The $200 Sony PS-LX310BT is not any better than the AT-LP60X which you can buy for $83. Both are easy setup beginner plug and play and lack adjustable tracking force.
If must have fully automatic then go a step up to the better AT-LP3 $157 that adds adjustable tracking force and a removable cartrdige. Balance the tonearm then set the tracking force.
Or if you don't need automatic then the better manual AT-LPW30TK $219.
Next step up is the Fluance RT82 $299 with auto stop. Pass on the older RT80 and RT81 that lack the new speed sensor. Pass on the RT83 since the cartridge is not any better.
Plus speakers, scroll down past the turntables for starter powered speakers (Monoprice, Insignia, Dayton or Edifiers). Or keep scrolling down for better passive speakers plus and amp or receiver starting with 5.25" Sony SSCS5 $199 $99 on sale plus a mini amp (3.5mm input instead of RCA so get the correct cable or adapter) or a stereo receiver.
Or what is a nearby town or zip code I can search for used speaker options? Reply here or chat or message.
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:
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:
Or passive speakers and separate speaker amplification with Bluetooth:
Passive speakers on sale:
Or floor standing towers, then you don't need to buy or build speaker stands:
Or 5 speakers for an AV receiver:
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:
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
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:
Amplification with a built in phono stage preamp for the RT82 or EVO:
Plus passive speakers on sale:
Or floor standing towers, then you don't need to buy or build speaker stands:
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.
For passive speakers a stereo or AV receiver or a mini or integrated amp. What is your budget? What is a nearby town or zip I can search for used options? Reply here or chat.
The compact 4" Klipsch R-41M passive speakers are for a small room?
Klipsch R-41PM are the powered version with a built in speaker amp and Bluetooth.
Or lower cost Klipsch KD-400 $149 powered speakers with Bluetooth.
Mini amps to power the passive R-41M. These 2 amps have 3.5mm input instead of RCA so use the correct cable or adapter:
Or RCA input mini amp Aiyima A08 $139 has a subwoofer output and Bluetooth.
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.
Speakers:
Power the passive speakers with a stereo receiver:
Or a mini amp:
Sony turntable with built in phono preamp > stereo or AV receiver or compact or integrated amp > passive Polk XT15 speakers.
Speaker amplification:
OSD Nero MB5 may be a bit better than the Polks.
Even better are:
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 connect powered speakers directly to the Sony turntable:
Which part of LA to search a 30 mile radius, chat or PM with a zip code.
Compact amps with analog input for the turntable plus Bluetooth:
Full size stereo receiver https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrs202bl-rb/yamaha-r-s202-2-ch-x-100-watts-natural-sound-stereo-receiver/1.html with remote, analog input and Bluetooth.
Plus speaker wire, pure copper oxygen free 16 AWG. Then How To Strip Speaker Wire and How to Install Speaker Wire.
Automatic AT-LP3 $249 $125 adds adjustable tracking force over the AT-LP60X.
Better manual AT-LPW30TK $249 $175 has a better motor, better tonearm, improved cartridge, and a solid MDF plinth.
Compact 4" powered speakers for a small room or desktop setup:
Larger 5.25" passive speakers for a small to medium size room plus an amp or stereo receiver:
Or what is a nearby town or zip I can search for used options? Reply here or chat.
5.25" Neumi BSP5 $159 powered speakers with Bluetooth.
You already have the AT-LP120X?
Or an amp or receiver and passive speakers:
Passive speakers on sale:
Plus speaker wire, pure copper oxygen free 16 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 options? Reply here or private chat.
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:
Passive speakers on sale, plus speaker wire sold separately:
Setup Guide / Signal Path: Turntable > Phono Preamp (separate or built into the turntable or speaker amplification) > Speaker Amplification (separate or built into speakers) > Speakers
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:
4" mid bass driver powered speakers for a small room or desktop setup:
Or instead of the receiver you could get a mini amp to power passive speakers:
Passive speakers on sale:
Or floor standing towers, then you don't need to buy or build speaker stands:
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.
Room size LxWxH?
What is a nearby town or zip code I can search for used options? Reply here or chat.
Larger powered speakers when back in stock: 5.25" Neumi BSP5 $159.
Separates:
Amplification:
Passive speakers:
Plus speaker wire, pure copper oxygen free 16 AWG. Then How To Strip Speaker Wire and How to Install Speaker Wire.
Another turntable option for a good value and $100 less than the Fluance RT82 is the AT-LPW30TK $249 $199 with a built in phono preamp.
Plus speaker amplification without a built in phono preamp:
Fine to start with if you already have the Panasonic CD micro system and it works well enough.
The speakers are inexpensive basic entry level so they are a sound quality bottleneck for the turntable and records. A speaker upgrade will give you better sound quality that the turntable and records are capable of providing. However you will need to also replace the main Panasonic CD micro system component.
