Audioengine A2+ review: wireless desktop speakers that sound and look remarkably good for their size
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AudioEngine A2+ Comments
Designed for desktop use, and even bookshelves monitors, the compact Bluetooth speaker kit in AudioEngine is above its weight in terms of versatility and design. But, can A2+ also hit the correct notes when it comes to musicality?
I have a pair, eager to find out if the pint-sized speakers can really make reassuring loud noises to match The best stereo speakers.
AudioEngine A2+ Bluetooth speakers are customized for near-field listening. These Titchy cases measure only 152 x 101 x 134mm, providing rich connectivity, including via RCA Phonos and 3.5mm Minijack via Bluetooth APTX-HD, USB and analog stereo input/output. They lack digital audio input.
Available in matte (blue or black) and glossy finish (red or white) for build quality. My sleek red review set seeps out the premium attraction, their reflective gloss finish contrasts with the black driver.
The cabinet itself has a decent weight. Made from MDF, they stand a little taller than the Snickers bar and should be easily accommodated on untidy tables or even part of a minimalist Hi-Fi setup.
The left speaker is an active model with connectivity, built-in amplification and volume control, while the right side is its passive partner. The power supply is separated from the active housing, and thankfully the brick is not too big.
Each cabinet is equipped with 70mm aromatic fiber cotton wire and 19mm silk dome tweeters and exhausts on the base for improved low-frequency performance.
Not surprisingly, given their size, these speakers are not volume monsters. The system is rated at 15W RMS per channel, in 4 ohms, and the peak power output is 30W per channel.
When it comes to system configuration, USB audio, stereo RCA input and 3.5mm Minijack input can be selected. If you want to add extra bass in the form of AudioEngine’s S6 subwoofer, there’s a subwoofer output.
Despite this versatility, I hope most buyers will likely do most of their hearing via Bluetooth. Here, APTX HD ensures high-resolution wireless audio streaming (connected to APTX HD compatible smartphones), which is different from most, despite the lack of Wi-Fi The best wireless speakers. My system is ready to connect immediately after power.
The box also includes a 2m connection speaker wire, Minijack audio cable, and USB leads to connect your PC. All of this, plus the speakers, is packed in a microfiber cloth bag for protection. The remote is not included (although you may not need one).
The setup is great, very simple: just connect the passive right speaker to the left power with the included speaker cable, connect the electric tiles and you’re good to go.
It is worth noting that A2+ is not an intelligent system. No such voices to help Amazon Alexa or Google assistant.
The A2+ listen directly from the box, especially because they are capable of true stereo imaging, which is rare in the market for mainly single-box Bluetooth speakers. Stevie Nicks The Fringe of Seventeen Showing this, the turbulent guitar riff anchored to the left, and the percussion was neatly scattered on the stage. Their spatial performance is coherent and involved.
Clarity and detail are also good; A2+ rewards high resolution audio sources, finding subtle nuances in pearl jam Now (24-bit/48kHz) and Radiohead sound layering Burning Witch (24-bit/48kHz). They definitely have a trick to retrieving details.
Given their compact size, low-frequency performance is understandable. Chase and the heavy blow of status this The visceral low-end thump associated with this drum and bass Belt is missing. If you want more Grand Slams, you will need to add that subwoofer.
The middle distance is the best location here. From the terrible strait Sultan on the swingthe interaction between tweeters and woofers effortlessly handles complex improvisations Entering the lightA2+ system proves cross-genre proficiency – those high pitches are always as clear as crystals.
However, I would hesitate to call A2+ speaker musical. I never felt like I was taken away by its beat, and I always realized that the sound was emanating from two shining walls, rather than hanging in the air in front of me. That is, the A2+ provides accurate and performance.
Loren Allred’s plea Never enoughfrom The greatest performer The soundtrack, managed to cause an emotional sting.
While 15W per channel is perfect for desktops (AudioEngine optimistically quotes 60W peak power output), these speakers have a hard time serving larger rooms. They are also very directional and sound most vivid when aiming directly at the eye/ear level, so positioned accordingly.
AudioEngine A2+ Review: Price and Release Date
- £255 / $269 / au $449
- Launched in August 2024
AudioEngine A2+ Bluetooth speakers are now available for £255 or $269 (US), which weakens many of its major competitors, including Kanto Renabout twice the price.
However, the S6 subwoofer (£299/$299) raises the system price, and you can certainly find other Bluetooth stereo speakers for similar or cheaper prices, including from Edifier and most.
AudioEngine A2+ Review: Specifications
|
Amplifier: |
30W (60W peak) |
|
connect: |
3.5mm stereo jack, RCA stereo input, USB, phono subwoofer output |
|
aspect: |
102 x 152 x 13.3mm |
|
weight: |
1.6 kg left, 1.4 kg right |
|
feature: |
Automatic backup and power-on mode; USB charging port |
Should you buy AudioEngine A2+?
|
part |
notes |
Fraction |
|---|---|---|
|
feature |
They work with APTX HD Bluetooth and simulate sources with wired simulation. However, there is no Wi-Fi or smart features. |
3.5 / 5 |
|
Sound quality |
It’s hardly high-end high-fidelity, but it’s still pleasant. Decent mid-range, sophisticated, but lacking bass. |
3.5 / 5 |
|
design |
These are lush little houses with a beautiful high gloss effect. |
4.5 / 5 |
|
value |
With all factors in mind, the A2+ can be considered reasonable pricing. |
4/5 |
if……
if……
AudioEngine A2+ Comment: Consider it too
| Header Unit – Column 0 |
AUDIOENGINE A2+ |
Ruark Audio MR1 MK2 |
taka4 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
price: |
£255 / $269 |
£349 |
£329 |
|
Amplifier: |
30W (60W peak) |
20W |
70W (140W peak) |
|
connect: |
3.5mm stereo jack, RCA stereo input, USB, phono subwoofer output |
3.5mm stereo jack, optical digital audio input; RCA phono subwoofer output |
3.5mm stereo jack, 2 x optical digital audio input; RCA stereo input, phono subwoofer output |
|
aspect: |
102 x 152 x 13.3mm |
130 x 170 x 135mm |
215 x 267 x 215mm |
|
weight: |
1.6 kg left, 1.4 kg right |
Total 4 kg |
Total 6.8 kg |
|
feature: |
Automatic backup and power-on mode; USB charging port |
Automatic loop mode for single-sung speakers; snooze mode; optional wall-mounted installation |
Automatic backup and power-on mode; USB charging port; remote control |
How do I test AudioEngine A2+
Over the course of a week, I evaluated Audioengine A2+ in various settings, focusing on near-field desktops. The material is streamed over APTX HD Bluetooth and played through a wired high-resolution music player. The tracks range from classic rock to EDM and orchestra tracks, allowing me to evaluate tonal balance, clarity and stereo imaging.
The speaker width is determined by the provided speaker cable that connects two housings that are head high (or others) for optimal performance.
