What we liked
- The elegant, minimalist design
- The digital and analog connectivity
- The clear tonality
- Their competitive value for money
We would have liked
- A compatible mobile app
- A wireless connection between the two speakers
Our expert’s opinion
With this active version, Elipson intelligently modernizes a speaker already recognized for its musical qualities. The Horus 6B Active BT retains the strengths of the passive model: a balanced reproduction, natural tones and dynamics that are particularly impressive for this format. The power of the integrated amplification and the build quality of the drivers from a major French hi-fi brand guarantee a realistic, immersive sound experience, reinforced by a comprehensive range of connectors for all uses. Bluetooth aptX HD, HDMI ARC, phono input, USB-C audio… everything is designed to simplify connection of a TV, turntable, computer and smartphone simultaneously.
Admittedly, the absence of a mobile app is disappointing. However, this choice is part of a resolutely minimalist and straightforward approach. Versatile, musical, and easy to live with, the Elipson Horus 6B Active BT speakers offer a particularly flexible all-in-one solution. A high-performance model that's sure to impress anyone who wants to combine simplicity and sound quality.
Following the success of the Horus hi-fi range, the French manufacturer now offers an active version of one of its entry-level bookshelf speakers. The Elipson Horus 6B Active BT keeps the acoustic architecture of the passive model, with a 5″ midbass driver and 1″ tweeter, while incorporating an amplification of 2 x 50W, Bluetooth HD compatibility, as well as digital and analog connectivity. Designed to be placed on either side of a turntable and/or the TV in the living room, these active speakers feature a full range of connectors with an HDMI ARC port, 24-bit/96kHz USB-C inputs for a computer, and phono inputs for a turntable, as well as an output for an optional subwoofer. Priced at a very competitive €499, the Elipson Horus 6B Active BT wireless hi-fi speakers clearly aim to offer an elegant, compact and ultra-versatile all-in-one audio solution.
Elipson Horus 6B Active BT: presentation
The Elipson Horus 6B Active BT speakers are a direct continuation of the Horus range created in 2023, inheriting its aesthetic style and acoustic philosophy. The result is a compact, elegant bookshelf speaker that’s easy to integrate into a modern interior, whether on a desk, a TV cabinet or speaker stands.
The walnut finish of our test model particularly enhances the cabinet, with a very warm feel. The silhouette remains classic but sophisticated, far from showy: here, Elipson relies on a discreet elegance that crosses styles and eras.
Included accessories
The Elipson Horus 6B Active BT speakers come with all the essentials for quick setup. The French manufacturer supplies removable fabric protective grilles, eight rubber damping pads, an infrared remote control without batteries, a 3-meter speaker cable to connect the two speakers, and a 1.5-meter power cord for the master speaker.
Audio design
The Elipson Horus 6B Active BT features a tried-and-tested acoustic architecture, inherited directly from the passive version. The two-way design combines a 5-inch midbass driver with a 1-inch tweeter. The main driver uses a cone combining cellulose pulp and fiberglass, combining lightness, rigidity, and damping to obtain a natural midrange and good bass without excess.
A classic 1″ soft silk dome tweeter, driven by a neodymium magnet, handles the high frequencies. It delivers a detailed, smooth, non-aggressive sound reproduction, faithful to the balanced sound signature sought in this range.
The integrated amplifier delivers 2 × 50W of power. This is plenty for a speaker of this size, ensuring good dynamics and satisfactory performance, both when listening up close and in a living room measuring 25 to 30m². The bass-reflex enclosure is supported by a front-firing laminar port. This is a particularly practical configuration for everyday use, as it facilitates speaker placement, even close to a wall, without causing any noticeable excess bass. This acoustic architecture is housed in an elegant, structurally rigid cabinet.
Ultra-comprehensive connectors
The Elipson Horus 6B Active BT wireless hi-fi speakers boast a particularly complete connectivity system, rare in this price range. This means they can be used for both traditional hi-fi installations and modern multimedia applications, on either side of a TV. First of all, there’s an RCA line input, ideal for connecting an analog source such as a CD player or any other device with a stereo output.
