[section label=1. Introduction]
Best Sub-$250 Speakers
It’s been almost a year since we last reviewed a product from Audioengine and when we found out about their recent release of some brand new speakers, it piqued our interest to say the least. Last year we received the opportunity to review the Audioengine A5+ speakers along with the Audioengine D1 USB DAC, and we were thoroughly impressed. Audio quality on the Audioengine A5+ was better than anything we’ve ever heard for a set of speakers designed for computer use – something we unfortunately don’t see too often.
Today we’re very excited to review the new Audioengine A2+, which is Audioengine’s latest pair of powered desktop speakers. The Audioengine A2+ is actually an update to the older Audioengine A2 that’s been on the market for quite a while. While we didn’t have the chance to review the original Audioengine A2, we’ve been told that the sound characteristics on both the A2 and the A2+ is very similar with the differences being that the A2+ now also includes an integrated DAC, a variable output (for adding a subwoofer or additional speakers), upgraded speaker connections, a 1/4″ threaded insert for wall mounts, an upgraded power supply, and upgraded accessories. Beyond that though, this review should be able to cover both the Audioengine A2 and the A2+ as both speakers utilize the identical custom built boxes featuring Audioengine’s 3/4″ silk dome tweeters and their 2″ Kevlar woofers.
Ready to see how they performed? Flip the page to find out!
| Type | 2.0 powered (active) multimedia desktop speaker system |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 60W peak power total (15W RMS / 30W peak per channel), AES |
| Inputs | 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, RCA, USB |
| Outputs | RCA variable line-out |
| Amplifier Type | Dual Class AB monolithic |
| Frequency response | 65Hz-22kHz ±2.0dB |
| DAC | TI/Burr Brown PCM2704C |
| SNR | >95dB (typical A-weighted) |
| Input Bit Depth | up to 16 bits native |
| Input Sample Rate | up to 48KHz native |
| Dimensions | 6”(H) x 4”(W) x 5.25”(D) |
| Weight (LEFT speaker) | 1.6Kg/3.55lbs |
| Weight (RIGHT speaker) | 1.4Kg/3.15lbs |
| Finish options |
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| Materials and Construction |
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| Included Accessories |
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[section label=2. A Closer Look (Exterior)]
A Closer Look at the Audioengine 2+ (A2+)
Here’s a look at the packaging for the Audioengine A2+.
Included in two custom-made microfiber drawstring bags, we get some documentation, a power adapter, 16 AWG speaker wire, a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, and a USB type A to type B cable.
Of course, we also get the Audioengine A2+ speakers as well, also wrapped in custom-made microfiber drawstring bags.
Here’s a closer look at the Audioengine A2+ speakers. Audioengine is using a combination of 3/4″ silk dome tweeters and 2.75″ Kevlar woofers. At the bottom of the front, there’s also an open slot as well which serves as a port for enhanced bass response. Since Audioengine is using durable Kevlar woofers, they’ve elected not to go with any protective speaker grille.
At the rear of the speakers, we get all the I/O connectivity options. The right speaker acts as just a passive speaker, so it only has two connections for left/right speaker wire. The left speaker contains all the DAC/Amp circuitry so it’ll get RCA input, RCA output, 3.5mm input, a USB type B port, left/right speaker wire connectors, a power port, and a volume control knob that also acts as a power switch. The power input on the Audioengine A2+ is proprietary as it needs to be supplied with 17.5v /1.8 amps.
[section label=3. A Closer Look (Interior)]
A Closer Look at the Audioengine 2+ (A2+)
Removing the rear panel on the left speaker, we can take a closer look at the circuitry inside the Audioengine A2+. The Audioengine A2+ uses a dual class AB monolithic amplifier and unlike the Audioengine A5+, the heatsink is built on the inside of the rear panel. This shouldn’t be a problem as the amplifier only needs to drive 15W RMS into each speaker with 30w peak per speaker (60w peak combined) so heat shouldn’t be too big of an issue.
