Here’s a comprehensive review of the Audioengine A2+ Wireless Bluetooth Desktop Speakers, focusing on their performance, features, and value for money.
🔍 Overview
The Audioengine A2+ Wireless Bluetooth Desktop Speakers are compact yet powerful speakers designed for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. With a sleek design and high-quality components, they aim to deliver premium sound in a small package. These speakers are ideal for desktop setups, offering both wired and wireless connectivity options.
✅ Strengths
1. Exceptional Sound Quality for the Size
Despite their compact footprint, the A2+ speakers consistently impress with their balanced and immersive sound. They deliver a clear, detailed audio profile with rich mids, clean highs, and surprisingly solid bass for speakers without a built-in subwoofer. The stereo imaging and soundstage are particularly noteworthy, often outperforming larger bookshelf speakers.
2. Stylish and Space-Saving Design
The A2+ speakers are beautifully crafted with hand-built wooden cabinets and a 13-step high-gloss finish. Available in black, white, red, and walnut, they easily double as stylish décor. The build quality is premium, and they look right at home in modern office setups, creative workspaces, or living rooms.
3. High-Resolution Audio Support
The A2+ Wireless supports 16- and 24-bit high-resolution audio, making it a favorite among users who stream from services like Qobuz, Tidal, and Apple Music, or maintain lossless music libraries. Even out of the box, the built-in DAC and class A/B amplifier deliver full-bodied sound that scales well with input quality.
4. Versatile Connectivity Options
These speakers offer multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth aptX, USB, RCA, and 3.5mm inputs. This versatility ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, from computers and smartphones to turntables and gaming consoles.
5. Expandable with Subwoofer
For users who desire deeper bass, the A2+ features a dedicated RCA subwoofer output. Pairing them with a powered subwoofer, such as the Audioengine S8, can significantly enhance low-end performance, especially for genres like hip-hop, EDM, or cinematic audio.
⚠️ Limitations
1. Limited Bass Response
While the A2+ speakers deliver impressive sound for their size, their compact design limits their bass response. Users seeking deep, thumping bass may find the low-end performance lacking without the addition of a subwoofer.
2. Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
Some users have reported sporadic Bluetooth connectivity drops and latency issues. While these occurrences are not universal, they can be frustrating for those relying on wireless connections.
3. Volume Control Location
The integrated volume knob and on/off switch are located on the back of the left speaker. While this design choice contributes to the speakers’ clean aesthetic, it can be slightly inconvenient for users who prefer front-facing controls.
4. No Built-in Equalizer
The A2+ speakers lack a built-in equalizer, which may be limiting for users who want to fine-tune the sound to their preferences. However, external equalizers or software solutions can be used to adjust the audio output.
💡 Verdict
The Audioengine A2+ Wireless Bluetooth Desktop Speakers offer a premium audio experience in a compact and stylish package. Their exceptional sound quality, versatile connectivity options, and high-resolution audio support make them a top choice for desktop setups. While they have some limitations, such as limited bass response and potential Bluetooth connectivity issues, their overall performance and design make them a worthwhile investment for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
