Engineered to accommodate any listening setup, the A2+ speakers from Audioengine feature an unprecedented amount of input flexibility—plus an integrated DAC—for high-quality sound, no matter how you connect. Listen wirelessly through Bluetooth and enjoy pristine, distortion-free sound thanks to the aptX codec and a high-performing DAC that’s likely superior to your phone or computer’s audio card Read More
I have owned several Audioengine speakers and can tell you that they are a great value. It is unrealistic to expect audiophile quality for this price. However, these are an incredible value and sound huge for their size and price. They are extremely capable for your money and they don't require you to use much space or cash to get good sound.
The A2+s are distinctly mid-fi. There is a HUGE upper bass EQ bump that is non-defeatable. http://noaudiophile.com/AudioEngine_A2_Plus/. You can't get them to integrate well with a sub well because of it. The rest of the spectrum is good, not great. I have had many computer speakers and most were better than these. Many of the popular, inexpensive, 4 to 5" powered studio monitors sold at musicians sites are better. IMHO buyers fall in love with the size and finish, don't listen objectively.
I’m new to Drop, so I’m a bit confused. What’s the advantage of getting these through Drop rather than via Audioengine directly for the same price? (I should point out that I actually own these. I consider the sound to be so-so. Someone below mentioned “muddy” and I agree)
There's really no advantage. It's just that every time you want to order something through Drop, you should check the prices at other retailers first to make sure you're actually getting a good deal
Can I be an asshole and break the bubble about these?
Go get Mackie XBT 3/4/5/8, you will actually get Studio monitor sound quality rather than portable speaker sound quality!
I wanted the AE A5 back then but when I compared them to low tier studio monitors, they literally became overpriced simple speakers.
But if you want to step up higher, get decent 2/3 way near field monitors, correct them so they fit your room, add a sub if you go 2 way, mackie has one for the xbt line or the brand new (cheaper and probably better) Presonus Eris Sub8.
Gorilla out, good luck droppers, don't get fooled by marketing schemes!
you're right in a way, but it depends on what you're looking for... I have ribbon studio monitors and the sub that goes with them but they are way to analytical and unforgiving for lower quality files or bad mixes... If it comes to pure music enjoyment, I use my A2's instead, along with the studio monitor sub... YMMV?
I learned something critical messing with studio monitors, speakers, headphones, HiFi speakers, etc, you will lose your hearing listening to something that fakes what you're supposed to hear (unforgiving, analytical, accurate, flat etc).
I noticed that I need to add more gain to my calibrated monitors after listening to different devices, it took me a couple of hours to get my hearing back.
I tested in-ear hearing aids which are basically flat and accurate in-ear monitors, they are insanely expensive and insanely accurate and analytical, yet they fix your hearing (just did tests to see what they do), I gave up on everything that hypes, fakes what you're actually supposed to hear.
Since then I can lower down the volume and still hear everything there is, of course with better hardware, better room acoustics, and calibration's it will be way better.
I suggested the Mackie's cause they do sound like quality monitors for their price, games, movies, all the stuff that's being applied to by the community here, tho they don't belong to the group of the "accurate, flat, etc, etc" that's a completely different price point and quality, you will pay twice and even three times more for something to be that aka "mastering monitors", I simply can't recommend them to everybody, they are expensive, they serve a specific purpose, not everybody can hear everything, you're limited by the ability of your hearing, unless you force fix them and try and maintain low volumes for you ears to not lose it, it's complicated and takes some discipline I guess, I just naturally love silence, I hate loudness, it irritates, I can't for the life of me listen to concerts unless they are orchestral with live instruments, and still if it's a bit too loud it just hurts my ears.
I own a pair of the previous model, without bluetooth. The sound quality is excellent for the price and size. They're attractive. They have worked reliably for many years now. I am very happy with them and would recommend them wholeheartedly, though I'll admit that at this point, I think that for most applications, you are better off with a pair of Google Nest Audios, or, if you can afford them, a pair of Sonos Ones.
Two notes:
There is a competing company called Canto that makes speakers that look very similar. I bought a pair thinking the Cantos would be as good as the AudioEngines. They weren't, and I ultimately sold them for a loss.
These speakers do sound much more 'complete' when paired with a small subwoofer. There are plenty of options for around $100-$200, some of which are decent. AudioEngine's own sub is good but a bit more expensive. (To those who aren't familiar with this setup, it's fairly straightforward: you connect the sub to the master speaker with a wire.)
When the boss is out I want to crank the speakers and when everyone is in the office I want to pop on the cans. So, I'm looking for great sounding speakers like this or the the Kanto, but I would like a headphone jack as well. I don't understand why, with all they give including a DAC, there's no phone jack or headphone amp?
Looking for highest sound quality desktop speakers with the aforementioned and doesn't have to have bluetooth.
Agreed. I'm convinced the Kanto YU2 are the equivalent speaker! If you take a look around AliExpress, you can find the mfg that make all these speakers. AudioEngine simply brands theirs, as does Kanto. And for $50 less...go Kanto if you want the small form factor. Otherwise--for slightly larger size and less or the same money you can get great sounding alternatives. I learned this over the summer auditioning many alternatives to the A2s.
They are not equivalent. You can tell because the ports are in different locations. (My guess: AudioEngines are using a tuned port to extend the bass, whereas the Kantos are using a simpler bass reflex design.)
I've owned both and think the AudioEngines are head and shoulders better. They image well, and have a fun, punchy sound. The Kantos sound muddy, and muffled. I sold the Kantos, but not the AudioEngines.