The review is spot on with the positives and limitations of the A2. I've had a pair on my Desk for 3 years and I hesitate to replace them, although I will probably move to an A5 in my new office, just for a bigger sound out in the room. I like black with satin finish, no distracting shiny surfaces like some of the new competition. They did take a while to burn-in, perhaps 40 hours before they reached their full potential. BTW, I purchased refurbished from AudioEngine for a decent savings.
Great video! The A2 has been my top recommendation to friends since I bought my first pair more than 10 years ago. They taught me what imaging was, great gateway drug into hifi.
Man you are really cranking out the reviews, Awesome! Nice looking speakers, nice price tag. Great size for use as a near field desk top monitor. Nice aesthetics.
Nice review. I was in the market for new desktop speakers so I checked a lot of reviews. The AudioEngine A2+ and A5+ got a lot of praise and were consistently at the top of a lot of comparison lists, but the A5+ was a bit more than I wanted to spend. I picked up a pair of refurbed A2+'s direct from AudioEngine at a decent price. When I fired them up the first thing that blew me away was the imaging. The soundstage was proper and seamless, unlike the Logitech X-540's that they replaced, even with a center speaker. They sounded far better than I would have imagined or could have hoped for. By far these are the best desktop speakers I have owned to date. I was into high end audio for a couple of decades and I am quite impressed with these little gems. I use them mostly for casual listening and watching some videos on my PC and I agree with your assessment about the type of music that will really make them shine. I look forward to hearing what they sound like after an extensive break-in period.
@@joramsim Refurbished products can be anything from one that was defective and repaired by the company for resale or they could just be a customer return. You're just assuming that they had been used for an extensive period when the reality is they may never have been used at all or minimal use at best. In any case, I've been using mine for about two years now and really enjoy them. By far the best speakers I've ever owned for use with a PC.
I just ordered these and so I am going through various reviews and not ONE single reviewer has noted on a very KEY specification. The speaker has a built in DAC. Which is activated if you connect using Bluetooth or connect using USB. That will significantly change the sound quality if you connect using stereo mini-plug or RCA. Also, I have an old, aging, Altec Lansing powered satellite / sub combo that I have been using for over 2 decades. It hissed, like you mentioned. Until I got a power filter. No more hiss. I personally cannot wait to connect these. Thus far, every reviewer has used the "supplied" standard/sub-standard connectors that come with the product. I have much higher quality cables and better, cleaner power source. I don't think I will get the 60 Hertz rated bass response, but I expect exceptional clarity in the treble region and expanded sound-stage. Here's hoping :)
Good video, agree with most. I have non-BT version, and 1) had to apply EQ and then sounds much better, there's one review online where the guy measured the response and fixed some peaks and dips 2) volume control at the back is totally annoying, imho
I bought pair of these A2+ speakers and couple them with the D1 DAC from Audioengine and a Yamaha 8"active subwoofer. The main reason I chose them over other active speakers at that time is the size since they are my desk. Listening to them with the sub at my desk they well exceeded my expectations and have tons of volume and power coupled with clarity and a wide soundstage. With the subwoofer and lossless audio files (WAV, FLAC) from your PC these tiny speakers can produce audiophile sound!
Best review on RU-vid on AudioEngine A2+ I have search and watch almost all the other videos and weirdly you covered my second option at the end of the video 🤔
The Audioengine’s A2+ Wireless is unparalleled at its price-point. Plus they have Bluetooth, USB, 3.5mm, micro USB and phono input plus RCA stereo output to another pair of speakers or a subwoofer. Add a Audioengine S8 or an SVS SB-1000 sub and you have a cost effective system with immersive sound. There are bigger computer speakers but none have this versatility. I use these as rear speakers to augment my A5+ Wireless and SVS-2000 Pro sub in my bedroom. Just my two cents!
I use my A2+ in my kitchen connected to a 10" Fire tablet so I can continue watching movies while the rest of the family is comfortable in the den, so we watch simultaneously. They're the perfect size for where they sit and I couldn't be happier. I tried using 2 Google Home speakers in stereo and the audio lag was intolerable. These little things with their BT 5.0 radio have no trouble keeping up.
Hi, Thanks for the review. I watched your review of the PSB Alpha P5. Thinking of trying the PSB Alpha P3 with an amp for my desktop. Thanks again. John
Thank you. I think these will be marvelous on a solo digital piano or keyboard. Quite flat and that u say sparse instrumentation works very well. Some monitors have to much bass and DSP so I'm wondering if these will catch a DPiano s bass? Great review, I trust ur opinion. They are cute,and I'm gonna get them. I'm surprised they are not more talked about for portable keyboard playing. Can u recommend any of the Logitech or creative speakers? The creative pebble interests me to. Thanks man, take it easy dude.
