Fosi Audio BT20A Pro Bluetooth 5.0 Amplifier, 300W x2 Wireless Amp, TPA3255 2 Channel Mini Class D Integrated Home Audio Outdoor Stereo Receiver with Bass Treble Control for Passive Speakers

Find a used AVR or stereo receiver that has optical… no reason to dump a ton of money into the situation. Can literally find one for $50-$200 on Facebook marketplace and you’d be good to go. HDMI ARC or Optical > the receiver > the speakers with some speaker wire, done. Other route would be a DAC & Amp… but honestly, used receiver route will likely end up cheaper (I’d only go the dac and amp route if you want brand new, but don’t let brand new end up more than what it would cost to get a refurbished AVR): get this - FOSI AUDIO DA2120C … other options are a combo of these two, FOSI AUDIO Q4 & BT20A Pro (or the non-pro version, but I like the pro more)… WiiM Amp is also a nice option, but it’ll cost more than the prior two options I gave. Best choice is the DA2120C (best for beginners) for simplicity purposes. You go the Q4 & BT20A Pro route if upgrading speakers down the road and amp performance means a bit more to you (since it’s two separate pieces of hardware, you could always choose to keep the AMP and go for a better DAC as time passes).

You'll need a preamp like this to plug your record player into. From there plug it into an amp like this to plug into and power your speakers. Not necessarily recommending the above links, but they are both fine budget options. I think the amp I linked (or similar versions) has bluetooth if you prefer having that on there, which I would assume a lot of beginners would (some traditionalists will be put off by the BT, but I wouldn't worry about it). Hundreds of options and combinations out there, including just getting an "all-in-one" intergrated amp, too.

Great gift! Turntable setup https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXcgF2SY35Q Turntable with switch on back set to LINE >>> RCA audio cable >>> CD input on receiver >>> speaker wire >>> passive speakers. The ground wire is usually not needed unless you want to use the Phono input to the phono preamp in the receiver instead of the one inside the turntable. The USB connection is optional to connect to your computer to record albums. The receiver is an early AV Receiver for use with a TV and 5 speakers. All you need for music is the 2 speakers. What did the receiver and speakers cost you? Can you return at least the speakers? That model speakers are very basic and similar low quality speakers can often be found at thrift shops for a few dollars since that's all they are worth. For the good turntable consider getting a good pair of speakers. Even these entry level 6.5" Datyon B65 $79 passive speakers will be a good improvement. Or if you don't want or need the big receiver you can replace it with a mini amp and it adds Bluetooth input for your digital music: https://www.parts-express.com/Fosi-Audio-MC101-Bluetooth-Stereo-Amplifier-100W-x-2-235-268?quantity=1 https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Audio-Amplifier-Integrated-Subwoofer/dp/B07JVFY27T/ Or you could get powered speakers to connect directly to the turntable, no separate amp or receiver is needed: 6.5" Dayton B65A $129. 5.25" Neumi BS5P $219. 6.5" Dayton M6 $299. If you keep the receiver, you can add Bluetooth or WiFi + Apple Airplay. Bluetooth https://www.amazon.com/B06-Plus-Bluetooth-Receiver-Streaming/dp/B078J3GTRK Better WiFi Streaming + Apple Airplay + Bluetooth https://www.amazon.com/WiiM-Mini-Multiroom-Preamplifier-Assistants/dp/B09HC5GRKY or the square Pro version adds Google Cast Speaker Placement • Intro to Home Stereo Systems • Turntable and Speakers Setup Guide • Record Cleaning • Audio Guides

do you want speakers to be bluetooth, or just the amp? i set up a bluetooth amp, but wired the speakers to it. https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Audio-Amplifier-Integrated-Subwoofer/dp/B07JVFY27T works like a charm. the amp is in a garage. the speakers are mounted outside under awnings.