Audioengine A2+ Powered Desktop Speakers Red Review

Audioengine Introduction:

The award-winning Audioengine 2 speakers just got better. With a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC), the Audioengine 2+ allows you to send high-quality digital audio direct from your computer’s USB port. We’ve also added an output to connect a subwoofer and you can even go wireless with the optional Audioengine W3 adapter. The Audioengine 2+ is a great introduction to high-quality audio and the perfect upgrade for your computer or iDevice.

Introduction:

Desktop speakers rarely get the special treatment. Most of the time, simple stereo speakers that you hook up using standard audio cables is sufficient for most users – but audiophiles might beg to differ.

This is where the Audioengine 2+ comes in. It’s the successor the Audioengine 2 that focused on a simple design aspect without compromising on sound quality. The Audioengine 2+ bears the same two speaker setup and while it might look like any other standard desktop speaker, you won’t expect the amount of power it can generate. Let’s check it out.

Manufacturer’s Specification:

Type: 2.0 powered (active) multimedia desktop speaker system
Amplifier type: Dual class AB monolithic
Power output: 60 W peak power total (15 W RMS / 30 W peak per channel), AES
Drivers: 2.75-inch Kevlar woofers, ¾-inch silk dome tweeters
Inputs: 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, RCA, USB
Outputs: RCA variable line-out
Input voltages: 110-240 V 50/60 Hz auto-switching
SNR: >95dB (typical A-weighted)
THD+N: <0.05% at all power settings
Crosstalk: -50 dB
Freq. response: 65 Hz-22 kHz ±2.0 dB
Input impedance: 10 K ohms unbalanced
DAC: TI/Burr Brown PCM2704C
Input bit depth: up to 16 bits native
Input sample rate: up to 48KHz native
USB device class: type 1.1 or above
Protection: Output current limiting, thermal over-temperature, power on/off transient protection
Dimensions (each): 6 x 4 x 5.25-inch (HWD)
Weight (LEFT speaker): 1.6 Kg
Weight (RIGHT speaker): 1.4 Kg
Shipping weight: 4.6 kg

Video Review

Design and Specifications:

The Audioengine 2+ is basically two powered speakers that compose of 2.8-inch Kevlar woofers along with a ¾-inch silk dome tweeter. It’s about a kilogram and a half each, making it a sturdy addition to any desktop.

The Audioengine 2+ house most of its connections and ports on the left speaker – including the RCA inputs and outputs along with support for the legacy 3.5 mm audio input and the power supply. The speakers use USB primarily to connect to audio source like a PC or any high-end audio device and that’s because the Audioengine 2+ includes a built-in DAC that results in much better listening experience.

While the Audioengine 2+ work well with the two speakers, you actually have an option to add an external subwoofer but that of course will come at a price. The speakers also support wireless streaming, but only through a wireless USB adapter that yes, you also need to purchase separately.

Setup:

For testing I hooked up the Audioengine 2+ primarily on my MacBook using a USB connection along with my desktop PC. I also alternatively used the 3.5 mm audio input for other audio devices just to see the difference between using a standard output as opposed to using the USB with the built-in DAC.

Performance:

Performance-wise, you’d be wowed at how great sounding the Audioengine 2+ is. There is a great focus on mids and highs, which is noticeable with every sound that I feeded to it. Various frequencies are reproduced quite beautifully. You’d probably only notice that bass isn’t quite as booming as you’d hope it would be – maybe the reason for purchasing the optional subwoofer.

That’s not to say that the Audioengine 2+ isn’t good – in fact, it’s one of the best sounding desktop speakers we’ve heard in a while. Let’s take for example Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ ‘Empire State of Mind’ – the distinct tone of the piano solos plus the vocals of Jay-Z stand out when listening through the Audioengine 2+. Each tone can be heard in pure detail that I mostly just hear when I’m using in-ear headphones.

Stereo separation is spot on, and it makes you feel like you’re listening inside a huge music hall even when you’re just in front of the speakers. Considering that it doesn’t have a subwoofer, the Audioengine 2+ still manages to do the job well.

Supplied Accessories:

Speaker wire (16AWG), 2 meters (~6.5 feet)
Power supply
AC power cord
Mini-jack audio cable, 1.5 meters (~5 feet)
USB cable, 1.5 meters (~5 feet)
Microfiber speaker bags
Microfiber power supply bag
Microfiber cable bag
Setup guide
Product line brochure

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

Excellent audio performance
Includes built-in DAC for superior performance

Cons

Wireless support is only possible with optional accessory (not included)
Bass could be better – which is also a separate accessory you would need to buy

Conclusion:

The Audioengine 2+ is everything a desktop speaker should be: solid build quality, built-in DAC support and an overall excellent audio output – something audiophiles will go crazy for.