I've had A2 speakers for 6 or 7 years. I never found voices were that clear through them, although adding the D1 dac helped. I'm had a sub with them as well. I'm feeling i'd like some bigger speakers that will have a little bigger presence and midrange clarity.
Respect for having a life, without the newest smartphone you must feel so free. The tech chain around everybody feet these dais is thick and well ankered, so I wish I could go back, but here in Norway you pretty much need a smartphone just to pay your bills. The mark of the beast is not that far away, that is a fact. Look up friends, our redemption draws near.......
I'm watching this video with my A2+ and they sound great. Did you hook them up with USB or analog? I have them hooked up with usb on my desktop and they definitely don't sound bright whatsoever. And I am very sensitive to bright tweeters. I agree that bass is boosted but eq can fix this. Great overall review though!
These little speakers seem to be very polarizing! Some people think they are smooth, others think they are bright. Some think there's no bass, while others think the bass is outright visceral. In my experience, USB direct into the speakers produced a sound that was somewhat aggressive on the top end. However, routing the speakers through some fancy hi-fi components resulted in a smoother, more articulate presentation. Still forward, just not as much so. Still, I'm glad you're happy with em'. Charming little speakers.
Ya definitely described these on the money, Sean. Imaging and soundstage is bonkers-good for such a tiny speaker and at a relatively low audiophile price. Like, reference speaker good. I know the main gripe about these is probably bass limitations but I regularly get stunned by my A2+ sitting within a 2 to 3 feet radius. The wooden desktop reinforces the bass and in combination with the front facing bass ports, the A2+ produces a surprisingly visceral sound you can feel. With the A2+ (non-wireless version), I found the top end is warm and a bit rolled off at the very top above 12-15K, but that just means they sound great with all music/recordings and you can listen for hours without fatigue. I am wondering if AudioEngine made some changes to the sound with this new A2+ Wireless version because I never thought of the A2+ as bright.
Thanks man. I'm glad you're smitten by the little A2's. They certainly have charm. :) That said, when it comes to things like describing bass, treble, etc.. I've found that what you take away from em' will hinge on reference points and application. This is partially why I dislike reviewing powered loudspeakers. They are far more difficult to (accurately) review. All I can do is to try and set the most realistic expectations possible, and hope that whoever buys them after watching the video walk away being more impressed than they thought they would be.
@@crispincrunch2453 it sounds better than it has any right to. I attest this to the powerful classD amp. I have a hifi and several sets of speakers, including Magnepans, but I use the 623 at my desk and it is seriously impressive. The sub is also a real sub. Big driver, huge box, huge flared port. Goes low and has serious punch.
@@shumba_the_don ?? -- yeah -- wait, pushers...? Struggling to get my just-bought-today iPhone SE. My MacBook Pro doesn't seem to want to accept. I'm screwed. 3 days now w/o a phone, and the world is crumbling -- many customers can't reach me. I'm 64yr.old, w/o much tech-ed, and very few savvy nearby friends. Oh well, lol. anyway - I'm supposedly in-line for some A2+'s - if they ever do come back? Meanwhile listening to Sly & the Family Stone on my cheap Logitechs Stand!!
Great review - accurate to what I am hearing at least.. As I have gotten older .. found myself "downsizing'"..you only buy these when desktop and space is THE primary consideration obviously.. Bit of a "heretic" in that I will do what's necessary (and most definitely including EQ) to get what I consider great nearfield stage environment. Casualty of a recording musicians' "attitude" and attempt at critical listening over the past 30 years I guess.. The thing with these speakers is you have to do the work to get there .. just like any proper mixing or listening position anywhere else. They need proper placement ( for me.. was most definitely NOT the recommended stands!) . Proper height ..(level tweeter at ear height).. and position relative to your monitor screen is critical.. toe in/out just as important..get those right.. will take a bit of time if you do it right..should get you a good blank canvas to work off. If possible.. then..put a decent dac in front of them and listen..what do you get? .. a somewhat wide and clean soundstage..then my heretic behaviour ( see EQ comment above - dip the low mids / 2k region up a bit to bring the vocals/guitars, etc forward just a bit... oh..and..analog at that)..burn him!...;) Blah, blah..bottom line - 250 bucks get a you a small / clean speaker set to build a size prohibitive but very nice system with that will most likely have WAF... if needed..and it is around here! Want small scale "audiophile"? going to take some compromises... and you can forget about it if volume is your thing..otherwise....it's here ..but your going to have to do more than just plop them down on your desk...
