French brand Elipson is expanding its Horus range with two active models: the Elipson Horus 6B Active BT Phono bookshelf speakers and the Elipson Horus 11F Active BT Phono floorstanding speakers. They take the tried-and-tested architecture of their passive counterparts and add integrated amplification, a Bluetooth aptX HD receiver and full connectivity with HDMI ARC and USB DAC.
Hi-fi made easy
The French manufacturer’s new versions of its flagship Elipson Horus speakers are designed to simplify access to high-fidelity music without sacrificing quality. The Active BT Phono versions of the Horus 6B and 11F require only a power source and a power outlet to operate. Their 2 × 50W RMS amplification is directly integrated into one of the two speakers, which drives the other passively via a supplied speaker cable.
The two models differ mainly in their format and load volume. The Horus 6B Active BT Phono is a relatively compact two-way bookshelf speaker, ideal for small rooms, offices or living spaces where space is at a premium.
The Elipson Horus 11F Active BT Phono speaker adopts a more ambitious floorstanding design, with two midbass drivers and a more generous internal volume, enabling it to descend further into the low frequencies, widening the soundstage and better filling the space. In both cases, we find the same 1″ silk dome tweeter with neodymium magnet, renowned for its smoothness and precision, as well as one or two 5″ drivers with a cellulose and glass fiber cone, a material selected for its excellent compromise between rigidity, lightness and damping.
Generous connectivity for all uses
One of the strong points of these Elipson active speakers is their connectivity. At the rear of the master speaker is a MM phono input for direct connection to a turntable without a preamp, which is great for vinyl fans. An analog line input is also available to connect a CD player or any other device with an RCA output. For digital sources, the equipment is just as comprehensive: optical, coaxial, USB-C and even HDMI ARC inputs. The latter allows direct connection of a compatible TV to enjoy the sound on the speakers, while retaining volume control via the TV remote control thanks to the CEC protocol. The speakers’ internal DAC supports Hi-Res files at up to 24-bit/192kHz for high quality sound.
Add to this Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility with the aptX HD codec, which guarantees high-quality wireless transmission from a smartphone, tablet or computer, and you have a system that covers all contemporary listening uses, from wireless streaming and vinyl playback to integration in a small stereo home theater system.
Minimalist, elegant design
True to its DNA, Elipson pays as much attention to ergonomics as it does to aesthetics. Both models are available in a walnut, black or light wood finish, with a discreet matte front panel. The silhouettes remain minimalist and modern, yet distinctive enough to identify them as belonging to the Elipson universe. We appreciate the visual coherence between the two models, which makes it possible to mix bookshelf and floorstanding speakers within the same interior. The active speaker features a small control panel on the rear, with an input selector, volume control and track selector (Bluetooth mode only). The included infrared remote control enables essential functions to be controlled remotely.
With the Elipson Horus 6B Active BT Phono and Elipson Horus 11F Active BT Phono speakers, the French manufacturer offers an elegant, musical answer to all those looking for a wireless, amp-free solution, without compromising on sound quality. At less than €500 for the Horus 6B and €999 for the Horus 11F, Elipson offers active speakers with remarkable value for money, capable of replacing a full hi-fi system on their own.
