The best optical speakers add true immersion to your media — be it movies, music, or games. Sure, you can also use a pair of high-end headphones for a wonderful listening experience, but it doesn’t come close to matching the same wider soundstage and impressive bass response as a pair of discrete speakers or a soundbar.
However, you can’t go buy some random speaker set just because it fits your budget. Subpar speakers will end up ruining the immersion, even if they come with fancy features. Given that you are searching specifically for speakers with optical input, you likely plan to use them with your existing home entertainment setup, which may include your TV, Blu-ray player, receiver, game console, or computer.
As connoisseurs of all kinds of audio equipment, we’ve put together a list of the best optical speakers to buy in the UK. We suggest reading through the sections below.
List Of the Best Optical Speakers UK
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The Best Optical Speakers Reviews
The good thing about speakers with optical input is seamless compatibility with older and newer devices. Granted, Optical isn’t as capable or versatile as HDMI, but it sure saves you from a nest of cables. And with that, here are our reviews of the best optical speakers that are readily available on Amazon UK:
1. Edifier R1280DBs. Speaker with Optical Input
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The key selling point of the Edifier R1280DBs is its Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, but it also connects to source devices via Optical and RCA inputs. This pair of active bookshelf speakers even have a sub-output for connecting external subwoofers.
The R1280DBs comes in classic medium-density fibreboard (MDF) wooden finish that blends perfectly with home and office environments. Furthermore, the enclosure helps isolate acoustic resonance effectively. The front mesh grille prevents dust particles from entering the speaker and is removable.
The speaker units deliver up to 42 watts of combined, distortion-free output, while the front-facing bass reflex ports produce thumpy bass. You can use the side-mounted dials to adjust the bass, treble, and volume. It also with a wireless remote that offers easy playback, volume, and input controls.
For the price, the R1280DBs are one of the best pairs of bookshelf speakers with optical input. Edifier includes all the necessary audio cables in the box for a quick setup process.
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| Pros | Cons |
| Loud and distortion-free output | The front mesh grille isn’t magnetic |
| Physical adjustment knobs | Flaky Bluetooth range |
| Works with external subwoofers |
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2. Sharp HT-SBW182, Optical Speakers for TV
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If you are looking for a budget-friendly acoustic upgrade from your TV’s built-in speakers, this 2.1 soundbar from Sharp is an excellent choice. It features Optical, AUX, and HDMI ARC inputs, ensuring flawless compatibility with old and new TVs. The soundbar even allows for wireless music streaming over Bluetooth.
Under its sleek matte black casing and mesh grille cover lies two full-range speakers and dual tweeters, along with a discrete, wireless subwoofer for an immersive cinematic experience. The Sharp HT-SBW182 has a maximum output power of 160 watts, delivering fantastic all-around audio.
Other features include three EQ presets, an LED source indicator, and HDMI-CEC support for easy remote controls. You can either place the soundbar on a tabletop or wall-mount it below the TV as per your liking. Fortunately, Sharp includes mounting screws in the box if you go with the latter option.
Overall, we consider the Sharp HT-SBW182 a substantial upgrade over most TV’s tinny-sounding integrated speakers.
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| Pros | Cons |
| Versatile inputs | No audio cables included |
| Wireless subwoofer | Obscure remote design |
| Compact dimensions |
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3. Klipsch R-41PM
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Those searching for a more serious-sounding pair of reference monitors will find the Klipsch R-41PM appealing. It has a custom-engineered digital amplifier driving the high-performance speakers and maximising the sound output.
The inclusion of digital optical, analogue RCA, 3.5mm input, USB, and wireless Bluetooth connectivity allows the speakers to work with virtually any source device without requiring an AV receiver. It also has a single RCA line-level output for connecting external subwoofers.
The R-41PM powered speakers sound incredibly immersive, with room-filling audio as loud as 105 dB. It’s thanks to Klipsch’s use of aluminium diaphragm compression drivers and copper spun IMG woofers. The textured wood grain vinyl on the MDF enclosure and low-profile magnetic front grilles also give the pair the level of polish you’d expect from a premium set of speakers.
If you do end up purchasing the Klipsch R-41PM, we highly recommend the Klipsch Reference R-10SW subwoofer to go along with it for the best audio experience.
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| Pros | Cons |
| Built-in digital amplifier | Expensive |
| Impressive sound | |
| Sleek design |
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4. Logitech Z906 Surround Sound Speaker System
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The Logitech Z906 is a 5.1-ch surround sound speaker system that brings theatre-quality audio to your living room. With a peak RMS output of 1000W, it delivers THX-certified surround sound and makes the best out of Dolby Digital and DTS-encoded soundtracks. The 165W subwoofer offers rich bass that adds to the immersion.
The Z906 features optical, digital coaxial, six-channel analogue, RCA, and 3.5mm inputs, so you connect up to six devices in your entertainment setup. You can switch between the input sources through the central console or IR remote control. The latter even offers individual volume adjustments for each satellite speaker and the subwoofer. You can cycle between 2.1, 4.1, and 3D surround sound modes.
All in all, the Logitech Z906 is a fantastic set of surround sound speakers. However, note that you will have to buy the mounting screws for the speakers and other basic audio cables separately.
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| Pros | Cons |
| THX and Dolby Digital-certified | No Bluetooth |
| True surround sound | No mounting hardware in the box |
| Plenty of connectivity options |
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5. Majority D40, Active Bluetooth Bookshelf speakers with USB playback
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The Majority D40 is perfect for those looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers on a budget. Not only do they sound surprisingly decent for the price, but they also offer a wide range of connectivity. It includes optical, AUX, USB, MicroSD, and Bluetooth.
The 4-inch bass drivers on the Majority D40 pack some punch. The dense wooden cabinet results in a warm, rich, and natural sound. You can switch between different modes, adjust the volume, bass, and treble, and play/pause/skip tracks via the side-mounted control panel or the remote.
Majority throws in AUX and 3.5mm-to-RCA cables with the D40 to help you get started. The company also offers three years of warranty and lifetime technical support.
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| Pros | Cons |
| Reasonable price | No optical audio cable in the box |
| Suitable for desktop PCs | |
| Can play music from USB and MicroSD slot |
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Conclusion
That’s where we wrap up our roundup of the best optical speakers in the UK. As you can see, you don’t need to spend a fortune on a decent pair of speakers or a soundbar with an optical input. The affordable models may not be of audiophile quality, but they produce great sound irrespective of the price.
Since we have included different types of speaker sets, hopefully, you will find one of the above picks matching your needs. In that case, you can check the prices for the listed options from the links included in this buying guide.