If you’re aiming to set up an audio system that only needs a digital signal source, such as a computer or smartphone, you’re in luck. Opting for good quality active speakers is a smart move, especially if you’re looking for a balance between cost and sound quality.
In our latest compilation, we’ve selected seven models of active speakers that stand out for their excellent sound quality without breaking the bank. These picks are designed to offer great audio performance at a relatively modest price point, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite music, movies, and more without a hefty investment. Whether you’re setting up a home entertainment system, enhancing your personal workspace, or simply looking for a better listening experience, these speakers are sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
7. Audioengine A5+BT
The Audioengine A5+ BT speakers offer an impressive package for their price range, featuring 50 watts of built-in amplification per channel, with peak performance reaching up to 75 watts. Equipped with a 0.75″ silk dome tweeter and a 5″ mid/bass driver that boasts an aramid fiber cone, these speakers are designed to deliver rich and robust sound. The inclusion of the modern aptX Bluetooth codec ensures high-quality wireless audio streaming, making them a versatile choice for any audio setup.
Furthermore, the A5+ BT speakers come with a variety of wired connection options, catering to a wide range of audio sources. The possibility to expand the system with a subwoofer is an added bonus, enhancing the overall sound experience with deeper bass. It’s noteworthy that the speakers produce a very serious sound quality, although there may be a desire for more detail in the high frequencies (HF) at times. Nonetheless, considering their price point, the Audioengine A5+ BT speakers stand out as an excellent choice for audiophiles looking for a solid performance without a significant investment.
6.Triangle AIO TWIN
The Triangle AIO TWIN speakers are a versatile audio solution, equipped with advanced connectivity options including Wi-Fi (DLNA) and Bluetooth, supporting aptX HD, aptX LL, and AAC codecs for high-quality wireless streaming. Additionally, these speakers come with a built-in phono stage, an optical input, and a USB port, accommodating a wide range of audio sources and formats up to 24 bit / 192 kHz. Users can also adjust tone control and extend the system with a subwoofer for enhanced bass.
With a power output of 2 x 50 watts from the built-in amplifiers, the Triangle AIO TWIN speakers deliver robust sound performance. The design of the speakers is striking, with meticulous attention to detail evident in every aspect, including the premium fabric grills made by Gabriel. The acoustics are impressive, featuring a 1″ tweeter and a 5.2″ mid/bass driver that produce sound with the traditional corporate style and charm Triangle is known for.
This combination of high-quality sound, comprehensive connectivity, and elegant design makes the Triangle AIO TWIN speakers an exceptional choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
5. Klipsch RW-51M
The Klipsch RW-51M speakers truly embody the essence of sound, delivering the impactful audio performance that Klipsch is renowned for, despite their relatively compact size. Featuring the acclaimed Klipsch Tractrix Horn technology, these speakers are designed to produce a powerful, lifelike soundstage that inspires both shock and awe in listeners.
Equipped with new driver technology, including a 1″ tweeter with LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) and a 5.23″ Injection Molded Graphite (IMG) woofer with Kapton suspension, the RW-51M speakers offer enhanced audio clarity and precision. Additionally, the integration of WiSA wireless sound transmission technology ensures high-quality, latency-free audio delivery, making these speakers a top choice for audiophiles seeking a blend of traditional Klipsch power and modern wireless convenience.
Overall, the Klipsch RW-51M speakers stand out for their exceptional sound performance, innovative driver design, and cutting-edge wireless capabilities, making them a formidable addition to any audio setup.
4. AirPulse A300Pro
The AirPulse A300Pro speakers are a showcase of advanced audio engineering, each equipped with 10W dedicated to treble enhancement and 120W for mid/bass amplification, all powered by the XMOS xCore2000 DSP for precise digital signal processing. These acoustic systems stand out with their unique ribbon tweeters, housed within small horns, and 6.5” midrange/woofers featuring aluminum cones, capable of handling Hi-Res audio signals up to 24 bit / 192 kHz.
