For better TV sound, you do not automatically have to choose a soundbar. And for your PC, laptop and music, you do not necessarily need different speakers either. With active speakers offering multiple connection options, you can use one compact speaker set for different listening situations.
But what should you look for? The built-in amplifier and available connections are particularly important in determining how easily you can combine the speakers with different devices.
In short: Active speakers are a convenient solution if you want to use one speaker set for your TV, PC, laptop and music. Because the amplifier is already built in, you do not need a separate amplifier. Connections such as HDMI ARC, USB and Bluetooth make it easy to connect different devices to the same speakers.
In this article:
- What are active speakers?
- Connecting active speakers to your TV
- Using the same speakers for your PC or laptop
- Stream music wirelessly via Bluetooth
- What other devices can you connect?
- Can you add a subwoofer to active speakers?
What are active speakers?
With active speakers, the amplifier is already built into the speakers. This means you do not need a separate amplifier or receiver to use them.
This makes active speakers an attractive option if you want good stereo sound while keeping your audio setup compact and simple. Simply connect your audio source directly to the speakers and start listening.
The Soundex S300 is one such active speaker set. The two compact desktop speakers deliver a total system power of 2 x 35 watts and are designed for use with TVs, PCs, laptops and music, among other applications.
Connecting active speakers to your TV
If you want to replace your TV's built-in speakers with a separate speaker set, it is convenient if you do not need a second remote control every time you want to adjust the volume.
That is why the S300 features HDMI ARC. Using an HDMI cable, audio from a compatible TV can be sent to the speakers. Thanks to HDMI-CEC, you can then control the volume using your TV remote.
This allows you to use the S300 as compact stereo speakers for films, series, sports and games while keeping everyday operation simple.
Using the same speakers for your PC or laptop
An active speaker set can also be a good solution for a desk. The S300 can be connected to a PC or laptop via USB and used as PC speakers.
This makes one set suitable for different activities at your computer, from listening to music while working to watching videos, gaming and online meetings.
Because the amplifier is already built into the speakers, you do not need any additional audio equipment here either.
Stream music wirelessly via Bluetooth
Not everything has to be connected with a cable. If you want to listen to music, podcasts or other audio from your smartphone or tablet, you can do so wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.4.
This means the same speaker set you use for your TV or PC can also serve as a stereo system for everyday music listening.
The S300 can also receive Auracast broadcasts from devices that support Auracast. With Auracast, an audio source can make one broadcast available that multiple compatible receivers can tune into. In this setup, the S300 functions as a receiver.
What other devices can you connect?
In addition to HDMI ARC, USB and Bluetooth, the S300 features a digital optical input and an analogue input. This allows you to connect other audio sources as well.
For example, you could connect a music player or a turntable with a suitable output or built-in preamplifier. Which connection you use depends on the device you want to connect.
This means you do not need a separate speaker set for every audio source. This is particularly convenient if you want to keep your audio setup compact.
Can you add a subwoofer to active speakers?
If you want more emphasis on low frequencies later, it is useful if your speakers are prepared for this. The Soundex S300 therefore features a subwoofer output.
This allows you to add an external active subwoofer for extra bass. You can start with the two speakers and expand the setup later if you wish.
When are active speakers a good choice?
Active speakers are particularly interesting if you want to combine good stereo sound with simple operation. Because the amplifier is built in, you need less separate equipment and the complete setup takes up relatively little space.
When choosing your speakers, pay particular attention to the devices you want to connect. HDMI ARC can be useful for a TV, USB is practical for a PC or laptop and Bluetooth is important for wireless listening from a smartphone or tablet.
If you want to combine several of these applications, it is worth choosing a speaker set that brings all these connection options together.
One speaker set for different listening situations
The Soundex S300 is designed to bring different everyday applications together in one compact speaker set. Use it for better sound with films and series on your TV, as speakers for your PC or laptop, for gaming or to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet.
Thanks to the built-in amplifier, you do not need a separate amplifier, while HDMI ARC, USB, Bluetooth and the other audio inputs allow you to connect different devices.
This means you do not need a different audio solution for every listening situation.
