When it comes to sound quality, I found the RIOWOIS DS6701NP to be a mixed bag. In a small bedroom or dorm room, they deliver a surprisingly pleasant experience, especially when compared to the built-in speakers of those all-in-one turntables. You’ll notice a clearer stereo separation that can make vocals pop and instruments breathe a little easier. However, if you start pushing these speakers in a larger space, the limitations become evident; bass is lighter than I’d like, and the overall detail can feel a bit lacking.
For casual listening, they do just fine, but if you’re looking for a robust sound that fills a living room, you might find them a bit underwhelming. I’d say they shine in close-range setups where you can appreciate the nuances without needing to crank the volume too high. Just keep your expectations in check—these speakers prioritize convenience over refined sound quality.
The design of the DS6701NP is straightforward and functional, which I appreciate. They have a clean, modern look that fits well in smaller spaces without overwhelming your setup. The powered design eliminates the need for a separate receiver, which is a huge plus in tight quarters; less clutter is always welcome.
That said, you can tell they’re budget-friendly in terms of materials. The cabinets feel a bit lightweight, and while they won’t win any awards for sturdiness, they do the job. The controls are intuitive, making it easy to switch between Bluetooth and wired sources without any fuss.
Setting up the DS6701NP is incredibly simple, which is a major selling point for vinyl beginners. If your turntable has a built-in phono preamp, you can connect these speakers directly with RCA cables, and you’re good to go. The Bluetooth feature is an added convenience, allowing for easy phone playback, which is great for those days when you just want to stream some music without dealing with records.
However, if you’re using a turntable that only outputs a phono-level signal, you’ll need to grab a separate phono preamp to make these speakers work properly. I’ve seen this catch a lot of first-time buyers off guard, leading to frustration when they plug their turntable straight into the speakers and end up with disappointing sound.
04Connectivity & Features
The connectivity options are pretty solid for this price range. The RCA input is a lifesaver, especially since many Bluetooth speakers don’t cater to turntable users. It means you can easily set up a basic vinyl system without worrying about compatibility issues.
Bluetooth support is a nice touch, too. It adds real everyday value, allowing you to use the same speaker pair for vinyl and phone playback. For many casual listeners, that’s a lot more practical than a high-end setup that requires a lot of fuss and cables.
For everyday use, I found the DS6701NP to be quite handy. In a small apartment, they can easily handle casual weekend listening sessions and weekday streaming. The convenience of having one speaker system that can do both is a big win—especially if you’re living in tight quarters where space is at a premium.
However, if you’re someone who loves to dive deep into the nuances of vinyl, you might find these speakers lacking over time. They work well for casual listening but may not satisfy those who are looking for a more immersive audio experience. Just remember that these are more of a low-stakes first system rather than a long-term investment.
06Upgrade Path / Who It's For
The DS6701NP really shines for vinyl beginners or those looking for a simple, low-effort audio system. If you’re moving up from built-in speakers on a Crosley or similar all-in-one turntable, these will be a noticeable upgrade. The stereo separation and overall sound quality are certainly a step up from those flat, boxed-in sounds.
However, if you’re already planning to upgrade your setup in the near future, you might want to consider investing in something a bit more robust. These speakers are great for now, but they’re not the kind of gear you’ll build around for years to come. They’re perfect for those just dipping their toes into the vinyl world, but seasoned audiophiles may find themselves wanting more sooner rather than later.
