Best Powered Speakers With an Optical Input 2026

Last updated: October 12, 2026

Editor's top picks

Start with these speakers

Our leading recommendations at a glance. Each card links to its primary retailer.

KEF LS60 Best Overall KEF LS60 4.8 $5,999.99 per pair See the full review →
Cambridge Audio L/R S Best Budget Cambridge Audio L/R S 4.4 $549.00 per pair See the full review →
Klipsch The Fives Best For a TV Setup Klipsch The Fives 4.3 $324.95 per pair See the full review →
AsciLab C8C Other Powered Speakers With an Optical Input AsciLab C8C 4.9 €5799 per pair See the full review →
Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB Other Powered Speakers With an Optical Input Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB 4.4 $3,998 per pair See the full review →

Looking for a powered speaker with an optical input? An optical (TOSLINK) digital input carries sound in as light through a fiber cable, feeding a TV, game console or streaming box directly without an analog stage in between and without the ground loop hum an analog cable run can pick up between two devices plugged into different outlets. Every pick below has a verified optical input; the recommendations are ordered by measured sound quality, not by the connector alone.

Want every match, not just the top pick per category? See every powered speaker with an optical input →

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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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Best Overall

For a reference-tier wireless system with an optical input for a TV or disc player, the KEF LS60: $5,999.99 per pair Amazon $5,999.99 Crutchfield $5,999.99 eBay

KEF LS60 ranking card

Same family: the KEF LSX II LT (smallest bookshelf, rated 4/5), the KEF LSX II (bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5) and the KEF LS50 Wireless II (largest bookshelf, rated 4.3/5).

Pros: Erin’s on-axis measurement combines a 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz with a 7.91 ideal-subwoofer preference score, supporting even vocal and instrumental balance. Extended-mode bass reaches roughly 25Hz at -3dB. The coaxial Uni-Q arrangement maintains unusually consistent tonality across listening positions, while HDMI, digital and analog inputs plus network streaming make this a convenient complete music and TV system. Measured bass extension of 23Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 97.7dB.

Cons: A diffraction dip around 9kHz can soften cymbal shimmer when aimed directly at the listener; 10-20 degrees of toe-out helps. DSP limiting reduces bass reach and dynamic output at high volume, so its deep low-level extension is not a promise of the same performance on loud peaks. App placement and tone controls are less flexible than parametric room correction. Each roughly 31kg tower is awkward to move.

ReleasedJun 2022 (4 years ago)
AES InputNo
Amplifier Power700W (500W LF Class D + 100W MF Class D + 100W HF Class AB)
AppYes (KEF Connect)
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)<20Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)23Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC, AAC
Bluetooth Version5.0
Coaxial InputYes
DSPYes (Music Integrity Engine)
Dimensions42.9”H x 8.3”W x 15.5”D (1089.7 x 210.8 x 393.7 mm)
Drivers4 x 135 mm (5.25 in.) Uni-Core Force Cancelling Driver: woofers, 100 mm (4in.) aluminium cone midrange, 19 mm (0.75 in.) vented aluminium dome with Metamaterial Absorption Technology tweeter
EQYes (Normal and Expert modes, room adaptation)
Frequency Response31Hz - 24kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputYes
InputsWifi, Optical, Digital coaxial, RCA, HDMI eARC, Ethernet
Maximum SPL111dB @ 1m (pink noise) (manufacturer specified)
Optical InputYes
OutputsSubwoofer RCA
RCA InputYes
Sensitivity97.7dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score7.26
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.91
Streaming ServicesYes (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer)
Subwoofer OutputYes
TRS InputNo
USB InputNo
Weight69 lbs (31.3 kg) each
Wi-FiYes (dual-band)
XLR InputNo

Erin’s on-axis measurement combines a 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz with a 7.91 ideal-subwoofer preference score, and extended-mode bass reaches roughly 25Hz at -3dB, deep enough to skip a separate subwoofer in most rooms. The optical input handles a TV or set-top box without an extra analog cable run.

A diffraction dip around 9kHz can soften cymbal shimmer when aimed directly at the listener, and DSP limiting reduces bass reach and dynamic output at high volume. It is also priced well above the rest of this page.

