Piano Guidance
Photo by RODNAE Productions Pexels Logo Photo: RODNAE Productions

Do digital pianos need speakers?

While many digital pianos feature one or more built-in speakers, to have the best sound quality possible and to achieve a loud performance, you need speakers with a smooth response and a clear sound.

How do I find sheet music?
How do I find sheet music?

7 Websites to Find Free Sheet Music IMSLP. MUSOPEN. 8Notes. MuseScore. MutopiaProject. BandMusicPDF. Free Scores. Free Blank Sheet Music. More...

Read More »
Do I need to read sheet music to play piano?
Do I need to read sheet music to play piano?

Yes, you can play the piano without reading music by listening to music and memorizing which pattern of keys to play. Not being able to read music...

Read More »

There are so many options in the piano world when it comes to sound quality. Digital pianos have been taking over the industry for a while now and there is no doubt that they are more compact, versatile, and convenient than acoustic pianos for most people. But what about their sound?

While many digital pianos feature one or more built-in speakers, to have the best sound quality possible and to achieve a loud performance, you need professional external speakers with a smooth response and a clear sound. Whether you want speakers for your digital piano to perform live, to practice, or simply to achieve a better sound quality overall, there are multiple options on the market that will suit most budgets. Today, we are reviewing 5 of these products to find the best speakers for digital piano. We will also discuss the important factors you should pay attention to ensure you’re buying the best speakers for your musical instruments. Keep reading to learn more.

Related: 2-Way vs 3-Way Speakers

The Best Speakers for Digital Piano in 2022

Below is a list of the best speakers for digital piano:

Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT – Overall Best Speakers for Digital Piano in our Tests

The Rockville BPA8 was our Budget Choice

5 Best Speakers for Digital Piano – Reviewed in Detail

These speakers are quite affordable (they were priced around $100, by the time this article was written) and have lots of power and connection capabilities. We also like the fact that it is small enough to be portable and easy to be carried around.

Product Specifications

2-Way Active Speaker

10″ Woofer

Built-In EQ

XLR Input

RCA Input

AUX Input

Pros

There’s a built-in EQ in the back of this speaker . This is great because you won’t need an audio mixer to equalize your sound. . This is great because you won’t need an audio mixer to equalize your sound. The 2″ tweeter is larger than the ones found in most budget options . This will give you a better quality sound on the mid and high frequencies and overall more clarity in your performance. . This will give you a better quality sound on the mid and high frequencies and overall more clarity in your performance. The SPA-10 is small and can be easily transported . Don’t be fooled by its size though, they can provide a very loud sound without causing any distortion. . Don’t be fooled by its size though, they can provide a very loud sound without causing any distortion. There are multiple connection options available, including XLR . With an XLR input, you can connect a wired microphone and a digital piano at the same time. . With an XLR input, you can connect a wired microphone and a digital piano at the same time. You can also use the XLR input to daisy-chain multiple speakers, therefore creating more loudness .

. Built-in Bluetooth connection, USB input, and FM radio .

. Onboard intuitive music controls, for when you’re listening to music with your speaker.

Cons

Poor building material.

Conclusion

The SPA-10 is priced quite honestly in our opinion, considering all of the features that it offers. Furthermore, it is a great speaker for anyone looking to connect their digital piano to whether it is to perform or practice. There are multiple connection possibilities with this product. With that being said, these speakers don’t have the best design and building material. But it is ok, considering their low price.

– – –

The Rockville BPA8 is similar to the previously reviewed SPA-10, but it has an 8″ woofer. This speaker is excellent for beginner pianists who don’t want to spend a lot of money because they are very affordable.

Product Specifications

2-Way Active Speaker

8″ Woofer

Built-In EQ

XLR Input

RCA Input

AUX Input

Pros

Very affordable. You can get one of these for as low as $100, making it a great choice for beginners.

There’s a built-in EQ for better control of your sound.

The built-in LCD screen makes it easier to select modes on the speakers.

