Audioengine has introduced a $269 desktop integrated amplifier that can output 52 watts/channel (4 ohms) and also drive your headphones. Not a bad deal if the sonic performance is there.
Audioengine has thrived offering affordable passive and Bluetooth loudspeakers over the past decade and more than a few of us here own a pair of the A2+ or A5+ Bluetooth loudspeakers; they offer great performance for the money and work extremely well in smaller rooms or home offices.
The desktop took on new significance during the pandemic with tens of millions of office workers forced to transition to the home office; many of us were lucky enough to be able to work remotely even after COVID restrictions ended and made the decision to invest in DAC/Headphone amplifiers that could fit underneath our desktop computers or share space with laptops.
What’s New?
Audioengine’s new N22 Mini Desktop Audio Amplifier and Headphone Amp is designed to improve the sound of passive desktop speakers or headphones. It replaces the original N22 from 2010; swapping in a new Class D amplifier (TDA7492) and headphone amp (OPA1602). Plus it adds Bluetooth aptX, a USB Type-C input, and an internal power supply (instead of using an external one).
Unlike before, the new N22 now features three input options including Bluetooth, RCA Line Level, and USB Type-C. Connect a pair of passive speakers, a subwoofer, or a computer to create your personal Hi-Fi music experience.
The new input options also make the N22 compatible with smartphones, DAPs, computers, TVs, and more. The built-in headphone amplifier was engineered to drive a wide range of headphones to refine your personal listening experience.
Specifications
- Power Output:
- Speakers: 2x52W @ 4 Ohm
- Headphones: 2.8 Vrms
- RCA: 1.5 Vrms
- Amplifier Type: Class D TDA7492
- Input Voltages: 100-240AC/50Hz
- Inputs: Bluetooth, USB, Analog
- Outputs: Speaker, Headphone, Line-out
- Speaker Outputs:
- SNR: 90dB @ input 1Khz 100mV
- THD+N: 0.055% @ input 1Khz 100mV
- Crosstalk: -52dB
- Frequency Response: 20-20KHz
- Input Impedance: 100 Ohm
- Input Sensitivity:
- Bluetooth: 0 dBfs
- MiniJack: 1 Vrms
- RCA: 1.3 Vrms
- Protection: Headphone Amplifier: OPA1602
- Dimensions: 7″ (H) x 2.75″ (W) x 5.5″ (D)
- Weight: 3.55 lbs (1.6kg)
- Shipping Weight: 5.0 lbs (4.6kg)
- Finish Options: Satin Black
The N22 is compact enough to fit any space. Measuring in at 7″(H) x 2.75″(W) x 5.5″(D) makes the N22 smaller than most iPads. With its simple volume control with an integrated on/off switch, anyone can use the N22.
Price & Availability
The new Audioengine N22 (2nd gen) is available now for $269 at audioengine.com.
Full review coming soon!
Related reading: HiFiMAN’s EF600 DAC/Amplifier Utilizes A New R2R DAC
IOANNIS CHARATSIDIS
September 20, 2023 at 8:55 am
If it breaks will they be able to repair it? Because for the Audioengine HD3 loudspeakers for example there are no spare parts…