Constructed from 25 mm thick MDF, the speaker cabinets are notably robust and resistant to resonance, ensuring that the sound output remains pure and unaffected by external vibrations. A distinctive aspect of the A300Pro’s design is the use of Transparent cable for internal wiring, highlighting the brand’s commitment to quality and audio fidelity.
With these features, the AirPulse A300Pro speakers deliver sound that is both balanced and accurate, offering an immersive listening experience that is sure to satisfy audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Their combination of cutting-edge technology, superior construction, and meticulous attention to detail makes them a compelling choice for anyone seeking high-quality audio performance.
3. Canton Smart GLE 3 S2
The Canton Smart GLE 3 S2 represents the latest addition to the brand’s esteemed line of smart speakers, continuing its legacy of high-quality audio solutions. This speaker is outfitted with a comprehensive suite of analog inputs, including USB Type B, and offers the convenience of Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, supporting audio signals up to 24 bit / 96 kHz.
A standout feature of the Canton Smart GLE 3 S2 is its flexibility in setup. Each speaker from a pair can be interconnected with another using a 75-ohm cable or wirelessly, allowing for the creation of a multi-channel system that can include up to eight speakers. Remarkably, the system is designed to operate independently of an external receiver, thanks to the integration of onboard Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround, and DTS TruSurround decoders.
This self-sufficiency enhances the ease of creating a comprehensive home theater experience without additional equipment.
As for the sound quality, the Canton Smart GLE 3 S2 delivers the traditional German audio signature: neutral, transparent, and detailed. This ensures that listeners enjoy a pure and immersive audio experience, true to the original recordings. The combination of advanced connectivity options, built-in decoding capabilities, and exceptional sound performance makes the Canton Smart GLE 3 S2 a compelling choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike.
2. Q-Acoustics Active 200
The Q-Acoustics Active 200 speakers feature an advanced audio amplification system, employing band-by-band amplification with a DSP (Digital Signal Processor)-based active crossover. This sophisticated setup involves a total of six amplifiers, cumulatively delivering a powerful output of 280 watts. The system is managed through a central hub designed to handle high-resolution audio signals up to 32 bit / 192 kHz for input and streams audio to the speakers at up to 24 bit / 96 kHz.
This hub is remarkably versatile, supporting Ethernet, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth connections, as well as Chromecast, Roon, and Spotify Connect interfaces. It also includes a built-in phono stage for vinyl playback and integrates seamlessly with multiple streaming services including Qobuz, Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, Deezer, and Amazon Music, all accessible over UPnP. The DSP’s functionality extends to room calibration, allowing users to tailor the bass output to their specific room characteristics for optimal sound quality.
Voice control is another highlight, with compatibility with Google Assistant, Siri, and Amazon Alexa, offering a hands-free way to manage playback and settings. The sound quality of the Q-Acoustics Active 200 lives up to expectations, delivering pleasing audio performance across a variety of genres. While it excels in most areas, it is particularly noted that for those who do not frequently listen to complex classical compositions, these speakers will be especially satisfying, ensuring a rich and engaging listening experience.
1. KEF LS50 Wireless II
The KEF LS50 Wireless II continues to dominate the high-end wireless hi-fi segment, embodying the pinnacle of what enthusiasts can expect from premium wireless audio. This system employs a hybrid approach to amplification, utilizing a 100-watt Class AB amplifier for the tweeter, while the midrange/bass benefits from the power of a 280-watt Class D amplifier. The innovative coaxial driver, featuring an absorbing MAT (Metamaterial Absorption Technology) disc, ensures flawless sound reproduction, aided by the Music Integrity Engine for enhanced audio fidelity.
Wireless connectivity between each KEF LS50 Wireless II speaker is seamless, supporting high-resolution audio streaming up to PCM 24 bit / 384 kHz and DSD256, along with MQA decoding. The system is also Roon Ready, integrating perfectly with high-resolution music services for a superior listening experience.
The sound quality of the KEF LS50 Wireless II is simply fantastic, offering an immersive and detailed audio experience that exceeds expectations. With its combination of advanced technology, superior sound, and comprehensive connectivity options, the KEF LS50 Wireless II stands out as a premier choice for audiophiles seeking the ultimate in wireless hi-fi performance.
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