Elipson Unveils Facet II 6 Active BT Speakers with aptX HD, MM Phono, and HDMI ARC

Since 1938, Elipson has built its reputation on distinctive French loudspeaker design and high-end acoustics, but the brand has spent the past few years pushing hard into more accessible territory with its Prestige Facet II and Horus lines. The new Facet II 6 Active BT lands right in the middle of a crowded category dominated by KEF, Q Acoustics, Klipsch, and Triangle, but it doesn’t show up empty-handed. With aptX HD Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, and a built-in moving magnet phono stage, Elipson is clearly aiming at listeners who want a compact, all-in-one stereo system that can handle streaming, TV audio, and vinyl without stacking boxes or draining your bank account.

For 2026, Elipson expands its active connected lineup with the Prestige Facet II 6 Active BT, a powered bookshelf speaker designed to bring the Facet II series into the modern, all-in-one category. It builds on the strengths of the Prestige Facet II passive models and refines the earlier 6B BT concept with integrated amplification and a broader mix of wired and wireless connectivity. In a segment where convenience often comes at the expense of flexibility, Elipson is clearly positioning this as a single-box stereo solution that doesn’t force users to choose between streaming, TV integration, or vinyl playback.

Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 Active BT

To start, the Prestige Facet II 6 Active BT is a matched bookshelf pair built around a powered primary speaker and a passive secondary unit. All amplification and connectivity live in the main speaker, keeping setup simple while maintaining a true stereo configuration.

Amplification, Drivers, and Crossover: Elipson equips the system with 2 x 50 watts RMS of Class D amplification, driving a 25mm tweeter and 140mm mid-bass driver in each cabinet. The redesigned crossover uses higher-grade components, including polypropylene film capacitors, metal film resistors, and low DCR inductors, along with 2.25 mm OFC internal wiring. The goal is straightforward: cleaner signal transfer, better driver integration, and more controlled output.

Bluetooth: Wireless playback is handled via Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD support, allowing for higher-quality streaming than standard SBC. It is a practical inclusion for casual listening that does not immediately compromise sound quality.

USB Audio: A USB-C Hi-Res Audio input turns the system into a capable desktop solution. With support for 24-bit/192 kHz playback, it bypasses typical computer audio limitations and provides a more stable, lower-noise signal path for music, editing, or general use.

Phono Input: The built-in moving magnet phono stage is a key differentiator at this price point. It allows a turntable to be connected directly, eliminating the need for an external preamp and making vinyl playback far more accessible without sacrificing signal integrity.

Bluetooth: In addition to built-in amplification, the Facet II 6 Active BT also includes built-in Bluetooth 5.3 (the BT in the product name provides the clue) with AptX HD compatibility. 

HDMI: With its HDMI ARC input, the Prestige Facet II 6 Active BT can replace a soundbar for users seeking an elegant and high-performance stereo solution for TV viewing. ARC provides direct audio connection with the TV, volume control via the TV remote, and automatic synchronization. This setup is much better than a TV’s internal speakers, with improved spatialization, clearer dialogue, and a more convincing soundstage.

Comparison

The Bottom Line 

The Prestige Facet II 6 Active BT stands out by combining modern connectivity with a genuinely useful analog feature: a built-in MM phono stage. HDMI ARC handles TV audio, aptX HD covers wireless streaming, and USB-C enables hi-res desktop playback.

What’s missing? No Wi-Fi streaming platform, no app ecosystem, and no multi-room support. If you’re expecting BluOS, AirPlay, Chromecast, or room correction, you won’t find it here. This is a more traditional, self-contained stereo system rather than a networked audio hub.

The competition is fierce. Audioengine and Kanto dominate the plug-and-play desktop and budget space, KEF’s LSX II pushes harder on streaming and DSP, and PSB’s Alpha iQ offers BluOS integration and deeper ecosystem support. Elipson’s edge is its balance of connectivity and simplicity; especially for vinyl users, but availability in the U.S. could be the biggest hurdle.

Price & Availability 

• The Prestige Facet II 6 Active BT is priced at £699 through Elipson.
• The Prestige Facet 6B BT is priced at £669 through Elipson.
• The Horus 6B Active BT is priced at €499 through Elipson.

Pro Tip: Contact Elipson or Authorized dealers for US pricing. 

Related Reading: