Separates vs All-in-One Systems: The 2026 HiFi Showdown

Before we dive deep, let's look at the trade-offs. In 2026, the market has shifted. "Separates" now often implies a high-end streamer and DAC feeding into amplification, while "All-in-One" refers to high-performance active wireless systems (like the latest from KEF, Sonus Faber, or Naim) rather than cheap Bluetooth speakers.

To make a fair comparison, we need to define what we are talking about. The technology has moved fast, and the definitions from five years ago do not apply today.

The Case for Separates

When we talk about separates, we are referring to audio component stacking. This is the traditional route where the job of reproducing sound is split among specialized hardware. In a 2026 context, this usually looks like:

• Streamer/Network Transport: A device dedicated solely to pulling audio from the cloud or your local NAS.

• DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter): A standalone unit processing digital signals.

• Integrated Amplifier (or Pre/Power Combo): The muscle driving the system.

• Passive Speakers: Wired towers or bookshelf speakers.

The philosophy here is isolation. By keeping the sensitive low-voltage streamer away from the high-current power amplifier, you reduce electrical noise and cross-talk. It allows for granular control over every aspect of the signal chain.

The Case for All-in-One Systems

In the Active & Wireless category, an all-in-one system is a powerhouse. We are not talking about portable battery-powered speakers. We are talking about mains-powered, high-fidelity consoles or stereo pairs where the amplification, DAC, streamer, and drivers are engineered as a single cohesive unit.

Think of systems that utilize WiSA (Wireless Speaker and Audio) technology or proprietary wireless linking. These systems rely on DSP to actively manage the crossover frequencies before amplification, ensuring the drivers operate at peak efficiency. This is the modern hifi setup—clean, wireless, and incredibly smart.

The biggest argument in the separates vs all in one system debate is always sound quality.

Separates: The Purist's Choice

If you have a dedicated listening room and perfect acoustic treatment, a separates system generally offers a higher sonic ceiling. You can pair a tube pre-amplifier with a solid-state power amp to get that specific "warm yet punchy" sound profile you crave. You are in control of the synergy. However, this comes with a risk: mismatching components (like a low-impedance speaker with a weak amp) can ruin the sound.

All-in-One: The Engineered Synergy

In 2026, All-in-One systems have a secret weapon: Active DSP. Because the engineers know exactly which amplifier is driving which tweeter and woofer, they can tune the system perfectly.

Modern all-in-one systems use active crossovers. This means the signal is split digitally before it hits the amplifiers. This results in significantly lower distortion and better phase coherence than traditional passive crossovers found in separates speakers. Furthermore, most 2026 all-in-one systems come with built-in room correction (like Dirac Live or proprietary AI tuning) that automatically adjusts the bass response to your room layout. For the average living room, an all-in-one system often sounds better than a separates system because it intelligently adapts to its environment.

This is where the modern hifi setup truly shines. The way we consume music has changed, and connectivity is king.

The HDMI ARC Revolution

In 2026, the living room is the center of entertainment. If your audio system can't control your TV volume, it's a nuisance.

• All-in-One Systems almost universally feature HDMI eARC inputs. You plug your TV in, and your standard TV remote controls the volume. It wakes up when the TV turns on. It just works.

• Separates (specifically traditional integrated amps) are catching up, but many "audiophile-grade" amps still lack HDMI inputs, forcing you to use optical cables and juggle two remotes.

Wireless Streaming

While you can add a streamer to a separates stack, all-in-one systems have it baked into their DNA. Support for AirPlay 2, Google Cast (Matter), Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect is standard. Multi-room audio is seamless. With a separates system, achieving synchronized multi-room audio often requires buying specific brand-matched streamers for every room, which gets expensive and complicated fast.

Let's be real about the visual impact.

System complexity is the enemy of the modern minimal aesthetic. A separates rig requires a rack. It requires interconnect cables (RCA or XLR) between every box. It requires heavy gauge speaker wire snaking across the floor. If you love the look of glowing tubes and brushed aluminum faceplates, this is a feature, not a bug.

However, for most people, the "black boxes and wires" look is a hard sell.

All-in-One systems offer high fidelity with zero footprint. A pair of wireless active towers needs only two power outlets. A single-unit console sits under the TV like a soundbar but performs like a stereo. This high "Wife Acceptance Factor" (or Spousal Acceptance Factor) is a major driver behind the shift toward active wireless audio.

This is the one area where Separates still hold a decisive victory.

Digital technology moves faster than analog physics. A high-quality amplifier or a set of speakers from 1990 is still excellent today. But a digital streamer from 2015 is practically a paperweight.

• Separates: When WiFi 8 comes out or a new streaming service launches that requires new hardware, you just swap out your streamer ($200-$500). Your expensive amp and speakers stay put.

• All-in-One: When the internal computer or streaming module becomes obsolete, the whole unit might become a "dumb" speaker. While manufacturers in 2026 are better about firmware updates (and many now include modular ports for future connectivity), you are generally marrying the tech of the day. If the logic board fails, the whole system is down.

When comparing separates vs all in one system, you have to look at the total cost of ownership.

With separates, you are paying for:

• Multiple chassis (enclosures cost money)

• Multiple power supplies

• Interconnect cables

• Speaker cables

With an All-in-One active system, you are paying for:

• Engineering integration

• Proprietary software/app development

The Verdict on Value: In the sub-$3,000 range, All-in-One systems generally offer better performance per dollar. You aren't wasting budget on duplicate casework or expensive cables. The money goes directly into the drivers and the DSP engine. Once you cross the $5,000 threshold, separates begin to justify their cost through superior component isolation and limitless customization options.

After testing dozens of configurations in 2026, here is my professional take.

Choose Separates if:

• You view audio as a hobby and enjoy swapping gear.

• You have a dedicated listening space where cables aren't an eyesore.

• You want to ensure your speakers and amplifier last 20+ years, upgrading only the digital sources.

Choose an All-in-One Active System if:

• You value connectivity and ease of use (HDMI ARC is a must-have).

• You have a multi-purpose living room and want minimal visual clutter.

• You want premium sound that is optimized by DSP without needing to become an acoustic engineer.

For the vast majority of modern listeners, the All-in-One Active System is the winner. The gap in sound quality has closed, and the convenience gap has widened.