker Wire.

​

Audio Guides, Speaker Placement, Accessories and Vinyl Care

​​Turntables:

• AT-LPW30TK $329 $199 is a good value and has a built in phono preamp to start with.
• 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. Connect it to a phono preamp or an amp or receiver that has a phono input or a few models of powered speakers have a built in phono preamp.

​

Speakers:

​

Starter powered speakers:

• 5.25" mid bass driver powered speakers for a small to medium size room: Neumi BSP5 $159.
• 4" mid bass driver powered speakers for a small room or desktop setup: Klipsch KD-400 $329 $169 adds USB input for a computer plus a subwoofer output to connect to a powered subwoofer.

​

Better speakers and separate amplification:

Amplification for the AT-LPW30TK:

• Fosi Audio BL20A $68 mini amp. Has 3.5mm input instead of RCA output
• More mini amps: Aiyima A08, Fosi 2120, SMSL SA300.
• 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.

Amplification with a built in phono preamp for the Fluance RT82:

• Aiyima T5 $159.
• Onkyo TX-8220 $199.
• Yamaha A Series $299+.
• Or if there is also a TV in the room an AV receiver with 4K HDMI and a built in phono preamp starting at $349. Then you can now or later optionally add more speakers for movie and TV surround sound.

Plus passive speakers on sale:

• 5.25" Monolith Audition B5 $140 pair.
• 5.25" Monolith Encore B5 $168 pair on sale, great value.
• 6.5" Monolith Encore B6 $191 pair on sale, great value.
• 5.25" Polk ES15 $299 $199.
• 6.5" Polk ES20 $399 $269.
• 6.5" Wharfedale Diamond 225 $499 $299.

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

• Dual 5.25" Monolith Encore T5 $659 $366 pair.
• Dual 6.5" Monolith Encore T6 $799 $425 pair.

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.

​

Setup Guide / Signal Path

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.

You're welcome.

No room to stack a class A/B amp or receiver under the turntable with a riser shelf or turntable stand?

The NAD D 3020 V2 $349+ is a very good class D amp.

(I have a refurbished class A/B NAD C316BEE V2 from the same store)

Or more class D compact options are OSD Audio and Echo Link Amp.

Or there are many lower cost Chi-Fi class D amps, connect a phono preamp to any one:

• SMSL SA300, Fosi 2120, Aiyima A08.

Or hybrid class D / tube amps:

• Aiyima has a built in phono preamp.
• Dayton has a built in phono preamp.
• Dayton
• Monoprice

Or a compact tube amp:

• FX Audio has a built in phono preamp.
• Monoprice

If anything does not have Bluetooth or WiFi streaming you can add both by connecting a $19 Echo Dot with voice or app control. Or the Wiim Mini or Pro have Airplay 2 and Siri and the Pro adds Chromecast and Google Assistant.

Missing speaker amplification and speaker wire.

A stereo or AV receiver or a mini or compact or integrated amp. Some of them have a built in phono preamp via a Phono input so you wouldn't need to start with the Art DJ Pre II. Then later upgrade to a better $99 iFi Zen AIR Phono instead of the Art DJ. Or powered speakers have a built in speaker amp and a few also have a built in phono preamp.

Speaker amplification with a built in phono stage preamp:

• Aiyima T5 $159.
• Onkyo TX-8220 $199.
• Yamaha A Series $299+.
• Or if there is also a TV in the room an AV receiver with 4K HDMI and a built in phono preamp starting at $349. Then you can now or later optionally add more speakers for movie and TV surround sound.

For the speakers pass on the pricey for what they are Klipsch R-50M at $279.

Better speaker values:

• 5.25" Monolith Encore B5 $168 pair.
• 6.5" Monolith Encore B6 $191 pair are my recommendation.
• 5.25" Polk ES15 $299 $199.
• 6.5" Polk ES20 $399 $279.
• 5.25" KEF Q150 $399 $299.
• 6.5" Wharfedale Diamond 225 $499 $299.

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

• Dual 5.25" Monolith Encore T5 $659 $366 pair.
• Dual 6.5" Monolith Encore T6 $799 $425 pair.

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 I can search? Reply here or chat.

​

Or if you must have powered speakers then 5.25" Klipsch R-51PM $329 have a built in phono preamp to start with.

​

Audio Guides, Speaker Placement, Accessories and Vinyl Care

$360 for a good value to start with:

• Turntable: AT-LPW30TK $249 $199 has a built in phono preamp.
• Speakers: 5.25" Neumi BSP5 $159 powered speakers with Bluetooth.

​

$750+:

Turntables:

• Fluance RT82 $299 has 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.
• Next worthwhile step up is the Pro-ject Debut Carbon EVO $449 demo that has better quality components.

Amplification with a built in phono stage preamp for the RT82 or EVO:

• Aiyima T5 $159.
• Onkyo TX-8220 $199.
• Yamaha A Series $299+.
• Or if there is also a TV in the room an AV receiver with 4K HDMI and a built in phono preamp starting at $299. Then you can now or later optionally add more speakers for movie and TV surround sound.

Plus passive speakers on sale:

• 6.5" Klipsch RP-160M $459 $195.
• 5.25" Polk ES15 $299 $209.
• 5.25" Triangle Borea BR02 $399 $229.
• 5.25" Chane A1.5 B-stock are around $250 shipped, internet direct value.
• 5.25" KEF Q150 $599 $299.
• 6.5" Wharfedale Diamond 225 $499 $299.

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

• Single 6.5" Klipsch Reference R-610F $389 each $299 pair.
• Dual 6.5" JBL Stage 180 $199 each, buy 2 for a pair.
• Dual 6.5" Wharfedale Diamond 240 $999 $599 pair, 4 ohms.

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.

​

Even under $150 won't damage your records.

• $129 VPRO on sale for $49 with built in phono preamp.
• Plus $65 Bestian powered speakers with Bluetooth.

​

Setup Guide / Signal Path

Audio Guides, Speaker Placement, Accessories and Vinyl Care