There is a growing segment within the high-end audio market gaining the attention of respected professional reviewers and audiophiles around the world. I must admit I stuck my nose up with the thought of self-powered loudspeakers, but the market continues to produce very intriguing active speakers drawing me in. The value is clear and hard to ignore, as with all audio, they’re not for everyone.
Pros
Active speakers are great for those looking for a home hi-fi or music lovers seeking a small second system. Powered speakers have amplifiers built into the enclosure eliminating the need for an external amplifier or receiver. Historically, powered speakers served a purpose of convenience at the expense of fidelity. The argument against active speakers is ignorant. Today’s powered speakers are so advanced all your need are wall outlets. Audiophile active speakers have built in music streamers, DACs, phono preamplifiers, DSPs, HDMI inputs, and subwoofer outputs. Some have Bluetooth, although I’d stick to Wi-Fi for more revealing sound. All controlled from your cell phone.
Audiophile desktop systems have become easily attainable. Music lovers with a few hundred bucks can have great sonics in their home. Active loudspeakers are not those ultra-convenient Bluetooth speakers you take to the beach, as wonderful as they are, they are not designed for fidelity. There are many advantages of active speakers. The internal amplifier is engineered for that specific speaker or driver as some powered speakers contain an amp for each driver. The speaker engineer also has the advantage of designing a speaker around a specific amplifier as opposed to building speakers for a wide range of amplifiers.
Cables can be expensive and messy they are no longer needed if your speakers are active. Those are only advantages if the speaker sounds good, and many do. For anyone looking for an immersive experience while watching TV, a pair of active speakers easily outperforms most soundbars and looks better.
Cons
Powered speakers will never have universal appeal. For those that love the gear, like me, the thought of a listening room without components is a deal breaker. Having everything built into the speaker means you’re stuck with it and adding a separate component is hard or impossible. Many audiophiles want flexibility to change their gear or cables.
There are speakers with different technologies audiophiles are drawn to. I’m unaware of powered flat panel speakers or big-boxed horn monsters. For most music lovers, the pros clearly outweigh the cons. I continue to be intrigued by active loudspeakers and can see myself using a pair in a second system. The staff at AV Whiz got together and compiled a list of active loudspeakers we recommended. The speakers we selected were designed to be placed in a room but can be used on a desktop as computer speakers. For that reason, you won’t see mini-monitors designed to sit on a desk for near-field listening. Speakers not listed either means we haven’t heard them or wouldn’t suggest them to our readers.
Audioengine A2+ Home Music System: $279
Bluetooth version 5.3 streaming with high-fidelity aptX HD audio
Built-in DAC with USB- input supporting resolution up to 24-bit/96kHz
Ideal for a small room or desktop audio
Class A/B amplifier
Volume knob on rear panel
Silk dome tweeter for warmer more relaxed sound characteristics
| Audioengine A2+ Specifications | |
| Internal amplifier output | Dual 15-watt amplifiers |
| Amplifier class | Woofer: class A/B; Tweeter: class A/B |
| Frequency response (+/- 2dB) | 65Hz – 22kHz |
| Driver array | Woofer: 2-3/4” aramid fiber cone; Tweeter: 3/4″ silk dome |
| Inputs | USB-C, 3.5mm aux, RCA stereo, built-in Bluetooth |
| Wireless streaming features | Bluetooth 5.3; aptX HD |
| Outputs | Variable stereo preamplifier outputs for subwoofers |
| Dimensions | 6.25” tall by 4.2” wide by 6.6” deep; Weight: 3.2 lbs each |
| Finish options | Matte green, satin black, high gloss red, high gloss white |
| Includes | Two speakers, AC power supply, six foot power cord, five foot USB cable, six foot stereo minijack cable, quick start guide and brochure, owner’s manual |
PSB Alpha AM3: $599
Bluetooth built-in with high-quality apt-X audio streaming
Plug-and-play for turntable built-in phono preamp that connects directly to turntable
Digital Sound Processing built-in DSP to ensure optimum audio
Clean power totaling 140-watts ideal for small or medium size rooms
| PSB Alpha AM3 Specifications | |
| Internal amplifier output | 70-watts per speaker |
| Amplifier class | Class D |
| Frequency response (+/- 3dB) | 56Hz – 20kHz |
| Driver array | Woofer: 4-inch polypropylene cone; Tweeter: .75-inch aluminum dome |
| Inputs | MM phono, 3.5mm stereo, Optical, USB Type B for audio |
| Wireless streaming features | BluoS, aptX HD |
| Outputs | RCS subwoofer |
| Dimensions | 8-5/8” tall by 5-1/8” wide by 6-7/8” deep; Weight: 5 lbs each |
| Finish options | Black, white |
| Includes | Two speakers, remote control, power cable, owner’s manual, grills, interspeaker cable |
SVS Prime Wireless Speaker: $899