@@petermoeller5901 Well, I am comfortable with a slightly higher noise floor.. a lot of others are more sensitive to it and therefore need other options or speakers. For instance.. I am running the JBL LSR305s right now as I type this... they have a higher noise floor than the A2s and yet I find it low enough/perfectly acceptable given the sound and performance...long way of saying.. didn't notice it much..he is probably correct in the review.
Those look like toy speakers. I was waiting for you to say "April fools" and pour some gumballs out of the top lol. They look so cute on your little stands. 😊
I know I'm late to the game... I've had my A2+ for a while now... but I have them fed with a DacMagic XS that goes into a Rolls SX45 Active X-Over. I have that sending the lows to a cheap Monoprice 8" sub (crossed over at 150hz). They sound great for my desktop listening.
Still have my A2s with Musical Fidelity V-DAC... I have never found the soft dome tweeters to be hot or forward sounding. My only two gripes are with the sealed volume pot that will need a vigorous anti-static routine and the horrible Audioengine rubber stands that degrade and fall apart. I now have them on excellent Kanto S2SS stands.
Ambient noise (hum/hiss) on these was a major problem for me. These were a total waste of $ for me. Switched to Polk S10 passives with cheap desktop amp/dac combo for same price (less actually) and got a huge sonic and noise floor improvement.
I had previous iterations of the A2, used them for travelling to have them with me on the go, for this, they are absolutely sensational. Do not underestimate these speakers, they are phenomenal
My M-Audio BX5a's are on their last legs (replaced power caps but still bad hiss/buzz) and I want a new pair of desktop speakers. What should I get (powered or passive is fine, have a very good spare amp) used or new for up to 800 USD? Speakers will be close up to the wall, about 3 feet apart, and 3 feet away from my ears. I value warmth, musicality and low noise.
I'm surprised you say the 2's produce noise. Two things, A, you would expect that speakers for this price do not produce audible noise and, B, I am just going through reviews about the Audioengine 2's and nobody else has mentioned this. Have you tried to troubleshoot the noise? Could your copy be faulty?
Thanks Michael. That would be a cool project, but I'm not sure when I'd find the time to get it done. I'm back-logged beyond belief! That's partially why I'm cranking out these vids so fast - to keep my head above water! Still, it's a good idea that I'll hopefully be able to revisit in a couple months.
I’m ready to watch your review of the new PSB Alpha P5s which have replaced the Alpha B1s. They’re just too new, have no real reviews, and I can’t just go down to the local hifi store anymore because Memphis, TN which had no less than 4 dedicated high end stores in the 90s now has exactly ZERO. Many of us now really do depend on these reviews more than ever before.
I appreciate your enthusiasm! I just had somebody else ask me about the P5's moments ago. The plan is to bring them in. I just don't know when that will happen yet. My guess is that they will land within the next month or two.
Check Tharbamar’s review and sound demo videos. He said they are very balanced and are his new reference speakers under $500. I am thinking of purchasing them for the price worth a listen. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-v9zF-BD9ZNY.html
Because there are few speakers that are this compact, this well built, and this transparent sounding for the coin. Now if you're willing to accommodate a much larger product and don't care as much about transparency, then there are a ton of other, arguably superior options out there for the buck.
It's effective until you pump the volume. Then helloooo chuffing. I forgot to mention that in the review. Ah well. At least it can serve as a dual-mono fan config.
flashhog01 It was a honest question. I just think that Sean’s talents for describing the audio signature of a product is kind of wasted on a pair of powered speakers. This seems like the sort of product that Z Reviews Guy would spend 30 minutes “reviewing” and neglect to mention what they sound like.
@@steveburgess23 Thanks for the clarification. When I think of powered speakers I think not just of the garbage most people purchase but the serious audiophile offerings in the thousand or thousands of $$. To your question I would say most are unaware or unconcerned but there are most definitely people looking for such a product that care greatly for SQ.
There is an audiophile-quality powered speaker revolution happening right now. Clinging to cliches, not auditioning new gear,... and ya may miss out on some seriously good future-fi (darko.audio term)
sean pardon my digression,some time ago you suggested me to go for mastersound the box to drive my harbeth super ,i cant find a dealer in india nor in singapore,can u suggest any other amp either ss or tube budget 3-4grand,which has good synergy with super anniversary.
I'm not sure what the prices are like over there, but it would be worth checking out the Hegel H190, Leben CS600 , Luxman 550 , Iotavx SA3 | PA3 combo.
The A5+ still tops the A2+ for a desktop application any day. Don't take my word for it. Go and audition them. Works well with a good DAC and an Audioquest Evergreen cable. The A2+ is great for a 13-15 year old beginner.
I really did not enjoy the A2+ wired version. It sounded boxy, boomy, and muddled. Went up to the LS50 Wireless and, as you would expect with the price jump, it was a much better listening experience.
