We take great pride in our products, and go through great lengths to ensure consistency and quality. For that reason, this item was randomly selected for an additional step of Quality Assurance.

                                          Applicable to our A2+, HD3, HD4, A5+, A5+Wireless, and HD6 speakers.

1. Determine if the distortion is due to your source by disconnecting all source devices from the speakers.
2. Please make sure all of your connector cables are in working order. Try different cables as well as a different source device.
3. Please try using each input available (mini-jack, RCA, USB, as well as Bluetooth), one at a time, to see how the speakers react. If the distortion is unique to one speaker, when testing via RCA switch the RCA jacks (red to white and white to red) to see if the issue remains in the same channel.
4. Make sure it is not a power issue by trying a power outlet that is on a different circuit.

                                                           Applicable to our HD3 and HD4 speakers

1. On your source device (phone, tablet, laptop, etc), turn on Bluetooth and go to Bluetooth preferences.
2. Select "Audioengine HD3 (or HD4)" to pair and connect.  The Pair indicator on the front panel should be solid. Play your music and adjust the volume levels on the speakers and your device.

                             Applicable to our A1, A2+Wireless, B2, A5+Wireless, and HD6 speaker models

1. On your source device (phone, tablet, laptop, etc), turn on Bluetooth and go to Bluetooth preferences.
2. Select "Audioengine (your speaker model)" from the list of available devices to pair and connect.  The Pair indicator on the back panel should now be solid. Play your music and adjust the volume levels on the speakers and your device.

1. Determine if the distortion is due to your source by disconnecting all source devices from the speakers.
2. Please make sure all of your connector cables are in working order. Try different cables as well as a different source device.
3. Please try using the stereo mini input and Bluetooth (or WiFi in the case of the A1-MR), one at a time, to see how the speakers react.
4. Make sure it is not a power issue by trying a power outlet that is on a different circuit.

• Open the Alexa App on your smartphone or tablet (Apple link  |  Google Play Link)
• Tap the “Devices” icon and select the Echo/Alexa device you want to connect to speakers
• Select “Bluetooth Devices”
• Select “Pair New Device”
• Find your Audioengine wireless speaker on the list of available Bluetooth devices, and select it

• The P4s will have a white sticker located near the binding posts on the back of either speaker, which will have the serial number underneath the barcode.
• On products like the D1, B1, and D2, you can find the serial number on the bottom of the unit after "Serial Number".
• On the W3, the serial number can be found on the white sticker on the packaging on both the outer and inner box.
• The N22 serial number can be found on the silver sticker on the back of the amplifier.

• is fully tested.
• is refurbished with replacement parts for any defects identified in testing.
• is put through a thorough cleaning process and inspection.
• is repackaged (including appropriate manuals, cables, etc.).
• is placed into a Final QA inspection prior to being added to sellable refurbished stock.

Table of Contents 

• Introduction 
• Main Differences Between Audioengine A2+ and Edifier R1280DBs 
• Key Specifications 
• Overall Design 
• Playback Capabilities 
• Other Noteworthy Features 
• Audioengine A2+ Exclusive Advantages 
• Edifier R1280DBs Overview 
• Pros and Cons
  • Audioengine A2+ 
  • Edifier R1280DBs 
• Conclusion  

Introduction 

In the realm of powered desktop speakers, the distinction between a good and an exceptional audio experience can be vast. The Audioengine A2+ and Edifier R1280DBs both offer quality sound and features, but a closer look reveals why the A2+ is the superior choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. 

Main Differences Between Edifier R1280DBs and Audioengine A2+

The Audioengine A2+ sets itself apart through its premium build quality, superior sound performance, and versatile connectivity options. Emphasizing a richer audio experience and modern aesthetics. While the Edifier R1280DBs aim for affordability and functionality, they do not offer the same level of premium materials or sound quality. 

Key Specifications 

• Audioengine A2+: 

• Amplifier Type: Class AB 
• Power Output: 60-Watt Peak Power Total 
• Connectivity: Bluetooth aptX, USB, Analog Inputs 
• Edifier R1280DBs: 

• Built-in Amplifier Power: Up to 42 Watts 
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, RCA Inputs 

Overall Design 

The Audioengine A2+ showcases its superior design with real-wood cabinets that are both hand-crafted and hand-painted, available in Satin Black, High Gloss White, High Gloss Red, and Matte Blue. This attention to detail sets them apart from the Edifier R1280DBs, which, despite having real wood cabinets, do not offer the same level of craftsmanship, lacking the hand-crafted and painted qualities that pushes the A2+ to a higher standard of design excellence. 

Playback Capabilities 

The Audioengine A2+ stands out with its 60 watts of power, supported by a Class AB amplifier and Bluetooth aptX, for a superior sound experience. In contrast, the Edifier R1280DBs, although featuring Bluetooth 5.0, are limited to a 42-watt output, which does not allow for the same level of volume or audio clarity, emphasizing the A2+'s enhanced sound capabilities. 

Other Noteworthy Features 

Audioengine enhances customer confidence with US-based customer phone support, a 30-day audition period, and a 3-year warranty, highlighting its commitment to product excellence. Conversely, Edifier offers essential support with a 30-day return policy and a 2-year warranty.  

Audioengine A2+ Exclusive Advantages 

• Superior Sound Quality: With its built-in DAC and AB Amplifier, the A2+ allows you to hear your favorite songs the way the artist intended. 
• Premium Design: The hand-crafted and hand-painted wood cabinets not only provide superior acoustics but also add a touch of elegance to your space. 
• Versatile Connectivity: The A2+ supports a wide range of devices through Bluetooth aptX, USB, and analog inputs, ensuring compatibility with any setup. 
• Exceptional Customer Support: Audioengine's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their responsive US-based customer phone support and comprehensive 3-year warranty. 

Edifier R1280DBs Overview 

While the Edifier R1280DBs are a solid choice for those on a budget, offering Bluetooth connectivity and a practical design, they lack the A2+'s premium finish, signature Audioengine sound quality, and industry leading customer support. 

Pros and Cons 

Audioengine A2+ 

• Pros: Exceptional sound quality; elegant, hand-crafted design; versatile connectivity; superior customer support. 
• Cons: Higher price but justified by the superior sound quality and craftsmanship. 

Edifier R1280DBs 

• Pros: Affordable, good for basic needs, and includes remote control. 
• Cons: Sound and build quality cannot match the A2+; limited support. 

Conclusion 

While both the Audioengine A2+ and Edifier R1280DB offer quality sound and features, a closer look revealed that the Audioengine A2+ is the superior choice for both audiophiles and casual listeners. Through the hand-crafted and hand-painted cabinets and superior sound quality, the A2+ proves to be the best choice.  

Kanto YU2 vs Audioengine A2+: Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Main Differences Between Kanto YU2 and Audioengine A2+
• Key Specifications
• Overall Design
• Playback Capabilities
• Kanto YU2 Overview
• Audioengine A2+ Exclusive Advantages
• Customer Service and Warranty
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Introduction

In the competitive world of desktop audio systems, the difference between an average and exceptional experience is marked by details that go beyond mere volume. The Audioengine A2+ and Kanto YU2 both strive to dominate this niche, but the A2+ stands out significantly in both performance and design.

Main Differences Between Audioengine A2+ and Kanto YU2

• The Audioengine A2+ excels with its Class AB amplifier, known for superior sound quality, over the Kanto YU2’s Class D amplifier.
• The YU2 does not support Bluetooth. The A2+ supports Bluetooth with Qualcomm's advanced aptX codec offering clearer, more versatile connectivity than the wired capabilities of the YU2.
• With discrete analog crossovers, the A2+ ensures a more refined audio separation compared to the YU2's digital approach.
• Front-ported speakers, like the Audioengine A2+, offer greater flexibility in placement and better bass response in confined spaces compared to rear-ported designs, like the Kanto YU2, which require more room to avoid bass buildup and distortion.

Key Specifications

Audioengine A2+:

• Amplifier Type: Class AB Analog
• Power Output: 60W Peak Power Total (30W Peak per Channel)
• Inputs: 3.5mm Stereo Mini-Jack, RCA, USB, Bluetooth aptX

Kanto YU2:

• Amplifier Type: Class D
• Power Output: 100W Peak Power (50 Watts Total RMS)
• Inputs: 3.5mm Mini-Jack AUX, USB, NO RCA INPUT

Overall Design

Audioengine A2+ not only prioritizes acoustic quality but also highlights detailed attention to design. Each speaker is hand-crafted from real wood and hand-painted using the same 13-step process as a baby grand piano. This not only enhances the aesthetic of any setup but also improves audio performance by reducing unwanted resonances, providing a warmer and more natural sound compared to materials like plastic or metal. This level of craftsmanship is not seen in the Kanto YU2, which opts for a more simplistic approach, lacking the A2+'s hand-painted and handcrafted real wood finish.

Playback Capabilities

The A2+ leverages its powerful Class AB amplifier to deliver an expansive and detailed sound, making it ideal for diverse audio settings from quiet background music to party-level sound without distortion. In contrast, the Kanto YU2, although capable within smaller spaces, struggles to maintain clarity at higher volumes due to its Class D amplifier configuration, highlighting the A2+ as the more versatile and superior-sounding option.

Kanto YU2 Overview

The Kanto YU2, while a competent competitor in the budget speaker market, is designed with basic functionality in mind. It offers a basic digital audio connection via USB and a minimal physical footprint, making it suitable for desktop environments where space is at a premium. However, it lacks the robust feature set and acoustic fidelity that define the A2+, positioning it as a more entry-level option.

Audioengine A2+ Exclusive Advantages

Beyond delivering exceptional sound quality, the A2+ excels with user-friendly features such as extended-range wireless Bluetooth aptX and multiple input options, ensuring seamless connectivity across devices. This simplicity extends to the speaker's operation, where inputs are always ready to accept signals without the need to toggle between sources manually, making the A2+ both powerful and incredibly convenient for daily use.

Customer Service and Warranty

Audioengine is dedicated to exceptional customer service and reliability, offering a comprehensive 3-year warranty on all products, which far surpasses the industry standard. This commitment is highlighted by the unique 30-day audition period, allowing customers to experience the quality of the A2+ in their own space. Moreover, Audioengine prides itself on US-based customer phone support where clients can speak directly to knowledgeable staff who work collaboratively to resolve any issues. This contrasts with Kanto's offering, which includes only a 2-year warranty, reflecting a lesser commitment to customer assurance and product longevity.

Pros and Cons

Audioengine A2+:

Pros: Exceptional sound quality due to class AB amplifier and integrated DAC; handcrafted, hand-painted real wood design; versatile connectivity; superior customer support.

Cons: Fewer color options and slightly taller design.

Kanto YU2:

Pros: Suitable for limited-space setups and seven color options

Cons: Compromised sound quality at higher volumes, less detailed design, and compressed customer service.

Conclusion

Comparing the Audioengine A2+ and Kanto YU2 reveals a clear disparity in quality and value. The A2+ not only outperforms the YU2 in terms of sound and design but also in its comprehensive feature set and customer-centric offerings. For those seeking a superior desktop audio experience, the A2+ proves an unbeatable choice. Cementing A2+'s position as the preferred system for both audiophiles and casual users seeking premium sound on their desktop.

Audioengine's A2+ Wireless Desktop Speakers have clinched the title of Best Desktop Speaker of 2024, as declared by New York Magazine. This recognition shines a spotlight on the A2+'s superior sound quality, wrapped in the sleek, new matte blue finish.

Read the full review

In an era where desktop speakers often compromise on quality for design, Audioengine stands out by merging both without sacrifice. The A2+ is not just another speaker—it's a statement of high-fidelity audio meeting bold, innovative design.

Jennifer Conrad from New York Magazine remarked on the A2+'s impressive capabilities, noting,

"The speakers easily filled my office with music at a low volume and could be turned up loud enough to fill most of my apartment."

This is what Audioengine aims for: robust, clear sound that can command any room, regardless of volume levels.

Since its inception in 2005, Audioengine has been at the forefront of creating home music systems that redefine the listening experience.

The A2+ Wireless Desktop Speakers embody this mission, offering Bluetooth connectivity and an intuitive setup that appeals to audiophiles and casual listeners alike, and that is what makes them the best desktop speakers of 2024. The addition of the matte blue model to the A2+ lineup showcases Audioengine's commitment to providing options that cater to the individual style of our users.

This accolade from New York Magazine is a testament to Audioengine's legacy of innovation and quality in the audio industry. It celebrates not just the superior sound of the A2+, but also the company's ongoing commitment to enhancing the way music is experienced in personal and professional spaces.

For those in pursuit of desktop speakers that refuse to compromise on sound or style, the Audioengine A2+ Wireless Desktop Speakers, especially in the new matte blue variant, offer an unrivaled audio experience that stands out in 2024's competitive landscape.

Audioengine operates two websites, audioengine.com and audioengineeu.com. If you go to any other site but these, they are not an Audioengine site. For Canada, Mexico and most of Europe and the UK, we only sell through Amazon. There are also a host of authorized retailers and sites across the US, and they can be found here. For international sales, we have distributors that operate independently, and they can be found here. 

What happens if I buy from an authorized site claiming to be Audioengine? Unfortunately, there is not much we can do. We are taking all the action we can to make sure those sites don't get indexed, but we recommend you work with the provider of the card you used to make payment to get your money back.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Terminal:
   • You can find Terminal in your Applications folder under Utilities, or you can use Spotlight by pressing Cmd + Space and typing "Terminal".
2. Execute the Command:
   • In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

bash

Copy code

sudo pkill bluetoothd

3. Enter Your Password:
   • After pressing Enter, you will be prompted to enter your password. Type your Mac's administrator password and press Enter.
   • Note that when you type your password, it won't be displayed on the screen (not even as asterisks). Just type it and press Enter.

By following these steps, you should be able to reset your Bluetooth service on your Mac, which can help resolve connectivity issues with your Audioengine devices or any other Bluetooth peripherals.

We take great pride in our products, and go through great lengths to ensure consistency and quality. For that reason, this item was randomly selected for an additional step of Quality Assurance.

                                          Applicable to our A2+, HD3, HD4, A5+, A5+Wireless, and HD6 speakers.

1. Determine if the distortion is due to your source by disconnecting all source devices from the speakers.
2. Please make sure all of your connector cables are in working order. Try different cables as well as a different source device.
3. Please try using each input available (mini-jack, RCA, USB, as well as Bluetooth), one at a time, to see how the speakers react. If the distortion is unique to one speaker, when testing via RCA switch the RCA jacks (red to white and white to red) to see if the issue remains in the same channel.
4. Make sure it is not a power issue by trying a power outlet that is on a different circuit.

Applicable to our A1, A1-MR, A2+, HD3, HD4, A5+, and HD6 speaker models

1. Check to make sure the speaker wire connecting the left and right speakers is connected according to proper polarity (Red to Gold, Black to Silver) on both ends.
2. Please make sure all of your connector cables are in working order. Try different cables as well as a different source device.
3. If you are using any other devices in line with these speakers, please temporarily remove them from your setup and connect the source directly to the speakers
4. Please try using each available input, one at a time, to see how the speakers react. When testing via RCA swap the RCA jacks (red to white and white to red) to see if the issue remains in the same channel.

• USB digital-to-analog converter (DAC)
• Variable audio output (connect a subwoofer or wirelessly send audio to other speakers with our optional W3 wireless adapter)
• Upgraded speaker connectors
• Upgraded power supply
• Upgraded accessory cables

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Main Differences Between Audioengine HD3 and Dayton Audio MK402BTX
• Key Specifications
• Key Features
• Overall Design
• Playback Capabilities
• Dayton Audio MK402BTX Overview
• Audioengine HD3 Exclusive Advantages
• Pros and Cons
  • Audioengine HD3
  • Dayton Audio MK402BTX
• Conclusion

Introduction

When choosing a Home Music System, the difference in quality and features between models can greatly influence the listening experience. The Audioengine HD3 offers premium sound quality and aesthetic design, while the Dayton Audio MK402BTX caters to those looking for functional simplicity. This comparison will detail how these models meet the needs of audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

Main Differences Between Audioengine HD3 and Dayton Audio MK402BTX

The Audioengine HD3 Home Music System is celebrated for its superior sound quality and compact, handcrafted design, featuring high-quality Bluetooth connectivity and versatile audio inputs. Conversely, the Dayton Audio MK402BTX focuses on basic functionality with its straightforward Bluetooth connectivity and lacks the refined audio clarity and design sophistication of the HD3.

