The Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 Active is a compact active 2-way bass-reflex bookshelf speaker system that pairs an amplified main speaker with a passive satellite, designed to handle everything from vinyl records to streaming and television audio in a single setup. This isn’t a generic all-in-one box—it’s a thoughtfully engineered solution for listeners who refuse to choose between their turntable and their TV.
Key Takeaways
- Active 2-way system with 50W Class D amplification per channel and redesigned audiophile-grade crossover
- HDMI ARC, USB-C Hi-Res, phono input, and Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD cover modern and analog sources
- 140mm mid-woofer with cellulose pulp cone and 25mm silk dome tweeter deliver 57 Hz–25 kHz frequency response
- Priced at £599 in the UK with finishes in black, white, and walnut
- Compact 176 x 298mm footprint fits tight shelves without sacrificing acoustic performance
What Makes the Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 Active Stand Out
The Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 Active addresses a real problem: most active speakers either ignore analog sources entirely or treat them as an afterthought. This system includes a dedicated phono stage, meaning you can plug a turntable directly into the active speaker without hunting for a separate preamp. That’s genuinely useful for vinyl enthusiasts who also want streaming convenience. The HDMI ARC input lets you connect a TV, while Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD handles wireless streaming from phones and tablets. USB-C Hi-Res adds another path for computer audio. One system, four input types—no compromises.
The internals reflect Elipson’s redesign philosophy. The passive crossover uses polypropylene capacitors, metal oxide resistors, and low DCR inductors paired with 2.25mm² OFC copper wiring. These are the kinds of component choices that matter to people who care about signal purity. The 140mm mid-woofer combines cellulose pulp with glass fiber surfacing and a rubber surround, paired with a bullet-shaped phase plug that controls dispersion. A 25mm silk dome tweeter handles the high frequencies. The crossover point sits at 2,800 Hz with third-order filters, a topology that avoids phase issues that plague cheaper designs.
Sensitivity runs 90 dB/1W/1m with a signal-to-noise ratio above 90 dB(A), meaning the system plays loud enough to fill a room without hiss, even at low volumes. The frequency response extends from 57 Hz to 25 kHz with ±3 dB flatness. That bass-reflex tuning at 60 Hz gives you genuine low-end extension in a bookshelf form factor—something that typically requires either larger cabinets or subwoofers.
Connectivity and Control That Actually Works
Most active speakers treat their rear panel as an afterthought. The Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 Active gives you binding posts that accept banana plugs, spades, or bare wire, plus bi-wiring capability on the passive speaker. A 3m tinned speaker cable connects the active to passive unit. The remote handles volume, source selection, and Bluetooth pairing—basics that should be standard but often aren’t. EQ controls let you adjust bass (±6, ±3, or 0 dB), midrange (–3, 0, or +3 dB), and treble (–3, 0, or +3 dB) to match your room and taste.
Auto standby kicks in after 20–60 minutes of silence, a practical touch that saves power without requiring manual shutdown. The active speaker weighs 7–7.7 kg and the passive about 5.6–6.3 kg, making both manageable for typical shelving without requiring industrial-strength brackets.
How the Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 Active Compares to Passive Alternatives
Elipson also makes the Prestige Facet II 6B, a passive-only version priced at €549 per pair that requires a separate amplifier rated 20–100W. That design gives you flexibility in amp choice but adds cost and complexity. The active version eliminates the amplifier hunt entirely—you get 50W RMS per channel of Class D amplification already built in. For most listeners, especially those juggling vinyl and streaming, the active Prestige Facet II 6 is the simpler path. You trade amplifier choice flexibility for plug-and-play convenience and integrated phono electronics. The passive version suits purists who already own a quality integrated amp and want to swap components; the active version suits people who want one cohesive system that just works.
Room Fit and Practicality
At 176 x 298 x 223–225mm (W x H x D), these are genuinely bookshelf-sized speakers—not the oversized monitors that claim the name but dominate furniture. The compact footprint means they’ll fit on actual shelves, desks, or stands without consuming your listening room. Finishes include black, white, and black/walnut, all with satin finish and lacquered front panels on MDF boxes with vinyl veneer. That’s a step above the plastic-and-particle-board aesthetic of budget active speakers.
Should You Buy the Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 Active?
If you spin vinyl, stream over Bluetooth, and want your TV connected to the same speakers, the Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 Active eliminates the need for multiple devices. At £599, it’s not budget-tier, but it’s not high-end either—it’s the practical middle ground. The redesigned crossover and component choices suggest Elipson took sound quality seriously, not just connectivity. The limiting factor is whether you have shelf space and accept the one-amplifier-choice constraint of an active system. If those fit your needs, this speaker deserves consideration.
What’s the difference between the active and passive Prestige Facet II 6 versions?
The Prestige Facet II 6 Active includes built-in Class D amplification, HDMI ARC, phono input, and Bluetooth, eliminating the need for an external amp. The Prestige Facet II 6B is passive-only and requires a separate amplifier rated 20–100W, but costs less and offers more flexibility in amp choice. Choose active if you want simplicity and modern connectivity; choose passive if you already own a quality amp and want component flexibility.
Can you use the Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 Active with a turntable?
Yes. The active speaker includes a dedicated phono stage, so you can connect a turntable directly without a separate preamp. This is one of the system’s strongest features for vinyl listeners who also want streaming and TV audio in one place.
How loud does the Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 Active play?
With 50W RMS per channel and 90 dB sensitivity, these speakers play loud enough for medium to large rooms without significant distortion. They’ll comfortably fill a living room or bedroom without needing a subwoofer, though bass extension stops at 57 Hz, so very low frequencies may require additional bass support.
The Elipson Prestige Facet II 6 Active succeeds because it refuses to force a false choice between modern streaming and classic vinyl. In an era where active speakers often ignore analog inputs entirely, Elipson’s commitment to a phono stage—paired with HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, and USB-C—makes this system genuinely versatile. The compact form factor and thoughtful component choices suggest this is a speaker designed for actual living rooms, not showroom demonstrations. If your listening habits span multiple sources and your shelf space is limited, this is worth auditioning.
This article was written with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
Source: What Hi-Fi?
