Powered speakers are a great solution for those who want to enjoy music with a setup that’s compact and ready to play tunes from any source.
The KEF LSX II are the best true active speakers, offering a lot for the price in terms of both technology and listening experience. They come with multiple wired and wireless connection options, as well as the clear and balanced sound that defines KEF’s higher-end products.
When it comes to floor-standing speakers, my favorite option are the astounding Q Active 400 from Q Acoustics. The six drivers, each powered by its own amp, deliver a level of depth and articulation that will satisfy your sonic needs for years to come.
Once again, there are plenty of connectivity options – both wireless and wired – and compatibility with voice assistants, making the Q Active 400 as versatile as it is powerful, and a perfect choice for large entertainment rooms.
Finally, the Mackie CR3-XBT are the best budget powered speakers. Priced around $100, they offer impressive sound and Bluetooth capability. Lightweight and portable, they fit easily in small spaces or offices, making them ideal for a second listening room or workspace.
Contents
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Why you should trust me
I’m an audiophile, audio engineer, and record label owner. The gear in both my recording studio and the listening room has evolved dramatically over the years, during which time I’ve learned a thing or two about how to make the most of active speakers.
As a music producer, I’ve used powered and true active speakers since I started working in the industry. A few years back, I discovered some active speakers that worked magnificently with my hi-fi system, so I started exploring the world of active speakers designed for audiophiles. This article is the result of my research over the years.
How I chose and tested
Obviously, sound quality was crucial in the selection of the best powered speakers for this piece. However, with the technology these speakers usually come with, I also considered how they can adjust to the environment and needs of the listener.
For instance, I included speakers that feature EQ and room calibration options, as well as ones that can naturally adjust to any listening space thanks to an immersive and engaging sound signature.
Finally, I tried to provide a list of speakers for all budgets, from $100 to $3000, so that regardless of how much you’re willing to spend, you should be able to find the perfect powered speaker for your needs.
Here are my top picks for the best powered hi-fi speakers:
- Best overall: KEF LSX II
- Best floor-stander: Q Acoustics Q Active 400
- Best budget: Mackie CR3-XBT
- Best under $500: Audioengine A5+ Wireless
- Best budget floor-stander: Fluance Ai81
- Best under $1000: Kanto Tuk
Check out the Honorable mentions for two more speakers that perform great and are worth checking out.
Best overall: KEF LSX II
- Amplification: 30 W (HF), 70 W (LF), Class-D
- Frequency response: 54 Hz – 28 kHz
- I/O: Optical, 1/8-inch (3.5 mm), USB-C, HDMI ARC, Ethernet
KEF has set the standards when it comes to active speakers. From the exceptional LS50 Wireless II to the more affordable LSX II, this iconic brand offers a perfect match of transparency, power, and elegance in a powered speaker.
Although I love basically all models crafted by KEF, the LSX II holds a special place in my heart. It offers a lot for the price (just above $1200) and comes with a sound signature that impressed me with its agility and neutrality.
It features a huge variety of connectivity options: HDMI ARC for TVs, Toslink for digital devices, USB Type-C, and a 3.5 mm (1/8-inch) aux input, as well as an Ethernet port for wired network connections.
The LSX II is designed for those who need wireless connectivity, with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 to connect directly to AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify, and Tidal. Plus, the dedicated KEF Connect app makes sound optimization and EQ adjustments a walk in the park.
Compact, stylish, powerful, and with an ultra-realistic sound signature, the LSX II is a joy for the ears.
What I like
- Excellent soundstage.
- Transparent and natural.
- Plenty of connectivity options.
What I don’t like
- There are valid, more affordable alternatives.
Best floor-stander: Q Acoustics Q Active 400
- Amplification: 140 W, Class-D
- Frequency response: 35 Hz – 20 kHz (-6 dB)
- I/O: Optical, 1/8-inch (3.5 mm), HDMI ARC, Ethernet, sub out
Q Acoustics is another brand I’ve praised over the years, and their active floor-stander Q Active 400 is a fantastic option for any music lover who wants to fill large rooms with immersive soundscapes.
It comes with six amplifiers powering six separate drivers, which brings to life an expansive and dynamic soundstage. There’s also a rear-firing concealed subwoofer, which does an excellent job in enhancing and expanding lower frequencies.
This powered speaker comes with an MM phono input and countless wireless connectivity options to connect with AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and UPnP. It’s also Roon Ready, so you can use the dedicated app to play your music from any source (if you don’t know what Roon is, check out their website).
The Q Active system is controlled via a discrete hub, available in Chromecast or Alexa-enabled variants, ensuring compatibility with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Siri.
Additionally, the system supports HDMI-ARC, digital optical, and RCA inputs, making it compatible with virtually any audio source.
One thing I love is that the speakers are carefully tuned to perform optimally regardless of placement, thanks to the BMRs (Balanced Mode Radiators) – technology that creates a wide listening area without compromising stereo imaging.
Punchy, engaging, and immersive, the Q Active 400 offers a galvanizing sound that can fill rooms of any size.
What I like
- Technologically advanced.
- Powerful and accurate.
- Easy to place in a room.
What I don’t like
- I was expecting a deeper bass.
Best budget: Mackie CR3-XBT
- Amplification: 50 W, Class-D
- Frequency response: 70 Hz – 20 kHz (-10 dB)
- I/O: RCA, TRS, 1/8-inch (3.5 mm)
What can you expect from speakers that cost a little more than $100 a pair? Listening to the Mackie CR3-XBT makes you wonder whether they forgot to add a digit to the price tag when they released it!
