The Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 active bookshelf speakers represent a rare breed: compact, stylish speakers that refuse to compromise on connectivity or sound quality. Launching at the end of March 2026, these 29.8 x 17.6 x 22.3cm speakers deliver 50 watts of Class D amplification per channel, supporting everything from vinyl turntables to streaming services and TV soundtracks through a single pair of inputs.
Key Takeaways
- Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 ships March 2026 at £599 per pair with integrated amplification and phono stage
- Hi-Res audio support reaches 24-bit/192kHz via USB-C; Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD codec for wireless streaming
- HDMI ARC input enables direct TV connection, eliminating the need for a separate soundbar
- Moving magnet phono stage connects turntables directly without requiring an external preamp
- Available in black matt, white matt, and black matt with walnut finish options
What Makes the Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 Stand Out
Most compact speakers force you to choose: either they sound good, or they connect to everything. The Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 refuses that trade-off. The speakers integrate a moving magnet phono stage, meaning vinyl enthusiasts can wire their turntable directly without hunting for a separate preamp. That alone sets them apart from soundbars, which typically offer zero analog connectivity. Add HDMI ARC for TV integration, optical and coaxial digital inputs, RCA line-level connections, and USB-C audio input, and you have a speaker system that genuinely bridges analog and digital audio worlds.
The 25mm tweeter and 12.7cm mid/bass driver handle the actual sound production. Fifty watts per channel from Class D amplification is modest by powered speaker standards, but these are bookshelf speakers, not studio monitors—they are designed for living rooms and desktops, not control rooms. The subwoofer output means you can expand later if bass depth matters to you.
Wireless Connectivity and Hi-Res Audio
Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD codec support handles wireless streaming from phones and tablets without the latency that plagues cheaper Bluetooth speakers. That matters if you are switching between watching videos and listening to music—aptX HD keeps audio and video reasonably synchronized. For wired streaming, USB-C input supports 24-bit/192kHz hi-res audio, which is the ceiling for most streaming services and far beyond what Bluetooth can deliver.
The remote control ships included, so you are not hunting through a phone app to adjust volume or switch inputs. That convenience detail matters more than it sounds when you are juggling multiple audio sources throughout the day.
Design and Finish Options
The Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 arrives in three finishes: black matt, white matt, and black matt with walnut. The compact dimensions mean they fit on bookshelves, desks, or TV stands without dominating the room. Stylish design does not guarantee good sound, but it removes the visual compromise that plagues many serious audio products. These speakers look like they belong in a modern living room, not a basement studio.
Is the Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 Worth £599?
At £599 per pair, these speakers occupy a middle ground between budget Bluetooth speakers and high-end reference monitors. You are paying for integrated amplification, a phono stage, multiple digital inputs, and hi-res audio support—features that most compact speakers omit entirely. If you own vinyl and want to stream music without rewiring your setup, the Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 eliminates friction. If you want to replace a soundbar with speakers that actually handle stereo music, they deliver that too. The launch timing in March 2026 means early adopters will get first access to UK stock.
What inputs does the Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 support?
The speakers include HDMI ARC, RCA line-level inputs, optical and coaxial digital inputs, USB-C audio input, and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. That covers turntables, TVs, computers, streaming devices, and phones—essentially every audio source you might own.
Can I connect a turntable directly to the Elipson Prestige Facet II 6?
Yes. The integrated moving magnet phono stage means you wire your turntable straight to the RCA phono inputs without needing a separate preamp. That simplifies setup and saves money compared to buying speakers plus external phono hardware.
Do the Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 support hi-res audio?
Via USB-C, they support 24-bit/192kHz hi-res audio playback. Bluetooth streaming tops out at aptX HD quality, which is high-quality but not technically hi-res. For true hi-res, use the USB-C wired connection.
The Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 speakers solve a real problem: how to own a versatile audio system that sounds good, looks good, and does not require a separate preamp, amplifier, and processor just to play music from multiple sources. For anyone juggling vinyl, streaming, and TV audio, they deliver genuine convenience without forcing you to sacrifice sound quality or aesthetic appeal.
This article was written with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
Source: TechRadar