At the top of the PCB, there are two large JWCO capacitors. These capacitors are marked low ESR, but I’ve never heard of them before. Would’ve liked to see some Nichicon, WIMA, Rubycon, Sanyo, Chemi Con, etc. but that’s probably pretty difficult in a $250 speaker set with included amp and DAC circuitry.
Speaking of DAC circuitry, Audioengine is using a TI Burr Brown PCM2704 DAC. The DAC has a maximum of 98dB SNR, sampling rate of 48kHz and a resolution of 16 bits. It’s definitely a decent DAC for those currently running off integrated sound, but it’s nowhere near as good as a high end internal sound card or even Audioengine’s own D1 DAC.
Unfortunately, the rest of the PCB is glued together, so that’s all we have.
The interior of the Audioengine A2+, is stuffed with a lightweight foam material. This is helpful in a number of ways such as it reduces standing waves, increases bass response and provides cleaner mids/highs.
Removing the foam material, we can see the tweeter, the woofer and the crossover. The interior is very clean and soldering is done very well. Unfortunately the capacitors on the crossover are wrapped so we don’t have any idea what’s being used here. When we reviewed the Audioengine A5+ a while back, I was told the crossovers used higher quality capacitors than what’s found on the amp. Not sure if it’s the same story on the A2+’s, but these capacitors are more directly in the audio path, so I’d imagine Audioengine would use some decent quality stuff here.
[section label=4. Performance]
Audioengine 2+ (A2+) Performance
Audioengine A2+ Speakers
Coming from a pair of Audioengine A5+’s that I use for day to day use, I didn’t expect much from the Audioengine A2+’s. I literally chuckled for a second when I saw the A2+’s as they were about 1/3rd of the size of the A5+’s and seemed minuscule compared to its larger sibling.
However, once I hooked up the A2+’s, I was pleasantly surprised. For a lot of the music I started out playing, the Audioengine A2+ had very similar sound characteristics as the Audioengine A5+. For example, I started off with “Intro” by The XX along with George Winston’s “Variations on the Canon” and I had to double check to make sure that I wasn’t playing the songs straight off the Audioengine A5+’s. Carrying the exact same 3/4″ tweeter found on the Audioengine A5+, the A2+ exhibited warm mids along with crisp and clear highs, very similar to what you’ll get with the A5+’s. In fact, I ended up enjoying the A2+’s more than the A5+’s for this type of light instrument/female vocal heavy music as the lighter bass characteristics on the A2+’s seem to give the A2+’s the feeling of a wider, more open soundstage.
That said, once I starting playing some bass heavy tracks, the story does change a bit. The Audioengine A5+’s with its relatively giant 5″ woofers definitely puts out a whole lot more punch compared to the Audioengine A2+’s 2″ woofers. Playing Contiez’s “Trumpsta – Djuro Remix”, the Audioengine A2+ sounds noticeably small, weak and thin during the bass heavy beats, which sound a lot more powerful and a lot more accentuated on the Audioengine A5+. Of course, it’s expected for a speaker of this size and to be perfectly honest, I found that the Audioengine A2+ are definitely capable of a lot more power than you’d expect off something so small. In fact during testing, I didn’t really even notice that I had the Audioengine A2+ hooked up rather than the A5+ except for those times when I’m playing music where 75% or more of the song is a bass beat or bass drop. As long as the music doesn’t do that, the Audioengine A2+ should have more than enough low end punch for the task.
For those looking to use the Audioengine A2+ for room filling sound, it’ll definitely pump out the mid and high end with little distortion all the way up to 100dB at 6ft away. However, when you crank up the volume, the low end doesn’t go very far before it begins to cut off. Since the Audioengine A2+ has small woofers, it simply can’t produce very, very loud, very, very deep level of bass. To prevent the bass from getting muddy and the drivers from getting overworked, it’s obvious that Audioengine has decided that it’d be better to cut off the bass at a certain point. Personally I’d say the Audioengine A2+ is best suited for desktop use and those looking for something to fill larger rooms should definitely look into something like the Audioengine A5+ instead.
