The Audioengine A2+ Wireless speakers we are reviewing today claim they can improve your desktop audio experience without costing an arm and a leg. They definitely are popular as it’s one of the most in demand monitors on the market right now, so I put it through the same testing procedure I put all speakers through to see if it’s still worth buying. The result was interesting, especially when I considered the type of competition they would be up agains.

Pricing & Availability

Audioengine is a fairly large brand at this point, so it finds itself available via many online retailers and has a presence in some brick-and-mortar stores. Availability is usually immediate, and the A2+ usually doesn’t require a wait or lead time in its color options. For an idea of pricing, please feel free to check the links below.

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What is the Audioengine A2+ Wireless?

The A2+ is a desktop speaker at heart, although it still performed well in our tests over larger areas. These would be perfect speakers for a city apartment or medium sized living rooms if you are not trying to throw a wild party but to just enjoy your music at loud but not excessive volumes. They are also the perfect speakers for a home office or gaming setup and in a pinch can work well as a set of studio monitors.

This is an active speaker, meaning you do not have to attach external components like amplifiers or receivers to get them to play music. The speakers are self-powered with the amplification built and as close to a plug-and-play system as possible. All you will need in this case is really a music player or cell phone connected (wirelessly or wired) to provide the source material.

The A2+ sits second in the companies A speaker lineup. Audioengine also offers an A1 speaker that in my testing I found to be massively inferior to the A2+ model. The A5 is the model that is one step up from this, and it is admittedly incredible, but then it is also double the price. It is there to strike a happy balance of performance and price and, in our opinion, the A1 does that well.

Regarding competition, I would put them against the Audioengine HD3 and the Edifier S1000Mk2. The former is more of a desktop monitor, while the latter is a full-size bookshelf with excellent reviews. I own the Edifier and do vouch for them. for me you can’t really go wrong with Edifier as they offer such stunning value for money. The A2+ are smaller and more versatile while delivering tight puch and remaining very composed on complicated tracks there is also the advantage that the A2 are $100 less while and while not being able to go as loud and remaining distortion free they are quite equal in terms of the quality of sound that is outputted.

As I mentioned above, these are small, so they can fit on a desktop and be used for near-field monitoring. To reduce size, they have a two-way design with a small 0.75-inch tweeter and a 2.75-inch woofer providing the sound. That doesn’t sound like much but they are deceptive little things with a far grander sound being portrayed by the open presentation they have. The quality of the driver material plays a big role here allowing them to remain tight and composed and thus introducing less artifacts into the recordings.

Input support options are plentiful and you can hook up to them using 3.5mm auxiliary, Bluetooth 5.0 (with aptx support for higher bitrate streaming), RCA, and USB.

You can buy the Audioengine A2+ in three color options (Black, White, and Red). They all have a high gloss finish and look great, but the red stands out as something special and was the one I purchased.

How do you use the Audioengine A2+?

   

To get started, remove the speakers from the box and place them in your intended location, if you wan’t them to sound a little better maybe take some inspiration from my article explaining room acoustics and speaker positioning. Connect the two speakers using the speaker output on the main control to attach to the slave unit. When connected, insert the power cable and plug it into the mains. It’s that simple. The speakers will be powered on and ready to receive inputs.

How do I play Audio on the Audioengine A2+?

Depending on the source you intend to use, you must ensure it is set up correctly. Wired connections in our test showed no latency, so attaching the 3.5mm aux input to your phone or computer’s headphone jack works well.

Alternatively, you can attach a device using RCA, providing it has the correct outputs. The final wired connection would be to hook up your PC via the USB input.

Wireless connections are limited, and you have to pair via Bluetooth. This is a relatively modern standard Bluetooth; however, at 5.0, it supports lower latency playback and APTX for higher-quality streaming.

To pair Bluetooth, you need to press and hold the pair button on the back of the speaker. Once in pairing mode, use your source device or phone to search for the Audioengine A2+ speaker and hit connect.

Again, all are fairly simple and intuitive. We experienced no drops of connections or degrading of the signal as long as we kept the source device inside the same room.

Do they sound good?

   

I consider this a near-field listening speaker designed for you to be sitting directly in front so that is where I did most of my testing. It’s perfect for desktop listening, but the truth is told, it works well in bedrooms and other areas like kitchens with limited space. If I were looking for a living room speaker, I would definitely upgrade the size to a full-size bookshelf, but despite that, these are still way larger and more competent than I could have ever imagined.