Key Specifications

Audioengine HD3:

• Amplifier Type: Class AB (Analog)
• Power Output: 60 Watt Peak Power Total
• Connectivity: Bluetooth aptX HD, USB, Analog Inputs

Dayton Audio MK402BTX:

• Woofer Type: 4" treated-paper woofer
• Power Output: 40 Watts Output
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2, Auxiliary Input

Key Features

The Audioengine HD3 showcases a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, including advanced Bluetooth aptX-HD technology, which supports high-fidelity wireless streaming. This feature ensures superior audio transmission quality, preserving the integrity of sound through wireless connections. In contrast, the Dayton Audio MK402BTX provides only basic Bluetooth functionality, lacking support for high-definition codecs like aptX-HD. This limitation means that the MK402BTX may not deliver the same level of audio clarity and detail that HD3 users enjoy, specifically in wireless setups.

Overall Design

Audioengine's HD3 stands out with its use of handcrafted, hand-painted real wood cabinets, significantly enhancing both aesthetics and acoustic performance. This commitment to high-quality materials and craftsmanship underlines Audioengine's dedication to superior standards. Conversely, the Dayton Audio MK402BTX uses standard MDF cabinets, which, while functional, lack the craftsmanship and enhanced acoustic properties offered by the HD3’s real wood construction.

Playback Capabilities

Equipped with a Class AB amplifier, the Audioengine HD3 excels in delivering a rich, nuanced sound that maintains detail and depth across all volume levels. This sophisticated amplification not only enhances the audio fidelity but also ensures a dynamic range that preserves the subtleties of the music, making every listening session an immersive experience. On the other hand, the Dayton Audio MK402BTX, while equipped with a built-in amplifier, does not achieve the same level of sound quality. Its amplifier is less capable of handling complex audio tracks without losing clarity, especially at higher volumes, which results in a comparatively flat and less engaging audio experience.

Dayton Audio MK402BTX Overview

The Dayton Audio MK402BTX is engineered for straightforward audio delivery, prioritizing basic functionality and ease of use. This speaker system is ideal for users seeking straightforward sound output without additional features as it falls short of providing the nuanced listening experience that audiophiles seek. The MK402BTX's design focuses on general utility rather than audio excellence, making it adequate for casual listening but not for those who appreciate depth and detail in their audio experience, areas where the Audioengine HD3 excels significantly.

Audioengine HD3 Exclusive Advantages

• Superior handcrafted, hand-painted design with real wood cabinets
• Enhanced sound quality through Class AB amplification
• Advanced connectivity including Bluetooth aptX-HD for hi-res streaming
• Built-in headphone amp with a 24-bit DAC

Pros and Cons

Audioengine HD3:

• Pros: Superior audio quality; hand-crafted and hand-painted design; versatile connectivity; excellent customer support.
• Cons: Higher cost, but reflects the superior quality, customer service, and features offered such as the built-in headphone amp and superior DAC.

Dayton Audio MK402BTX:

• Pros: Cost-effective; straightforward functionality.
• Cons: Compromised audio quality due to basic amplifier capabilities; lacks advanced connectivity options; lacks craftsmanship in design.

Conclusion

For audiophiles and discerning listeners who value top-tier audio quality and design, the Audioengine HD3 is the clear choice. It provides a comprehensive audio solution with its superior craftsmanship and sound engineering. While the Dayton Audio MK402BTX offers a viable option for basic listening needs, it cannot match the HD3’s overall fidelity and aesthetic appeal.

Can Alexa Connect to Bluetooth Speakers?

Remember how in old science fiction movies a character could just talk out loud to a spaceship and it would do anything they commanded?

The idea of voice control technology has long been embedded in our expectations for the “future”, and even though most of those old science fiction movie-makers couldn’t imagine computers any further-advanced than those already available in 1979, they certainly hit the nail on the head with their forecast of voice control.  Nowadays, with the help of products like Amazon Echo (and its voice-controlled personal assistant ‘Alexa’), users can control aspects of their home just by verbalizing simple commands.  But even with the huge strides this technology has made in recent years, it’s impossible to get audiophile-quality sound from the speakers in an Amazon Echo product.  Audioengine can help with this, but before we dive into how, let’s talk a little more about the Amazon Echo.

Is your Amazon Echo killing your audio quality?

First, while Echo and Alexa do in fact go hand-in-hand, they are not the exact same thing.

Echo is a line of smart speakers manufactured by Amazon, and Alexa is an intelligent personal assistant software used to control Echo.  Users can speak aloud to give Alexa, and therefore Echo, verbal commands (always beginning with the wake word, ‘Alexa’) such as, “Alexa, play my favorite song,” or “Alexa, what’s on my calendar this Saturday?”  Alexa will respond accordingly, so long as the questions asked or commands given are within Alexa’s realm of capability. With tons of Echo-compatible add-on products on the market, there really isn’t a whole lot that falls outside of Alexa’s wheelhouse.

The most common commands Alexa handles are music-related: whether it’s calling up a Spotify playlist, turning up or down the volume, or finding a specific song you haven’t heard in years but are randomly thinking about and absolutely have to hear right this second!!  The accessibility is astounding, no doubt, but its main consequence is that you are forced to listen to all your music on Echo’s built-in speakers instead of your own beastly audio system.  This is not to say Amazon has ignored their sound quality altogether, but realistically there’s only so much a single speaker housing of that size can handle.  Suffice it to say, there are limitations.

Luckily, Amazon has implemented a crucial feature which expands its functionality to accommodate customers who want to be able to interact with Alexa and still enjoy listening to podcasts, music, and stock tips through exterior systems. That’s right, it’s quick and easy to connect your Echo to Bluetooth speakers:

• Open the Alexa App (Apple link  |  Google Play Link)
• Tap the “Devices” icon and select the Echo device you want to connect to speakers
• Select “Bluetooth Devices”
• Select “Pair New Device”
• Find your Audioengine Wireless speaker on the list of available Bluetooth devices

Bang, you’re done!

Now you can treat Alexa as if it were any other input device; you can still have whatever other devices you so choose connected to your Audioengine speakers, and since Alexa can control Echo’s volume with a simple, “Alexa turn down volume,” you can leave Audioengine’s volume knob exactly where you like it and adjust volume accordingly with Alexa.  If you have our S8 Powered Subwoofer connected wirelessly to your mains, this configuration will still work which means you’ll get full-spectrum high fidelity audio when listening to all your favorite songs, without sacrificing the unparalleled convenience provided by a product like Amazon Echo.  This will also work with our standalone B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver in the event you have a set of wired speakers you want to turn into wireless speakers.

Modern technology is really opening up doors... and windows... and exhaust fans... it’s basically blasting the roof off the whole place.

We are reaching the point where we can do just about anything we want with voice control technology, as long as we have all the right accouterments.  Products like Amazon Echo make life so easy it hurts... perhaps it hurts so good that you want to lie down and say, “Alexa, play ‘Hurts So Good’ by John Mellencamp.”  Don’t worry – we designed Audioengine Wireless speakers to do the rest.

Connecting Google Home to Bluetooth Speakers

Consumer electronics designers are, and have been, on a perpetual quest to give users the most streamlined experience imaginable.

At this point in time it seems like modern-day designers have exceeded the bounds of what most of us could have ever imagined in the first place.  Think about it, there is an app for literally everything; just by downloading a simple program onto your phone or tablet, your life can become easier.  Wearable technology, like Apple Watch, and smart speakers, like Google Home, tie all of your electronics together to make technology and user-friendliness a lifestyle rather than a rare luxury.  Today we are going to talk a little more about one of the leading products, what it does, and how Audioengine can take it one step further; that product is Google Home.

What Is Google Home?

Offically, this piece of technology is touted as a “Smart Speaker and Home Assistant.”

A smart speaker is one of those sleek futuristic speakers that sits on your friend’s kitchen counter, plays whatever music someone tells it to, and sometimes has a snarky robotic comeback to your sarcastic remarks.  There are a number of big brands making smart speakers (some of which we’ll discuss in other articles) and all of them have their pros and cons.  One “pro” to the Google Home is the “Home Assistant” part.  Google Home has an accompanying downloadable app that allows users to customize how the device interacts with and controls their home; lights, thermostats, coffee makers, and pretty much anything else can be controlled by Google Home and accessories.  Once you have all of your desired devices properly connected and configured, turning them on and off is just one voice command away... how much easier can life get?

When it comes to music, smart speakers make calling up the right tune an absolute breeze.  Google Home can control apps such as Spotify, YouTube, and iHeartRadio among others, so you can tell it to play just about any song in the world.  Google Home will even call up playlists you’ve saved within your music streaming apps, and you can tell the device to increase and decrease volume, pause, skip, and any other command you would typically give a media player.  There is just one drawback; while Google Home offers a few different sizes (featuring different speakers), the product’s focus is not audiophile-grade sound quality.  For that, we need to bring Audioengine into the mix.

How Can Audioengine Take Google Home Further?

You’re taking a step up in the world of consumer electronics and you’ve decided to purchase Google Home; you care about user-experience and you strive to stay ahead of the pop culture curve. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a quality listening experience.  As I always say, what good is having access to every song in the world if you’re just going to play them through an inadequate sound system?  That’s like sharpening a hunting knife so you can cut hot butter with it.

Luckily, the Google Home App (iTunes  |  Google Play) allows users to send audio to external Bluetooth speakers. Whether it’s the humble B2 Wireless Speaker, or a full-fledged pair of active Audioengine speakers such as the A5+ Wireless, Google Home is capable of transmitting your beloved music to your sonic system.  Bam!!--we just completed the full circle of user-friendliness and ear-friendliness.  It may sound complicated merely by description, but it’s actually extremely easy to configure, just follow the quick steps below:

• Download and open the Google Home App on your phone or tablet.
• Navigate to the “Devices” tab within the app
• Tap “Settings” in the devices submenu
• Scroll down to “Default Music Speaker” and tap “Pair Bluetooth Speaker”
• Select your Audioengine speaker – and you’re done!

Take control of your music.

Now you’re ready to shout voice commands all over the house and rock out while you make dinner, host a party, or do whatever it is you do.  You can even connect multiple sets of Audioengine wireless speakers for multi-room audio, by creating “groups” in the Google Home app (under that same “Devices” tab).

Isn’t it nice that designers have created all this awesome technology for us?  Now I’m just spit-balling, here, but -- what if one day someone will make some kind of like a smart speaker... except it lives in your brain and reads your mind.  Then you can just think about how good your favorite tunes will sound through a pair of Audioengine wireless speakers, and voila!

Experiencing static or buzzing in your home music system?

Whether you're using the renowned Audioengine A2+ or another high-end audio setup, understanding the root causes of these noises is essential for a pristine listening experience. This guide delves into common sources of disturbances and offers effective strategies to eradicate them. 

Why Are My Speakers Buzzing?

1. Static, Buzzing, and Ground Loops

Unwanted sounds in your audio setup, like static, buzzing, or humming, can stem from various sources. These include your computer's 3.5mm line out, RF interference, or the noise floor inherent in electronic devices. Ground loops are a frequent issue in systems where the audio source and speakers are on different power sources, such as separate power strips.

Solution:

To address ground loops, ensure all components of your audio system are connected to the same power strip or power source. This helps maintain a common ground and prevents ground loops. Using a ground loop isolator can also be effective in eliminating this issue.

2. Static from the 3.5mm Line Out

Static from the 3.5mm line out of a computer is a common issue. This often occurs due to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from other devices or poor quality cables.

Solution:

To reduce static, use high-quality shielded cables. Keeping cables away from power supplies and other electronic devices can also minimize interference. Alternatively, consider using an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to bypass the computer’s internal sound card, which is often a source of static.

3. RF Interference

Electronic devices in your home, such as routers, mobile phones, and even microwaves, can cause radio frequency interference (RFI), leading to that annoying buzz.

Solution:

To mitigate RF interference, position your audio setup away from other electronic devices. Using ferrite beads on cables can help suppress high-frequency noise. Additionally, ensuring your audio cables are of high quality and shielded can further reduce susceptibility to RF interference.

4. The Noise Floor

Every electronic device, including your home music system, has a baseline noise level known as the noise floor. When the system is amplified, this noise floor can become noticeable.

Solution:

To minimize the impact of the noise floor, keep your audio system’s volume at a reasonable level and adjust the gain settings appropriately. Ensuring your equipment is well-maintained and free from dust can also help, as dust can affect the performance of electronic components.

How Do I Fix My Speakers?

Eliminating buzzing noises and static involves a combination of savvy technical solutions and simple setup adjustments: 
 
Invest in Quality Cables: High-quality, shielded cables, especially for your 3.5mm line out, can significantly reduce electromagnetic interference. 
 
Strategic Placement of Equipment: Keep your speakers away from potential sources of RF interference, such as a cellphone.
 
Unified Power Sources: Connecting your audio source and system to the same power strip can help resolve ground loop issues. 

Regular Maintenance: Dust and debris can affect connections, leading to static. Keep your connectors and ports clean to maintain a clear signal path. 

 
External DAC for Enhanced Audio: Consider using an external Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). Digital to Analog converters work by converting digital audio files back into analog sound, to be heard the way the artist intended. DAC’s such as the Audioengine D1 feature 32-bit audio processing technology and are particularly effective in reducing the noise floor compared to devices with built-in sound cards.
 
Conclusion 
Static, buzzing, and grounding issues can disrupt your music enjoyment, but they don't have to be a permanent feature of your audio experience. With the right understanding and some adjustments, your home music system will deliver the high-quality sound you expect. Embrace the journey with Audioengine – where we combine state-of-the-art technology with user-friendly solutions to elevate your audio experience. 

6 Simple Wireless Speaker Shopping Tips

So you’ve decided to make the leap from wired to wireless music and might have made the mistake of Googling “Best Wireless Speakers.”

We here at Audioengine know how overwhelming this can be and we extend our deepest sympathies. But it’s time to put your concerns to rest as we’re here to give you some important buying tips… and yes, you may need these tips to make it through this with your sanity intact.

Before we start, let it be known we are not trying to sway you in any particular direction but we only want to make sure you’re aware of a few items that could go overlooked. And the majority of the following advice can be applied to pretty much any purchase you’re making in the audio world.

[Find out what speakers are best for you. Take the quiz]

Price point

As with anything, it is important to start by setting a budget for yourself and finding a product that aligns with this budget.

There are a ton of great wireless products out there, some of them are practically being given away, and others might cost your life savings. No matter your budget, one fact remains: a quality wireless speaker setup doesn’t HAVE to be expensive. Conversely, you often get what you pay for, so it is wise to be wary of a product whose price tag looks more like a shoe size if you catch my drift.

Features

Another important point that will assuredly be different for everyone is the inclusion of features.

If you’re looking for a simple wireless speaker with no options and no extra inputs, then don’t bother spending hours comparing products that are saturated with bells and whistles. If, on the other hand, you know you want the option to connect an analog device like a stereo or surround sound receiver, for instance, make this determination early and stick with it. There will always be an option to suit your exact needs so don’t feel pressured.

Reviews

Reviews are king in today’s world.

Everything from the usability of a product to the competence of a company’s customer service team can be scrutinized in an online review, and that’s why it’s obviously important to read as many reviews as you can find (and to also read between the lines with some of these). A responsible company addresses negative reactions and does not let any concern go unnoticed. Reviews not only tell us how customers react to a product but how a company reacts to its customers. And the way a company reacts to its customers can tell you whether you’re making a good or bad purchase.

Warranties and trials

This is always a fun one! If you’re having trouble deciding between two or more products because they have the same features and similar reviews, why not go with the one that offers a trial or a better warranty?

The wireless audio market is extremely competitive, and most companies are offering a brief trial period with no penalties or full-coverage or even an extended warranty period. The fact is, a company with a truly great product has nothing to fear and is confident in their product’s ability to satisfy anyone and everyone.

Portability and durability

Where are you going to be using these speakers? Are you going to sling wireless audio from the kitchen to the living room, or are you taking this setup down to the park for a picnic? Do you need the speakers to be battery powered? Waterproof?

I know, I know, asking way too many questions but you should be asking these questions too! Again, there will always be a product that suits your needs for portability — and often times, if the speakers are easily portable, they will also be durable to some extent. The caveat is that certain other aspects of the speakers will inevitably suffer. Sound quality, aux inputs, wireless range, etc.; these are all things that have the potential to “get the boot” the more portable or waterproof your speakers need to be.

Sound quality and wireless range

Obviously we want our wireless speakers to sound great and to not drop out or lose signal EVER.

The sound quality of the actual speaker itself is something you may need to derive from customer reviews, unless you have the option to actually hear the speaker before making a purchase. Apart from that, it’s best to read up on the company, what materials they are using, and what the speakers can be compared to, etc.