Best Budget

For a genuinely affordable pair with an optical input and a neutral measured response, the Cambridge Audio L/R S: $549.00 per pair Amazon $549.00 eBay

Cambridge Audio L/R S ranking card

Same family: the Cambridge Audio L/R M (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.2/5) and the Cambridge Audio L/R X (larger bookshelf, rated 4.1/5).

Pros: A 2-way active bookshelf pair built for near-field desktop use, with a 21mm aluminum tweeter and a 3-inch long-throw woofer on each speaker. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a very neutral on-axis response with good directivity control up through the 2-3kHz handoff to the tweeter, an F3 of about 57Hz and F10 of about 50Hz, and output held within roughly plus or minus 2.5dB from 80Hz to 20kHz. Horizontal dispersion of about plus or minus 60 degrees and a vertical window of about plus 30 to minus 20 degrees make it forgiving of off-center desktop seating. Two rear switches (a desktop-placement compensation switch and a near-wall/free-space switch) plus in-app DSP for room size, wall distance, and reflective surface type let you tune the in-room response rather than just hoping placement works out, and the reviewer noted an audible tightening of the bass moving between room-size settings. Rear connectivity includes RCA, optical digital, USB-C, and a dedicated subwoofer output. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Maximum clean output is limited: Erin’s Audio Corner measured about 86dB before the onboard limiter engages around 96dB to protect the drivers, so this is a near-field or small-room speaker rather than one built to fill a living room. Each speaker’s Class D amplifier splits only 50W to the woofer and 50W to the tweeter, modest for the class. The DSP room-correction options are preset-based rather than a true microphone-measured calibration at the listening position, so results depend on picking settings that match your actual room.

ReleasedApr 2026 (6 months ago)
AES InputNo
Amplifier Power100W total (50W to woofer, 50W to tweeter, per speaker)
AppYes
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
Coaxial InputNo
DSPYes, room size, wall distance, and reflective surface correction; desktop-placement and near-wall/free-space switches
Dimensions5.3” (134 mm) W x 226mm H x 180mm D (each)
Drivers21mm aluminum dome tweeter, 3” long-throw woofer
Frequency Response55Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputNo
InputsRCA, optical digital, USB-C
Optical InputYes
OutputsSubwoofer, wired speaker-to-speaker link
RCA InputYes
Subwoofer OutputYes
TRS InputNo
USB InputYes
Weight6.6 lbs (3.0kg) primary speaker, 5.7 lbs (2.6kg) secondary speaker
XLR InputNo

Erin’s Audio Corner measured a very neutral on-axis response with good directivity on this near-field pair, at a fraction of the price of the reference picks above. The optical input is a straightforward way to add a TV or streaming box without a receiver.

Maximum clean output is limited: about 86dB before the onboard limiter engages, so this is a near-field or small-room speaker rather than one built to fill a living room at party volume.

Best For a TV Setup

For a compact system built around TV and soundbar-style use, with an optical input, the Klipsch The Fives: $324.95 per pair Amazon $324.95 eBay

Klipsch The Fives ranking card

Newer model: the Klipsch The Fives II, ranked lower, estimated 4.3/5, released Jan 2026. See every Klipsch The Fives, Sevens and Nines generation.

Same family: the Klipsch The Sevens (larger bookshelf, rated 3.7/5) and the Klipsch The Nines (larger bookshelf, rated 4.2/5).

Pros: In the tested Bass Cut mode, Erin’s Klippel data gives preference scores of 5.52 standalone and 7.89 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange response span. That mode offers considerably better tonal balance than the bass-heavy default behavior. HDMI ARC, phono/line input, digital inputs and subwoofer output make it a versatile stereo alternative to a soundbar. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The favorable score specifically requires Bass Cut mode; it does not describe every firmware or bass setting. Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in that configuration. The review reports increasing compression around 200Hz and below 80Hz as volume rises, reducing bass dynamics. Careful placement and a subwoofer remain useful, and the horn/woofer transition is not perfectly uniform off-axis.