Convenient controls via smartphone, handheld remote, voice commands, and front panel user interface. Native control via Apple Airplay 2 for iOS; Spotify Connect and Chromecast for Android
HDMI ARC connects TV directly to main speaker using a single HDMI wire for immersive audio; substantial upgrade from a soundbar
Bluetooth version 5.0 with AAC and aptX
High Power 200 total watts and can fill small, medium and some large rooms
High Resolution streaming over Wi-Fi supporting resolution up to 24-bit/192kHz
Custom six custom preset buttons on the front panel and remote
Performance driven cabinet design; tapered edges; rigid internal bracing
| SVS Prime Wireless Speaker Specifications | |
| Internal amplifier output | Woofer: 50-watts; Tweeter: 50-watts per speaker; 200 total watts |
| Amplifier class | Woofer: class D; Tweeter: class D |
| Frequency response (+/- 3dB) | 42Hz – 25kHz |
| Driver array | Woofer: high-output 5.25-inch polypropylene cone; Tweeter: 1-inch aluminum dome |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC and eARC, RCA stereo, 3.5mm aux, Optical |
| Wireless streaming features | Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC and aptX |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| Dimensions | 11.6” tall by 7” wide by 9” deep; Weight: 12 lbs each |
| Finish options | Piano gloss black or gloss white |
| Includes | Two speakers, remote control, power cord, self-adhesive rubber feet, 2 grills, 10-foot proprietary speaker cable, owner’s manual, brochure |
KEF Coda W: $999
Uni-Q 12th generation source-point driver array for increased dispersion
Plug-and-play for turntable built-in phono preamp that connects directly to turntable
High Power 200 total watts and can easily fill small, medium, and some large rooms
HDMI ARC connects TV directly to main speaker using a single HDMI wire for immersive audio; substantial upgrade from a soundbar
High Resolution USB Type C for audio supports high resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz
Bluetooth 5.4 w/aptXR high quality music streaming
Music Integrity EngineR internal DSP algorithms ensure all components work in harmony
Modern Classic Design minimalist elegant design through its clean rectilinear lines and subtle detailing; vintage charm
| KEF Code W Specifications | |
| Internal amplifier output | Woofer: 70-watts; Tweeter: 30-watts, per speaker |
| Amplifier class | Woofer: class D; Tweeter: class D |
| Frequency response (+/- 3dB) | 41Hz – 20kHz |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured at one meter) |
| Driver array | Woofer: 5.25-inch magnesium/aluminum cone; Tweeter: 1-inch aluminum dome |
| Inputs | HDMI, Optical, USB Type C, RCA (line), RCA (phono, MM type), & Bluetooth |
| Wireless streaming features | Bluetooth 5.4; aptX AdaptiveTM, aptX LosslessTM |
| Outputs | Subwoofer, USB Type C (interspeaker), USB Type C (5V DC) |
| Dimensions | 11.2” tall by 6.6” wide by 10.55” deep; Weight: 12.5 lbs each |
| Max SPL | 102 dB (measured at one meter) |
| Finish options | Vintage burgundy, nickel grey, moss green, midnight blue, and dark titanium |
| Includes | Two speakers, remote control, power cable, interspeaker cable (3m), quick start guide, and warranty & safety information |
PSB IQ 2: $1,399
Wireless connection between the two speakers
Music Streamer built-in BluOS streaming with app control
Plug-and-play for turntable built-in phono preamp that connects directly to turntable
High Power 270 total watts ideal to fill a small or medium-size room
HDMI ARC connects TV directly to main speaker using a single HDMI wire for immersive audio; substantial upgrade from a soundbar
High Resolution internal DAC supporting resolution up to 24-bit/192kHz
Controls via BluOS app or top-panel touch controls
| PSB IQ 2 Specifications | |
| Internal amplifier output | Woofer: 90-watts; Tweeter: 45-watts, per speaker |
| Amplifier class | Woofer: class D; Tweeter: class D |
| Frequency response (+/- 3dB) | 64Hz – 20kHz |
| Driver array | Woofer: 4-inch polypropylene cone; Tweeter: 1-inch aluminum dome |
| Inputs | HDMI eARC, MM phono, Optical, USB-C |
| Wireless streaming features | Bluetooth 5.4; aptX AdaptiveTM, aptX LosslessTM |
| Outputs | Subwoofer with DSP-enabled low-pass and high-pass filters |
| Dimensions | 9.7” tall by 5.7” wide by 7.6” deep; Weight: 9.1 lbs each |
| Finish options | Granite grey, black, sandstone beige, ember red, boreal green, white, and walnut +$100 |
| Includes | Two speakers, remote control, power cable, 2 woofer grills, 2 tweeter grills, self-adhesive rubber feet, quick setup guide and warranty information |
KEF LSX II: $1,499
Uni-Q Driver Array point-source speaker with a .75-inch aluminum dome tweeter mounted in the center of a 4.5-inch magnesium/aluminum woofer
Controls via included handheld remote or mobile app
High Power amplifiers with 200 total watts suitable for small and medium-size rooms
Audiophile internal DAC supports digital music up to 24-bit/384kHz
HDMI ARC connects TV directly to main speaker using a single HDMI wire for immersive audio; substantial upgrade from a soundbar