What is a nearby town or zip code I can search for used upgrade options? Reply here or chat.
New options:
Powered speakers:
Or separate amp or receiver and passive speaker upgrade:
Amplification:
Passive speakers:
Or floor standing towers, then you don't need to buy or build speaker stands:
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.
Klipsch R-51M are passive speakers powered by a speaker amp or stereo receiver.
Do you have more budget for an amp or stereo receiver?
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 to have more money for an amp or stereo receiver 5.25" Neumi BS5 $109 cost $40 less than the Klipsch R-51M.
If not then powered speakers with a built in speaker amp are an option:
5.25" mid bass driver powered speakers for a small to medium size room:
4" mid bass driver powered speakers for a small room or desktop setup:
Or what is a nearby town or zip code I can search for used speaker and stereo receiver options possibly for around $130 to stay within your $300 turntable and speaker budget? Reply here or chat request.
Turntable: Fluance RT82 $300 adds an 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.
Phono preamp: Pyle PP444 $14 to start is around the same quality as the one built into the RT80.
Powered speakers: Neumi BSP5 $139.
Or instead of powered speakers, a mini amp, RCA to 3.5mm cable, passive speakers plus speaker wire. Then upgrade to better passive speakers later when you can.
Or look for a used stereo receiver with a phono input and a pair of used passive speakers. What is a nearby town or zip I can search? Reply here or chat.
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:
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):
For turntables with or without a built in phono preamp, all the turntable options:
Or is there also a TV in the room to get an AV receiver with HDMI?
Passive speakers on sale:
Or floor standing towers, then you don't need to buy or build speaker stands:
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
Powered speakers:
Or an amp or receiver and passive speakers:
Amp or receiver:
Passive speakers:
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
Also check out r/budgetaudiophile.
Feel free to ask as may purchase and setup questions as you need, that's what this thread is here for!
The large 6.5" Klipsch RP-160 $549 MSRP should be the better speakers. The 5.25" Sony $199 MSRP have been on sale for $75 to $125 over the years and are not worth more than that compared to other options on sale.
If you don't want to cut and strip speaker wire you can get speaker wire with easy plug in banana plugs. Crutchfield, 6, 10, 15 or 20 feet, buy 2x for the 2 speakers.
If you don't want to use the receiver then you could get powered speakers to connect directly to the turntable:
With powered speakers you will still need to connect the turntable to the main powered speaker same as a AV receiver and then 1 included speaker wire connection that is already cut and stripped instead of 2 speaker wires with passive speakers.
Or get a mini amp instead of the receiver to use with passive speakers:
Or since the turntable has Bluetooth you could use the turntable with a Bluetooth speaker.
highlights the quality of the records I have
Then upgrade from the small Bose computer speakers to a better and larger pair of home audio speakers since the speakers may be more of a sound quailty bottleneck than the turntable could be.
Ideally spend the $300 upgrade budget on speakers first then upgrade the turntable later.
What is your room size, LxWxH?
What is a nearby town or zip code I can search for used options? Reply here or chat.
Amp or receiver plus passive speakers:
Amplification:
Passive speakers on sale:
Plus speaker wire, pure copper oxygen free 16 AWG. Then How To Strip Speaker Wire and How to Install Speaker Wire.
Later turntable upgrade:
Or a lesser speaker upgrade plus a turntable upgrade for $335:
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:
Passive speaker alternatives to the Klipsch R-51PM powered speakers:
Klipsch:
Polk:
Amplification for the passive speakers:
The AT turntables have a built in phono preamp so amp options without a built in phono preamp:
The Fluance RT82 does not have a built in phono preamp so amp options with a built in phono preamp:
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.
Compact 4" mid bass driver powered speakers for a small room: Klipsch KD-400 $329 $159.
Or separate components with larger 5.25" speakers for a small to medium size room:
Plus 5.25" Neumi BS5 $109 passive speakers.
Plus speaker wire, pure copper oxygen free 16 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 options? Reply here or chat.
For the AT turntable and passive Klipsch RP-160 speakers pic an amp or receiver to power the speakers and let me know which one:
Or what is a nearby town or zip code I can search for used options? Reply here or chat request.
Neither Fosi has a built in phono preamp since they don't have a "PHONO" input.
Setup for either Fosi:
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:
If you must downgrade or possibly side grade to a built in phono preamp:
Also check out r/BudgetAudiophile for sub $150 compact and mini amps.
Turntables on sale:
If you don't want a full size stereo receiver such as a Sony STR-DH190 then a mini amp is an option. A few of many $100+ options are Aiyima A08, Fosi 2120, SMSL SA300. Or lower cost Fosi Audio BL20A $68 has 3.5mm input instead of RCA output so use the correct cable or adapter.
