Editor's top picks
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Our leading recommendations at a glance. Each card links to its primary retailer.
Looking for powered speakers for a TV with HDMI ARC? HDMI ARC or eARC sends TV audio to the speakers and lets the TV remote control volume through HDMI-CEC, so a stereo pair works like a soundbar without a second remote or a Bluetooth-delay workaround. These picks have a verified HDMI ARC or eARC input and are ranked for sound quality, not connectivity alone.
ARC carries stereo PCM reliably; eARC adds bandwidth for higher-quality formats, although these two-speaker systems ultimately play stereo. Check that the TV port is labeled ARC or eARC, enable CEC in its settings, and use a certified HDMI cable. If your TV only has optical output, see each pick’s specification table before buying: several also accept optical audio.
Want every match, not just the top pick per category? See every speaker with HDMI ARC →
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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
The best high-end powered speaker system for a TV, with HDMI eARC and sound quality that leads the floorstanding ranking, is the KEF LS60: $5,999.99 per pair Amazon $5,999.99 Crutchfield $5,999.99 eBay
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.
Full KEF LS60 review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 700W (500W LF Class D + 100W MF Class D + 100W HF Class AB) |
| App | Yes (KEF Connect) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | <20Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 23Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| DSP | Yes (Music Integrity Engine) |
| Dimensions | 42.9”H x 8.3”W x 15.5”D (1089.7 x 210.8 x 393.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 4 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 |
| EQ | Yes (Normal and Expert modes, room adaptation) |
| Frequency Response | 31Hz - 24kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | Wifi, Optical, Digital coaxial, RCA, HDMI eARC, Ethernet |
| Maximum SPL | 111dB @ 1m (pink noise) (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer RCA |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 97.7dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.26 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.91 |
| Streaming Services | Yes (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer) |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 69 lbs (31.3 kg) each |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (dual-band) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Best Bookshelf System
The best compact powered bookshelf speaker system for TV with HDMI eARC is the KEF LS50 Wireless II: $2,999.00 per pair Amazon $2,999.00 KEF $2,999.99 Crutchfield $2,999.99 eBay
Same family: the KEF LSX II LT (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4/5), the KEF LSX II (smaller bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5) and the KEF LS60 (floorstanding, rated 4.8/5).
Pros: Erin’s measurements give preference scores of 5.43 standalone and 7.51 with an ideal subwoofer, with a -3dB point around 51Hz. The coincident Uni-Q layout helps preserve tonal consistency across horizontal and vertical listening positions. Low listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.308 supports relatively clean midrange reproduction. HDMI eARC and streaming functions make it a capable all-in-one stereo system. Measured bass extension of 51.3Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 3.0dB response span is good but not reference-leading, and dispersion still varies with frequency. Compact bass drivers limit deep-bass output. App placement adjustments are not the same as microphone-based automatic room correction. The price and primary/secondary architecture are practical trade-offs; neither driver geometry nor a single directivity statistic guarantees the best sound in every room.
Full KEF LS50 Wireless II review and specifications →
| Released | 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 280W (LF) + 100W (HF) per speaker, bi-amped |
| App | KEF Connect (placement EQ presets, source selection, firmware updates) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 12” x 7.9” x 12.2” (305 x 200 x 311 mm) each |
| Drivers | Uni-Q coincident array: 130mm aluminum woofer + 25mm MAT aluminum dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes, fixed placement presets (desk/bookshelf/wall-mount) - no automatic room correction |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 28kHz ±3dB |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | HDMI eARC, optical, digital coaxial, 3.5mm analog, USB-A (service), Ethernet |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA subwoofer |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.43 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.51 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 44.3 lbs (20.1 kg) for the pair |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- KEF LS50 Wireless II vs JBL 305P MKII
- KEF LS50 Wireless II vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- KEF LS50 Wireless II vs Klipsch The Fives
- KEF LS50 Wireless II vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- KEF LS50 Wireless II vs Genelec 8020D
- KEF LS50 Wireless II vs Kali Audio SM-5
- KEF LS50 Wireless II vs Kali Audio IN-5
- KEF LS50 Wireless II vs Devialet Phantom II 98 dB
- See all 49 comparisons
Best Value
The best value powered speaker for TV with HDMI ARC is the Klipsch The Fives: $324.95 per pair Amazon $324.95 eBay
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.
Full Klipsch The Fives review and specifications →
| Released | May 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 160W total system power (320W peak) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 6.5”W x 9.2”D (304.8 x 165.1 x 234.95 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5” woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.52 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.89 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | Primary 11.8 lbs (5.35 kg), Secondary 10.7 lbs (4.85 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Klipsch The Fives Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Klipsch The Fives
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Bookshelf Speakers For TV & Gaming - 2025 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers for Every Budget - 2025
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch The Fives vs JBL 305P MKII
- Klipsch The Fives vs KEF LS50 Wireless II
- Klipsch The Fives vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- Klipsch The Fives vs Genelec 8020D
- Klipsch The Fives vs Topping MA4
- Klipsch The Fives vs Klipsch The Fives II
- Klipsch The Fives vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- Klipsch The Fives vs Devialet Phantom II 98 dB
- See all 59 comparisons
The updated second-generation model with refined DSP and HDMI ARC is the Klipsch The Fives II: $1,399.99 per pair Amazon $1,399.99 B&H Photo Video $1,399.99 eBay
Older model: the Klipsch The Fives (ranked higher, rated 4.3/5). See every Klipsch The Fives, Sevens and Nines generation.