My description of the sound is that it is punchy, tight, and controlled. No one area of the sound seeks to dominate the other, and there is a balanced and neutral tuning to them.

The highs have a good extension with crisp clarity but not to the point they become sibilant. They are brighter than what I would consider a laid-back speaker, but this is the most versatile tuning for people wishing to monitor audio tracks. That shine also allows them to present a larger-than-average soundstage and offer more space between high-frequency notes.

The midrange is clear and displays great detail, but its neutrality sometimes can make certain songs sound a bit dry. Again, this is a technical tuning, so they aren’t trying to add flavor to the sound instead of presenting it as accurately as possible. This makes them great at the mids for editing and other tasks, but more warmth is better for pure listening. Therefore, it depends on whether you want an accurate speaker like this or one with coloration and warmth added.

The lows are, of course, going to be limited by the size of the drivers, but for their size, they bang. The bass is impactful, tight, and controlled, with admirable detail and texture in the mid-bass. I can easily listen to these near EDM and Rap without being bothered by the lack of a subwoofer. I like that they didn’t try to bloat the bass beyond the driver's capability. A lot of companies mess that up and push a speaker far beyond its capabilities. it is always better to provide good quality bass instead of mangled and bloated flabby bass just because. That way, the user can decide at a later stage to add an external subwoofer to improve low-end quantity while retaining the mid-bass qualities of the speaker. I always chase the sound of the speaker first and add a sub later. Usually, that approach will sound better than pushing smaller drivers to the point of overdrive and congestion.

On the Audioengine A2+ wireless, there is minimal distortion until you reach 85% of the speaker’s maximum volume. That’s the area where most speakers start to degrade the sound quality, and it’s no different here. The difference here is that you sit so close to these speakers that I can’t think of a suitable time to listen to them anywhere near that volume because the A2+ gets extremely loud for their size. I found myself always listening at 50% or below the max volume in my office and if you keep them in the sweet spot, they are remarkably free from distortion.

Final Verdict

I think you struggle to find a better desktop speaker at this price. The Audioengine A2+ hit all the right marks with good looks, great build, and a wonderfully neutral sound. The detail retrieval differs from Logitech and Sony monitors but also holds up well against the big brother, the A5. The bass is light in quantity, but the detail and texture are excellent.

It is an excellent little near-field speaker that delivers in spade, especially for people serious about audio. It can be used in living rooms and apartments that are tight on space, and with having three color options to choose from, you can find one that matches your personal taste.

Right now for the money, size and style they are in our top 3 most recommend so buy without hesitation.

More info on the AudioEngine Website.

In today's digital world, where streaming platforms reign supreme and music is often consumed in bite-sized, algorithm-driven playlists, the resurgence of vinyl records seems like a beautiful paradox.

Vinyl is popular again and there are a lot of reasons why. Amidst a technological whirlwind, vinyl has staged an unexpected yet glorious comeback, resonating with both nostalgic older audiences and curious millennials. As the vinyl sales chart climbs upward, one can't help but wonder: What's fueling this move at the same time we are living in an overwhelmingly digital age? This article delves deep into the allure of vinyl, revealing the intricate reasons behind its revival and why it will never really die despite being an outdated and inefficient standard.

 

 

The Golden Age of Vinyl: A Quick Flashback

Before diving into the 'why'’ let's quickly revisit the 'when'’ From the 1950s through the late 70s, vinyl was the medium for music consumption. The tactile experience of holding an album, the distinct sound quality, and the interactive aspect of flipping the record were integral to the music-listening experience. However, with the advent of cassette tapes, CDs, and eventually MP3s and streaming, vinyl was relegated to collectors' shelves, seemingly outpaced by the convenience of newer technologies.

It was too big and too cumbersome; the convenience of carrying your music in a cassette was so much simpler and required less bulky equipment. Then, if you already had the cassette, why would you spend twice to own the vinyl?

The Tangible Magic in an Intangible World

In an era of instant gratification and digital downloads, the appealing nature of vinyl stands out.