Integrated DAC (TI Burr-Brown PCM2704)
For this review, I also switched between a number of different input sources including the Creative Sound Blaster ZxR soundcard’s RCA outputs, the Audioengine D1 DAC’s RCA outputs, the USB input off the Audioengine A2+ itself, and my desktop’s Realtek ALC898 integrated audio. The reason for this is because unlike most speakers on the market, the Audioengine A2+ includes not only an internal amplifier, but also an internal DAC making it a truly plug and play solution for high quality audio.
In comparison to the integrated Realtek ALC898 audio included on my desktop PC, a huge difference in clarity is immediately detectable. Additionally, the PCM2704 also seems to give the Audioengine 2+ speakers a better dynamic range and a warmer sound in comparison to the integrated Realtek ALC898.
In comparison to the Sound Blaster ZxR and the Audioengine D1, the PCM2704 performed quite comparably to the other high end sources putting out clean and crisp audio, a high level of detail, and good audio separation. While the TI Burr-Brown PCM2704 DAC on the Audioengine 2+ is substantially weaker on paper compared to the Sound Blaster ZxR and the Audioengine D1, I think Audioengine specifically matched the PCM2704 DAC to what the Audioengine 2+ speakers were capable of in terms of performance, making the two a perfect combination that’s capable of producing the same sound quality as more expensive solutions available on the market. Sure it’s possible to hook up higher end DAC units to the Audioengine 2+ speakers, but the difference in actual sound quality will be indiscernible for most of us.
[section label=5. Conclusion]
Audioengine 2+ (A2+) Conclusions
Audioengine is just one of those companies that you don’t necessarily hear from all too often, but when you do you know they’ve got an awesome product to show you. The Audioengine A2+ is certainly one of those products.
Unlike many companies out there who have written off the high end computer audio market to focus on the higher volume sub-$100 market, Audioengine has always been committed to high quality audio and the Audioengine 2+’s performance is a good testament to their original focus. The Audioengine 2+ performed extremely well for its size and those listening to audio that primarily features female vocals, light instruments, etc. will find that the Audioengine 2+ is one of the highest performing computer speakers you can get on the market. As I mentioned earlier, the 3/4″ silk dome tweeter is identical to the larger Audioengine A5+ speakers and performs exceptionally well in the mids and the highs.
As for the bass response on the Audioengine A2+, I found it to be very powerful for a speaker about the size of your hand and for most types of music, it should be plenty. However, those who truly want powerful, room rumbling bass should look into larger speakers such as the Audioengine A5+ or a subwoofer such as the Audioengine S8. As for the sound profile, the Audioengine A2+ is tinted ever so slightly to favor a bit of bass, but I didn’t find this distracting at all given that the tweeter and the woofer seems so well balanced here. It almost makes me wish the A5+’s had larger tweeters to match the larger woofer, but that’s a subject for a different for a different article.
Fit, finish, and presentation is also done extremely well with the Audioengine A2+. Our sample came with a beautiful milky white glossy finish that’s done very well. Each speaker and every speaker accessory came in microfiber bags that scream premium and the speakers themselves feel heavy and solid (18mm thick MDF cabinets) with no rattles and perfect fitment all around. That said, for full disclosure my first A2+ sample I received came with one speaker that contained an off-center woofer. Within days of letting Audioengine know, Audioengine implemented a new CNC routing program with tighter tolerances for the A2+, which is expected to resolve any future issues relating to this. My second sample obviously did not have any such issues.
Pricing on the Audioengine 2+ (A2+) is currently $249 and it’s available in both black and white models. It’s relatively expensive for computer speakers, but when you look at the quality of these speakers, the amount of components you get, and the quality of sound, the $249 is much more palatable. Being both a computer hardware reviewer and an audio enthusiast, I’d have to say that I’ve had a lot more than my fair share of disappointments when it comes to quality computer audio. Unfortunately companies nowadays are more interested in sourcing producing the cheapest, high margin China made room rumblers rather than focus on what’s most important – sound quality. While I’m certain there’s plenty of market for cheapo speakers, there’s also those of us who find listening to music an incredibly satisfying experience when we close our eyes, recline in our chairs, and listen to that opening riff in “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne. There’s simply nothing like it and fortunately for us, we have companies like Audioengine who have stepped in to produce speakers with a level of quality that could give us that experience.
Sure I could go out and buy a dedicated DAC, a dedicated amp, and some great speakers, but when you’ve got three monitors, a full tower PC, and a ton of stuff already hanging out on your desk, do you really need to add more? On the same token, do you really want to spend the extra money on an amp and a DAC for an almost indiscernible amount of difference in audio quality? With the Audioengine A2+, Audioengine makes everything a simple, one piece, plug and play package. The Audioengine A2+ is exactly what you’d expect from your typical desktop speakers. You get a stylish modern design, standard RCA, 3.5mm or USB inputs, and audio quality that could easily compete with speaker setups two, three, four, or five times its pricetag. Highly recommended!
Sample provided by: Audioengine
Available at: Amazon
I have the A2’s with the D1 right now. I am thinking of upgrading to the A2+ with the D1. After your test what do you recomand keep the set up I have or upgrade?
Nah don’t upgrade. The A2 and the A2+ is the same except the A2+ has an integrated DAC (worse than the one on the D1) and variable output.
If you want to connect a subwoofer or something, the A2+ might be worth it, but otherwise just stick with the A2/D1 combo or upgrade to the A5+/D1.
Hi. Some are saying that the bass of the A2 is exaggerated out of the box. Did you find that? As far as sound quality is concerened is there a difference between the a2 and the a2+. I’m not planning on adding a subwoofer to the speaker. Would it be worth it for me the extra $50 for the A2+? Thank you!
Yes, it’s slightly exaggerated out of the box, but it’s not huge and it’s only noticeable if you’re used to listening to studio monitors and audiophile headphones exclusively. I think you’ll really like having the extra bit of low end though since you’re not planning to add a subwoofer to the setup.
The Audioengine A2 and the A2+ are AFAIK identical in the speaker design itself. The main difference is that the A2+ now has an integrated DAC. If you have a high quality sound source to plug into the A2 (DAC, soundcard, etc.), you don’t really need the A2+. Save the $50 and buy the A2’s. If you don’t have a high quality sound source and you’re planning to just plug these into the onboard sound chip on your computer, then the A2+ is the way to go.
Thank you so much for your quick reply. Very helpful and appreciated. I would be using these speakrs with my dell laptop and I don’t have a dedicated DAC so I guess the A2+ would be the better chice. I would also be using it with my Sandisk Sansa Clip mp3 player but I’m assuming that would sound the same on either one. If I would have this connected to my laptop via USB and I wanted to listen with headphones, what would I need to do, to change the sound from the speakers to the headphones. Also, did you ever hear the Swan line of Computer Speakers? If yes, are they a better value/better sounding than the audioengine’s? Thank you!
No problem. Unfortunately, I don’t think there’s a good way to use the headphones with the integrated DAC on the A2+. You could purchase an Audioengine D1, which is a better DAC than the one integrated into the A2+. Pair that with the headphones along with a set of Audioengine A2 (non-plus) and you’ll be good to go. If you want to use the Sansa you can just plug that into the 3.5mm jack on the Audioengine A2.
https://www.custompcreview.com/reviews/audioengine-5-speakers-d1-dac-review/15438/
That’ll run you an extra $120ish since the D1 is like $170ish, but you save $50 going from the 2+ to the 2 (non-plus).
As for Swan speakers, I’ve have never had the opportunity to check them out. Can’t help you there, sorry. =/
Hey there I’m about to buy the a2 or a2+ as tv speakers for my sony 32 inch w670a. In Australia the a2+ are $80 more. Is it worth it for my needs or are the a2’s fine? I don’t really know about DAC’s so not sure if I even need one with a tv with a2’s? Also, these speakers should be a loud enough quality solution for tv viewing, right?
