With the vinyl revival showing no signs of letting up, quality audio equipment is a must to get the best out of your LPs.
Vinyl enthusiasts know that the right setup can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying the rich, warm sound that only records can provide. In today’s world, finding the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern technology is key to creating the ultimate vinyl listening experience. From powerful amplifiers to crisp, clear speakers, Divine Vinyl Setups showcases the top audio gear designed to elevate your analog sound system, whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your existing setup. Here’s a look at some of the best amps and speakers to enhance your vinyl journey.
TURN TABLES
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SONY PS-LX310BT BLUETOOTH
Sony’s proven to be a quality brand within the world of record players and the PS-LX310BT only proves that further. Sporting a simple yet sleek black design and user-friendly setup, it’s ideal for anyone looking to get into the vinyl game but who doesn’t want to spend big. What makes it so easy to use are the tactile start/stop buttons that will automatically drop or raise the aluminium tonearm as well as the straightforward Bluetooth sync process. The only real drawback is the lack of a 78rpm (typically used for records from the ’50s or earlier) with the standard two operating speeds of 33rpm and 45rpm. Regardless, this is a great entry point and will provide superb playback for the price. $395, sony.com
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TECHNICS SL-1000R
If money is no option then it’s hard not to recommend the Technics SL-1000R, an engineering masterpiece and top-of-the-range record player. The idea is that no expense has been spared with every part designed to be as optimum as it can be and every element customizable to fit your music needs. Arriving in a pristine wooden box (that some owners have turned into a coffee table), the record player itself weighs a whopping 40kg! What makes up this mass is the brass, tungsten, and die-cast aluminium platter alongside a magnesium tonearm made in Japan that utilizes gimbal suspension and high-precision bearings to track record accuracy like no other. It’s quite the investment; you’ll never need another for life.
3. PRO-JECT DEBUT CARBON EVO
A mid-market turntable for anyone looking to take their hobby more seriously. For under $1,000, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better alternative in terms of sound quality than the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo, which in itself is an upgrade of the widely revered Debut Carbon. The biggest difference is switching the speed change from manual to electronic, now adding a toggle switch to change between 33rpm and 45rpm. Positioned on an MDF plinth - available in a wide range of colours - to reduce resonance and distortion, the platter is made of steel and has been treated with TPE (thermoplastic elastomers) damping to further enhance the audio. If you prefer something more hands-on, this is the answer, with the belt, counterweight and tracking force needing adjusting on setup.
$989, project-audio.com
4. AUDIO-TECHNICA SOUND BURGER PORTABLE TURNTABLE
Originally beginning life in the ’80s before reappearing for a limited edition run in 2022 and selling out in days, the Sound Burger was then reinstalled as a regular addition to Audio-Technica’s already impressive line-up. Available in white, black or a groovy yellow shade, this record player is perfect for portability with a lightweight design, built-in wireless Bluetooth and a 12-hour rechargeable battery life. This means it’s great for gathering with friends when outside enjoying the sun, even if to get the most out of its sound quality, it’s better put to use in small rooms. While the Sound Burger’s manual functioning is a bit fiddly to start with, once you get the knack, you’ll never want to leave home without it.
$349, audio-technica.com
SPEAKERS
1. SONOS 5
Audiophiles look away! Sure, the Sonos 5 converts the sound from analogue to digital and then back to analogue again, but what it loses in terms of audio quality it more than makes up for in convenience. At 6.3kg and with dimensions of 203 x 364 x 154mm, these are brilliant space-saving speakers. That said, Sonos hasn’t skimped out on the volume, with upwards of 90 decibels and six Class-D digital amplifiers that will pack any room and magnify any party environment. Just be aware that you need a pre-amp turntable (or purchase an add-on separately) and that Apple AirPlay 2 is favoured over Bluetooth.
$899, sonos.com
2. WHARFEDALE DIAMOND 12.1
Cheap, cheerful and with a well-balanced sound, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 is budget-friendly without sacrificing too much in return. The new design is spearheaded by a 130mm lightweight Klarity cone material that incorporates polypropylene and mica to achieve a low-damping effect, reduce flexing and achieve lightning-fast response in the bass and mid-range. On top of this, it has a magnetic grill with an aluminium compensation ring to reduce distortion. This is all housed in either a black, light oak or walnut finish made from ‘differing thicknesses’ of MDF to handle resonance.