Music Integrity EngineR internal DSP algorithms ensure all components work in harmony
Wireless connection between the two speakers
Design optimized curved cabinet designed to improve sound dispersion
Music Streamer offers support for Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect allowing streaming from directly from the Spotify or Tidal app
KEF Connect App provides setup and control of the LSX II system from your mobile phone or tablet; also gives you access to online music services and internet radio
| KEF LSX II Specifications | |
| Internal amplifier output | Woofer: 70-watts; Tweeter: 30-watts, per speaker |
| Amplifier class | Woofer: class D; Tweeter: class D |
| Frequency response (+/- 3dB) | 58Hz – 28kHz |
| Driver array | Woofer: 4.5-inch magnesium/aluminum; Tweeter: .75-inch aluminum dome |
| Inputs | HDMI eARC, Optical, USB-C, 3.5mm aux |
| Wireless streaming features | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Outputs | Mono subwoofer output |
| Dimensions | 9-1/2” tall by 6-1/8” wide by 9-1/4” deep; Weight: 7.8 lbs each |
| Finish options | Amber haze, carbon black, soundwave edition, cotton white; with matching fabric |
| Includes | Two speakers, remote control, quick start guide and warranty information, two 6.5-foot power cords, 10-foot cat-6 interconnect speaker cable, owner’s manual |
Totem Acoustics: Kin Play Tower II: $2,250
High Power 400 total watts/200 per speaker and can easily fill a large room
Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD
HDMI ARC connects TV directly to main speaker using a single HDMI wire for immersive audio; substantial upgrade from a soundbar
Plug-and-play for turntable built-in phono preamp that connects directly to turntable
Design slim tower speaker in satin white or satin black; very refined build and finish
Dual 5-inch natural hybrid woofers and per tower
Full-Range frequency response down to 30Hz up to 22kHz
| Kin Play Tower II Specifications | |
| Internal amplifier output | 200-watts per speaker |
| Amplifier class | Woofer: class D; Tweeter: class D |
| Frequency response (+/- 3dB) | 30Hz – 22kHz |
| Driver array | Woofer: dual 5-inch natural hybrid; Tweeter: 1-inch custom infused soft dome |
| Inputs | HDMI eARC, switchable MM phone/line RCA, 2 Optical, 3.5mm aux |
| Outputs | Mono subwoofer output |
| Dimensions | 40.2” tall by 7” wide by 10.4” deep; Weight: 37.5 lbs each |
| Finish options | Satin white or satin black |
| Includes | Two speakers, remote control, magnetic grills, speaker wire, optical cable, adhesive rubber feet |
JBL 4329P Studio Monitor: $4,500 – $4,950 depending on Finish
Premium loudspeaker with high dynamics engineered to fill any room
High Power 300-watts per speaker
Bluetooth 5.3
Controls via front panel volume and source, Bluetooth remote
High-Resolution internal DAC supporting resolution up to 24-bit/192kHz
Pure-Pulp 8-inch bass driver made of pure-pulp paper with cast-frames
Patented 1-inch compression driver and high-definition imaging dispersion horn
Wireless music streaming via Chromecast, Airplay 2, Roon Ready, and Bluetooth
Premium wood finishes available in natural walnut (+$500), black walnut, white aspen
| JBL 4329P Specifications | |
| Internal amplifier output | 250-watts per woofer; 50-watts per compression driver; 300 total watts per speaker |
| Amplifier class | Woofer: class D; Tweeter: class D |
| Frequency response (+/- 6dB) | 28Hz – 25kHz |
| Driver array | Woofer: 8-inch pure-pulp black paper cone; Tweeter: 1-inch annular ring, Teonex diaphragm compression drivers with advanced HDI geometry horns |
| Inputs | Analog XLR, 3.5mm stereo, USB-B, Optical |
| Outputs | Subwoofer output |
| Dimensions | 20.3” tall by 12.6” wide by 12.7” deep; Weight: 35 lbs each |
| Finish options | Natural walnut, black walnut, white aspen |
| Includes | Two speakers, remote control, grills, power cords, $400 optional stands |
Conclusion
The evolution of the active speaker has changed audiophile perceptions from a convenient desk speaker to a major player in the two-channel high end audio market. When I’m asked for a recommendation now, my initial thought is a pair of quality powered speakers. Its major appeal is the ease-of-use, no need for an external amplifier, and less cables.
Along with the all-in-one streaming amplifier, the active speaker occupies a significant piece of the market, and for good reason. I still love separate components and passive speaker designs. My system changes over time because I enjoy experimenting with different gear. It’s also essential for reviewing equipment. For a second system, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy active speakers and call it a day. I also see the day when downsizing to a simpler system becomes more practical.
Our recommendations reflect our personal experience with the equipment reviewed and should be considered alongside your own listening preferences and room acoustics. We encourage readers to audition audio equipment whenever possible. Great sound is personal, and the best component is the one that brings you closer to your music.
