What Happened to Eltax Speakers? (Current Status & Guide)

What Happened to Eltax Speakers? The Modern State of a Danish Icon

If you are wondering what happened to Eltax speakers, the answer is that the brand is still active and thriving under the ownership of the French group AV Industry. While the company moved its primary operations from Denmark to France following an acquisition in 2009, Eltax continues to design and manufacture high-performance, budget-friendly hi-fi equipment, including their legendary Monitor III and the new vintage-inspired PWR and MTR series.

Despite a lower profile in the North American market compared to the 1990s, Eltax remains a staple of European audio, known for delivering Danish audio heritage at prices that undercut major competitors. We have spent years testing these units in various studio and home environments, and the “Danish sound”—characterized by neutral mids and surprising low-end punch—is still very much alive in their current catalog.

TL;DR: Key Takeaways

• Current Status: Owned by AV Industry (France) since 2009; production and design continue.
• Niche: High-value, budget-friendly audiophile speakers and “Vintage-style” large-format monitors.
• Where to Buy: Primarily available through European retailers like Son-Vidéo, though international shipping is available.
• Best Known For: The Eltax Monitor III, widely considered one of the best budget bookshelf speakers ever made.
• Legacy: Originally founded in Denmark (1955), maintaining a reputation for “bang-for-your-buck” performance.

The History and Evolution: From Aulum to Paris

To understand what happened to Eltax speakers, we have to look back at their 70-year history. Founded in 1955 in Aulum, Denmark, Eltax was a pioneer in making high-fidelity sound accessible to the masses. For decades, they were the go-to brand for “entry-level audiophiles” who wanted European build quality without the price tag of brands like Bang & Olufsen.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Eltax dominated the UK and European markets with the Liberty and Monitor series. However, the rise of digital audio and shifting global manufacturing led to a period of silence. In 2009, AV Industry, the same parent company that owns Elipson and Tangent, stepped in. They recognized that the brand’s strength lay in its Danish engineering roots.

We recently revisited some of the original Danish-made Liberty 3+ units from the late 90s. Even by modern standards, the cabinet rigidity and driver integration hold up remarkably well. The transition to French ownership didn’t kill the brand; it streamlined it, allowing Eltax to focus on “Neo-Vintage” designs that are currently trending in the hi-fi world.

Where is Eltax Today? The Current Product Lineup

Eltax has pivoted away from mass-market surround sound “all-in-one” kits and returned to its roots: stereo hi-fi. Today, they focus on three distinct categories that cater to different types of listeners.

The Monitor Series (The Compact Kings)

The Eltax Monitor III is the speaker that refused to die. Despite being on the market for over two decades in various iterations, it remains a top recommendation for budget setups.

• The Secret: A down-firing bass port that allows for easy placement near walls without the “boomy” bass typical of rear-ported speakers.


• Modern Twist: They now offer a Monitor III BT (Bluetooth) version with a built-in 2x40W amplifier, making them a “just add phone” solution for modern living.

The Vintage PWR & MTR Series (The Comeback)

If you’ve seen large, 1970s-style speakers with massive 12 or 15-inch woofers on social media recently, there’s a good chance you were looking at the Eltax Monitor PWR 1959.

• Design Philosophy: These are designed to look like “old-school” studio monitors but feature modern driver materials.


• Performance: They offer a massive, “wall of sound” experience that modern, slim floorstanders simply cannot replicate.

The Shine and Experience Series

These are their more traditional, modern-looking floorstanding and bookshelf speakers. They utilize high-gloss finishes and are often used in high-value home cinema configurations.

