A Budget Music System
Audioengine today released their newest and most affordable wireless speakers, model A1 for $199 a pair. The Audioengine A1 is a two speaker system offering versatile, high-quality stereo sound for the budget-conscious music lover. It includes wired or wireless connections to seamlessly stream from any device via Bluetooth (supports aptX, AAC, SBC codes), or directly connected via 3.5mm headphone input. There’s even a subwoofer output to add-on later.
Constructed with similar custom components found in Audioengine’s A2+ Speakers, which costs $70 more and come in more colors, the A1 boasts aramid fiber woofers, silk tweeters, and built-in Class D power amps wrapped in precision tuned, hand-crafted cabinets. Comparing their specifications, the two speakers could sound very similar since the main difference is in their internal amplifiers.
The bass was teased from the A1 with some clever acoustic and electrical design without using any digital signal processing or fake bass boost circuits. For the price, no audio system on the market performs better in terms of soundstage, low end, and clarity as the A1.
Source: Audioengine
Comparison
A1 | A2+ | |
Amplifier Type | Dual class D | Dual class AB monolithic |
Power output | 60W peak power total (15W RMS / 30W peak per channel), AES | 60W peak power total (15W RMS / 30W peak per channel), AES |
Drivers | 2.75″ aramid fiber woofers, 3/4” silk dome tweeters | 2.75″ aramid fiber woofers, 3/4” silk dome tweeters |
Inputs | 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, Bluetooth | 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, Bluetooth, RCA, USB |
Outputs | LFE Variable line-out for subwoofer | RCA variable line-out |
Input voltages | 100-240V 50/60Hz auto-switching | 100-240V 50/60Hz auto-switching |
SNR | >95dB (typical A-weighted) | >95dB (typical A-weighted) |
Freq. response | 65Hz-22kHz ±2.0dB | 65Hz-22kHz ±2.0dB |
Dimensions | 6”(H) x 4”(W) x 5.25”(D) | 6”(H) x 4”(W) x 5.25”(D) |
The Audioengine A1 wireless speakers (aka A1 Home Music System) seem ideal for desktop use. The company recommends both speakers should be placed 4 to 6 feet apart at eye level.
The A1 was designed with the goal of exceeding expectations of both value and performance. These compact speakers really pack a punch, making them a go-to system for tabletop setups and smaller-room audio at an incredibly affordable price.
Source: Audioengine
Price & Availability
The Audioengine A1 wireless stereo speakers are available now for $199/pair in grey. They can be purchased from Amazon.com, AudioAdvice.com, Crutchfield.com, or direct from audioengineusa.com.