Includes wireless remote control.

These speakers also have Bluetooth connectivity, meaning you can also listen to music with them. Similarly, a USB input port, an SD card slot, and FM radio are also present. Very compact and lightweight. The small size of the Rockville BPA8 makes it easier to transport.

Cons

Poor building material.

Conclusion

At a price as low as $100, the Rockville BPA8 can’t be beaten. It is a simple speaker with lots of functionalities and connection options that will do the job for anyone looking to connect their digital piano to the device. Due to the low price, these don’t have the best building material though.

– – –

The first thing that caught our attention in the QSC K10.2 was the design. As you can see, it looks pretty good and very professional. The K10.2 provides rich, deep sound and has a large, 1″ high-quality silk dome tweeter. If you’re looking for something that will provide clear sound with rich bass, then this is the speaker system for you.

Product Specifications

2-Way Active Speaker

High-Performance Woofer

2 XLR/Line Combo Inputs

Stereo Input

2 XLR Loop-Thru Output

1 XLR Mix Output

1 Locking IEC Power Connector

Pros

Plenty of power to provide a very loud sound . These speakers can even be used on live venues for that matter. . These speakers can even be used on live venues for that matter. High-quality components , such as the Class-D Amplifiers module. QSC is very transparent about what’s inside this product and we like that. , such as the Class-D Amplifiers module. QSC is very transparent about what’s inside this product and we like that. Factory presets for easier and faster configuration .

Is low gear good for uphill?
Is low gear good for uphill?

Hills are nothing when you know what gear to use when going uphill on a bike. If you are climbing a hill on a bicycle, using a lower gear is better...

Read More »
Can I learn guitar in 7 days?
Can I learn guitar in 7 days?

It is unreasonable to expect that you will be playing very advanced music after one week, but it is entirely possible that you will be able to...

Read More »
Join almost HALF A MILLION Happy Students Worldwide
Join almost HALF A MILLION Happy Students Worldwide

Pianoforall is one of the most popular online piano courses online and has helped over 450,000 students around the world achieve their dream of playing beautiful piano for over a decade.

Learn More »

. Onboard DSP processing technology .

. Very good frequency range: 50Hz to 20kHz .

. Can be connected to a subwoofer for even extra deep bass.

Cons

Heavy weight.

Conclusion

This is a professional speaker. The QSC K10.2 is perfect for those who need extra power and loudness in their system and are looking for a set to perform live with their digital piano. We wouldn’t recommend it to those who are looking for a speaker solely for practice and home-playing, as these can be overpowering.

– – –

These JBL powered speakers have excellent audio quality and a number of features. While not the most affordable pair (priced $419), it is a powerful speaker designed to be employed on occasions such as live concerts.

Product Specifications

2-Way Active Speaker

10″ Woofer

2 XLR/Line Combo Inputs

XLR Loop-Thru

Built-In EQ Presets

JBL Waveguide Technology

Pros

There are built-in EQ presets , easily accessible on the back of the speaker. This feature can help you reach better sound quality at the touch of a button. , easily accessible on the back of the speaker. This feature can help you reach better sound quality at the touch of a button. Built with excellent components , such as the JBL premium transducers. , such as the JBL premium transducers. Can also be used with Bluetooth . . JBL Image Control Waveguide feature : this design choice ensures the sound radiation and coverage pattern match the high frequencies to give you a better quality, more balanced sound. : this design choice ensures the sound radiation and coverage pattern match the high frequencies to give you a better quality, more balanced sound. Can be easily transported using the handles present on the side of the speaker .

. Bluetooth connection capabilities .

. There are 2 line inputs, in case you want to connect external music sources so you can play along with your digital piano.

Cons

None.

Conclusion

We really like the features and the attention to detail present in the JBL Professional EON610 powered speakers. It is always good when the company is transparent about the components used to build an audio product. While the EON610 are very powerful and their main purpose is live usage, we don’t see why it couldn’t be used for home practice, if you desire a product with lots of loudspeaker functions and less distortion on loud volumes than the average device. If you’re building a home studio for music production, also consider this JBL professional studio monitor as an alternative: JBL 308P MKII.