Plus passive speakers:
Or what is a nearby town or zip code I can search for used options for you? Reply here or chat.
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.
RT83 > PA10 > Edifier R1280DBs will work however the $150 speakers will be a sound quality bottleneck for the $350 turntable. Ideally spend just as much or more on the speakers as on the turntable or buy used for half the cost.
What is a nearby town or zip code I can search for used options? Reply here or chat.
If you must start with the low budget Edifiers then consider a later upgrade to better and often larger passive speakers and an amp or stereo receiver. Then move the Edifiers to your desk for computer speaker duty or another room for a pair of Bluetooth speakers. Or you could even start with lower cost Edifier R33BT $79 or Insignia $79 if that is your plan to later upgrade to better speakers up to or past the quailty of the RT83 turntable.
Under $200 compact 4" mid bass driver powered speakers for a small size room:
Larger under 5.25" mid bass driver powered speakers for a small to medium size room:
Amp and speaker setup starting around $175:
Plus passive speakers on sale:
Or floor standing towers, then you don't need to buy or build speaker stands:
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.
Turntable alternatives with solid MDF plinths and lower wow and flutter:
Powered speakers:
With a remote plus Bluetooth and digital optical inputs:
5.25" mid bass drivers for a small to medium size room:
4" mid bass drivers for a small room or desktop setup:
Or consider a separate amp and better passive speakers:
Compact amps with Bluetooth and subwoofer output:
Passive speakers:
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 speaker options for you? Reply here or chat.
AT-LP60X has a built in phono preamp > included 3.5mm to RCA cable > mini amp or compact amp or integrated amp or stereo or AV receiver > speaker wire > RCA passive speakers.
Mini amps: Ayimia A01 Pro or Fosi. Or Fosi with remote (has 3.5mm input instead of RCA).
Or a stereo receiver: Yamaha
Or look for a used stereo or AV receiver.
Plus speaker wire. Then How To Strip Speaker Wire and How to Install Speaker Wire.
Or instead of the RCA passive speakers, you could get powered speakers that have a built in speaker amp that connect directly to the turntable:
Turntable:
Compact 4" powered speakers with Bluetooth for a small room or desktop setup:
Larger 5.25" passive speakers for a small to medium size room plus an amp or stereo receiver:
Sure you could try an RCA to HDMI converter however it may be more finicky since HDMI also carries video.
Or get some speakers for the turntable starting with compact 4" Bestian $62.
More 4" powered speakers with Bluetooth for a small room or desktop setup:
Larger 5.25" passive speakers for a small to medium size room plus an amp or stereo receiver:
Or upgrade from the sound bar to an AV receiver and passive speakers?
Or what is a nearby town or zip I can search for used options? Reply here or chat.
Turntables:
Speakers:
Starter powered speakers:
Better speakers and separate amplification:
Amplification for the AT-LPW30TK:
Amplification with a built in phono preamp for the Fluance RT82:
Plus passive speakers on sale:
Or floor standing towers, then you don't need to buy or build speaker stands:
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.
Passive speakers with a mini amp or stereo receiver can be more cost effective and flexible to later upgrade one part at a time.
Mini amps are basically what is built into powered speakers.
Turntable:
Automatic: Instead of the easy setup beginner plug and play AT-LP60X the better AT-LP3 $169 adds adjustable tracking force, balance the tonearm then set the tracking force.
Manual: AT-LPW30TK $249 $175 is a better value to start for a $500 total setup budget than the $255 AT-LP120X and the AT-LPW30TK adds a solid MDF plinth, balance the tonearm then set the tracking force.
Speakers:
Compact 4" mid bass driver powered speakers to start with for a small room are Klipsch KD-400 $159 with analog RCA, Bluetooth, digital optical and USB inputs plus a remote and subwoofer output.
Or separate amplification and larger 5.25" or 6.5" passive speakers for a medium to large room:
Amplification:
Passive speakers on sale:
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.
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.
Buying used can compare to new options that cost 2 to 3 times as much.
The Klipsch speakers are just ok, though at least better than the Bose. I don't see many great used options or deals near you.
New Neumi BS5 $109 may be better than the Klipsch and also a step up from the Bose.
Power them with:
Plus speaker wire, pure copper oxygen free 16 AWG. Then How To Strip Speaker Wire and How to Install Speaker Wire.
Or get the powered version with a built in speaker amp Neumi BSP5 $159.
Speaker amplification with Bluetooth:
Passive speakers under $150 on sale:
Better passive speakers on sale:
Or floor standing towers, then you don't need to buy or build speaker stands:
Or 5 speakers for an AV receiver:
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 powered speakers with Bluetooth: