Electrohome Huntley Bookshelf Speakers Review

The Huntley speakers deliver a surprisingly enjoyable sound for their size, especially in a beginner setup. When I first hooked them up to my turntable, I was struck by how clear the mids sounded, with vocals coming through nicely without any harshness. However, don’t expect earth-shattering bass; the small woofer does well for desk listening but lacks the low-end depth you’d want for larger spaces.

In a nearfield listening scenario, like from a desk or a bed, the Huntley speakers shine. They produce a focused soundstage that makes it easy to pick out instruments and vocals, which is a big win for anyone moving up from a suitcase player. Just keep in mind that if you’re looking to fill a bigger room with sound, these might leave you wanting more.

The Huntley speakers have a straightforward, no-frills design that fits well in a compact space. They’re lightweight and easy to place on a desk or bookshelf, and the finish is decent for the price. While they’re not made from premium materials, the MDF cabinet does a good job of minimizing resonance and keeping the sound clean.

What I really appreciate is their compact size. They won’t dominate your space, making them an excellent choice for small apartments or bedrooms. Plus, the simple aesthetic means they can blend in nicely without drawing too much attention.

Setting up the Huntley speakers is a breeze, which is a major plus for beginners. If your turntable has a built-in phono preamp, you can plug it straight into the RCA inputs and start spinning records right away. However, if your turntable doesn’t have that phono stage, you’ll need to grab an external preamp, which can trip up first-time buyers.

The Huntley speakers come equipped with both RCA inputs and Bluetooth connectivity, which adds a layer of versatility. While I prefer the wired connection for the best vinyl experience, the Bluetooth feature is perfect for casual streaming during the week. It’s great to have the option to switch from vinyl to phone playback without having to rewire everything.

That said, if you’re serious about your vinyl listening, I’d recommend sticking with the wired connection. Bluetooth is convenient, but it can’t match the fidelity of a good RCA connection, especially when you’re trying to get the most out of your records.

For everyday listening, the Huntley speakers hit a sweet spot. They work well for casual music playback, whether I’m jamming out to records or streaming from my phone. Their compact design makes them easy to fit into any small space, and they don’t take up much room on my desk, which is a big plus.

However, if you’re planning to throw a party or have a larger gathering, you might find their output lacking. They excel in small rooms where you’re sitting close, but if you try to push them in an open area, they can quickly feel overwhelmed.

The Huntley speakers are a smart choice for anyone just starting their vinyl journey. They offer a simple, no-fuss way to enjoy stereo sound without the complications of a full hi-fi setup, which is perfect for those moving up from entry-level players. If your listening space is small and you want something that sounds better than built-in suitcase speakers, these are worth considering.

That said, if you plan on expanding your setup or have a larger room, you might want to explore options from brands like Edifier or Fluance. They have a bit more credibility in the starter hi-fi realm and may serve you better as your audio tastes evolve.