One of the most cited reasons for vinyl's resurgence is the human desire for something tangible. While platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal provide unprecedented access to millions of songs, they often lack a sense of personal ownership. I remember being excited to tell people, “I got the new xx album.” Friends were excited to borrow it; I could trade it, I could loan it. Streaming apps killed that connection to ownership of your music and while I believe its great to have every song at your fingertips nowadays, I also find it harder to invest in an artists ’s catalogue.

With vinyl, music lovers can feel their collection. Sitting back with your favorite audiophile speakers, you form a connection; each record becomes a cherished artifact, a testament to one's unique taste and musical journey. As the digital realm fills with intangible assets, vinyl satisfies the human yearning for something concrete.

Moreover, purchasing a vinyl record is an experience in itself. Visiting a record store, browsing through stacks, interacting with fellow enthusiasts, and finally discovering that coveted album offers deep satisfaction. Conversely, clicking a download button on a digital platform feels sterile and impersonal.

The Sound Debate: Analog Warmth vs. Digital Precision

Sound quality is subjective, but many audiophiles and music enthusiasts argue that vinyl offers an unparalleled listening experience. Combine it with audiophile speakers and decide whether you want your amplifier to be solid state or tube style then your can really dial in the tuning.

Records speak of the "warmth" of analog sound, a depth, and richness often lost in the compressed formats of digital files. This analog warmth is not about sonic perfection; it's about character. The occasional crackles and pops in vinyl playback aren't seen as imperfections but as elements that infuse the music with a raw, organic touch. A perfect imperfection if you will.

For me I always remember listening to Genisis Foxtrot, a wild album that causes you to ponder. I'd sat there and listened over and over, and when the music finished and the record kept spinning, my mind would wander with all manner of thoughts as the crackles that signaled the end of a session played away in the background.

In the digital realm, music is often stripped of these natural imperfections. The result is a pristine sound, but some argue it lacks the soul and warmth of its analog counterpart. As a result, in the battle of analog vs. digital, vinyl emerges as the format that offers a more "human" connection to the music.

A Canvas for Art and Expression

Digital music, for all its convenience, has inadvertently shrunk the canvas for album artwork. Once a critical component of an artist's expression, album covers in the digital age have been reduced to thumbnail-sized images on our screens. Vinyl records, on the other hand, offer artists a 12x12 canvas to captivate their audience visually. Owning a vinyl album is akin to owning a piece of art. The large cover showcases the artistry in greater detail and often includes liner notes, lyrics, and other tidbits that deepen the connection between the artist and the listener.

While vinyl's tactile nature and sonic properties are pivotal in its resurgence, nostalgia is a powerful catalyst. For older generations, vinyl invokes a sense of deja vu, transporting them back to days of youth, rebellion, discovery, and pure musical immersion. Vinyl records encapsulate moments in time, acting as soundtracks to memories etched in the grooves of the record as much as in the mind.

For many people including myself we decorate our houses with iconic album artwork that meant something to us. Pink Floyds iconic prism, Leftfields samurai, The Clash’s guitar smash, the nirvana baby, Velvet Underground banana, the Ramones portrait, Madvillians mask, Bruce Springsteens ass, Bjorks geisha, Tribe Called Quests body art, The Beastie Boys tail fin, Grace Jones was smoking and of course Spinal Taps legendary black glove. These all meant something, they were topics of conversation, artpieces, t-shirts and hoodies. But now, I couldn’t even tell you a memorable piece of album art in the past 10 years because, in the digital world, I just don’t care. Siri…. just play my damn music.

This nostalgic allure isn't lost on younger generations either. Although born in the digital age, Millennials and Gen Z exhibit a profound curiosity for the authentic experiences of yesteryears. Whether it's vintage fashion, film cameras, or vinyl records, there's a palpable yearning to connect with a past they didn't directly experience. This 'retro' fascination bridges generational gaps as parents and grandparents share tales and tunes from their vinyl collections.

Curation Over Algorithms: The Personal Touch

Digital streaming platforms, with their algorithms, do an efficient job of suggesting songs based on listening habits. Honestly I find so many good songs, less so artists that I “get into”. The over-reliance on algorithms often results in a homogenized music experience. There's a stark difference between a playlist generated by an algorithm, a mixtape curated by a friend, or a vinyl album crafted meticulously by an artist.