But when it comes to the sound quality of the actual WIRELESS itself, you’ll need to look out for a few things. Wi-fi or Bluetooth and other fun terms all define different ways a speaker can receive wireless audio information and process it. Each of these has its own pros and cons, and some will be more or less suitable to your particular setup. Wi-fi is good if you want to transmit audio to multiple speakers at once but Bluetooth has a much easier setup and the ease-of-use is a HUGE advantage. But for the best sound quality AND ease-of-use, you will want to look for Bluetooth products that use the aptX or aptX HD “codecs”. These will give you the best audio quality possible, and with Audioengine, the longest range as well. If you wish to get into more technical details about this type of wireless audio, please read our article on Bluetooth aptX HD technology.

In summary, there are a myriad of products on the market and all have their pros and cons. To get started, make a list of things you want and need out of your music system. Determine what is necessary, nice-to-have, and what you don’t need. Then when you make the detrimental error of Googling, “Best Wireless Speakers,” you might make it through to the other side with your sanity intact.

Still struggling with choosing the right speaker? Take our quiz and make it easy!

Customer Inquiry: "I've recently upgraded to the Audioengine A2+ Home Music System and am thoroughly impressed by the sound quality. Is there a way to further enhance this setup for a richer audio experience?" 

Why a Subwoofer is Important:

The Audioengine A2+ excels in high and mid-range frequency reproduction, providing an expansive soundstage. Its mid-woofers deliver a balanced bass, but for deeper, more resonant bass frequencies, adding a subwoofer will introduce you to an entirely new music experience, with bass reminiscent of your favorite live concert.  

Expanding Your System with a Subwoofer Integrating a subwoofer into your Audioengine home music system can dramatically improve your audio landscape: 

• Deepened Bass Response: A subwoofer like the Audioengine S8 is dedicated to reproducing the lowest frequency sounds, enhancing the depth and dimension of the audio, especially in tracks with significant low-end elements. 
• Enhanced Balance and Clarity: The subwoofer takes on the lower frequencies, allowing your system to focus on delivering clear highs and detailed mids. This separation ensures a balanced sound output and maximizes the performance of each component within its frequency range. 

Adding a subwoofer reveals the full spectrum of sound that the artist intended to be a part of your musical experience.

Subwoofer Types: Sealed vs. Ported and Their Placement 

• Sealed Subwoofers for Jazz and Acoustic:
• These subwoofers, like the Audioengine S6, offer a tighter and more precise bass, perfect for the nuanced sounds in jazz and acoustic music. Due to their controlled bass response, they are versatile in terms of placement and can be positioned either on the desk or in any compact space within the room. 

• Front-Firing Ported Subwoofers for Metal and Energetic Genres:
• These subwoofers are designed to handle the depth and intensity of genres like metal. They are ideally placed at listening height for the best experience. An elevated shelf or the desk itself can be great spots, ensuring the sound is directed straight at the listener for maximum impact. 

Space Considerations: Choosing the Right Size and Placement 

• U and L-Shaped Desks: These desk designs offer unique opportunities for subwoofer placement. With more corner space and legroom, you can consider slightly larger subwoofers that wouldn't traditionally fit under a standard desk. 
• Proper Placement: A front-firing subwoofer should be placed in an elevated position, such as your desktop, while a down-firing subwoofer should be placed on the floor.  
• Larger Subwoofers for Spacious Setups: If you have more room, especially with U and L-shaped desks, a larger subwoofer can be placed on the ground under the desk. Their down-firing design is particularly effective in this placement, as it allows the sound to resonate off the floor, filling the room without taking up valuable desk space. 

Conclusion:

Selecting the right subwoofer for your desktop setup involves understanding your music preferences, considering your available desk space, and deciding on the appropriate size and type of subwoofer. Whether it's a compact sealed model for jazz and acoustic melodies or a larger ported subwoofer for the dynamic ranges of metal, the ideal choice will transform your listening experience into an experience rivaled only by live performances.  

Why go wireless?

If you haven’t used them before, wireless speakers might sound like a hassle to set up, connect to, and maintain in your home. The truth is, getting your wireless speaker system started doesn’t take much and can easily be done in a matter of minutes.

With all of the mobile technology available at our fingertips, there’s no reason to be tied down to one method of listening to your music; whether it’s your phone, laptop or tablet, your streaming sources are unlimited when you go wireless.

One of the greatest benefits to adopting a wireless speaker system is getting rid all of those unsightly wires running along your floors and behind entertainment centers. This alone gives you plenty of options for placing your wireless speakers where they will work best for your listening experience. Not to mention that without all of the wires and confusing installation instructions, you’re free to connect them to your phone, computer or tablet via Bluetooth and start enjoying them right away.

It’s fairly simple to connect directly to Pandora, Spotify, or any other music streaming source you prefer as long as you follow instructions. Audioengine’s wireless speakers, for example, are designed so that once they’re turned on, you need only activate Bluetooth in your device’s settings menu and select the correct speaker to connect.

If you do run into trouble installing or connecting to your new speakers, our Audioengine support reps are ready to step in and show you the best possible solution for the issue.

[Find out what speakers are best for you. Take the quiz]

Our technology

At Audioengine, we provide only the best products. Currently, we have a few varieties of wireless home speakers, including the B2 wireless speaker, which boasts an easily adapted Bluetooth wireless system for your phone, and the HD6 wireless speaker with versatile power and connectivity features. We also are readily available to answer any of your questions, so you not only get the awesome sounding audio you want, but also the tools to make it fit right into your home.

With many modern audio speakers and systems adding wireless functionality to their list of features, you may wonder whether you are doing yourself a disservice by going wireless and ask yourself “is wireless audio quality any good?” 

Believe it or not, wireless can sound just as good as a wired connection, meaning you won’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience.

Our wireless speakers utilize Bluetooth technology which definitely has its advantages; it’s fairly universal and, with its lack of proprietary software, is really easy to set up. There must be a catch, right? In the past, we felt that Bluetooth technology wasn’t up to snuff, both in terms of the range of the signal and the quality of audio. In recent years, however, Bluetooth technology has seriously done a lot of growing up; advances in the technology has increased the bandwidth and range, making it not only function great, but sound great. Bluetooth now has the capability of streaming up to CD quality, or 16-bit/44.1kHz, over the air, which means that right out of gate you’re able to send great sending audio without being tethered by cables.

Codecs play a part in how Bluetooth audio is sent and received and some codecs provide slightly better fidelity than others.

In products like our B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver, we utilize the aptX HD codec, which we feel provides you with the highest fidelity decoding possible. Some devices, like most iOS devices, don’t utilize aptX, but even though we use aptX in our products, other great codecs like SBC and AAC will work and sound great. Not to mention, we utilize built-in DACs in our Bluetooth products, which will take your audio and pad the bit-depth to a 24-bit format, giving you added benefits such a lower noise floor.

Even though we use Bluetooth in more of our newer products, we do have other wireless options if you’re looking for any non-Bluetooth solutions. We offer two different wireless audio adapters, the W3 Wireless Audio Adapter the D2 Wireless DAC. The wireless technology used in both of these products is a lot like Wi-Fi, but on a closed protocol built specifically for high-resolution audio. The W3 includes a 16-bit/44.1kHz DAC, which makes it able to send CD-quality uncompressed audio over the air. If you’re looking for high-quality, though, the D2 represents the absolute highest possible performance wireless audio device we could build, able to send 24-bit/96kHz wirelessly.

So is wireless audio quality any good? The short answer is yes!

Using only the best hardware and software, you can rest assured that the wireless gear you’ve been considering will not only add convenience to your listening experience, but will retain the authenticity that you expect from your music.

Bluetooth Audio and Codecs

If you’re curious about wireless audio and have found yourself doing some research, you’re probably awash in buzzwords like codecs, sample rates, bit rates, resolution, bandwidth and heaven knows what else.

Lest you throw up your hands at the complexity of it all let’s do our best to explain some of the basics of Bluetooth audio.

Bluetooth is a radio signal that sends data from a transmitter in your phone or computer, to a receiver in your headphones or speakers.  In order to be sent from one device to another in an efficient manner, this data has to be encoded by the transmitter and then decoded by the receiver on the other end.

This is a big job, not to mention it all has to be done in a fraction of a second.

The problem here is that traditional Bluetooth codecs can’t process the amount of information necessary to recreate a faithful audio signal on the other end, so they have to compress the information.  During compression, little bits of information are lost, and as we discussed earlier, the “information” in this case is YOUR MUSIC!

Think about that for a second!

Your devices can’t keep up with the amount of information your music requires, so they essentially throw it out; little bits of the frequency spectrum, dynamic range, etc. This may not sound like a big deal, but when you consider the idea that something like aptX HD can fix it, why would you settle for anything less?

Now before we dive into some of the technical aspects of what makes aptX HD so amazing, it’s important to discuss some of the older codecs so we can understand what aptX HD really brings to the table.

Think of the word “codec” as a combination of the terms “code” and “decode,” as these are the primary functions of all audio codecs; their job is to encode large information files so they can be more easily transferred, and then to decode that same file on the other end.

You’re familiar with MP3s, right? Well, an MP3 is just a type of codec… a very widely used type of codec, in fact. Since we have all used MP3s, we are probably all familiar with how dramatically they can degrade the quality of an audio file. Luckily, tons of codecs have been developed over the years, all with the goal of vastly surpassing the audio quality of a standard MP3.  Some other codecs you may be familiar with are SBC, AAC, LDAC, and aptX. These are all considered superior to MP3s, but are also geared towards Bluetooth wireless audio.

So what’s the difference between standard aptX, and aptX HD?

For starters, aptX has actually been around since the 80s, and is currently much more widely used than aptx HD.  Standard aptX has been used in phones, tablets, and laptops for a long time now so it’s likely that you’ve actually experienced Bluetooth transmission that features aptX.  But for those of you who are looking for some numbers, here you go:

Standard aptX:

• Speed:  352 kbps
• Sample Resolution:  16-bit
• Sample Rate:  48kHz

Aptx HD:

• Speed:576 kbps
• Sample Resolution:  24-bit
• Sample Rate:  48kHz

Alright, let's talk about that for a second.

The speed of these file transfers are measured in Kilobits-per-second (Kbps), and they define how quickly all of this audio information moves from one device to another.  48kHz denotes the sample rate of the audio data — the sample rate is measurement of how many samples of audio are carried from one end to the other end per second.

So this means aptX HD is providing audio information 48,000 times per second… and that’s a lot of times.

Next, 24-bit denotes the sampling resolution — sample resolution is a measurement of how many bits of information are included in each sample. Most Bluetooth codecs simply cannot provide this much information.  Even if they could, they wouldn’t be able to encode it and decode it faithfully within 1 millisecond.

Long story short: aptX HD recreates your audio data more accurately and in greater detail than aptX and does this more quickly, efficiently, and with very low latency.  Pretty impressive right?

Now I know Bluetooth audio has been pretty crappy in the past, but those days are over.  Out with the old, in with the new! With Apple and Google doing away with headphone jacks on their phones, we are practically being forced to make the switch to Bluetooth — this is why aptX HD makes so much sense.  If we are going to be forced to go wireless, why don’t we take advantage of some Bluetooth sound quality that surpasses even traditional wired headphone connections in some cases?

Which devices support aptX HD?

In order to take advantage of the benefits of aptX HD, you’ll need to make sure you have a device that supports it.

These devices will have a Bluetooth chip called the CSR8675, which is capable of supporting 24-bit audio from aptX HD.

Bluetooth Receiver vs. Wireless Speakers

Customers occasionally write to ask questions about the differences between our B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver and our Wireless Powered Speakers. Usually the questions go something like…

“Do I really NEED your complete speaker system or just the B1 receiver?”

“Is one product easier to use than the other?”

“Are there differences in sound quality between the B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver and your Audioengine Wireless Speakers?”

…and there have been plenty more questions that come along with those — but have no fear, today we are here to hopefully clear this up!

First off, you should have some peace of mind knowing that no matter which solution you choose, we absolutely guarantee your satisfaction. Apart from that you might be wondering which option is going to best suit your needs — reasonable enough, so let’s talk about it…

Do I really NEED the entire system or can I get away with just the B1?

Audioengine wireless speakers are powered music systems that implement cutting edge Bluetooth aptX-HD to deliver high-fidelity long-range wireless from any device.

The B1 Bluetooth Receiver also offers the same aptX-HD technology; the only difference being that B1 does not have built-in speakers, so you will still need speakers to hear your music.

Now, customers sometimes say “I already have a different brand of powered speakers that I LOVE, I just want to make them wireless.” If this is the case, you can use B1 to turn your current non-wireless music system into some super-rockin’ wireless speakers. Or maybe you have an older pair of Audioengine speakers that you bought before we made our speakers wireless — here again, the B1 is a great solution! You just need to make sure, no matter what system you have, that you have the proper inputs — RCA-style inputs work the best, or even an optical audio input if your gear has one.

Is one solution more user-friendly than the other?

Hey, great question — glad you asked! This one is a bit subjective and depends on how many components you want in your setup.

The simple fact is if you have Audioengine wireless speakers you will have the easiest setup under the sun. All you have to do is connect your speakers to power, connect the left speaker to the right, find the speakers in your phone or tablet’s list of available Bluetooth devices and BOOM, you’re done! Think of it as if the B1 Bluetooth receiver is built into Audioengine speakers.

On the other hand, if you are using a pair of non-wireless speakers and you want to make them Bluetooth compatible by using our B1 Receiver, you will need to add B1 to your setup, but in all actuality the B1 itself is just as easy to use as the speakers. Long story long, if you love your current speakers and aren’t ready to make the switch, adding the B1 is still an extremely user-friendly option and you will be up and running with great-sounding wireless audio in no time flat.

Are there differences in sound quality between the B1 and the Wireless Speakers?

This is the only moment in this article where things might teeter on the brink of being controversial.

Audioengine’s Wireless speakers guarantee immaculate and highly satisfying sound quality, which is hard to beat. The B1 offers aptX-HD Bluetooth with 24-bit upsampling (which are the exact same Bluetooth specs as our wireless speakers), so the audio being SENT from your devices to the B1 is no different than the audio being SENT from your device to Audioengine’s Wireless Speakers; however, the B1 itself doesn’t have any speakers, so it has to rely on whatever speakers it is connected to. This is the only point at which your sound quality COULD suffer.

So let’s say you are sending the highest quality audio file from your laptop to the B1 Bluetooth Receiver. The B1 takes that super-high-quality file and handles it with such great care you may not be able to tell whether it was wireless or not…BUT, if you have your B1 connected to a crappy pair of speakers, guess what? No matter how pristine that audio file was, and no matter how skillfully the B1 handles that file, crappy speakers are going to make that audio sound crappy. BUT, if you are using the B1 to send audio to a pair of really great speakers that you love, the B1 will absolutely deliver the highest quality audio possible via Bluetooth, and it will do so with an extended range so you can bounce around the house and not worry about dropouts or inferior audio quality.

This was a ton of information so here’s a quick recap and summary…

The Bluetooth capability of Audioengine’s Wireless Speakers and the B1 is exactly the same. If you love your current speakers and aren’t ready to change brands, don’t sweat it, the B1 will give you beautiful wireless audio all the same. BUT, if you are looking to be truly reinvigorated by your music, you definitely need to try Audioengine’s Wireless speakers to take advantage of both our highly advanced Bluetooth technology and our unparalleled listening experience.

Why We Choose Bluetooth over WiFi

It’s no secret that most players in the “smart” speaker market are primarily using wi-fi to wirelessly send audio around the house.

So if Sonos, Bose, and other big name brands are using wi-fi through an internet router, why would Audioengine use Bluetooth for wireless audio in their home speakers?

Easy Setup

Audioengine wireless home speakers are ready to use within minutes out of the box.

Connecting power and the speakers to one another is easy enough, but getting your music playing wirelessly is actually even more straight-forward. Unlike most of the big brand smart speakers, you don’t need to download and install apps for setup, you don’t need to connect the speakers to your router, and there aren’t any passwords or other overly-complicated hoops to jump through. Audioengine makes it simple by keeping the wireless connection exclusively between your phone, tablet, or computer and the speakers. Simply go to your device’s list of available Bluetooth connections, select Audioengine, and play music directly from your favorite app! Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, iTunes, YouTube; any apps that stream audio from your device can be played through your Audioengine home speakers. And remember, our speakers don’t depend on the speed of your internet connection or wireless router so when your internet slows down or doesn’t cover all of your house, you can still stream from your phone or connect another device via one of Audioengine’s many audio ports, which brings me to the next point…

Flexible and versatile

Even before the implementation of our long-range wireless Bluetooth audio, Audioengine home speakers have been some of the most versatile on the market.

A selection of inputs allow you to not only stream wirelessly but to easily and quickly connect your turntable, TV, AVR, or any other piece of gear with an audio output. The point being, is that you are not bound to a single input source. Not many auxiliary options are offered among the rest of the smart speaker community, leaving the user completely reliant upon the wi-fi connection and other compatible devices they may already own. And what about when you’re using Alexa to search for music, but a particular song can’t be played due to copyright issues? This can happen with voice-controlled systems, but we all know a quick visit to YouTube can typically get around this barrier and play the music you want to hear. Now you can actually listen to any Beatles tune you want, whenever you want, but at the same time you can also connect to an external Alexa device for superior sound with Audioengine.

Range and quality

Bluetooth transmission range was not so great in the past, as many of you have experienced. And products using wi-fi still tout the superiority of its range over that of Bluetooth, but the truth is, those days are over.

Audioengine home speakers utilize cutting-edge tech that allows a solid transmission of up to 100 feet (and sometimes more) with no drop-outs and no blips. Again, this range is not reliant upon the ebb and flow of your wi-fi strength at any given point. But what about sound quality; isn’t Bluetooth kind of crappy? No way! Bluetooth audio has come a long way in the past few years as well, and the implementation of the aptX HD codec allows for near lossless audio transmission that rivals the sound of many wired music systems.

Elegant aesthetic and sound

Audioengine home speakers have always held sleek looks that equals their sound quality, and with the shift to high-quality wireless, these standards have been upheld.

We didn’t want to sacrifice our warm, rich, analog power amps and hand-built wooden cabinets by trying to cram all that goodness into a generic-looking plastic speaker enclosure with average-quality wireless. We want our speakers to be an integral part of the look and feel of your home and we also want you to have TWO speakers so your listening experience can be what it’s meant to be. Other systems allow you to purchase “add-on” speakers, but that means in order to have two speakers you have to, well… spend more money for “add-on” speakers. Audioengine home speakers come standard as a stereo pair that are tuned to perfection. To put it simply, Audioengine home speakers are some of the best-sounding speakers on the market today. “Smart” speakers tend to put more focus on the “smart” portion than on the “speakers” portion, often leaving the sound reproduction underwhelming. Would you rather watch the next season of GOT on a single wi-fi speaker or on a matched pair of award-winning audiophile-grade speakers with true stereo sound?

So, it’s safe to say Bluetooth and wi-fi each have their own advantages, just as anything else. But in the end, Bluetooth was the choice we made to be as user-friendly, versatile, and as hi-fi-sounding as possible.

Take wireless sound to new levels.

When you finally take the plunge and purchase a new wireless Bluetooth speaker system, you’ll be surprised at the type of sound quality you can get from such a compact source when you have the tools you need to optimize it.

The main thing to keep in mind when shopping for a wireless Bluetooth speaker system is how you will be using. This will help you decide what to buy and how you’ll set it up to fit your listening preferences. Luckily, our wireless speakers have the added benefit of a decent range, which means that even after you set them up in your home or office, your device can still remain paired up with the speaker while you move around and go about your day.

All of our wireless speakers include simple instructions to get you started:

• Position your speakers in the best location for your listening needs and plug them into the nearest outlet.
• Open the settings menu on your phone, tablet or computer. From there, you can go ahead and turn on your Bluetooth options, then select the named speaker.
• When the speaker’s pair light goes solid, you’re paired up and ready to jam!

If you purchase products like Audioengine’s HD3 wireless speaker set, you will have a versatile setup at your disposal that is capable of connecting and blasting out great tunes using a wide variety of sources. The HD3 wireless speakers can also be used directly with your computer, any product with line level RCA and mini-stereo outputs, as well as all Audioengine digital-to-analog converters and wireless audio adapters. You could even stream audio to the HD3s via Bluetooth and use either analog input at the same time. You can also add a subwoofer to the mix for the perfect low-end extension. After all, what’s the harm in adding more bass to your listening experience?

Wireless Bluetooth speakers are typically some of the more adaptable products out there, especially when they’re as compact as our B2 wireless speaker. Since the B2 is a single-cabinet Bluetooth speaker, there isn’t the need for an AV receiver or oversized speakers, making it the perfect mini-music system. Even this smaller speaker has multiple connection options – including any music system with an analog audio output – in addition to being the perfect companion for audiophiles and novices alike.

Our technology

Here at Audioengine, we like to give you plenty of options for all of your listening needs. That’s why we offer wireless Bluetooth speakers and other speaker sets that are compatible with most smartphones, tablets, and computers, allowing for multiple connections and streaming sources. If you need the assistance of one our support reps or need more information about our products, check out our support page and find the answers you need!

How to Stream Music from my Phone to my Stereo?

We want things to work, is that so much to ask?

There is such a mass of technology and gadgetry available out there today that, for the most part, the good stuff sticks around and the bad stuff is pushed right out the door, never to be seen again. But when it comes to streaming music from our phones to our stereo systems, we sometimes still have to jump through hoops to get our gadgets to see eye to eye.

Rest easy, friends, for today I am here to make it very very easy. Let’s talk about a couple of ways Audioengine can get your music streaming from phone to stereo in less than 1 minute!

Using Audioengine Wireless Speakers

If you are one of the TRILLIONS of highly intelligent individuals who have already purchased a set of Audioengine wireless speakers (this includes the HD6, HD3, A5+ Wireless, and B2 speakers), you are in luck, as this is the easiest possible way to get your music streaming.

To get the system up and running in general, all you have to do is take your speakers out of the box, plug the left speaker into power, connect the left speaker to the right speaker via the included speaker wire (does not apply to B2, it's just one little speaker), and flip the power switch to the ‘On’ position. After the speakers are on, the only thing left to do is find the speakers on your phone’s list of available Bluetooth devices, and select them. They will pair within seconds after just ONE click! You’re done -- can you believe that!? Sheesh, that was easy. But what if you don’t have a pair of Audioengine wireless speakers?

Using Anything Else

Okay so maybe you don’t have a pair of super awesome wireless speakers, that’s cool, Audioengine can fix that in less than a minute using our B1 Bluetooth Receiver.

The same principals will apply from the previous section, but first, we have to MAKE our non-wireless speakers into wireless speakers. Let’s unpack our B1 Bluetooth receiver, connect it to power, and then run cables from the analog OUTPUTS on our B1, to the analog INPUTS on our existing speakers. Boom -- now our speakers are wireless, crazy right? The final step is the same as before; just locate B1 in your phone’s list of available Bluetooth devices and click. You’ll be paired in seconds and ready to rock that Duran Duran Greatest Hits album you just downloaded.

Keep in mind, once you’re paired like this, you should be able to stream any and all audio from your phone to your speakers. This means, iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, everything. Everything!

No more banging your head against the wall trying to get things paired up, no more proprietary passwords, and no more having to reconnect every ten minutes. It really is the best way to stream music from your phone to your speakers, no matter what kind of speakers you are using.

Now, why don’t you stream your way on back to our Wireless Speakers and see what you’re missing out on!

Speaker Setup – How to break in new speakers.

So you just got your brand new Audioengine speakers and you’re ready to pull them out of the box and get them set up so you can start rocking out.

Straight out of the box, your speakers should sound great, but what if your speaker setup could sound better with time?

One thing that you can easily do to make that new speaker setup sound top-notch is a thing called “break-in” and it’s actually really simple.

So why would you want to break the speakers in?

The materials we use for our speakers are quite robust, so right after manufacturing they can be a bit stiff.

One way to help out with this stiffness is to break them in so that these materials, such as the rubber surrounds of the aramid fiber drivers, loosen up. As mentioned earlier, the speakers should sound great from your first listen, but after they move around a bit and loosen up you should notice smoother low end response and sweeter mids/highs.

From time to time, we get asked about how to break in new speakers.

The break-in period doesn’t really require anything special other than listening to music and over time your speakers will become more and more broken in.

For proper break in, we generally recommend around 40 to 50 hours of at least mid-level playback before doing any critical listening. Some our customers have mentioned that they play tones or white noise while they are away, such as while they’re at work, to help the process along, but we’d recommend just listening to them normally at a medium-level during the break in period.

Breaking in your new speaker setup is a simple and crucial thing to do to make your speakers sound better and open up their potential. Some things do get better with age!

Audioengine – Doesn’t Your Music Deserve It?

To minimize unwanted resonances and distortion, Audioengine cabinets have thick high-resin MDF walls with extensive internal bracing. Heavy internal sound-damping material is used to reduce unwanted sound reflections inside the cabinet. All cabinet edges are rounded which look great and reduce high-frequency diffraction effects on the front baffles. The HD3 cabinet contains tuned, front-port slots.

0.7" (18 mm) thick MDF cabinets with real wood veneer
0.75" (20 mm) silk dome tweeters with neodymium magnets
2.75" (70 mm) aramid fiber woofers with advanced voice coils

Operating temperature: 32 degrees F to 95 degrees F
Non-operating temperature: -4 degrees F to 113 degrees F
Relative humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

Dimensions (HWD)
Each speaker - 7"(17.8 cm) x 4.25" (10.8 cm) x 5.5" (14 cm)

Weight
Left (powered) - 4 lb (1.8 kg)
Right (passive) - 3.4 lb (1.5 kg)

Total Shipping Weight
10 lb (4.6 kg)

Shipping Box Dimensions (LWH)
11.75" (30 cm) x 8.8" (22.5 cm) x 11.6" (29.5 cm)

Headphone Amp Type
OPA2134

Full-scale Headphone Output Level
2.0 V RMS

Output Impedance
2 ohms

Recommended Headphone Impedance Level
10 ohms to 10K ohms

Connector Type
Micro-USB

USB Device Class
USB 1.1 or above

Input Bit Depth
24 bit (padded)

Input Sample Rate
44.1 kHz/48 kHz

Internal D/A Converter
PCM 5102

Internal BT Receiver
N/A

Input Bit Depth
24 bit (padded)

Bluetooth Receiver Type
Bluetooth 5.0

Supported Codecs
aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC

Supported Bluetooth Profiles
N/A

Wireless Operation Range
Up to 100 ft (30 m) typical

Input Data Rate
Determined by Bluetooth

Wireless Latency
~30 milliseconds (ms)

Type
Powered Bluetooth aptX HD speaker system

Amplifier Type
Class AB

Rated Power Output:
15W RMS per channel at 4 ohms (measured in compliance with 16 C.F.R. § 432.3)
Peak Power Output:30W per channel at 4 ohms (AES)
Total Peak Power Output: 60W (AES)

Drivers
2.75” aramid fiber woofers

0.75“ Silk dome tweeters

Inputs
3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, RCA L/R, USB, Bluetooth

Outputs
RCA variable line-out, 3.5 mm mini-jack headphone out

Input Voltages
110-240 V 50/60 Hz auto-switching

SNR
>95 dB (typical A-weighted)

THD+N
Less than 0.05% at all power settings

Crosstalk
<50 dB

Frequency Response
65 Hz-22 kHz ±2.0 dB

Frequency Response w/ Bass Reduction Switch selected
100Hz-22kHz ±2.0dB (<5dB down)

Analog Input Impedance
N/A

Nominal Impedance
N/A

Input Impedance
5K ohms unbalanced

Crossover Frequency
N/A

Protection
Output current limiting, thermal over-temperature, power on/off transient protection

Power Consumption
Idle: 10W

Standby Consumption
N/A

Phase
N/A

Recommended Amplifier Power
N/A

Battery Life
N/A

Battery Charge Time
N/A

If you are experiencing issues with your speakers when connected via USB on a Windows 10+ operating system, it might be due to the DCH (Declarative, Componentized, Hardware Support Apps) drivers. While DCH drivers offer many benefits, they can sometimes cause compatibility issues with USB audio devices, resulting in problems such as delays when sound starts, poor audio quality, or the speakers not being recognized properly.

Solution: To resolve these issues, we recommend switching from DCH drivers to non-DCH (standard) drivers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do that:

1. Uninstall the Current DCH Drivers:
   • Open the Device Manager on your PC.
   • Locate your audio device under "Sound, video, and game controllers."
   • Right-click on the device and select "Uninstall device."
   • Ensure you check the option to delete the driver software for this device to completely remove the DCH drivers.
2. Download the Non-DCH Drivers:
   • Visit the support website of your motherboard or computer manufacturer.
   • Navigate to the driver download section and find the non-DCH Realtek (or appropriate) audio drivers for your system.
3. Install the Non-DCH Drivers:
   • Download and run the installer for the non-DCH drivers.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
4. Restart Your PC:
   • After installing the non-DCH drivers, restart your computer to apply the changes.

By switching to non-DCH drivers, the compatibility issues with your USB speakers should be resolved, allowing you to enjoy optimal audio performance.

Additional Tips

• Check for Firmware Updates: Ensure your speakers have the latest firmware installed. Visit the manufacturer’s website for firmware updates that may improve compatibility and performance.
• USB Ports: Try connecting your speakers to a different USB port to see if the issue persists.
• Contact Support: If you continue to experience issues, please contact our customer support team. Provide details about your operating system, motherboard model, and the specific problems you are encountering.

We hope this helps you resolve any issues and enhances your experience with our speakers. If you have further questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team.

1. Turn Off and Unplug:

• Make sure your system is turned off and unplugged.

2. Dust the Surfaces:

• Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away dust.
• For hard-to-reach places, use a soft brush or a can of compressed air.

3. Wipe Down the Exterior:

• We do not recommend using any solvents
• If cleaning off stains or build-up is necessary, we recommend doing so with a very small amount of mild cleaning solution applied only to the affected area, followed by quickly wiping the area dry completely. 
• Any scoured pads or objects like a 'magic eraser' too easily run the risk of removing sealers and top coats of the painted finish that can leave a clearly visible change in the uniformity of the paint/finish

4. Clean the Speaker Grills:

• The speaker grills can be gently cleaned with a vacuum, preferably using a soft bush attachment.
• A lint roller can also be used.

5. Clean Buttons and Knobs:

• A dry cloth is recommend for cleaning any knobs, buttons or other surfaces
• Be careful not to let water get into any gaps.

6. Clean Ports and Connections:

• Use compressed air to blow out dust from ports and connections.

7. Let Everything Dry:

• Make sure everything is completely dry before plugging back in and turning on.

8. Regular Cleaning:

• Dust your system regularly to keep it in good shape.

By following these steps, you can keep your Audioengine system clean and working well.

Audioengine operates two websites, audioengine.com and audioengineeu.com. If you go to any other site but these, they are not an Audioengine site. For Canada, Mexico and most of Europe and the UK, we only sell through Amazon. There are also a host of authorized retailers and sites across the US, and they can be found here. For international sales, we have distributors that operate independently, and they can be found here. 

What happens if I buy from an authorized site claiming to be Audioengine? Unfortunately, there is not much we can do. We are taking all the action we can to make sure those sites don't get indexed, but we recommend you work with the provider of the card you used to make payment to get your money back.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Terminal:
   • You can find Terminal in your Applications folder under Utilities, or you can use Spotlight by pressing Cmd + Space and typing "Terminal".
2. Execute the Command:
   • In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

bash

Copy code

sudo pkill bluetoothd

3. Enter Your Password:
   • After pressing Enter, you will be prompted to enter your password. Type your Mac's administrator password and press Enter.
   • Note that when you type your password, it won't be displayed on the screen (not even as asterisks). Just type it and press Enter.

By following these steps, you should be able to reset your Bluetooth service on your Mac, which can help resolve connectivity issues with your Audioengine devices or any other Bluetooth peripherals.

Each speaker is 7"H x 4.25"W x 5.5"D

We take great pride in our products, and go through great lengths to ensure consistency and quality. For that reason, this item was randomly selected for an additional step of Quality Assurance.

                                          Applicable to our A2+, HD3, HD4, A5+, A5+Wireless, and HD6 speakers.

1. Determine if the distortion is due to your source by disconnecting all source devices from the speakers.
2. Please make sure all of your connector cables are in working order. Try different cables as well as a different source device.
3. Please try using each input available (mini-jack, RCA, USB, as well as Bluetooth), one at a time, to see how the speakers react. If the distortion is unique to one speaker, when testing via RCA switch the RCA jacks (red to white and white to red) to see if the issue remains in the same channel.
4. Make sure it is not a power issue by trying a power outlet that is on a different circuit.

                                                           Applicable to our HD3 and HD4 speakers

1. On your source device (phone, tablet, laptop, etc), turn on Bluetooth and go to Bluetooth preferences.
2. Select "Audioengine HD3 (or HD4)" to pair and connect.  The Pair indicator on the front panel should be solid. Play your music and adjust the volume levels on the speakers and your device.

                             Applicable to our A1, A2+Wireless, B2, A5+Wireless, and HD6 speaker models

1. On your source device (phone, tablet, laptop, etc), turn on Bluetooth and go to Bluetooth preferences.
2. Select "Audioengine (your speaker model)" from the list of available devices to pair and connect.  The Pair indicator on the back panel should now be solid. Play your music and adjust the volume levels on the speakers and your device.

Applicable to our A2+, HD3, and HD4 speaker models

Applicable to our A1, A1-MR, A2+, HD3, HD4, A5+, and HD6 speaker models

1. Check to make sure the speaker wire connecting the left and right speakers is connected according to proper polarity (Red to Gold, Black to Silver) on both ends.
2. Please make sure all of your connector cables are in working order. Try different cables as well as a different source device.
3. If you are using any other devices in line with these speakers, please temporarily remove them from your setup and connect the source directly to the speakers
4. Please try using each available input, one at a time, to see how the speakers react. When testing via RCA swap the RCA jacks (red to white and white to red) to see if the issue remains in the same channel.

1. Turn Off and Unplug:

• Make sure your system is turned off and unplugged.

2. Dust the Surfaces:

• Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away dust.
• For hard-to-reach places, use a soft brush or a can of compressed air.

3. Wipe Down the Exterior:

• We do not recommend using any solvents
• If cleaning off stains or build-up is necessary, we recommend doing so with a very small amount of mild cleaning solution applied only to the affected area, followed by quickly wiping the area dry completely. 
• Any scoured pads or objects like a 'magic eraser' too easily run the risk of removing sealers and top coats of the painted finish that can leave a clearly visible change in the uniformity of the paint/finish

4. Clean the Speaker Grills:

• The speaker grills can be gently cleaned with a vacuum, preferably using a soft bush attachment.
• A lint roller can also be used.

5. Clean Buttons and Knobs:

• A dry cloth is recommend for cleaning any knobs, buttons or other surfaces
• Be careful not to let water get into any gaps.

6. Clean Ports and Connections:

• Use compressed air to blow out dust from ports and connections.

7. Let Everything Dry:

• Make sure everything is completely dry before plugging back in and turning on.

8. Regular Cleaning:

• Dust your system regularly to keep it in good shape.

By following these steps, you can keep your Audioengine system clean and working well.

Audioengine operates two websites, audioengine.com and audioengineeu.com. If you go to any other site but these, they are not an Audioengine site. For Canada, Mexico and most of Europe and the UK, we only sell through Amazon. There are also a host of authorized retailers and sites across the US, and they can be found here. For international sales, we have distributors that operate independently, and they can be found here. 

What happens if I buy from an authorized site claiming to be Audioengine? Unfortunately, there is not much we can do. We are taking all the action we can to make sure those sites don't get indexed, but we recommend you work with the provider of the card you used to make payment to get your money back.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Terminal:
   • You can find Terminal in your Applications folder under Utilities, or you can use Spotlight by pressing Cmd + Space and typing "Terminal".
2. Execute the Command:
   • In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

bash

Copy code

sudo pkill bluetoothd

3. Enter Your Password:
   • After pressing Enter, you will be prompted to enter your password. Type your Mac's administrator password and press Enter.
   • Note that when you type your password, it won't be displayed on the screen (not even as asterisks). Just type it and press Enter.

By following these steps, you should be able to reset your Bluetooth service on your Mac, which can help resolve connectivity issues with your Audioengine devices or any other Bluetooth peripherals.

The dimensions of each speaker is 11.75"H x 7.2"W x 9.4"D

We take great pride in our products, and go through great lengths to ensure consistency and quality. For that reason, this item was randomly selected for an additional step of Quality Assurance.

Type
Compact Integrated Stereo Amplifier

Rated Power Output: 22W RMS per channel at 4 ohms (measured in compliance with 16 C.F.R. § 432.3)
Peak Power Output: 100W per channel at 4 ohms (AES)

Amplifier type
Dual Class D TDA 7492 amplifier

Input voltages
110-240V, 50/60Hz auto-switching

Inputs
RCA and 1/8″ (3.5mm) mini-jack
USB-C

Outputs
RCA variable preamp

Speaker outputs
5-way binding posts

SNR
>95dB A-weighted

THD+N
<0.02% at all power settings

Crosstalk
-50dB

Frequency response
20Hz-22kHz ±1dB

Input impedance
10K ohms unbalanced

Input sensitivity
410mV (@max volume)

Protection
Output current limiting, thermal over-temperature, power on/off transient protection

Headphone amplifier
Burr-Brown/TI OPA2134

Dimensions
7″(H) x 2.75″(W) x 5.5″(D)

Weight
3.55 lbs (1.6kg)

Shipping weight
5.0 lbs (4.6kg)

Shipping box dims
11.5″(H) x 7.5″(W) x 9.5″(D)

Finish
Satin Black

Upstanding design
The vertical design of the N22 with its integrated stand allows the 22 watt/per channel stereo class D TDA 7492 amplifier to run cool through passive convection without a fan or massive heatsink. The N22 fits easily on your desk and doesn’t take up much space.

Discrete headphone amplifier
For headphone enthusiasts the N22 includes a high-performance, low-noise discrete amplifier which works well with all types of headphones and earphones.

Variable line out
The N22 includes a variable preamp output so you can connect a subwoofer, external amplifier, or Audioengine wireless adapter and control the volume of the line-out from the front panel.

Simple operation
Both audio inputs on the N22 are active so two audio sources may be connected to the amplifier at the same time without the need for an input switch. A standby idle mode is also included to conserve power when you’re not playing music.

Wireless rear speakers
Use the N22 amp, Audioengine P4 passive speakers, and our W3 wireless adapter for a low-cost but great-sounding wireless rear channel setup for your home theater.

If you are experiencing issues with your speakers when connected via USB on a Windows 10+ operating system, it might be due to the DCH (Declarative, Componentized, Hardware Support Apps) drivers. While DCH drivers offer many benefits, they can sometimes cause compatibility issues with USB audio devices, resulting in problems such as delays when sound starts, poor audio quality, or the speakers not being recognized properly.

Solution: To resolve these issues, we recommend switching from DCH drivers to non-DCH (standard) drivers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do that:

1. Uninstall the Current DCH Drivers:
   • Open the Device Manager on your PC.
   • Locate your audio device under "Sound, video, and game controllers."
   • Right-click on the device and select "Uninstall device."
   • Ensure you check the option to delete the driver software for this device to completely remove the DCH drivers.
2. Download the Non-DCH Drivers:
   • Visit the support website of your motherboard or computer manufacturer.
   • Navigate to the driver download section and find the non-DCH Realtek (or appropriate) audio drivers for your system.
3. Install the Non-DCH Drivers:
   • Download and run the installer for the non-DCH drivers.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
4. Restart Your PC:
   • After installing the non-DCH drivers, restart your computer to apply the changes.

By switching to non-DCH drivers, the compatibility issues with your USB speakers should be resolved, allowing you to enjoy optimal audio performance.

Additional Tips

• Check for Firmware Updates: Ensure your speakers have the latest firmware installed. Visit the manufacturer’s website for firmware updates that may improve compatibility and performance.
• USB Ports: Try connecting your speakers to a different USB port to see if the issue persists.
• Contact Support: If you continue to experience issues, please contact our customer support team. Provide details about your operating system, motherboard model, and the specific problems you are encountering.

We hope this helps you resolve any issues and enhances your experience with our speakers. If you have further questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team.

Audioengine operates two websites, audioengine.com and audioengineeu.com. If you go to any other site but these, they are not an Audioengine site. For Canada, Mexico and most of Europe and the UK, we only sell through Amazon. There are also a host of authorized retailers and sites across the US, and they can be found here. For international sales, we have distributors that operate independently, and they can be found here. 

What happens if I buy from an authorized site claiming to be Audioengine? Unfortunately, there is not much we can do. We are taking all the action we can to make sure those sites don't get indexed, but we recommend you work with the provider of the card you used to make payment to get your money back.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Terminal:
   • You can find Terminal in your Applications folder under Utilities, or you can use Spotlight by pressing Cmd + Space and typing "Terminal".
2. Execute the Command:
   • In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

bash

Copy code

sudo pkill bluetoothd

3. Enter Your Password:
   • After pressing Enter, you will be prompted to enter your password. Type your Mac's administrator password and press Enter.
   • Note that when you type your password, it won't be displayed on the screen (not even as asterisks). Just type it and press Enter.

By following these steps, you should be able to reset your Bluetooth service on your Mac, which can help resolve connectivity issues with your Audioengine devices or any other Bluetooth peripherals.

Make sure to maximize your audio source volume/s connected to the N22 and lower the N22 volume dial to minimize naturally occurring noise floor that can come thru the speakers when amplifiers are turned up high. 

We take great pride in our products, and go through great lengths to ensure consistency and quality. For that reason, this item was randomly selected for an additional step of Quality Assurance.

Audioengine D1, D1P and DAC3 Reviews from Top Publications

What are the differences?

The Audioengine D1, D1P, and DAC3 each offer a distinct approach to enhancing your music. The D1 is a classic choice for desktop setups, transforming ordinary computer audio into something rich and clear. It’s designed for those who want to elevate their home listening without the hassle of complex equipment.

The D1P takes the D1’s strengths and packs them into a more portable form. It’s ideal for those who need high-quality sound on the go, without sacrificing performance. The D1P’s compact size makes it easy to carry, but its sound remains powerful and precise.

Then there’s the DAC3, the most advanced of the three. It delivers studio-quality sound in a sleek, portable package, perfect for those who demand the best audio performance no matter where they are. The DAC3 is versatile, connecting easily to modern devices while ensuring every note is captured with perfect clarity.

Each model serves a purpose, whether you’re setting up at home, traveling, or simply wanting the best sound possible. Audioengine has designed these DACs to meet the needs of every listener, ensuring that your music always sounds its best.

On this collection page you'll find detailed reviews from industry experts and major publications that applaud Audioengine's D1, D1P, and DAC3.

These reviews collectively affirm the top-tier performance and reliability of our digital-to-analog converters and headphone amplifiers. Each piece is celebrated for its precision engineering and outstanding audio fidelity, offering users an unrivaled listening experience.

Audioengine D1 vs. D1P: Key Differences

The Audioengine D1 and D1P are both 32-bit digital-to-analog converters designed for outstanding audio performance, but they cater to different preferences and use cases.

Audioengine D1 is equipped with the PCM5102 DAC chip, making it a robust choice for desktop audio setups. It features USB and S/PDIF optical inputs and provides outputs for headphones and powered speakers. This makes the D1 an ideal solution for users looking to enhance their home audio systems.

On the other hand, the Audioengine D1P is built for portability without compromising sound quality. It features the ESS ES9219C DAC chip, supports high-resolution audio formats, and offers MQA rendering. The D1P includes a toggle switch for easy switching between headphone and line-out modes and is powered via USB-C, ensuring compatibility with various modern devices like laptops and smartphones. This makes the D1P a versatile choice for audiophiles who seek premium sound quality in a compact design.

By offering features tailored to different applications, both the Audioengine D1 and D1P maintain the brand’s commitment to providing high-fidelity audio solutions, whether at home or on the go.

Audioengine D1P Professional Review:

NEW Audioengine D1P DAC and Headphone Amplifier

For those demanding the best sound quality, the D1P enhances music streaming to high-fidelity, exceeding the capabilities of traditional audio equipment.

It bypasses the limitations of standard device sound cards, ensuring that your favorite tracks from platforms like Tidal, Apple Music, or Spotify are delivered in studio-level quality. Supporting high-resolution audio formats — including PCM up to 32bit 384KHz, DSD up to 256, and MQA files — the D1P allows you to immerse yourself in the full depth of your music, unveiling every note with clarity and detail.

Audioengine DAC3 and Headphone Amplifier

Professional Review by The Honest Audiophile

More Professional Reviews:

Best DAC and Headphone Amplifier of 2024: Audioengine D1

C-Tech by CalCalist

"The D1 by Audioengine has been honored as the "Best DAC and Headphone Amplifier of 2024" by C-Tech by CalCalist. This prestigious accolade highlights our dedication to excellence and innovation in audio technology. The D1 is praised for its superior sound quality and advanced features, making it the preferred choice for audiophiles seeking the ultimate in audio performance and convenience."

Audioengine HD3 - Hi-Fi Stereo Desktop Speakers w/ Built-in 10K OHM Headphone Amplifier

Reddit R/Headphones

"The HD3 features a PCM5102 DAC and a OPA2134 headphone amp that's separate from the main speaker amp...The 3.5 mm headphone output does exactly what it's supposed to do: power your headphones without coloring the sound.

There was no noticable hiss or distortion at either end of the volume range. All you get is clean power with no coloration.

At $399 -- $319 refurb -- the HD3 is an awesome value that rolls 2 channel powered speakers, a DAC, a headphone amp, and Bluetooth receiver all into compact and attractive package."

DAC type
USB and Optical

Inputs
USB Audio
S/PDIF Optical

D/A converter
ESS ES9018

USB transfer mode
Asynchronous dual clock

USB controller
CT7601CR USB streamer

USB device class
Type 1.1 or above

Input bit depth
Up to 32 bits

Input sample rate (USB)
32kHz-96kHz native playback
188.2kHz & 192kHz re-sampled to 96kHz

Input sample rate (optical)
32kHz-192kHz native playback

Outputs
Analog RCA L/R stereo
Analog 3.5mm mini-jack stereo

Full-scale output level
2.0V RMS

Output impedance
2 ohms

Recommended headphone impedance range
10 ohms to 600 ohms

Headphone amplifier
ES9601C SABRE

Optical receiver
CS8416

Frequency response
10Hz-25KHz (+/- 0.5dB)

SNR
(DC to 20 kHz) >110dB

THD+N
(1kHz FS 96kS/s) <0.0025%

Crosstalk
-85db

Power requirement
USB 5V DC, 200mA

USB power filtering
2-stage redundant regulation

Product dimensions
3.5" (8.9 cm) x 3.75" (9.5 cm) x 1" (2.5 cm)

Shipping weight
1.0lbs (0.5kg)

Environmental
Operating Temperature: 32 to 95 degrees F
Non-operating Temp: -4 to 113 degrees F
Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

Included accessories
USB cable
Setup guide
Microfiber bag

D1 DAC
The D1 uses the ESS ES9018 DAC, which is well regarded for its low noise and high fidelity. Due to the high signal-to-noise specs of the ES9018 and the added benefit of double redundancy power source conversion and filtering, the D1 presents impressive low noise and low distortion characteristics. The D1 can process digital audio at any bit depth up to 32-bits and any sample rate up to 96kHz (192kHz using optical)

D1 Headphone Amplifier
The D1 includes the ES9601C SABRE headphone driver amp with circuit protection and is designed for a wide range of headphones that will satisfy even the most critical listeners.

D1 Power
The D1 is powered directly from the USB input and passed through two stages of regulation to ensure no USB power variations affect the audio quality. Because of the efficiency of the D1, it can even be powered by a phone or tablet.

D1 Preamp
The audio line-out preamp connects to powered speaker systems, amplifiers, or other external decoders with an analog or optical output.

D1 Volume Control
Volume for headphones and line-out is controlled directly from the D1 front panel via the digitally-controlled analog potentiometer. Smoothly adjust volume levels at fine increments without any undesirable noise or channel imbalance at lower volumes.

Audioengine operates two websites, audioengine.com and audioengineeu.com. If you go to any other site but these, they are not an Audioengine site. For Canada, Mexico and most of Europe and the UK, we only sell through Amazon. There are also a host of authorized retailers and sites across the US, and they can be found here. For international sales, we have distributors that operate independently, and they can be found here. 

What happens if I buy from an authorized site claiming to be Audioengine? Unfortunately, there is not much we can do. We are taking all the action we can to make sure those sites don't get indexed, but we recommend you work with the provider of the card you used to make payment to get your money back.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Terminal:
   • You can find Terminal in your Applications folder under Utilities, or you can use Spotlight by pressing Cmd + Space and typing "Terminal".
2. Execute the Command:
   • In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

bash

Copy code

sudo pkill bluetoothd

3. Enter Your Password:
   • After pressing Enter, you will be prompted to enter your password. Type your Mac's administrator password and press Enter.
   • Note that when you type your password, it won't be displayed on the screen (not even as asterisks). Just type it and press Enter.

By following these steps, you should be able to reset your Bluetooth service on your Mac, which can help resolve connectivity issues with your Audioengine devices or any other Bluetooth peripherals.

The Gen 1 24-bit D1 requires a USB 2.0 cable to work properly. If your computer has USB-C inputs, use a 2.0 USB cable with a type C-to-A USB adapter.

All Optical audio is considered a "fixed" output, meaning volume will not attenuate from the TV remote. If you have an HD5/HD6 you can use the Audioengine remote for this. Fo

We take great pride in our products, and go through great lengths to ensure consistency and quality. For that reason, this item was randomly selected for an additional step of Quality Assurance.

Yes! You will need an Apple USB 3 camera adapter.  What you would need to do is connect the D1 and its USB cable to the USB A port on the Apple USB 3 camera adapter, and then the male lightning end of the Camera Adapter to your iOS device. You will also need to have a power supply that can power enough to the D1 and your device.  Apple's USB C Fast charger is recommended for this.

You can use Audioengine DACs with your original A5s, no problem. You would simply use a standard RCA cable and the RCA to mini-jack adapter that came with the A5 to connect the RCA output from the DAC in to one of the mini-jack inputs.

These RCA outputs are variable, adjusting the volume on the D1 will adjust the output of any speakers or amp connected to this output. This makes the D1 a handy way to control the volume of both your speakers AND headphones.

We take great pride in our products, and go through great lengths to ensure consistency and quality. For that reason, this item was randomly selected for an additional step of Quality Assurance.

D3 can easily drive headphones with impedances as low as 10 ohms.

Yes! You will need an Apple USB 3 camera adapter.  All you would need to do is connect the D3 and it's USB cable to the USB A port on the adapter and then the male lightning end of the Camera Adapter to your iOS device. You will also need to have a power supply power enough to power the D3 and your device.  Apple's USB C Fast charger is recommended.

Make the transition to a wireless system across the board.

So you’ve decided to integrate wireless speakers into your home or office… Awesome! Wireless speakers provide convenience and mobility without sacrificing sound quality.

When it comes to setting it up, though, you might be concerned as to whether or not all of your devices will connect seamlessly with your new speakers. Luckily, Audioengine’s wireless speakers are pretty user-friendly and can be connected to various types of devices.

For most mobile applications, such as streaming music from your smartphone or tablet, connecting to your speaker system is a simple matter of going into your device’s Bluetooth settings and connecting to the proper device. From there, your device will be able to reconnect with the wireless speakers at any time.

TVs and desktop computers can be a bit more complicated in terms of avoiding the usage of pesky wires and cables, which you probably wanted to eliminate when you opted to buy wireless speakers in the first place; however, there are a few options to make setting up your system easier, such as using wireless adapters with your sources. Wireless adapters, such as our W3 Wireless Adapter and D2 24-bit Wireless DAC, enable wireless connectivity in devices not previously built for wireless connections. You can still make use of those cables, of course, if you are uninterested in purchasing additional pieces for your audio system; since our wireless speakers feature analog inputs, they can easily be connected to them by simply connecting their line level outputs to the input of these speakers..

Our technology

Audioengine's wireless speaker systems and adapters make it possible for you to tune in from almost any device. Most of our products can also connect to multiple different types of brands or sources, so whether you prefer iPhones, iPads, or even Android devices, we have the wireless system components that will best accommodate you and your lifestyle.

DAC type
Dual mode USB and analog (via CS5343 ADC) wireless DAC

Inputs
USB audio, mini-jack analog

Outputs
analog mini-jack

DAC
CS4344

ADC
CS5343

Full scale output
1.0Vrms

Output impedance
470 ohms

Power source
Sender: USB from computer or adapter
Receiver: USB power adapter

Power requirements
Sender: 180mA, 5V
Receiver: 150mA, 5V

SNR
95dB

THD+N
0.01%

Crosstalk
-65dB

Frequency response
20Hz to 20KHz, +/- .2dB

Input bit depth
up to 16 bits native

Input sample rate
up to 48KHz native

USB device class
type 1.1 or above

Wireless operation range
Up to 100ft (30m) typical

Latency
<20ms

Receivers supported
up to 3

Product dimensions
100x30x10mm (LxWxH)

Shipping weight
1 lb

Included accessories
minijack cable (20″), minijack to RCA adapter (12″), USB power adapter

Environmental
Operating Temperature: 32 to 95 degrees F
Non-operating Temp: -4 to 113 degrees F
Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

Advantages of wireless
The W3 wireless system transmits bit-perfect PCM-stereo simultaneously to up to 3 receivers. Because the USB controller in the Sender and the DAC in the Receiver are segregated by the wireless subsystem, various anomalies which plague many wired DACs such as jitter, grounding, and induced cable noise are greatly reduced. In addition, the W3 allows the user to physically isolate a potentially noisy computer from the sensitive audio components in your system.

W3 USB
The W3 utilizes the TI CC8520 PurePath™ USB wireless system-on-a-chip solutions, TI’s newest offering to the wireless audio arena. The Sender can be powered directly from the USB bus or from the included external power adapter.

W3 DAC
The W3 Receiver utilizes the CS4344 DAC, a solid, well regarded industry mainstay. Due to the CS4344’s’s high signal-to-noise specs, the W3 presents impressive low noise and low distortion characteristics.

Audioengine operates two websites, audioengine.com and audioengineeu.com. If you go to any other site but these, they are not an Audioengine site. For Canada, Mexico and most of Europe and the UK, we only sell through Amazon. There are also a host of authorized retailers and sites across the US, and they can be found here. For international sales, we have distributors that operate independently, and they can be found here. 

What happens if I buy from an authorized site claiming to be Audioengine? Unfortunately, there is not much we can do. We are taking all the action we can to make sure those sites don't get indexed, but we recommend you work with the provider of the card you used to make payment to get your money back.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Terminal:
   • You can find Terminal in your Applications folder under Utilities, or you can use Spotlight by pressing Cmd + Space and typing "Terminal".
2. Execute the Command:
   • In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

bash

Copy code

sudo pkill bluetoothd

3. Enter Your Password:
   • After pressing Enter, you will be prompted to enter your password. Type your Mac's administrator password and press Enter.
   • Note that when you type your password, it won't be displayed on the screen (not even as asterisks). Just type it and press Enter.

By following these steps, you should be able to reset your Bluetooth service on your Mac, which can help resolve connectivity issues with your Audioengine devices or any other Bluetooth peripherals.

We take great pride in our products, and go through great lengths to ensure consistency and quality. For that reason, this item was randomly selected for an additional step of Quality Assurance.

The USB connector on the Sender transmits USB audio from your computer OR you can plug any input into the audio connector on the other end (an iPod, stereo, etc.). The Receiver part is powered by a USB power supply or charger and sends out analog audio. Just keep in mind the W3 will work anywhere you want to replace an RCA cable or 1/8" mini-jack cable with wireless! If i purchase multiple W3 sets will they interfere with each other when used in the same setup? Up to 8 W3 sender receiver pairs will play well together as long as you keep a minimum of 6 inches between each unit.

Yes, you can control iTunes with your iPhone and then send music from your Mac or PC out to your stereo system with the W3. Think of the W3 as an inexpensive way to get really high-quality wireless audio anywhere around the house. And no need to buy new gear as you can connect the W3 to all of your existing audio components.

The W3 will easily handle low frequencies and is designed to transfer all music without any compression of loss. If I have the W3 can I send audio to my passive rear channel surround speakers? Sure, as long as you have a power amplifier to power your passive speakers, the W3 will work.

The W3 replaces any "line-level" RCA or mini-jack audio cable but is not designed to connect directly to powered speaker outputs.

Absolutely! Many of our customers use the W3 with their MP3 players, stereo receivers, CD players, powered speakers, satellite radios, etc. The W3 Sender and Receiver units connect to any gear that has an audio input and output (or headphone jack).

Yes, the output of the W3 works great with headphones and you can control the volume with the TV remote.

No, the W3 Sender will transmit USB audio directly to the Receiver so there's no need to connect to the headphone output on your computer.

Sure, as long as your amplifier, preamp, or receiver has RCA preamp outputs you can connect the W3 to send wireless music over to your A2 powered speakers. Very cool!

Yes, you can use multiple W3 sets (up to 8) to send stereo audio to different locations or up to 3 receivers with one sender unit.

Two W3s can be used on one computer if you have two free USB ports. You would need to change the selection in your computer's audio preferences to switch between each Sender. Also, make sure to leave at least 6 inches between the units so there is no interference.

Yes!  As long as it can provide at least 250mA, any USB power supply or smartphone / tablet charger should work just fine to power the W3 Sender or Receiver.

If you car has an auxiliary input on your car's stereo system (either 1/8" or RCA), then simply connect the W3 Receiver to a USB car power adapter and the audio output from the W3 Receiver to the audio input on your stereo system.

We considered adding batteries but decided not to as this was primarily designed as a wireless connection from your stereo receiver to a subwoofer or from a laptop to your stereo or powered speakers. There are, however, 3rd-party battery packs available and a quick Google search will turn up some inexpensive options that work great!

We agonized whether or not to include 2 chargers in the box but figured that most people these days are very likely to have an extra USB charger or two from an old smartphone or tablet. These power supplies are inexpensive and can be found at your local Radio Shack or electronics store. We also have extra USB adapters available through our web store - http://audioengineusa.com/USB-Power-Adapter.

The W3 latency is under 20ms so it's perfect for using with video - home theater surround or basic 2-channel audio. Can I use the W3 for my podcasting studio? I want a wireless mic to my computer's audio input? Sure, this is a great application for the W3. You can use the W3 to replace any RCA or mini-jack cable, with or without a computer!

The features that we feel make our system better than most wireless products currently on the market are the overall ease of setup, fixed low latency, audio quality, lack of dropouts, and high interference tolerance - all the good stuff that's important for a wireless product to be of any real use.

The full frequency response is 15Hz to 22KHz, +/- 1.5db. The numbers shown in the W3 Setup Guide are measurement points and not related to the overall bandwidth of the system. There's not need to show a spec for frequency range as the system transmits uncompressed PCM stereo audio (CD-quality) over using a protocol specifically designed for audio.

The W3 can transmit to up to 3 receivers simultaneously.

To do this you would use multiple sets of the W3 to send wireless music throughout your house. We have customers that daisy-chain the W3 (and W2) together from the output of one audio system - your stereo or our powered speakers in the living room, for example - to another system in another part of the house such as a Bose Wave radio in the kitchen. This way you can either control audio from their computers or iPods, or even without a computer from any other audio gear depending on how you connect the W3 Senders and Receivers.

Yes; you would need to connect the W3 Sender to the line-level outputs or headphone jack of the TV and the W3 Receiver to the analog input of the speakers. You'll need a second USB power adapter or iPod charger for this application. These power supplies are inexpensive and can be found at your local electronics store.

Sure. Connect the W3 Sender to the subwoofer outputs on your A/V receiver and then connect the W3 Receiver to the audio inputs on your subwoofer. There are stereo 1/8" mini-jack inputs and outputs on the W3 that will allow you to make an RCA connection with the use of a Y-cable (which is included).

Yes, simply connect the W3 Sender to the rear channel preamp outputs on your surround receiver then connect the W3 Receiver to an input on Audioengine or any other powered speakers. The W3 has stereo (1/8") inputs and outputs that will also connect to RCA connector with the use of the included RCA Y-cable adapter.

Yes, each Sender/Receiver W3 pair transmits uncompressed stereo audio from a computer or any analog audio output.

The W3 is based on a proprietary wi-fi technology that uses the same frequency bands as 802.11.

The W3 essentially acts as your computer's sound card; so it is an either/or option, you either select your internal sound card to use or the W3. To use your computer speakers you simply select the sound card in your device settings or remove the W3 sender unit from your computer.

The W3 is a USB Plug-and-Play audio device. which means that the drivers it uses are developed and provided by the developer of your computer's operating system. Because of this, you shouldn't need to download or upgrade any drivers to use your W3.

Yes, both wireless adapters transmit any audio file format with no compression or loss.

Easily switch between speakers and W3 in the Status Bar on a Mac without having to go into System Preferences/Sound to change inputs and outputs with the Audio Switcher program available here: spikesoft.net/downloads.php#as.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Main Differences Between Klipsch R-50M and Audioengine A5+
3. Other Noteworthy Features
4. Key Specifications
5. Overall Design
6. Playback Capabilities
7. Audioengine A5+ Exclusive Advantages
8. Klipsch R-50M Overview
9. Pros and Cons
   • Audioengine A5+
   • Klipsch R-50M
10. Conclusion

Introduction

When it comes to filling your space with sound, the choice of a Home Music System is pivotal. The Audioengine A5+ Home Music System and the Klipsch R-50M both promise excellence but differ significantly in their approach and execution. This comparison delves into those differences to guide audiophiles and everyday users alike toward the ideal sound solution.

Main Differences Between Klipsch R-50M and Audioengine A5+

The Audioengine A5+ is praised for its unmatched sound quality, allowing the listener to hear their music the way the artist intended. Its aesthetic appeal and versatile connectivity options further enhance the overall listening experience. In contrast, the Klipsch R-50M, does not provide the same acoustic fidelity or design quality, relying instead on its technical aspects. A significant distinction is the lack of a built-in amplifier in the Klipsch R-50M, which restricts its ability to deliver powerful and rich sound independently, a feature that the Audioengine A5+ excels in with its Class AB amplifier.

Other Noteworthy Features

Audioengine’s A5+ leads with superior customer support, offering a 3-year warranty, a 30-day audition period, and US-based customer phone support, emphasizing their commitment to customer satisfaction. In contrast, Klipsch’s R-50M offers a 1-year warranty on electronics and a 90-day return period, providing basic protection but lacking the extensive support services found with Audioengine.

Key Specifications

Audioengine A5+:

• Amplifier Type: Class AB (Analogue)
• Power Output: 150W peak power total (50W RMS / 75W peak per channel), AES
• Connectivity: RCA, 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, USB, Subwoofer Output

Klipsch R-50M:

• Speaker Type: Monitor/Passive
• Power Handling: 75W Continuous
• Utilizes 90° x 90° Tractrix Horn and LTS Aluminum Tweeter

Overall Design

The Audioengine A5+'s hand-crafted and hand-painted real wood cabinets reflect a superior level of craftsmanship absent in the Klipsch R-50M. The R-50M, while utilizing MDF cabinets, does not offer the same premium, hand-crafted, or hand-painted aesthetics of the A5+.

Playback Capabilities

With its powerful Class AB amplifier, the Audioengine A5+ delivers a clearer, more robust sound profile across all volume levels. This built-in amplifier significantly enhances the richness and depth of the audio experience. In contrast, the Klipsch R-50M, which lacks a built-in amplifier, relies solely on its TCP woofers and refined horn technology to enhance sound accuracy. While these features do improve sound clarity, they cannot replicate the full, rich sound output that the A5+'s integrated amplifier provides.

Audioengine A5+ Exclusive Advantages

• Premium, aesthetic design with handcrafted and hand-painted cabinets
• Extensive connectivity options without sacrificing audio fidelity
• Industry-leading customer support and a 3-year warranty

Klipsch R-50M Overview

The Klipsch R-50M, equipped with updated Tractrix Horn technology and a durable MDF cabinet design, offers a modern aesthetic and is engineered for audio clarity. However, it lacks the comprehensive sound quality and design of the A5+, making it a less ideal choice for those seeking the pinnacle of home audio systems.

Pros and Cons

Audioengine A5+:

• Pros: Unparalleled sound quality, your music the way the artist intended; hand-crafted and hand-painted design; versatile connectivity options; exceptional customer support.
• Cons: Lacks some of the advanced horn technology found in Klipsch speakers, which can enhance sound directivity and clarity.

Klipsch R-50M:

• Pros: Advanced horn technology for clear sound; modern design with durable materials.
• Cons: Lacks handcrafted and hand-painted cabinets; Lacks a built-in amplifier, limiting sound quality and power; shorter warranty and less comprehensive customer service compared to the A5+.

Conclusion

The Audioengine A5+ stands out as the superior choice for audiophiles and discerning listeners seeking exceptional sound quality, design, and versatile connectivity. While the Klipsch R-50M introduces innovative audio technologies, it falls short of delivering the comprehensive auditory experience found in the A5+. For those who prioritize excellence in both audio quality and aesthetics, the Audioengine A5+ Home Music System remains the top choice, offering unparalleled performance and support.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Main Differences Between Audioengine A5+ and Klipsch R-50PM
3. Other Noteworthy Features
4. Key Specifications
5. Overall Design
6. Playback Capabilities
7. Klipsch R-50PM Overview
8. Audioengine A5+ Exclusive Advantages
9. Pros and Cons
   • Audioengine A5+
   • Klipsch R-50PM
10. Conclusion

Introduction

Choosing the right home music system can dramatically enhance your listening experience. The Audioengine A5+ Home Music System w/ Bluetooth aptX-HD and the Klipsch R-50PM both offer premium sound quality, but they cater to slightly different user preferences. This comparison will explore how these systems meet the needs of audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

Main Differences Between Audioengine A5+ and Klipsch R-50PM

The Audioengine A5+ is known for its exceptional audio quality and aesthetic design, featuring high-definition Bluetooth aptX-HD technology that delivers music the way the artist intended. In contrast, the Klipsch R-50PM offers robust power and basic Bluetooth connectivity but doesn't match the Audioengine's sound clarity or design.

Other Noteworthy Features

Audioengine’s A5+ leads with superior customer support, offering a 3-year warranty, a 30-day audition period, and US-based customer phone support, emphasizing their commitment to customer satisfaction. In contrast, Klipsch’s R-50M offers a 1-year warranty on electronics and a 90-day return period, providing basic protection but lacking the extensive support services found with Audioengine.

Key Specifications

Audioengine A5+:

• Amplifier Type: Class AB (Analog)
• Power Output: 150W peak power total (50W RMS / 75W peak per channel), AES
• Connectivity: Bluetooth aptX-HD, RCA, 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, USB, Subwoofer Output

Klipsch R-50PM:

• Total System Power: 120W Total System Power (240W Peak), 60W per channel cont.
• Frequency Response: 55Hz - 20kHz
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, Optical, Analog

Overall Design

The Audioengine A5+ boasts hand-crafted and hand-painted real wood cabinets that not only improve acoustics but also the aesthetics of any room. Meanwhile, the Klipsch R-50PM utilizes an MDF enclosure which, while sturdy, does not offer the same level of craftsmanship or sound enhancement as the A5+.

Playback Capabilities

With its powerful Class AB amplifier, the Audioengine A5+ delivers richer and more detailed sound across all volumes. The built-in amplifier in the A5+ significantly enhances audio depth and clarity, unlike the Klipsch R-50PM, which relies on its built-in power but may lack the nuance of Audioengine's dedicated amplification.

Klipsch R-50PM Overview

The Klipsch R-50PM, is designed for power and impact with its robust output capabilities and modern aesthetic. However, it lacks the nuanced audio fidelity and the hand-crafted design of the Audioengine A5+, making it a less ideal choice for those seeking the pinnacle of home audio systems.

Audioengine A5+ Exclusive Advantages

• Premium handcrafted and hand-painted design with real wood cabinets
• Superior sound quality with dedicated Class AB amplifiers
• Extensive connectivity including high-definition Bluetooth aptX-HD

Pros and Cons

Audioengine A5+:

• Pros: Superior audio quality and design, versatile connectivity options, exceptional customer support.
• Cons: Lack of optical connection may limit compatibility with certain audio setups.

Klipsch R-50PM:

• Pros: Powerful output, dynamic bass extension, modern connectivity features.
• Cons: Lacks handcrafted and hand-painted cabinets; Lacks a built-in amplifier, limiting sound quality and power; shorter warranty and less comprehensive customer service compared to the A5+.

Conclusion

For those seeking a blend of superior audio quality, design, and cutting-edge technology, the Audioengine A5+ Home Music System w/ Bluetooth aptX-HD is the clear choice. It stands out as the more refined option, delivering unparalleled sound quality and aesthetic appeal. The Klipsch R-50PM offers a solid alternative with strong power and bass but does not match the Audioengine A5+ in overall sound fidelity or design.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Main Differences Between Kanto YU6 and Audioengine A5+
3. Key Specifications
4. Design and Build Quality
5. Sound Performance and Playback Capabilities
6. Kanto YU6 Overview
7. Audioengine A5+ Exclusive Advantages
8. Customer Service and Warranty Comparison
9. Pros and Cons
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In the competitive market of Home Music Systems, discerning listeners look for more than just mere volume; they seek clarity, depth, and a design that complements their space. The Audioengine A5+ and Kanto YU6 both strive to dominate the realm of premium sound systems, each offering unique features to appeal to specific tastes and preferences in audio quality and functionality.

Main Differences Between Audioengine A5+ and Kanto YU6

The Audioengine A5+ is renowned for its high-quality build and acoustic performance, powered by a Class AB amplifier that ensures richer, more detailed sound reproduction. The Audioengine A5+ integrates Bluetooth aptX-HD, which allows for superior wireless audio quality that appeals to consumers preferring lossless audio streams. In contrast, the Kanto YU6 operates with a Class D amplifier, suited for energy efficiency but potentially compromising on the audio purity at higher volumes. It employs Bluetooth 4.0, which, while reliable, does not support higher-quality codecs like Bluetooth aptX-HD.

Key Specifications

• Audioengine A5+:
  • Amplifier Type: Class AB
  • Power Output: 150W peak power total (75W RMS per channel)
  • Inputs: 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, RCA L/R, Bluetooth aptX HD
• Kanto YU6:
  • Amplifier Type: Class D
  • Power Output: 200W Peak Power (100 Watts Total RMS)
  • Inputs: 3.5mm mini-jack AUX, RCA with Phono Switch, Optical, Bluetooth 4.0

Design and Build Quality

The Audioengine A5+ is distinguished by its handcrafted and hand-painted real wood cabinets that not only enhance the visual appeal of the system but also contribute to its superior acoustic performance. These cabinets help to dampen resonance and provide a warmer, more natural sound. The Kanto YU6, while well-built, uses more conventional materials and lacks the detailed craftsmanship found in the A5+, focusing instead on a simplistic design.

Sound Performance and Playback Capabilities

The A5+ leverages its superior Class AB amplifier to deliver expansive, detailed sound across various genres and volumes without distortion. Its Bluetooth aptX-HD connection ensures that streaming audio maintains its quality, just as the artist intended. The Kanto YU6, while capable of producing significant volume, does not maintain the same clarity or depth when pushed to its limits, due to its Class D amplifier's limitations.

Overview of Kanto YU6 Features

The Kanto YU6, while a competent competitor in the Home Music System market, is designed with basic functionality in mind. The Kanto YU6 offers multiple input options and a built-in phono preamp, making it suitable for desktop environments that require multiple connections. However, it lacks the detailed feature set and acoustic fidelity that define the A5+.

Exclusive Advantages of Audioengine A5+

The A5+ not only excels in sound quality but also with user-friendly features such as high-quality Bluetooth aptX-HD, multiple input options, and a subwoofer output, ensuring seamless connectivity across devices. This ease of use extends to the system’s operation, where inputs are always ready to accept signals without the need to toggle between sources manually. The A5+ has evident attention to detail in its design and construction, as the handcrafted and hand-painted real wood cabinet uses the same 13-step process as a baby grand piano.

Customer Service and Warranty Comparison

Audioengine is dedicated to exceptional customer service and reliability, offering a comprehensive 3-year warranty on all products, which far surpasses the industry standard. This commitment is highlighted by the unique 30-day audition period, allowing customers to experience the quality of the A5+ in their own space. Moreover, Audioengine prides itself on US-based customer phone support where clients can speak directly to knowledgeable staff who work collaboratively to resolve any issues. This contrasts with Kanto's offering, which includes only a 2-year warranty, reflecting a lesser commitment to customer assurance and product longevity.

Pros and Cons

• Audioengine A5+:
  • Pros: Exceptional sound quality due to class AB amplifier, high-quality Bluetooth connectivity, handcrafted and hand-painted real wood build, and superior customer service.
  • Cons: Fewer color options, lacks an optical connection.
• Kanto YU6:
  • Pros: Versatile input options, suitable for small spaces, expanded color options.
  • Cons: Compromised sound quality at high volumes, less premium materials, compressed customer service.

Conclusion

When deciding between the Audioengine A5+ and Kanto YU6, consider what aspects of audio performance and design are most important to you. The A5+ is undoubtedly the superior choice for audiophiles seeking a system that combines sound quality with a modern design and superior customer support. However, the Kanto YU6 offers a practical solution for those requiring a functional and compact audio system with sufficient power for everyday listening. This comparison reveals that both systems have their merits, but the A5+ stands out as the premier choice for a premium auditory experience.

Experiencing static or buzzing in your home music system?

Whether you're using the renowned Audioengine A2+ or another high-end audio setup, understanding the root causes of these noises is essential for a pristine listening experience. This guide delves into common sources of disturbances and offers effective strategies to eradicate them. 

Why Are My Speakers Buzzing?

1. Static, Buzzing, and Ground Loops

Unwanted sounds in your audio setup, like static, buzzing, or humming, can stem from various sources. These include your computer's 3.5mm line out, RF interference, or the noise floor inherent in electronic devices. Ground loops are a frequent issue in systems where the audio source and speakers are on different power sources, such as separate power strips.

Solution:

To address ground loops, ensure all components of your audio system are connected to the same power strip or power source. This helps maintain a common ground and prevents ground loops. Using a ground loop isolator can also be effective in eliminating this issue.

2. Static from the 3.5mm Line Out

Static from the 3.5mm line out of a computer is a common issue. This often occurs due to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from other devices or poor quality cables.

Solution:

To reduce static, use high-quality shielded cables. Keeping cables away from power supplies and other electronic devices can also minimize interference. Alternatively, consider using an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to bypass the computer’s internal sound card, which is often a source of static.

3. RF Interference

Electronic devices in your home, such as routers, mobile phones, and even microwaves, can cause radio frequency interference (RFI), leading to that annoying buzz.

Solution:

To mitigate RF interference, position your audio setup away from other electronic devices. Using ferrite beads on cables can help suppress high-frequency noise. Additionally, ensuring your audio cables are of high quality and shielded can further reduce susceptibility to RF interference.

4. The Noise Floor

Every electronic device, including your home music system, has a baseline noise level known as the noise floor. When the system is amplified, this noise floor can become noticeable.

Solution:

To minimize the impact of the noise floor, keep your audio system’s volume at a reasonable level and adjust the gain settings appropriately. Ensuring your equipment is well-maintained and free from dust can also help, as dust can affect the performance of electronic components.

How Do I Fix My Speakers?

Eliminating buzzing noises and static involves a combination of savvy technical solutions and simple setup adjustments: 
 
Invest in Quality Cables: High-quality, shielded cables, especially for your 3.5mm line out, can significantly reduce electromagnetic interference. 
 
Strategic Placement of Equipment: Keep your speakers away from potential sources of RF interference, such as a cellphone.
 
Unified Power Sources: Connecting your audio source and system to the same power strip can help resolve ground loop issues. 

Regular Maintenance: Dust and debris can affect connections, leading to static. Keep your connectors and ports clean to maintain a clear signal path. 

 
External DAC for Enhanced Audio: Consider using an external Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). Digital to Analog converters work by converting digital audio files back into analog sound, to be heard the way the artist intended. DAC’s such as the Audioengine D1 feature 32-bit audio processing technology and are particularly effective in reducing the noise floor compared to devices with built-in sound cards.
 
Conclusion 
Static, buzzing, and grounding issues can disrupt your music enjoyment, but they don't have to be a permanent feature of your audio experience. With the right understanding and some adjustments, your home music system will deliver the high-quality sound you expect. Embrace the journey with Audioengine – where we combine state-of-the-art technology with user-friendly solutions to elevate your audio experience. 

Customer Inquiry: "I've recently upgraded to the Audioengine A2+ Home Music System and am thoroughly impressed by the sound quality. Is there a way to further enhance this setup for a richer audio experience?" 

Why a Subwoofer is Important:

The Audioengine A2+ excels in high and mid-range frequency reproduction, providing an expansive soundstage. Its mid-woofers deliver a balanced bass, but for deeper, more resonant bass frequencies, adding a subwoofer will introduce you to an entirely new music experience, with bass reminiscent of your favorite live concert.  

Expanding Your System with a Subwoofer Integrating a subwoofer into your Audioengine home music system can dramatically improve your audio landscape: 

• Deepened Bass Response: A subwoofer like the Audioengine S8 is dedicated to reproducing the lowest frequency sounds, enhancing the depth and dimension of the audio, especially in tracks with significant low-end elements. 
• Enhanced Balance and Clarity: The subwoofer takes on the lower frequencies, allowing your system to focus on delivering clear highs and detailed mids. This separation ensures a balanced sound output and maximizes the performance of each component within its frequency range. 

Adding a subwoofer reveals the full spectrum of sound that the artist intended to be a part of your musical experience.

Subwoofer Types: Sealed vs. Ported and Their Placement 

• Sealed Subwoofers for Jazz and Acoustic:
• These subwoofers, like the Audioengine S6, offer a tighter and more precise bass, perfect for the nuanced sounds in jazz and acoustic music. Due to their controlled bass response, they are versatile in terms of placement and can be positioned either on the desk or in any compact space within the room. 

• Front-Firing Ported Subwoofers for Metal and Energetic Genres:
• These subwoofers are designed to handle the depth and intensity of genres like metal. They are ideally placed at listening height for the best experience. An elevated shelf or the desk itself can be great spots, ensuring the sound is directed straight at the listener for maximum impact. 

Space Considerations: Choosing the Right Size and Placement 

• U and L-Shaped Desks: These desk designs offer unique opportunities for subwoofer placement. With more corner space and legroom, you can consider slightly larger subwoofers that wouldn't traditionally fit under a standard desk. 
• Proper Placement: A front-firing subwoofer should be placed in an elevated position, such as your desktop, while a down-firing subwoofer should be placed on the floor.  
• Larger Subwoofers for Spacious Setups: If you have more room, especially with U and L-shaped desks, a larger subwoofer can be placed on the ground under the desk. Their down-firing design is particularly effective in this placement, as it allows the sound to resonate off the floor, filling the room without taking up valuable desk space. 

Conclusion:

Selecting the right subwoofer for your desktop setup involves understanding your music preferences, considering your available desk space, and deciding on the appropriate size and type of subwoofer. Whether it's a compact sealed model for jazz and acoustic melodies or a larger ported subwoofer for the dynamic ranges of metal, the ideal choice will transform your listening experience into an experience rivaled only by live performances.  

Bluetooth Receiver vs. Wireless Speakers

Customers occasionally write to ask questions about the differences between our B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver and our Wireless Powered Speakers. Usually the questions go something like…

“Do I really NEED your complete speaker system or just the B1 receiver?”

“Is one product easier to use than the other?”

“Are there differences in sound quality between the B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver and your Audioengine Wireless Speakers?”

…and there have been plenty more questions that come along with those — but have no fear, today we are here to hopefully clear this up!

First off, you should have some peace of mind knowing that no matter which solution you choose, we absolutely guarantee your satisfaction. Apart from that you might be wondering which option is going to best suit your needs — reasonable enough, so let’s talk about it…

Do I really NEED the entire system or can I get away with just the B1?

Audioengine wireless speakers are powered music systems that implement cutting edge Bluetooth aptX-HD to deliver high-fidelity long-range wireless from any device.

The B1 Bluetooth Receiver also offers the same aptX-HD technology; the only difference being that B1 does not have built-in speakers, so you will still need speakers to hear your music.

Now, customers sometimes say “I already have a different brand of powered speakers that I LOVE, I just want to make them wireless.” If this is the case, you can use B1 to turn your current non-wireless music system into some super-rockin’ wireless speakers. Or maybe you have an older pair of Audioengine speakers that you bought before we made our speakers wireless — here again, the B1 is a great solution! You just need to make sure, no matter what system you have, that you have the proper inputs — RCA-style inputs work the best, or even an optical audio input if your gear has one.

Is one solution more user-friendly than the other?

Hey, great question — glad you asked! This one is a bit subjective and depends on how many components you want in your setup.

The simple fact is if you have Audioengine wireless speakers you will have the easiest setup under the sun. All you have to do is connect your speakers to power, connect the left speaker to the right, find the speakers in your phone or tablet’s list of available Bluetooth devices and BOOM, you’re done! Think of it as if the B1 Bluetooth receiver is built into Audioengine speakers.

On the other hand, if you are using a pair of non-wireless speakers and you want to make them Bluetooth compatible by using our B1 Receiver, you will need to add B1 to your setup, but in all actuality the B1 itself is just as easy to use as the speakers. Long story long, if you love your current speakers and aren’t ready to make the switch, adding the B1 is still an extremely user-friendly option and you will be up and running with great-sounding wireless audio in no time flat.