$449, wharfedale.com.au
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KLIPSCH THE NINES
Looking for a unit that makes a real statement? Look no further than The Nines from Indianapolis loudspeaker specialist Klipsch. This is the ultimate showpiece, sized at a considerable 485.8 x 241.3 x 392.7mm. In terms of connectivity, the Nines support everything from Bluetooth 5, RCA and HDMI-ARC to digital optical and even USB inputs have been thrown in for good measure. With a built-in phono amplifier, hooking the device up to a turntable is no problem. The result brings about a tight bass sound that keeps the distortion down. To really show them off, Klipsch also offers a set of stands that complement the Nines wonderfully.
$2,899, klipsch.com
TRIANGLE AIO TWIN
What we like about the Triangle AIO is that it suits all purposes, be that for record players, watching movies or playing video games. They’re also pretty great without the need for an amplifier as well. These two-way speakers have two 50-watt amplifiers, Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD and are incredibly stylish with a multitude of colours to choose from: Abyssal Blue, Brown Maple, Eggplant, English Green, Frosted White, Graphite Black and Linen Grey. For better or worse, the control output revolves around the Triangle AIO app, which has quite limited settings compared to the likes of Tidal Connect. Thankfully all of the streaming services like Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music and such are supported. Some compromise has to be made but overall they’re amazing value for money.
$1,650, trianglehifi.com
Amplifier
1. WIIM AMP
A budget alternative, the WiiM Amp has all the basics you need with up to 24-bit hi-res audio playback. Since the amp is integrated, hooking it up to your turntable is a doddle. It’s nothing flashy but it’s delightfully compact, housed within an aluminium shell that possesses a custom heatsink – designed to ensure the top thermal performance – and it packs 60 watts per channel. While it only has the single analogue input, it does support Spotify Connect, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Alexa, Tidal Connect and DNLA playback. That versatility coupled with that asking price makes it worth considering.
$479, wiimhome.com
2. ARCAM RADIA A15
Arcam’s a name that has been improving in the world of amps, and it’s now able to compete with the ever-growing market courtesy of the Arcam Radia A15. Offering 80 watts of output per channel and 60% more power than the A5, it’s worth coughing up for the richer sound and lower distortion. On top of this, it’s integrated with a Class AB amplifier, has a built-in phono stage for connecting to record players and a DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) to ensure the audio is crystal clear, backed up by Bluetooth with Qualcomm AptX Adaptive tech and an all-aluminium casing that contributes to its luxurious feel.
$1,995, amazon.com
3. TECHNICS SU-GX70
Given Technics’ heritage, it’s no surprise that the SU-GX70 is up there among the best for getting the most out of your music. It also has pretty much everything you need connection-wise, including three digital inputs (two optical and one coaxial), phono RCA, USB, HDMI ARC and a 6.3mm headphone jack. Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi integration are all supported too. All of the circuits run on a separate power supply to avoid unwanted effects within the amp, while taking advantage of a switching power supply of 130kHz to reduce noise interference. No matter the source, the SU-GX70 will take it to the next level.
$3,199, amazon.com
4. YAMAHA AS301
A great entry point for vinyl lovers looking to round out their setup with a silky design that is pleasing to the eye, whether it be in silver or black. The Japanese manufacturer has earned its deserved reputation since its humble beginnings way back in the 19th century, so it’s easy to recommend the AS301 amp. This is a quality bit of kit with lots of features to play with, and the various knobs and settings never feel too overwhelming. Bluetooth being an add-on is a little penny-pinching on Yamaha’s part; however, its analogue loudness control is excellent for obtaining an all-encompassing sound from your records.
$549, au.yamaha.com
In conclusion, Divine Vinyl Setups offers a diverse selection of audio equipment tailored for both casual listeners and audiophiles alike. Whether you're seeking budget-friendly solutions like the versatile WiiM Amp or high-end performance from the Technics SU-GX70, there’s something for everyone. Each setup provides its unique balance of connectivity, design, and sound quality, ensuring that your vinyl experience is nothing short of exceptional. Whether you're after sleek modern aesthetics or raw, powerful output, these amps and speakers are designed to elevate your listening experience to new heights.