Same family: the Klipsch The Sevens II (larger bookshelf, estimated 3.8/5) and the Klipsch The Nines II (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.3/5).
Pros: Next-generation update featuring Onkyo-engineered Class-D amplification (160W continuous, 320W peak) driving a 1-inch titanium LTS vented tweeter on a 90x90 Tractrix horn and a 5.25-inch Jet Cerametallic woofer. Upgrades include HDMI 2.1 eARC with Dolby Atmos decoding, high-resolution Wi-Fi streaming (Google Cast, AirPlay 2, Spotify/Tidal/Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready), Bluetooth 5.4, Dirac Live room correction support, and a switchable phono preamp alongside optical and USB-C inputs. Low-frequency extension is rated to 50Hz (-3dB) with dynamic bass EQ extending down to 40Hz at moderate volumes.
Cons: Priced around $1,399 a pair, representing a substantial price increase over the original Fives. Standardized Klippel NFS preference scores and CEA-2010 output limits have not yet been published to verify distortion under heavy bass loads.
Full Klipsch The Fives II review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2026 (9 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 160W total (320W peak) |
| App | Yes (Klipsch Connect) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 12” x 6.5” x 9.5” (305 x 165 x 241 mm) |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| Drivers | 1” titanium LTS tweeter on Tractrix horn, 5.25” Jet Cerametallic woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Dirac Live ready) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 25kHz (-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | Yes (HDMI 2.1 eARC) |
| Inputs | HDMI eARC, Phono/RCA, Optical, USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes (switchable phono preamp) |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Weight | 26 lbs (11.8 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (Google Cast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
With an estimated rating based on the thoroughly measured original generation, The Fives II adds updated processing and app control to its HDMI ARC and phono capabilities. For buyers who want fully verified Spinorama lab measurements, the original The Fives and KEF LS50 Wireless II remain verified references.
For more bass from a larger cabinet with the same HDMI ARC and optical inputs, the Klipsch The Nines: $999.99 per pair Crutchfield $999.99 eBay
Newer model: the Klipsch The Nines II, ranked higher, estimated 4.3/5, released Jan 2026. It adds XLR input. See every Klipsch The Fives, Sevens and Nines generation.
Same family: the Klipsch The Fives (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.3/5) and the Klipsch The Sevens (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5).
Pros: The 1.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports even mids, and measured -3dB extension is 42.5Hz. Extensive consumer connections and app adjustment make it convenient for TV and music, while the horn provides a focused listening presentation. Erin called it his favorite Klipsch speaker. Measured bass extension of 42.5Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 82.5dB.
Cons: The 6.90 ideal-subwoofer score reflects limitations beyond the narrow midband span. Horizontal coverage is relatively focused, so placement matters for multiple seats. The reviewer preferred reduced treble, and bass limiting at higher playback levels means the large woofer is not a guarantee of unlimited output. The app’s flat setting leaves treble elevated; Erin preferred a -2dB tweeter trim.
Full Klipsch The Nines review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 240W total (480W peak; 100W LF + 20W HF per powered speaker) |
| App | Klipsch Connect (bass/mid/treble EQ) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.13”H x 9.5”W x 13.38”D |
| Drivers | 8” high-excursion fiber-composite woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 25kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.0, phono/line RCA, 3.5mm, USB, optical |
| Maximum SPL | 115dB at 1m (stereo pair, manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB (measured at 0.30V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.32 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.90 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 28.4 lbs (12.9 kg) primary, 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg) secondary |
| Woofer Cabinet | rear-ported bass reflex |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch The Nines vs JBL 708P
- Klipsch The Nines vs JBL 306P MKII
- Klipsch The Nines vs Klipsch The Nines II
- Klipsch The Nines vs JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor
- Klipsch The Nines vs JBL 4329P
- Klipsch The Nines vs APS Klasik 2020
- Klipsch The Nines vs Genelec 8040B
- Klipsch The Nines vs Kali Audio LP-6
- See all 36 comparisons
Best Budget ARC Option
The best lower-cost powered bookshelf option with HDMI ARC is the Neumi BS5P-ARC: $219.99 per pair Amazon $219.99 eBay
Older model: the Neumi BS5P (ranked lower, rated 3.8/5). See every Neumi BS5P generation.
Pros: Erin’s selected measurements give a 2.6dB midrange span and a 7.03 ideal-subwoofer preference score, indicating better tonal performance above the bass than its former near-bottom position suggested. HDMI ARC makes it a convenient low-cost TV stereo system.
Cons: The standalone score drops to 3.84. The published response reaches -3dB around 113Hz and -6dB around 83Hz, so bass balance is a significant limitation in that measured configuration. It is not the same model or dataset as the original Neumi BS5P. The score alone cannot establish clean output, and a subwoofer should not be assumed to solve crossover or room-integration issues automatically.
Full Neumi BS5P-ARC review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 75W total (37.5W per channel) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Country | China |
| Dimensions | 10.6H x 7.2W x 8.5D in each |
| Drivers | 1” silk dome tweeter with integrated waveguide, 5” poly-cone woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way active |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Typical In-Room) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, USB-C, optical, coaxial, RCA analog |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg) pair |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons