20 Years of Audioengine
For two decades, Audioengine has been dedicated to building high-quality audio products that bring music to life. We design premium audio systems that combine industry-leading technology with simplicity, so you can listen straight out of the box. Our systems are handcrafted and hand-tuned to deliver a unique, authentic listening experience. Our goal has always been to inspire you to listen to music every day.
The History Of Audioengine
From our very first product to today’s lineup, we have stayed true to what matters most. Uncompromising sound quality, bold design, and a commitment to making every listening session something special. As we celebrate 20 years, we are looking ahead to the next chapter, continuing to create audio systems that let you enjoy music the way it was meant to be heard.
2005: Founding of Audioengine and the Creation of the A5
In 2005, Audioengine was founded in Austin Texas by Brady and Dave, two audio industry veterans with backgrounds at companies like Harman, Apple, and Gibson. Frustrated by how complicated and expensive great sound had become, they set out to build something different. Their mission was simple: design powered Home Music Systems that deliver premium sound without the need for extra gear, software, or setup.
The first product, the original A5, launched in 2005. It was one of the earliest powered speaker systems designed for real-world listening at home. With clean aesthetics, built-in amplifiers, and multiple input options, the A5 let people plug in directly from a computer, iPod, or TV and get serious sound immediately. It quickly earned a reputation for offering audiophile-level performance in a compact, accessible form.
2006: A5 Makes some Noise
By 2006, the A5 was turning heads in the tech press. Macworld praised the speaker pair for delivering “solid sound from the devices it was designed for - computers, portable music players, and AV media centers”. In a separate comparison to Apple’s iPod Hi‑Fi, Macworld noted the A5 offered “impressive bass response and excellent stereo separation”. Audioholics went even further, describing it as “in a class all by itself,” and lauded the A5’s rich build quality, Kevlar woofers, and silk‑dome tweeters. These unanimous accolades made it clear that Audioengine had redefined what desktop audio could be.
2007: Setting the Standard for Desktop Audio
Following the success of the A5, Audioengine introduced the A2 in 2007 to meet the demand for a more compact Home Music System built specifically for desktop setups. The A2 kept the same focus on sound quality and simplicity but scaled everything down for close-range listening. It offered high-end components, custom-built woofers and tweeters, and hand-finished cabinets, all in a size that fit cleanly beside a monitor or laptop.
Despite its smaller footprint, the A2 didn’t hold back. It quickly became a favorite among musicians, creatives, and anyone who needed a serious upgrade from plastic computer speakers. The A2 set a new standard for desktop audio and helped solidify Audioengine’s reputation as a company that builds gear for real listeners.
2007: Redefining Compact Sound
Following its release in 2007, the Audioengine A2 quickly earned a reputation for delivering serious sound in a compact form. EnjoyTheMusic.com noted it “should produce many hours of musical pleasures without the pitfalls of sounding like the typical mini monitor.” After extended listening, Macenstein concluded, “I can wholeheartedly recommend them for audiophiles who desire a great powered loudspeaker in a small package.” Reviewers agreed that the A2 offered a rare combination of size, quality, and value.
2009: Expanding the Sound Stage
In 2009, Audioengine launched the S8 Powered Subwoofer, marking the company’s first step into low-frequency reinforcement. Designed to complement the A2 and A5 Home Music Systems, the S8 delivered tight, punchy bass without overwhelming the rest of the mix. It gave listeners a way to expand their setup into a full-range system while keeping the signature Audioengine clarity intact.
Adding the S8 meant Audioengine was no longer just about high-performance stereo pairs. It opened the door for users to build a more complete sound stage. One that captured everything from deep cinematic rumbles to the subtle resonance of a double bass. The S8 helped define Audioengine’s commitment to modular, flexible systems that adapt to how people actually listen.
Audioengine in the Wild
Over the years, Audioengine has shown up in more than just listening rooms. From national TV spots to branded ad campaigns, our gear has made its way into living rooms, studios, and even the occasional commercial set. These appearances helped solidify our reputation—not just among audiophiles, but among everyday listeners who saw and heard the difference. Each feature pushed our mission further, proving that high-quality sound belongs everywhere. Apple Shazam Ad - 2010
2011: Big DAC Energy - Expanding for a more digital world
By 2011, streaming and computer-based listening had become the norm, but most built-in headphone jacks and soundcards couldn’t deliver the kind of detail Audioengine listeners expected. The D1 Premium 24-bit DAC and Headphone Amplifier was created to fix that. It was Audioengine’s first step into digital gear, designed to bypass noisy onboard audio and deliver cleaner, more powerful sound straight from a computer via USB or optical input.
Compact enough to sit on any desk but powerful enough to drive high-impedance headphones, the D1 brought out the depth and clarity hidden in digital files. It also made hi-fi audio more approachable for people who had never used an external DAC before. The D1 became a go-to upgrade for listeners looking to get more out of their music without overcomplicating their setup.
2014: Wireless Without Compromise
As more listeners shifted to wireless streaming, most Bluetooth audio solutions fell short on quality. In 2014, Audioengine launched the B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver to change that. Built around a high-performance DAC and aptX support, the B1 let people stream from their phones, tablets, or computers without sacrificing detail or clarity.
It wasn’t just about convenience. The B1 delivered full-range sound and a stable connection with an industry-leading range of up to 100 feet. It allowed any music setup with RCA inputs to become a high-fidelity wireless system. For listeners who wanted modern streaming without trading away their analog gear, the B1 became the perfect bridge.
2014: B1 Breaks Bluetooth Boundaries for Hi‑Fi
As wireless streaming became standard, most Bluetooth adapters underdelivered on quality. Audioengine answered that challenge with the B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver, designed to elevate analog systems with modern streaming capabilities.
Reviewers praised its performance. PCMag called it “a simple way to stream high‑quality wireless audio through your home”
“Wireless audio has improved by leaps and bounds in the short space of a few years, and the Audioengine B1 Premium Bluetooth Music Receiver is possibly my favorite device to come out of this high‑fidelity revolution thus far”
The B1 proved that streaming convenience no longer meant sacrificing sound. It bridged analog traditions and digital ease without compromise.
2015: Launch of the HD6 and the All-in-One Home Music System
Ten years after the original A5, Audioengine introduced the HD6. It was more than a new product, it was a statement. The HD6 was the first true all-in-one Home Music System from Audioengine, combining analog warmth, built-in Bluetooth with aptX, a 24-bit DAC, and a traditional stereo amplifier, all housed in hand-built wood cabinets.
Designed to be the centerpiece of a living room or dedicated listening space, the HD6 offered serious power and versatility straight out of the box. Listeners could stream wirelessly, connect a turntable, or plug in digitally without needing any additional components. This wasn’t just an upgrade in sound; it was a new chapter in how Audioengine delivered convenience, performance, and design in one package.
The HD6 redefined what a compact stereo system could be, setting the tone for the entire HD Series that followed.
2024: Color of The Year
In 2024, Audioengine introduced Matte Blue as our first official Color of the Year. It marked the beginning of a new tradition; bringing limited-edition finishes to our lineup that reflect the same boldness found in our sound. The response was immediate, with Matte Blue becoming one of our most requested finishes to date.
2025: The Next Generation
The A2+ Next Gen debuted with noteworthy upgrades like 24-bit audio, USB-C, and aptX-HD and a popular new finish, our Matte Green as the limited edition Color of the Year.
Introducing the A2+ Next Gen - Anniversary Edition
Audioengine has always been about breaking barriers and setting trends. We plan to take it to the next level and break a different kind of sound barrier.