– – –

This Electro Voice speaker looks exceptionally great. The brand is well-known in the speaker market so you know you’re getting a quality product. One of our favorite features about this product is the material that the external part is built of, which is very durable.

Product Specifications

2-Way Active Speaker

12″ Woofer

2 XLR/Line Combo Inputs

AUX Input

XLR Output

Built-In EQ

Pros

Built-in DSP processing technology and built-in EQ .

. You can connect your smartphone and other devices via Bluetooth to play accompaniments and backing tracks .

. Compact design . Portable enough for easier transport.

. Portable enough for easier transport. Impressive frequency range , particularly on the low frequencies: 50Hz to 20kHz. , particularly on the low frequencies: 50Hz to 20kHz. High power rating . This speaker can get very loud with minimal distortion and could be suitable even for digital piano performances in larger venues. . This speaker can get very loud with minimal distortion and could be suitable even for digital piano performances in larger venues. AUX output via XLR for daisy-chaining multiple speakers together .

. Can be mounted on a speaker stand.

Cons

High price.

Conclusion

An excellent product, this Electro Voice speaker is pretty versatile as it could be used both for live performances and home practice. It also has all of the latest audio technologies and high-quality build material. For that reason, we chose the ZLX-12BT as the best speaker for digital piano on the list.

– – –

How to choose the Best Speakers for Digital Piano

Speaker Type

Speakers come in various types and configurations, but the most common ones you will find are: 2-way speakers, 3-way speakers, and 4-way speakers. But what does it mean after all?

2-Way Speakers

2-way speakers have two drivers (woofer and tweeter) and one passive crossover network. The tweeter is used for high frequency sounds, while the woofer is for mid range and low frequency sounds.

3-Way Speakers

If a speaker has 3 or more drivers, it’s considered a 3-way speaker. The third driver is usually placed in between the woofer and tweeter to handle mid-high frequencies (supertweeter). In some cases, it can actually be replaced by a subwoofer, which will give you a better response in the bass frequencies.

4-Way Speakers

4-way speakers are similar to 2 and 3-way speakers, except that it has an additional subwoofer and a super tweeter, placed after the built-in crossover network to handle low and high frequencies, respectively. It also uses a different type of crossover network called active crossover network.

Compatibility

Make sure that the speakers you’re buying are compatible with your digital piano. Most pianos have a line output. In this case, you need to connect it to the line input of your speakers by using an audio cable. If your digital piano only has a headphone jack, then you can still use it to connect it to your speakers but you may need an adapter.

Frequency Range and Response

What scale is best for blues?
What scale is best for blues?

A combination of the Mixolydian mode and the blues scale, the Mixolydian/blues hybrid scale reigns supreme as the chief source for carving those...

Read More »
What is the best first instrument to learn?
What is the best first instrument to learn?

The Best Instruments for Beginners Piano and Keyboard. Pianos and keyboards are part of their own category and a favorite for beginner musicians...

Read More »

For every musician, the full translation of a sound performance is important. For that to happen, your speakers must have a wide frequency range. Frequently, the frequency range of a speaker is between 20Hz to 20kHz, and it states how low and high the product can go on the frequency spectrum. The wider this value, the better. Frequency response is usually confused with frequency range, but they are two separate things. It relates to the frequency contour of the speakers across the spectrum. Some speakers have, for example, a more exaggerated response in the low frequencies while others may have piercing mids. On the website of most manufacturers, you can find a graph that shows in detail the frequency response of each speaker. Ideally, you want a product with the most neutral response possible, so that you get a balanced sound. Keep in mind that your room’s acoustics can also have either a positive or negative impact on your frequency response. Room reflections often create resonance build up in certain frequencies of the frequency spectrum.

