Lithe Audio BT8

Lithe Audio BT8: Auracast built into the ceiling.

The 8-inch BT8 puts its amplifier, Bluetooth 5.4 and Auracast inside the speaker. It can play alone, power an optional passive partner or share one source with a larger group of active BT8 speakers.

Watch how it works  →

Amplification

100 W RMS

Wireless

Bluetooth 5.4

Frequency range

35 Hz to 23 kHz

Protection

IP44

Updated 22 September 2026

What is the Lithe Audio BT8 Auracast ceiling speaker?

The Lithe Audio BT8 is an 8-inch active in-ceiling speaker with a Class D amplifier, Bluetooth 5.4 and Auracast built in. One BT8 can play alone, power an optional passive speaker for stereo, or broadcast the same programme to additional active BT8 speakers and compatible Auracast receivers.

That removes the need for a separate amplifier and long audio cable runs between grouped active speakers. It does not remove the need for mains power: every active BT8 still needs its supplied power driver and proper ceiling planning.

Interactive system map

How does the Lithe Audio BT8 Auracast system work?

A phone, tablet or TV sends audio to one BT8 master by Bluetooth or 3.5 mm line-in. That master broadcasts the programme to active BT8 receivers through Auracast. Each active speaker still needs power; an optional passive speaker connects to an active BT8 with speaker cable.

Ceiling void Room below Hover or tap anything above An explanation of that part of the system appears here. PWR Mains power run Auracast removes the audio cable, not the electricity. Every active BT8 stillneeds a fused spur and its own power driver at the speaker position. Speaker cable to the passive partner One active BT8 can drive a single passive speaker over a short cable run. That ishow you get a true left and right pair in one zone. Master BT8 Transmits the broadcast Master BT8 The speaker your source pairs with. A 100 W Class D amplifier, Bluetooth 5.4 andthe Auracast transmitter all sit inside this one ceiling unit. Active BT8 Receiver mode Active BT8 in receiver mode No audio cable reaches this speaker. It joins the master’s broadcast and plays thesame programme, in step with the rest of the group. Active BT8 Drives the passive pair Active BT8 driving a stereo pair This one receives the broadcast and also powers the passive speaker beside it, sothe zone plays a real left and right channel. Passive speaker Optional stereo partner Optional passive partner No amplifier and no power of its own. It is the only speaker in this room thatstill needs speaker cable pulled to it. Your source Phone, tablet or TV Your source Pairs by ordinary Bluetooth with one speaker only, the one named _MASTER. A 3.5 mminput is there for a fixed source such as a television. Auracast broadcast one stream, many listeners The Auracast broadcast One stream rather than one connection per listener. Lithe Audio puts no limit onhow many receivers join it, so long as each one sits inside the coverage area. Up to 100 m, every direction How far one broadcast reaches Coverage is measured from the master, not from the group. Lithe Audio quotes up to100 m in every direction from that one speaker. Adding speakers spreads the soundfurther, it does not relay the radio signal onward. Compatible headphones Compatible headphones Auracast earbuds and headsets join the same broadcast directly, without touchingthe source device. Compatible hearing aids Compatible hearing aids Assistive listening comes built in, with no separate loop or receiver system tospecify and install.
Ceiling void Room below Tap anything above An explanation appears here. PWR Mains power run Auracast removes the audio cable, not theelectricity. Every active BT8 still needs afused spur and its own power driver. Master BT8 Transmits Master BT8 The speaker your source pairs with. A 100 WClass D amplifier, Bluetooth 5.4 and theAuracast transmitter sit in this one unit. Active BT8 Receiver mode Active BT8 in receiver mode No audio cable reaches this speaker. It joinsthe master’s broadcast and plays the sameprogramme, in step with the group. Your source Phone, tablet or TV Your source Pairs by ordinary Bluetooth with one speakeronly, the one named _MASTER. A 3.5 mm input isthere for a fixed source such as a TV. More active BT8 speakers The Auracast broadcast One stream rather than one connection perlistener. Lithe Audio puts no limit on howmany receivers join it, so long as each sitsinside the coverage area. Compatible headphones Compatible headphones Auracast earbuds and headsets join the samebroadcast directly, without touching thesource device. Compatible hearing aids Compatible hearing aids Assistive listening comes built in, with noseparate loop or receiver system to specifyand install. Up to 100 m, every direction How far one broadcast reaches Coverage is measured from the master, not fromthe group. Lithe Audio quotes up to 100 m inevery direction from that one speaker. Morespeakers spread the sound, they do not relaythe signal.

One master carries the programme. The other active speakers, the headphones and the hearing aids all hear the same broadcast. Rooms that need a different source are planned as a separate group.