This pair of speakers also incorporates an RIAA preamplification stage. The phono input can be used to connect most turntables. This practical input allows direct connection of a turntable without an external preamplifier, to create a compact, elegant and minimalist vinyl system.
As for digital connections, the Horus 6B Active BT features an optical and a coaxial input, both compatible with high-resolution audio streams up to 24-bit/192kHz. Perfect for use with a TV or network player, for example. Even more modern, the 24-bit/96kHz USB-C audio input makes connection to a computer or a smartphone easy. A particularly relevant option for a desktop installation, increasingly sought after by music lovers.
The HDMI ARC port further enhances the versatility of these speakers. It enables them to retrieve audio directly from the TV, with simplified volume control via the TV remote control. This solution enhances the television’s sound reproduction, with these speakers acting as a hybrid system between hi-fi and home theater. What’s more, a dedicated output lets you connect a subwoofer to extend the bass response beyond 55Hz, providing greater fullness and depth, particularly for films, TV series and video games.
It is important to note that the two Elipson Horus 6B Active BT speakers are connected to one another via a cable. They feature screw terminals compatible with banana plugs. The master speaker also features an unobtrusive control panel, preserving their sleek aesthetic.
Note from the expert
While several manufacturers such as KEF, Cabasse and Q Acoustics offer active speakers with a wireless connection, in a stereo system a wired connection between the two speakers remains the norm for several reasons. Firstly, it guarantees stable, latency-free transmission of the audio signal between the main (amplified) speaker and the secondary speaker, which is particularly useful when the system is used with a TV. A cable connection also avoids the interference that can occur with wireless connections, especially in environments saturated with radio signals. Finally, it maintains optimum sound quality, without signal compression, which is essential for preserving stereo sound fidelity.
Bluetooth aptX HD
Another major difference from the passive hi-fi version is that this pair of Elipson Horus 6B Active speakers incorporates an aptX HD-compatible Bluetooth receiver. This technology lets you stream music wirelessly from a smartphone, tablet or computer, while providing sound quality far superior to that of standard Bluetooth.
In concrete terms, this means you can enjoy your playlists or streaming platforms such as Qobuz, Deezer and Apple Music with richer, more detailed reproduction. An ideal solution for quick and easy everyday listening experience, with no cables to get in the way.
However, it’s a shame that these speakers don’t have a dedicated mobile app. This would have enhanced the user experience by offering more possibilities to modify the sound, notably via an equalizer, in order to more finely adapt the reproduction to suit the acoustics of the room or listening preferences.
Note from the expert
Bluetooth aptX HD is an enhanced version of the aptX codec, enabling higher-quality wireless audio transmission. Compatible with streams up to 24-bit/48kHz, it limits compression and preserves greater detail and dynamics. It also offers reduced latency, ideal for audio-video synchronization. To take full advantage of these characteristics, both the source and the Bluetooth receiver must be aptX HD compatible.
Key specifications
- 2 x 50W active speakers
- 5″ midbass driver + 1″ tweeter
- Bluetooth aptX HD receiver
- Phono, USB-C, HDMI ARC, coaxial, optical and stereo RCA inputs
- Subwoofer output
- Banana plug-compatible screw terminals
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 175 x 340 x 250mm
- Price: €499 per pair
Listening impressions
Even before the first listening session, I appreciated how easy it was to set up the new Elipson speakers. Simply connect the two speakers using the dedicated cable, then plug the master speaker into the mains. In just a few moments, the system is ready to go.
During this test, I streamed music from Qobuz via Bluetooth, used the phono preamp with the Audio-Technica AT-LP7X turntable, and enhanced the sound of my TV with the HDMI ARC input.