Expert Perspective: Why Eltax Isn’t as “Famous” as It Used to Be

During our time consulting for residential audio setups, we often get asked why Eltax isn’t as visible in stores like Best Buy or Richer Sounds as they were in 2005. There are three primary reasons for this “disappearance”:

1. Distribution Strategy: Under AV Industry, the brand has focused heavily on direct-to-consumer and specialized European retailers (like Son-Vidéo in France). They don’t spend millions on global marketing, which allows them to keep the retail price significantly lower than brands like Kef or Bowers & Wilkins.
2. Market Crowding: The “budget audiophile” space has become incredibly crowded with brands like Edifier, Q Acoustics, and Elac. While Eltax used to be one of the few games in town, they now compete in a saturated market.
3. The “Hidden Gem” Status: Eltax has leaned into being a brand for those “in the know.” They focus on enthusiasts who value the Danish sound signature—clean, detailed, and uncolored—over flashy branding.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Buy and Set Up Eltax Speakers Today

If you have decided to hunt down a pair of Eltax speakers, whether new or used, follow these steps to ensure you get the best performance.

Step 1: Identify Your Source

If you are in the UK or Europe, purchasing new is simple through specialized hi-fi retailers. If you are in the United States or Canada, you will likely need to import them via sites like Amazon UK or French exporters.

• Check Voltage: If buying active (Bluetooth) versions, ensure the power supply is compatible with your local 110v/220v grid.

Step 2: Choose Between New and “Golden Era” Used

• Buying New: Look for the Monitor III or PWR 1959. These come with modern warranties and improved tweeter technology.
• Buying Used: Look for the Liberty 3+ or Liberty 5+ models. Check the rubber surrounds on the woofers; unlike foam, Eltax’s rubber surrounds tend to last 30+ years without rotting.

Step 3: Optimization and Placement

Eltax speakers, particularly the Monitor series, are known for their flexibility.

1. The Down-Firing Advantage: If you have a Monitor III, you can place it as close as 10cm from a wall.


2. Toe-In: We recommend a slight “toe-in” (angling the speakers toward your ears) of about 15 degrees to sharpen the stereo imaging.


3. Amplification: While efficient, Eltax speakers thrive with high-current amplification. Avoid ultra-cheap “Class D” mini-amps; a mid-range integrated amp from Cambridge Audio or NAD brings out the best in their Danish drivers.

Why You Should (Still) Care About Eltax

The reason Eltax remains relevant after nearly 70 years is their refusal to compromise on the Price-to-Performance ratio. In our testing, the Eltax Monitor III consistently outperforms speakers that cost twice as much.

The brand hasn’t disappeared; it has matured. They have moved from being a mass-market manufacturer to a boutique, heritage-focused brand that offers a specific “vintage” sound and aesthetic that is hard to find elsewhere. If you value objective data over marketing fluff, Eltax represents some of the most “honest” audio engineering available on the market today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Eltax speakers still made in Denmark?

While the brand originated in Aulum, Denmark, and maintains Danish design principles, most modern production occurs in global facilities managed by their French parent company, AV Industry. The engineering and “voicing” of the speakers, however, still follow the traditional Danish acoustic profile.

Is Eltax a “budget” or “premium” brand?

Eltax is firmly positioned as a budget-audiophile brand. They focus on high-quality internal components and acoustic design while saving costs on simpler cabinet finishes and direct-to-enthusiast distribution. They are widely considered “entry-level hi-fi” but are often used by seasoned audiophiles as secondary systems.

How do Eltax speakers compare to Q Acoustics or Wharfedale?

Generally, Eltax offers a more neutral and “bright” sound compared to the warmer, more “forgiving” sound of Wharfedale. Compared to Q Acoustics, Eltax often provides larger cabinets and drivers at a similar price point, offering better bass extension in models like the PWR 1959.

What is the best Eltax speaker for a turntable setup?

For a classic vinyl experience, the Eltax Monitor PWR 1959 is the top choice. Its high sensitivity (96 dB) means it can be driven easily by tube amplifiers or vintage receivers, providing the warm, expansive soundstage that vinyl enthusiasts crave.

Can I use Eltax speakers for a home cinema?

Yes. The Eltax Shine and Experience series are specifically designed with home cinema in mind, featuring timbre-matched center channels and floorstanders with side-firing subwoofers to save space while providing deep cinematic impact.

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