I always remember shopping in the airport with my parents for an album to take on a 2-week holiday to the USA. I was at HMV (a large UK record store at the time). I was given enough money to buy two new mini discs. I wanted something from an artist I didn’t know and settled on Black Flag Damaged and Lit. I had no idea what I was getting; I hated them both at first, but it was all I had to listen to for two weeks; by the end, I was a fan. Still in life today I ground myself listening to spoken word by Henry Rollins because of that experience. In the modern day, I would have played that first Black Flag song, wondered what the hell I just heard, and moved on, never to make one of the most important musical connections of my life.

Vinyl, CD’s, and cassettes encourage a more intentional and discerning approach to music. Selecting a record, placing it on the turntable, and attending to it side by side brings a mindful quality to music consumption. It's a refreshing departure from the shuffle-play culture, where songs often fade into the background. Every track is a deliberate choice with vinyl, fostering a deeper connection with the music.

A Community Revived: The Social Fabric of Vinyl

The resurgence of vinyl has brought with it the revitalization of record stores – hubs of social interaction and shared passions. These spaces are not just commercial outlets; they're community centers for music lovers. Conversations spark over album recommendations, shared interests, and upcoming releases. Record store day events, vinyl listening sessions, and swap meet further amplify this communal spirit.

The digital age, while fostering global connections, has often been criticized for diluting interpersonal interactions. The vinyl community offers a counter-narrative. Here, face-to-face interactions, offline meetups, and tangible exchanges dominate, making it a sanctuary for genuine human connections in a predominantly digital world.

When using Vinyl, we care for our equipment; we see the effort it takes to clean and maintain our turntables and records. It’s a more engaging experience. One that creates a connection between ourselves, others and our music.

A Sustainable Alternative: Environmental Concerns

In an age where sustainability and eco-friendliness are paramount, vinyl presents an interesting case. Unlike streaming, which requires energy-intensive data centers, or CDs that involve plastic, vinyl records, though not perfect, offer a relatively long-lasting physical format for music.

A well-maintained record can last for decades. Moreover, the resurgence has also seen eco-friendly practices being adopted, such as using recycled vinyl or sustainable packaging. A record player, when well maintained, will, in theory, last the rest of your life. Your phone lasts a few years at best, and although it serves a multi-faceted use, you lose the connection of having to listen to that device; everyone from a certain generation remembers their first mp3 player, cassette, or record player. Even though our phones do much for us, we see them as devices that serve a function as opposed to an expression of who we are.

While the revival of vinyl has been significant, it doesn't signify a total rejection of digital music. The two can coexist harmoniously. For the urban commuter or gym enthusiast, the convenience of digital streaming is unparalleled. But when the evening winds down, and there's a moment to breathe, the ritualistic engagement of vinyl takes precedence.

Even when we think about going through the motions, selecting, loading, and playing our music with vinyl, it is much more engaging than the digital format will ever be.

Modern turntables have also evolved to bridge this gap. Many now come equipped with USB ports, allowing users to digitize their vinyl collection, marrying the warmth of analog sound with digital portability.

Supporting Artists in Tangible Ways

The digital age has undeniably democratized music, giving indie artists platforms to reach global audiences. However, the financial model of streaming services often leaves artists under-compensated. Buying vinyl is a direct way to support artists. It's a tangible investment in their craft, often offering them a more substantial financial return than countless digital plays.

Setting the Tone for Future Music Consumption

The resurgence of vinyl in the digital age underscores a profound statement: Music consumption isn't solely about convenience. It's about experience, connection, and authenticity. As technology continues to evolve, this revival serves as a reminder for innovators to consider the holistic experience, not just the efficiency of consumption.

Conclusion

The comeback of vinyl in an era dominated by digital bytes is a testament to the timeless charm of tactile experiences and authentic sound. It's not about pitting the past against the future but blending the two to create a rich tapestry of musical engagement. While it's uncertain what the future holds for vinyl in a world that's rapidly digitizing, its resurgence stands as a poignant reminder: No matter how advanced technology becomes, there will always be a space for experiences that touch the soul, invoke nostalgia, and foster genuine connections.

The vinyl renaissance isn't merely a fleeting trend; it reflects humanity's inherent desire for authenticity amidst a sea of algorithms. As we forge ahead, may we always cherish the crackles of the past, even as we embrace the symphonies of the future.