This tiny speaker works well both as a speaker for small listening rooms or in the office. The soundstage offered by the 3-inch polypropylene woofer and a 3/4-inch silk dome tweeter brings to life a cohesive image, with clear highs and powerful bass, which is surprising given its size and weight (just 8 lbs).
The built-in Bluetooth is a great feature, and the speaker also comes with front-facing 3.5 mm (1/8-inch) headphone jacks and other input options, such as 1/4-inch stereo TRS and stereo RCA.
Audio dispersion is also quite good, with a carefully designed waveguide and rear bass ports that magnify the low end.
Designed to be moved around freely and deliver a powerful sound for its size, the Mackie CR3-XBT is compact, versatile, and a bargain, so I’d definitely recommend it if your budget is limited or you’re building a second, and small, listening room.
What I like
- Extremely affordable.
- Decent low-end despite the price.
What I don’t like
- Heavy low end.
Best under $500: Audioengine A5+ Wireless
- Amplification: 50 + 50 W, Class-AB
- Frequency response: 50 Hz – 22 kHz
- I/O: Speaker out, RCA, 1/8-inch (3.5 mm)
Audioengine offers a plethora of options for office and studio setups, but the A5+ Wireless is by far the most interesting powered speaker on their list for audiophiles who need versatility and have a budget around $500.
The A5+ Wireless comes with a custom silk dome tweeter and a 5-inch Kevlar woofer which, together with the 50-watt amplifier in each speaker, gives you an immersive sound that’ll perform well even in large rooms.
The speaker also looks fabulous, with a hand-polished wood cabinet that gives it a timeless feel.
As the name suggests, the A5+ Wireless excels in wireless connectivity. You can connect via Bluetooth with aptX HD or through RCA and minijack inputs if you have analog setups.
The only downside is the inability to switch between input sources (you’ll have to unplug the wired source and then switch). Aside from that, the A5+ Wireless is an exceptional and affordable wireless speaker.
What I like
- Great sound for the price.
- It looks great.
- Versatile wireless and wired connectivity options.
What I don’t like
- You can’t switch between input sources.
Best budget floor-stander: Fluance Ai81
- Amplification: 150 W, Class-D
- Frequency response: 30 Hz – 20 kHz
- I/O: Speaker out, RCA, optical, sub out
Trust me on this: if you find a speaker you love of any kind but can’t afford, you can find one that sounds very much like it but way more affordable in Fluance’s catalog.
The Canadian company has developed a cult status in recent years because it offers great-sounding, carefully built music gear that stands the test of time. The Fluance Ai81 is an excellent floor-stander with a ton of features and a reasonable price tag.
Coming with a 150-watt Class D amplifier, dual 6.5-inch woven glass fiber drivers, and 1-inch neodymium tweeters, the Ai81 gives you a wide and deep soundstage with crisp highs that’ll work well across music genres.
The MDF wood cabinets have down-firing bass ports that deliver a deep and natural bass devoid of distortion. This enhanced low-end works magnificently in a listening room as much as in a TV surround sound system, so you should definitely consider the Ai81 if you’re looking for a versatile floor-stander.
It also features Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, RCA, optical inputs and an extra subwoofer output if you want to bring your house down.
Available at $500 a pair at the time of writing, the Fluance Ai81 is the cheapest option to get a great-sounding active floor-stander setup.
What I like
- Best affordable floor-standing speaker you can find.
- Plenty of connectivity options.
What I don’t like
- Lacks the sophistication and brilliance of other models.
Best under $1000: Kanto Tuk
- Amplification: 130 W, Class-D
- Frequency response: 50 Hz – 20 kHz
- I/O: Speaker out, RCA, optical, phono in, 1/8-inch (3.5 mm)
The Tuk is a great option for those with a budget below $1000 and definitely one of the best value-for-money options on this list.
This active speaker comes with a highly accurate Air Motion Transformer tweeter and a 5-inch aluminum woofer in a ported enclosure, and the combination of both brings to life a detailed and enriching sound experience with clear highs and powerful yet controlled low-end.
When it comes to connectivity, the Tuk has it all. It comes with a dedicated phono stage, Toslink optical input for TVs or CD players, and a USB input. Plus, it offers Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX-HD and a subwoofer output is available for those who want to get a deeper low-end.
In my opinion, the Tuk is almost as good as the LSX II, with rich highs and an articulate bass that’s almost shocking given its size. If KEF speakers are above your budget, get the Kanto Tuk, and you won’t be disappointed.
What I like
- Refined soundtage.
- Cheaper than the LSX II but almost as good.
What I don’t like
- Low-end could be fuller.
Honorable mentions
- KEF LS50 Wireless II. I spoke about and praised multiple times the exceptional LS50 Wireless II, and while I decided to discuss other models this time, I cannot ignore this legendary active speaker. The LS50 Wireless II is defined by technological inventiveness and a sound signature that’s neutral but also rich and magnificent, and I can’t recommend them enough if your budget allows and you have a passion for sonic transparency.
- Elac Debut ConneX DCB41. Elac is another brand which, in my experience, never disappoints. The Debut ConneX DCB41 is a compact, versatile, and easy-to-use bookshelf speaker with a wide range of inputs that make them an all-in-one solution for every listener: HDMI ARC, USB Audio, Bluetooth aptX, Optical, and Analog/Phono input. While the low-end lacks depth, there’s no doubt this multipurpose speaker has an engaging sound that can work well in most circumstances, from small listening rooms to TV sound setups.
Final thoughts
I hope this guide will help you find the perfect active speaker for your needs!
Remember to get a wireless speaker that’s powerful enough for your room’s size, and ensure that your listening space has the perfect acoustics to enhance the characteristics of your upgraded sound system.
Happy listening!