  • Auracast broadcast
  • Mains power
  • Speaker cable
Ceiling void Room below Hover or tap anything above An explanation of that part of the system appears here. Speaker cable Speaker cable Every passive speaker needs its own cable run back to the rack. The pulses areamplified audio travelling out to the ceiling. Speaker cable Every passive speaker needs its own cable run back to the rack. The pulses areamplified audio travelling out to the ceiling. SOURCE MATRIX POWER Equipment rack Your equipment rack This is where the audio distribution and amplification live, in one cupboard orrack that has to stay accessible for servicing. AMPLIFIER Central amplifier It raises the signal to a level that can drive every passive speaker. Addingspeakers later means finding spare amplifier channels. Passive speaker Zone 1 Passive ceiling speaker No electronics of its own. It only makes a sound while the rack is powered and thecable run back to the amplifier is intact. Passive speaker Zone 2 Passive ceiling speaker No electronics of its own. It only makes a sound while the rack is powered and thecable run back to the amplifier is intact. Passive speaker Zone 3 Passive ceiling speaker No electronics of its own. It only makes a sound while the rack is powered and thecable run back to the amplifier is intact. Passive speaker Zone 4 Passive ceiling speaker No electronics of its own. It only makes a sound while the rack is powered and thecable run back to the amplifier is intact. Every speaker is wired back to one central amplifier
Ceiling void Room below Tap anything above An explanation appears here. Speaker cable Every passive speaker needs its own cable runback to the rack. The pulses are amplifiedaudio travelling out to the ceiling. Speaker cable Every passive speaker needs its own cable runback to the rack. The pulses are amplifiedaudio travelling out to the ceiling. SOURCE MATRIX POWER Equipment rack Your equipment rack This is where the audio distribution andamplification live, in one cupboard or rackthat has to stay accessible for servicing. AMPLIFIER Central amplifier It raises the signal to a level that can driveevery passive speaker. Adding speakers latermeans finding spare amplifier channels. Passive speaker Zone 1 Passive ceiling speaker No electronics of its own. It only makes asound while the rack is powered and the cablerun back to the amplifier is intact. Passive speaker Zone 2 Passive ceiling speaker No electronics of its own. It only makes asound while the rack is powered and the cablerun back to the amplifier is intact. Every speaker is wired back to the rack Expansion needs spare amplifier channels The electronics stay in one serviceable place

The amplifier stays in one place and every speaker is wired back to it. Expansion depends on spare amplifier channels and a practical cable route to the new position.

  • Amplified audio in the cable
  • Amplifier

Hover any speaker, cable or piece of equipment for a short explanation. On a touch screen, tap and hold it.

Coverage

What range does the Lithe Audio BT8 offer?

Lithe Audio quotes up to 30 metres for standard Bluetooth and up to 100 metres for the Auracast broadcast, both environment dependent. Auracast uses one transmitter for many receivers, so coverage sits around the master rather than extending with each added speaker.

Up to 100 m

Quoted Auracast range, environment dependent

Unlimited

Receivers that can join inside that area

One

Transmitter per group, and everything listens to it

More speakers cover more floor, not more radio

Extra BT8 speakers spread sound over more floor, which is what makes a big open-plan room or a whole venue work. Each one still has to sit inside the master's coverage, so put the transmitter near the middle of the group.

Everything shares the same bubble

Headphones and hearing aids join on the same terms. A listener at the far edge is only served inside the master's range, which matters most in the commercial rooms this speaker targets.

Treat the quoted range as a planning maximum

Walls, concrete, metalwork and busy 2.4 GHz traffic can reduce wireless range. Confirm receiver locations and test critical commercial layouts before the ceiling is closed.

Conventional in-ceiling audio

How do conventional in-ceiling speakers work?

In a typical residential low-impedance system, the amplifier stays in a central location and sends powered audio to each passive ceiling speaker by cable.

Source → central amplifier → speaker cable → passive ceiling speakers
Stage Component What happens Connection
1. Playback Source device A TV, streamer or music player provides the audio programme. Connection to the amplifier
2. Amplification Central amplifier The amplifier raises the signal to a level that can drive the speakers. Mains power plus source input
3. Distribution Speaker cable Cable carries the amplified signal from the central equipment position into the ceiling. A wired speaker run for each channel
4. Room sound Passive ceiling speakers Each speaker converts the amplified electrical signal into sound in the room. Speaker cable at every speaker

This architecture keeps the electronics accessible in one rack. Adding more speakers later usually requires spare amplifier capacity and a practical cable route back to that location.

The practical advantage

Auracast vs traditional in-ceiling speakers

A conventional system centralises amplification and uses speaker cable to reach each passive speaker. The BT8 distributes amplification into active speakers and replaces the audio link between grouped active units with Auracast.

The trade-off is power: every active BT8 needs it in the ceiling. In return, the system can suit completed buildings, open-plan rooms and projects where long signal-cable routes would be disruptive.

What disappears

The separate amplifier and audio cable between grouped active BT8 speakers.

What stays

Power at every active speaker, ceiling-space planning and speaker cable to an optional passive stereo partner.

Lithe Audio connection diagram showing Bluetooth and 3.5 millimetre audio inputs, mains power options, an optional passive speaker and an Auracast broadcast to headphones, hearing aids and additional speakers
Lithe Audio BT8 connection and Auracast broadcast overview.

Video walkthrough

Watch the Lithe Audio BT8 Auracast video guide

See how the master speaker broadcasts to a larger group of compatible receivers.

Watch on YouTube  ↗

Setup

How to set up Lithe Audio BT8 Auracast ceiling speakers

Plan the zones and power before installation. Once fitted, choose one active BT8 as the master, set the remaining active units as receivers, pair the source with the device name ending in _MASTER and finish configuration in the BT Setup App.

  1. Plan the zones Decide which speakers should play together and where true stereo matters.
  2. Provide power Each active BT8 needs a power driver and suitable ceiling clearance.
  3. Choose the master Set one BT8 as broadcaster and the remaining active speakers as receivers.
  4. Connect and tune Pair with the device ending in _MASTER, then use the BT Setup App.

Installation note: mains wiring and ceiling installation should be completed by a qualified electrician or AV installer in accordance with local regulations.

Buying advice

What are the pros and cons of Auracast ceiling speakers?

Auracast makes one-to-many audio easier and reduces signal cabling between active BT8 speakers. The main checks are ceiling power, real-world range, zoning and whether every personal listening device explicitly supports Auracast.

Advantages of the BT8 Auracast system

  • One programme can reach many compatible receivers.
  • The built-in amplifier removes the need for a separate rack amplifier.
  • Additional powered BT8 speakers can be grouped without new audio cable runs between them.
  • Compatible headphones and hearing aids can join the same broadcast.
  • Standard Bluetooth and a 3.5 mm input remain available.

Limitations to check before buying

  • Power: every active BT8 still needs mains power and its supplied driver.
  • Compatibility: Bluetooth alone is not enough; personal receivers must state Auracast support.
  • Coverage: walls, structure and interference reduce the quoted maximum range.
  • Zoning: one wireless group carries one programme, so independent sources need separate zones.
  • TV use: test lip-sync with the exact display and source before finalising the system.

Is the Lithe Audio BT8 right for your project?

The BT8 is a strong fit when discreet installation, flexible expansion and shorter signal-cable routes matter. Traditional passive speakers remain sensible where the building is already wired, independent room sources are essential, or centralised servicing takes priority.

A hybrid can work especially well: one active BT8 with a passive stereo partner in each important zone, then Auracast between zones when they need to play together.

Quick answers

Lithe Audio BT8 Auracast FAQs

The practical questions to settle before specifying an active Auracast ceiling-speaker system.

Does the Lithe Audio BT8 need a separate amplifier?

No. The active BT8 has a Class D amplifier built into the speaker. It can also power one optional Lithe Audio passive speaker through speaker cable, so a stereo pair does not need a separate rack amplifier.

Do wireless Auracast ceiling speakers still need power?

Yes. Auracast replaces the audio link between grouped active speakers; it does not replace electricity. Every active BT8 needs the supplied power driver and a correctly planned mains connection installed in line with local requirements.

Can any Bluetooth device receive an Auracast broadcast?

No. Ordinary Bluetooth support does not guarantee Auracast reception. Headphones, earbuds and hearing devices must explicitly support Auracast to join the broadcast. A normal Bluetooth phone, tablet or compatible TV can still connect to the master BT8 as the source.

How many active BT8 speakers can play together?

The BT8 uses one-to-many Auracast grouping: one active speaker becomes the master and additional active BT8 speakers join as receivers. The practical system size depends less on a traditional pairing limit and more on usable range, building materials and interference at each receiver location.

Can the BT8 still work without Auracast?

Yes. You can use a single BT8 through standard Bluetooth or connect a fixed source through the 3.5 mm line-in. Auracast matters when you want the same programme to reach additional active speakers or compatible personal listening devices.

Lithe Audio 8-inch Bluetooth 5.4 Auracast ceiling speaker

Featured product

The active Lithe Audio BT8 at the centre of the system, with amplification, Bluetooth 5.4 and Auracast built into one ceiling unit.

8-inch two-way design  ·  2 × 50 W RMS  ·  IP44  ·  Bluetooth 5.4 with Auracast

View the Lithe Audio BT8  →

Planning a Lithe Audio BT8 system?

Our team can help with placement, power, stereo pairing and Auracast compatibility for residential and commercial projects.

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Product information and further reading

Lithe Audio BT8 product page  ·  Current specification sheet  ·  Grouping guide  ·  Bluetooth SIG Auracast FAQ

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