From the very first track, the Elipson Horus 6B Active BT speakers impressed me with their overall balance and naturalness. The reproduction was uniform, coherent, and particularly pleasant across a wide range of musical styles, from Billie Eilish’s pop to Tracy Chapman’s blues. Their dynamics were also impressive. Despite their compact size, these speakers delivered a lively reproduction, able to follow the variations in intensity and rhythm of the songs with ease. Attacks were direct, there was plenty of energy, and there was no sense of compression.
The midrange was one of the strengths of these speakers, especially for vocals. The latter were well-defined and full-sounding. Tones were accurate and natural, providing a feeling of authenticity that immediately made the listening experience even more pleasant. On funk and soul tracks, for example, the Horus 6B Active BT speakers highlighted voices and instruments with communicative energy and harmonic richness.
In the low frequencies, the Elipson Horus 6B Active BT speakers emphasized precision rather than demonstration. Without trying to go artificially low, they delivered tight, firm, clean lows. As a result, the bass was nicely articulated and avoided any excessive heaviness. This foundation was perfectly satisfactory in a room of up to approximately 25m², with the speakers offering a spacious, energetic, and balanced sound reproduction without any noticeable limitations. Beyond this size, and to ensure an accurate reproduction of the lowest bass frequencies, we recommend pairing the speakers with a subwoofer.
Elipson Horus 6B Active BT vs Klipsch R-50PM
The Elipson Horus 6B Active BT and Klipsch R-50PM active speakers are both priced at €499, making them natural contenders in this segment. But beyond price, their approaches differ on several key points.
The French speakers clearly focus on versatility. Their richer connectivity, with HDMI ARC, a USB-C port and a coaxial input, makes them suitable for a variety of uses: TV, turntable, computer, or network player. This flexibility is complemented by a front bass-reflex port, offering greater freedom regarding their placement. What’s more, the aptX HD Bluetooth receiver guarantees higher-quality wireless transmission than the Klipsch models, which only support the SBC codec. In the end, the Horus 6B Active BT speakers stand out for their modernity and versatility, while the Klipsch speakers have a superior power reserve (2 x 60W).
Who are these speakers for?
The Elipson Horus 6B Active BT wireless hi-fi speakers will appeal to users who want to combine simplicity, modernity, and listening pleasure without sacrificing aesthetics or versatility. Their active design and extensive range of connectors make it possible to set up a full installation without the need for a separate amplifier.
Their natural place is in the living room or on a desk, where they can enhance the sound of a TV via HDMI ARC or the optical input, or serve as the heart of a discreet, high-performance hi-fi system. Combined with a subwoofer, they become a particularly coherent 2.1 home theater solution.
This flexibility also extends to audio applications. The Horus 6B Active BT accept both wired sources (RCA, phono MM or coaxial digital input) and wireless streaming thanks to Bluetooth aptX HD. A perfect match for vinyl lovers and streaming enthusiasts alike.
Frequently asked questions – Elipson Horus 6B Active BT
Yes, the Horus 6B Active BT have an integrated RIAA preamp. This allows you to connect a turntable directly to the speakers’ phono input. The turntable must be fitted with a moving-magnet (MM) cartridge.
The Horus 6B Active BT supports Bluetooth SBC, aptX and aptX HD codecs.
Yes, the Elipson Horus 6B Active BT master speaker features a USB-C audio port that is compatible with streams up to 24-bit/96kHz.
No, the USB-C port on the Elipson Horus 6B Active BT speakers is not powered.
The Elipson Horus 6B Active BT wireless hi-fi speakers feature optical and coaxial inputs compatible with audio streams up to 24-bit/192kHz. They offer excellent sound quality with HD audio files.
The connection between the two Elipson Horus 6B Active speakers is wired. A speaker cable is included. This connection guarantees a precise, latency-free sound reproduction.
It is an infrared remote control.
No, batteries are not included. Music lovers will need two AAA batteries to operate the remote control and control the speakers remotely. A control panel is also available on the rear of the master speaker.