Passive vs Powered Speakers

Most products on our list are active speakers/powered speakers, meaning they won’t need an external preamp to be powered. However, if you choose to buy a passive speaker, you should keep in mind that these will most likely need a preamp so that you have the best sound quality possible.

Size

While most people may ignore this factor, the size of speakers will have a major impact on their sound quality. For example, larger digital piano speakers tend to have more bass response and more power, resulting in a louder sound output. These are great for those who are looking for speakers to perform in large rooms and venues. This is not to say that small speakers don’t have a high quality sound, though: most products from reputable brands do a great job, but having less power is a con with compact speakers.

FAQ’s

Do you Really Need to Have a Speaker for the Digital Piano? It depends. Most digital pianos have internal speakers, but they usually don’t have much power and loudness and you will probably want to upgrade them sooner or later, whether you are performing live or just practicing. If you live in a place where you can’t make much noise, an alternative is using headphones. Most digital pianos have a headphone jack. How do you Connect Digital Piano Speakers? As we discussed before, most digital pianos have a line output, which is the port used to connect your musical instrument to your speakers. In case yours don’t have one, you can connect it using the headphone jack but you may need an adapter. Why do Digital Pianos Need Speakers? Can I Connect Them Directly to an Audio Interface? As seen, digital pianos usually have built-in speakers but they aren’t that powerful. You can connect your digital piano directly to your audio interface if it has a line input. This is useful if you already have studio monitors. Alternatively, you can also use a MIDI interface to connect your musical instrument to your computer via MIDI and have more options for playing. What is a Crossover? A crossover is a device found inside speakers that divides the sound signal into different frequencies and sends them to their respective drivers. For example, the low and mid frequencies get sent to the woofer and the highs are sent to the tweeter. Powered speakers have a built-in crossover, so you won’t need to worry about the device. Passive speakers, on the other hand, may need an external one to function properly. It will also depend if your preamp already has a built-in one or not. Do Surround Sound Systems Work with Digital Pianos? It may work, particularly if you have a digital piano with separate outputs for the left and right channels. While it is not very common to use a surround sound system for playing music, it is worth trying if you already have a home theater setup.

Conclusion

In this article, you’ve seen 5 of the best speakers for digital piano and the factors to keep in mind when buying this type of product. The perfect match for your setup will depend a lot on your particular requirements, such as whether you mean to use the device for live performances or solely home practice, etc. Two speakers on the list are the best, in our opinion, in terms of quality, connectivity, and functionalities. These are the Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT and the Rockville BPA8. Our overall favorite and budget choice, respectively.

Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT – Overall Best Speakers for Digital Piano

With professional-grade construction and quality, we simply had to choose the Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT as our overall best speakers for digital piano. Since it has 2 XLR inputs and Bluetooth connectivity, it is extremely versatile for both live performances and home practice.

Rockville BPA8 – Best Budget Speakers for Digital Piano

The Rockville BPA8 is excellent considering its low price. It doesn’t stand back in any functionalities such as number of inputs and Bluetooth connectivity if compared to more expensive options.

How to Buy

You can find the link to each speaker on their respective titles on the list. Be sure to research extensively before making your choice. We hope this article was helpful. If it did, please share it with your friends, and don’t hesitate to ask us any questions!

What is the oldest brand of piano?
What is the oldest brand of piano?

Sauter is the longest standing piano manufacturer around. They began in 1819 and continue to produce pianos to this day, making them the oldest...

Read More »
What is the 70 year rule in music?
What is the 70 year rule in music?

Rules by type of work or performance From date of the creation of the work until 70 years following the authors death. A sound recording is the...

Read More »
Can Muslims have dogs?
Can Muslims have dogs?

Whereas some interpretations of Islam deem dogs impure, Mr Allam says: “It is possible to coexist with a dog and still worship God.” Citing the...

Read More »
What are the symptoms of the Julia method shifting?
What are the symptoms of the Julia method shifting?

These signs, which are known as the symptoms of shifting or Julia method shifting symptoms, usually show themselves in the form of body sensations...

Read More »