ReleasedMay 2020 (6 years ago)
AES InputNo
Amplifier Power160W total system power (320W peak)
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
Bluetooth Version5.0
Coaxial InputNo
DSPDynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles
Dimensions12”H x 6.5”W x 9.2”D (304.8 x 165.1 x 234.95 mm)
Drivers1” horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5” woofer
Frequency Response50Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputYes
InputsHDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA
Optical InputYes
OutputsSubwoofer
RCA InputYes
Spinorama Preference Score5.52
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.89
Subwoofer OutputYes
TRS InputNo
USB InputYes
WeightPrimary 11.8 lbs (5.35 kg), Secondary 10.7 lbs (4.85 kg)
XLR InputNo

In its tested Bass Cut mode, Erin’s Klippel data gives preference scores of 5.52 standalone and 7.89 with an ideal subwoofer, considerably better tonal balance than its default setting. That mode is worth switching to specifically for the optical/TV use case.

The favorable score depends on using Bass Cut mode; other settings measure worse. Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in that configuration, and the review reports increasing compression around 200Hz at higher output.

Other Powered Speakers With an Optical Input

The AsciLab C8C: €5799 per pair Audiophonics eBay

AsciLab C8C ranking card

Pros: ASR’s revised measurement combines an 8.48 ideal-subwoofer preference score with a 1.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, supporting highly even vocal and instrumental balance. Bass reaches 30.8Hz at -3dB and 23.4Hz at -6dB, giving substantial low-end reach without an added subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 30.8Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The result applies to the revised measured configuration; confirm that the speaker’s tuning matches it. Each cabinet weighs about 27.5kg and needs a substantial stand. Deep extension and excellent tonality do not guarantee unlimited bass output or eliminate the need to adjust placement. The fitted bass-alignment Q of 2.13 is on the peaky side, so bass may sound boomy near the tuning frequency without EQ.

AES InputYes
Amplifier Power600W total (100W tweeter, 250W midrange, 250W subwoofer)
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)20.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)30.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-6dB)23.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
BluetoothNo
Coaxial InputYes
CountrySouth Korea
Crossover Frequency150Hz, 1.2kHz
Dimensions22”H x 10”W x 13.8”D (560 x 254 x 350 mm)
Drivers1” alumina ceramic dome tweeter with waveguide, 2x 6” alumina ceramic midrange/woofers, 2x 8” side mounted opposed cardioid subwoofers
Enclosuresealed
Frequency Response30Hz - 20kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputNo
InputsXLR, RCA, AES/EBU, Coaxial, Optical
Optical InputYes
RCA InputYes
Spinorama Preference Score7.70
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub8.48
TRS InputNo
USB InputNo
Warranty2 years
Weight60.6 lbs (27.5 kg) each
XLR InputYes

ASR’s revised measurement gives it an 8.48 ideal-subwoofer preference score, with bass reaching 30.8Hz at -3dB.

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB: $3,998 per pair Amazon $1,999.00 eBay

Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB ranking card

Older model: the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB (ranked higher, rated 4.4/5). See every Devialet Phantom generation.

Same family: the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5).

Pros: The smaller Phantom Ultimate, with the same opposed side woofers as the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB: two aluminum dome woofers fire outward in sync so they cancel each other’s vibration and reach very deep bass for the size, specified to 18Hz (-6dB). A full-range aluminum dome on the front handles the rest, with 400W of amplification. It streams over Wi-Fi with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, also takes Bluetooth and optical, and two can pair as a stereo set.

Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the measured Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB and Phantom II 98dB. A single forward-firing full-range driver gives a narrower soundstage than a two-way monitor pair, and the 98dB maximum output is well below the larger model.

ReleasedNov 2025 (11 months ago)
AES InputNo
Amplifier Power400W
AppYes
Aux InputNo
BluetoothYes
Coaxial InputNo
Dimensions6.6” (168 mm) H x 157mm W x 219mm D
DriversFull-range aluminum dome, 2x opposed aluminum dome woofers
Frequency Response18Hz - 25kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputNo
InputsWi-Fi, Bluetooth, optical
Maximum SPL98dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical InputYes
RCA InputNo
Streaming ServicesAirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect
TRS InputNo
USB InputNo
Weight9.5 lbs (4.3 kg)
Wi-FiYes
XLR InputNo

Two opposed side woofers are specified down to 18Hz (-6dB) from a compact cabinet, and Wi-Fi streaming and Bluetooth sit alongside the optical input. It replaces the measured Phantom II 98dB, so its rating is estimated from that model and the larger Phantom Ultimate 108dB. Stereo requires buying two units, and the integrated design offers less system flexibility than conventional monitors.

The Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus: $699.99 per pair Amazon $699.99 eBay

Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus ranking card

Older model: the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore (ranked lower, rated 3.9/5). See every Vanatoo Transparent One generation.

Pros: Erin’s Klippel data combines a small 1.7dB midrange response span with a -3dB point around 44Hz. Scores of 5.57 standalone and 7.38 with an ideal subwoofer make it an attractive standalone system as well as a subwoofer partner. Remote tone controls, multiple digital and analog inputs, and automatic subwoofer crossover engagement simplify setup. Measured bass extension of 42Hz (-3dB).

Cons: A mild 4-6kHz edge and a smaller 1-2kHz recession were audible in the review, so its smooth midrange summary does not mean there is nothing to improve with EQ. No HDMI ARC. Deep bass and louder playback still benefit from a subwoofer; amplifier wattage alone does not establish clean room-filling output.

ReleasedNov 2023 (2 years ago)
AES InputNo
Amplifier Power240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure)
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
Coaxial InputYes
Dimensions10” x 6.5” x 8” (254 x 165 x 203 mm)
Drivers5.25” aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25” passive radiator (rear), 1” aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug
Frequency Response48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode)
HDMI InputNo
InputsUSB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth
Optical InputYes
OutputsRCA subwoofer
RCA InputNo
Spinorama Preference Score5.57
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.38
Subwoofer OutputYes
TRS InputNo
USB InputYes
Weight10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) (passive unit), 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) (active unit)
XLR InputNo

Erin’s Klippel data shows a 1.7dB midrange response span and bass to about 44Hz at -3dB, and it adds coaxial, USB, analog and Bluetooth inputs plus automatic subwoofer crossover. A mild 4-6kHz edge was audible in the review, and there is no HDMI ARC.

The JBL 4305P: $1,499.99 per pair Amazon $1,499.99 JBL eBay

JBL 4305P ranking card

Same family: the JBL 4329P (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.1/5).

Pros: The measured 1.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports even mids, with a 7.45 ideal-subwoofer score and 45.4Hz -3dB bass extension. Integrated consumer connectivity makes this a more convenient living-room system than many studio monitors. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Crossover-region directivity changes mean the narrow on-axis span does not describe every listening angle. Limiting becomes relevant at high output, particularly with bass-heavy music. It suits near- to midfield listening better than the largest high-output systems here. Erin measured about 8dB lost near 50Hz at the highest drive level and reached roughly 93dB unweighted at 2m in-room.

Released2022 (4 years ago)
AES InputNo
Amplifier Power300W system: 125W LF + 25W HF per speaker
Aux InputYes
Bass Extension (-10dB)40.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth Version5.1
Coaxial InputNo
Dimensions13.2H x 8.3W x 8.8D inches
Drivers5.25-inch pulp woofer; 1-inch annular compression driver
Frequency Response45Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputNo
InputsXLR/TRS combo, 3.5mm Aux, Optical, USB-B, Ethernet
Maximum SPL~93dB at 2m in-room before limiting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Optical InputYes
RCA InputNo
Spinorama Preference Score5.44
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.45
TRS InputYes
USB InputYes
WeightPrimary 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg), Secondary 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg)
XLR InputYes

Erin’s measurements show a 1.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and bass to 45.4Hz at -3dB, with XLR/TRS, USB and Ethernet alongside the optical input. It suits near- to midfield listening; Erin measured about 8dB of bass compression near 50Hz at the highest drive level.

The Marshall Stanmore II, Klipsch The Three II and Devialet Phantom II 98dB that used to appear here are discontinued, so treat them as used buys only.

What To Check Before Buying

Optical vs. coaxial: a TV or disc player may only offer one of the two digital outputs. Confirm which your source actually has; see every powered speaker with a coaxial digital input if your source uses that connector instead.

Format support: optical carries stereo PCM and often compressed surround formats, but check both the source device’s output settings and the speaker’s supported input formats before assuming full compatibility with a game console’s audio mix.

Cable length: TOSLINK fiber cables are more length- and bend-sensitive than copper cable. Keep the run reasonably short and avoid sharp bends.

Where To Go Next

See the best powered speakers with a coaxial digital input for the other common digital connector, or every powered speaker with an optical input for the complete list.

Related guides: powered speaker inputs explained, best powered speakers for TVs, and the powered speaker buyer’s guide.