Between the A2 and the A2+, I think the A2+ is a better choice for you. The A2+ has an RCA output so you can easily attach a subwoofer down the line if you feel like the A2+ doesn’t have enough low end “boom”.
Hi I bought A2+. I have an iMac (MD095LL/A), what kind connection will be better USB or 3.5 mm ?
USB. The internal DAC on the A2+ is much better than the onboard audio on the iMac.
I have the Sound Blaster Z PCI-E soundcard in my system and a pair of Audioengine A2+ speakers on the way.
Would it be better use the A2+ USB DAC connection or plug the A2+’s up to my Sound Blaster Z?
I’m currently using a Sennheiser PC360 headset with the Sound Blaster Z and it sounds pretty great.
Well since you’ve already got the A2+, might as well try both and see which one you prefer. Both should sound pretty good. Out of the box I think the integrated DAC on the A2+ will sound better. Audioengine does a pretty good job of tuning the DAC just right to fit the speakers.
Thanks, they sounds good with both as you said, I’m keeping them hooked up via USB as it makes it easy to switch between headphones and speakers by simply turning off the speakers (Computer stops seeing the A2+s and reverts to the headphones. I do think the A2+ need a good sub such as the S8 so that will probably be my next purchase. Would love it if they’d make a slightly smaller sub that is more easy put under a computer desk.
Hi, I was originally planning on purchasing a Firefly v1.2 USB DAC and then connecting it to powered computer speakers via 3.5 mm wire. Would the Firefly improve the sound quality with the A2+ or am I better off just using the built-in DAC? I’m assuming I can bypass the A2+’s integrated DAC by using the 3.5 mm cable instead of the USB cable. Any assistance would be much appreciated.
I haven’t had the opportunity to check out the Firefliy DAC, so I’m not quite sure if it’ll be be better than the DAC onboard the A2+. Personally I’d say pickup the A2+ first and try the integrated DAC. If you feel the DAC is still lacking, then I’d pick up the Firefly. Yes, going with the 3.5mm cable bypasses the internal DAC.
I’m also considering getting these but I’m on the fence whether I have to buy the old A2 without the dac and pair it with a dac of my choice (like Schiit Modi) or get the A2+ instead. What’s the point on getting the A2+ if you are not going to use the inbuilt DAC? As far as I know, A2 and A2+ are identical with the only difference being the incorporated DAC to the newer model. If that’s the case, (and please anyone who knows to enlighten me) if I get the A2 and connect them to a DAC and the DAC to my computer, will I have to switch on/off everything every time? Do the A2 have deep sleep mode like the A2+ that don’t need to be powered off?
Hi Sam – Thanks for the review. Just wanted to drop a quick note; I’d already determined on purchasing the A2+ awhile back [and don’t quite recall the process that led me to that conclusion; haha]. Came across your site/review when doing Google search wanting better images for back of speakers. My intention is to do that order through your Amazon link as a bit of support. Appreciate the time and depth of review [even I’ve admittedly not read in its entirety]. Will definitely look at other reviews/articles on the site….Best, KED
Hi Sam,
I recently bought the A2+, and while I like it, I can definitely notice a lack of bass. Is there a subwoofer you’d recommend for these, other than Audioengine’s? The price of $349 is a little too high for me to justify. Thanks.
Love these little things; have them running on HRT’s MusicStreamer 2 through entry-level cables and people are always amazed by them. I call them my anti-bose desktop audio setup, lol… $250 well-spent (already had the cables and external DAC)
Definitely better with a sub (I would imagine) and there are plenty available on eBay. My personal favorite is the Pinnacle SubSonic which is only about 9″ on a side yet its dual 6.5″ woofers put out a ton of usable bass down to 28Hz. I own two, coupled with Scandyna pod speakers & amp (1 in the bedroom, the other in my relatively modest 14′ x 17′ living room).