Are there differences in sound quality between the B1 and the Wireless Speakers?

This is the only moment in this article where things might teeter on the brink of being controversial.

Audioengine’s Wireless speakers guarantee immaculate and highly satisfying sound quality, which is hard to beat. The B1 offers aptX-HD Bluetooth with 24-bit upsampling (which are the exact same Bluetooth specs as our wireless speakers), so the audio being SENT from your devices to the B1 is no different than the audio being SENT from your device to Audioengine’s Wireless Speakers; however, the B1 itself doesn’t have any speakers, so it has to rely on whatever speakers it is connected to. This is the only point at which your sound quality COULD suffer.

So let’s say you are sending the highest quality audio file from your laptop to the B1 Bluetooth Receiver. The B1 takes that super-high-quality file and handles it with such great care you may not be able to tell whether it was wireless or not…BUT, if you have your B1 connected to a crappy pair of speakers, guess what? No matter how pristine that audio file was, and no matter how skillfully the B1 handles that file, crappy speakers are going to make that audio sound crappy. BUT, if you are using the B1 to send audio to a pair of really great speakers that you love, the B1 will absolutely deliver the highest quality audio possible via Bluetooth, and it will do so with an extended range so you can bounce around the house and not worry about dropouts or inferior audio quality.

This was a ton of information so here’s a quick recap and summary…

The Bluetooth capability of Audioengine’s Wireless Speakers and the B1 is exactly the same. If you love your current speakers and aren’t ready to change brands, don’t sweat it, the B1 will give you beautiful wireless audio all the same. BUT, if you are looking to be truly reinvigorated by your music, you definitely need to try Audioengine’s Wireless speakers to take advantage of both our highly advanced Bluetooth technology and our unparalleled listening experience.

Why We Choose Bluetooth over WiFi

It’s no secret that most players in the “smart” speaker market are primarily using wi-fi to wirelessly send audio around the house.

So if Sonos, Bose, and other big name brands are using wi-fi through an internet router, why would Audioengine use Bluetooth for wireless audio in their home speakers?

Easy Setup

Audioengine wireless home speakers are ready to use within minutes out of the box.

Connecting power and the speakers to one another is easy enough, but getting your music playing wirelessly is actually even more straight-forward. Unlike most of the big brand smart speakers, you don’t need to download and install apps for setup, you don’t need to connect the speakers to your router, and there aren’t any passwords or other overly-complicated hoops to jump through. Audioengine makes it simple by keeping the wireless connection exclusively between your phone, tablet, or computer and the speakers. Simply go to your device’s list of available Bluetooth connections, select Audioengine, and play music directly from your favorite app! Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, iTunes, YouTube; any apps that stream audio from your device can be played through your Audioengine home speakers. And remember, our speakers don’t depend on the speed of your internet connection or wireless router so when your internet slows down or doesn’t cover all of your house, you can still stream from your phone or connect another device via one of Audioengine’s many audio ports, which brings me to the next point…

Flexible and versatile

Even before the implementation of our long-range wireless Bluetooth audio, Audioengine home speakers have been some of the most versatile on the market.

A selection of inputs allow you to not only stream wirelessly but to easily and quickly connect your turntable, TV, AVR, or any other piece of gear with an audio output. The point being, is that you are not bound to a single input source. Not many auxiliary options are offered among the rest of the smart speaker community, leaving the user completely reliant upon the wi-fi connection and other compatible devices they may already own. And what about when you’re using Alexa to search for music, but a particular song can’t be played due to copyright issues? This can happen with voice-controlled systems, but we all know a quick visit to YouTube can typically get around this barrier and play the music you want to hear. Now you can actually listen to any Beatles tune you want, whenever you want, but at the same time you can also connect to an external Alexa device for superior sound with Audioengine.

Range and quality

Bluetooth transmission range was not so great in the past, as many of you have experienced. And products using wi-fi still tout the superiority of its range over that of Bluetooth, but the truth is, those days are over.

Audioengine home speakers utilize cutting-edge tech that allows a solid transmission of up to 100 feet (and sometimes more) with no drop-outs and no blips. Again, this range is not reliant upon the ebb and flow of your wi-fi strength at any given point. But what about sound quality; isn’t Bluetooth kind of crappy? No way! Bluetooth audio has come a long way in the past few years as well, and the implementation of the aptX HD codec allows for near lossless audio transmission that rivals the sound of many wired music systems.

Elegant aesthetic and sound

Audioengine home speakers have always held sleek looks that equals their sound quality, and with the shift to high-quality wireless, these standards have been upheld.

We didn’t want to sacrifice our warm, rich, analog power amps and hand-built wooden cabinets by trying to cram all that goodness into a generic-looking plastic speaker enclosure with average-quality wireless. We want our speakers to be an integral part of the look and feel of your home and we also want you to have TWO speakers so your listening experience can be what it’s meant to be. Other systems allow you to purchase “add-on” speakers, but that means in order to have two speakers you have to, well… spend more money for “add-on” speakers. Audioengine home speakers come standard as a stereo pair that are tuned to perfection. To put it simply, Audioengine home speakers are some of the best-sounding speakers on the market today. “Smart” speakers tend to put more focus on the “smart” portion than on the “speakers” portion, often leaving the sound reproduction underwhelming. Would you rather watch the next season of GOT on a single wi-fi speaker or on a matched pair of award-winning audiophile-grade speakers with true stereo sound?

So, it’s safe to say Bluetooth and wi-fi each have their own advantages, just as anything else. But in the end, Bluetooth was the choice we made to be as user-friendly, versatile, and as hi-fi-sounding as possible.

How to Stream Music from my Phone to my Stereo?

We want things to work, is that so much to ask?

There is such a mass of technology and gadgetry available out there today that, for the most part, the good stuff sticks around and the bad stuff is pushed right out the door, never to be seen again. But when it comes to streaming music from our phones to our stereo systems, we sometimes still have to jump through hoops to get our gadgets to see eye to eye.

Rest easy, friends, for today I am here to make it very very easy. Let’s talk about a couple of ways Audioengine can get your music streaming from phone to stereo in less than 1 minute!

Using Audioengine Wireless Speakers

If you are one of the TRILLIONS of highly intelligent individuals who have already purchased a set of Audioengine wireless speakers (this includes the HD6, HD3, A5+ Wireless, and B2 speakers), you are in luck, as this is the easiest possible way to get your music streaming.

To get the system up and running in general, all you have to do is take your speakers out of the box, plug the left speaker into power, connect the left speaker to the right speaker via the included speaker wire (does not apply to B2, it's just one little speaker), and flip the power switch to the ‘On’ position. After the speakers are on, the only thing left to do is find the speakers on your phone’s list of available Bluetooth devices, and select them. They will pair within seconds after just ONE click! You’re done -- can you believe that!? Sheesh, that was easy. But what if you don’t have a pair of Audioengine wireless speakers?

Using Anything Else

Okay so maybe you don’t have a pair of super awesome wireless speakers, that’s cool, Audioengine can fix that in less than a minute using our B1 Bluetooth Receiver.

The same principals will apply from the previous section, but first, we have to MAKE our non-wireless speakers into wireless speakers. Let’s unpack our B1 Bluetooth receiver, connect it to power, and then run cables from the analog OUTPUTS on our B1, to the analog INPUTS on our existing speakers. Boom -- now our speakers are wireless, crazy right? The final step is the same as before; just locate B1 in your phone’s list of available Bluetooth devices and click. You’ll be paired in seconds and ready to rock that Duran Duran Greatest Hits album you just downloaded.

Keep in mind, once you’re paired like this, you should be able to stream any and all audio from your phone to your speakers. This means, iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, everything. Everything!

No more banging your head against the wall trying to get things paired up, no more proprietary passwords, and no more having to reconnect every ten minutes. It really is the best way to stream music from your phone to your speakers, no matter what kind of speakers you are using.

Now, why don’t you stream your way on back to our Wireless Speakers and see what you’re missing out on!

Speaker Setup – How to break in new speakers.

So you just got your brand new Audioengine speakers and you’re ready to pull them out of the box and get them set up so you can start rocking out.

Straight out of the box, your speakers should sound great, but what if your speaker setup could sound better with time?

One thing that you can easily do to make that new speaker setup sound top-notch is a thing called “break-in” and it’s actually really simple.

So why would you want to break the speakers in?

The materials we use for our speakers are quite robust, so right after manufacturing they can be a bit stiff.

One way to help out with this stiffness is to break them in so that these materials, such as the rubber surrounds of the aramid fiber drivers, loosen up. As mentioned earlier, the speakers should sound great from your first listen, but after they move around a bit and loosen up you should notice smoother low end response and sweeter mids/highs.

From time to time, we get asked about how to break in new speakers.

The break-in period doesn’t really require anything special other than listening to music and over time your speakers will become more and more broken in.

For proper break in, we generally recommend around 40 to 50 hours of at least mid-level playback before doing any critical listening. Some our customers have mentioned that they play tones or white noise while they are away, such as while they’re at work, to help the process along, but we’d recommend just listening to them normally at a medium-level during the break in period.

Breaking in your new speaker setup is a simple and crucial thing to do to make your speakers sound better and open up their potential. Some things do get better with age!

Audioengine – Doesn’t Your Music Deserve It?

1. Turn Off and Unplug:

• Make sure your system is turned off and unplugged.

2. Dust the Surfaces:

• Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away dust.
• For hard-to-reach places, use a soft brush or a can of compressed air.

3. Wipe Down the Exterior:

• We do not recommend using any solvents
• If cleaning off stains or build-up is necessary, we recommend doing so with a very small amount of mild cleaning solution applied only to the affected area, followed by quickly wiping the area dry completely. 
• Any scoured pads or objects like a 'magic eraser' too easily run the risk of removing sealers and top coats of the painted finish that can leave a clearly visible change in the uniformity of the paint/finish

4. Clean the Speaker Grills:

• The speaker grills can be gently cleaned with a vacuum, preferably using a soft bush attachment.
• A lint roller can also be used.

5. Clean Buttons and Knobs:

• A dry cloth is recommend for cleaning any knobs, buttons or other surfaces
• Be careful not to let water get into any gaps.

6. Clean Ports and Connections:

• Use compressed air to blow out dust from ports and connections.

7. Let Everything Dry:

• Make sure everything is completely dry before plugging back in and turning on.

8. Regular Cleaning:

• Dust your system regularly to keep it in good shape.

By following these steps, you can keep your Audioengine system clean and working well.

Audioengine operates two websites, audioengine.com and audioengineeu.com. If you go to any other site but these, they are not an Audioengine site. For Canada, Mexico and most of Europe and the UK, we only sell through Amazon. There are also a host of authorized retailers and sites across the US, and they can be found here. For international sales, we have distributors that operate independently, and they can be found here. 

What happens if I buy from an authorized site claiming to be Audioengine? Unfortunately, there is not much we can do. We are taking all the action we can to make sure those sites don't get indexed, but we recommend you work with the provider of the card you used to make payment to get your money back.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Terminal:
   • You can find Terminal in your Applications folder under Utilities, or you can use Spotlight by pressing Cmd + Space and typing "Terminal".
2. Execute the Command:
   • In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

bash

Copy code

sudo pkill bluetoothd

3. Enter Your Password:
   • After pressing Enter, you will be prompted to enter your password. Type your Mac's administrator password and press Enter.
   • Note that when you type your password, it won't be displayed on the screen (not even as asterisks). Just type it and press Enter.

By following these steps, you should be able to reset your Bluetooth service on your Mac, which can help resolve connectivity issues with your Audioengine devices or any other Bluetooth peripherals.

- The process for replacing a volume encoder begins with pulling the volume knob straight back from the encoder shaft

- Make sure the rubber insert stays with the volume knob - 

- The volume encoder shaft should look like so before proceeding - 

- Using a thin-walled 10mm socket, remove the lock nut fastening the encoder to the front of the speaker cabinet - 

- Once you have removed the amp backplate on the back of the active speaker, make sure to remove the encoder wiring terminal clip from the amp circuit board. You can then fully uninstall the encoder assembly by pulling back the encoder shaft from the inside -

- Finally, the IR receiver can be removed by using a long-necked Phillips PH1 screw driver to remove the 2 screws fastening the IR receiver on the inside of the cabinet - 

After fully removing the faulty encoder, the replacement can be installed following these steps in reverse order before finally connecting the wiring clip to the amp circuit board and fastening the amp backplate back onto the active speaker.

The process can be a bit cramped if you wish to do as little disassembly as possible, or a bit easier if you are comfortable moving parts to give yourself more workspace. The sound damping insulation normally overlaps at the bottom of the active cabinet. This can be peeled back similar to the reference picture attached. The crossover is mounted underneath this insulation (If process being done on an HD6) and is perhaps the most obtrusive part when replacing a volume encoder. This has two Philips head screws mounting it to the base of the cabinet along with an adhesive pad to reduce noise vibration. It is possible to remove the two screws and lift the adhered crossover up from the base of the cabinet momentarily to get better access to the IR receiver and volume knob assemblies at the front. If you'd rather not risk damaging anything, the IR receiver can still be unscrewed from the inside of the cabinet with a long-necked Phillips PH1 driver. The volume knob is loosened from the outside of the cabinet with a thin-walled 10mm socket found by pulling the volume knob straight back  from the encoder shaft. Ample lighting will also make this work easier

Each speaker is 10.75"H x 7"W x 9"D

We take great pride in our products, and go through great lengths to ensure consistency and quality. For that reason, this item was randomly selected for an additional step of Quality Assurance.

                                          Applicable to our A2+, HD3, HD4, A5+, A5+Wireless, and HD6 speakers.

1. Determine if the distortion is due to your source by disconnecting all source devices from the speakers.
2. Please make sure all of your connector cables are in working order. Try different cables as well as a different source device.
3. Please try using each input available (mini-jack, RCA, USB, as well as Bluetooth), one at a time, to see how the speakers react. If the distortion is unique to one speaker, when testing via RCA switch the RCA jacks (red to white and white to red) to see if the issue remains in the same channel.
4. Make sure it is not a power issue by trying a power outlet that is on a different circuit.

Applicable to our A1, A1-MR, A2+, HD3, HD4, A5+, and HD6 speaker models

1. Check to make sure the speaker wire connecting the left and right speakers is connected according to proper polarity (Red to Gold, Black to Silver) on both ends.
2. Please make sure all of your connector cables are in working order. Try different cables as well as a different source device.
3. If you are using any other devices in line with these speakers, please temporarily remove them from your setup and connect the source directly to the speakers
4. Please try using each available input, one at a time, to see how the speakers react. When testing via RCA swap the RCA jacks (red to white and white to red) to see if the issue remains in the same channel.

Can Alexa Connect to Bluetooth Speakers?

Remember how in old science fiction movies a character could just talk out loud to a spaceship and it would do anything they commanded?

The idea of voice control technology has long been embedded in our expectations for the “future”, and even though most of those old science fiction movie-makers couldn’t imagine computers any further-advanced than those already available in 1979, they certainly hit the nail on the head with their forecast of voice control.  Nowadays, with the help of products like Amazon Echo (and its voice-controlled personal assistant ‘Alexa’), users can control aspects of their home just by verbalizing simple commands.  But even with the huge strides this technology has made in recent years, it’s impossible to get audiophile-quality sound from the speakers in an Amazon Echo product.  Audioengine can help with this, but before we dive into how, let’s talk a little more about the Amazon Echo.

Is your Amazon Echo killing your audio quality?

First, while Echo and Alexa do in fact go hand-in-hand, they are not the exact same thing.

Echo is a line of smart speakers manufactured by Amazon, and Alexa is an intelligent personal assistant software used to control Echo.  Users can speak aloud to give Alexa, and therefore Echo, verbal commands (always beginning with the wake word, ‘Alexa’) such as, “Alexa, play my favorite song,” or “Alexa, what’s on my calendar this Saturday?”  Alexa will respond accordingly, so long as the questions asked or commands given are within Alexa’s realm of capability. With tons of Echo-compatible add-on products on the market, there really isn’t a whole lot that falls outside of Alexa’s wheelhouse.

The most common commands Alexa handles are music-related: whether it’s calling up a Spotify playlist, turning up or down the volume, or finding a specific song you haven’t heard in years but are randomly thinking about and absolutely have to hear right this second!!  The accessibility is astounding, no doubt, but its main consequence is that you are forced to listen to all your music on Echo’s built-in speakers instead of your own beastly audio system.  This is not to say Amazon has ignored their sound quality altogether, but realistically there’s only so much a single speaker housing of that size can handle.  Suffice it to say, there are limitations.

Luckily, Amazon has implemented a crucial feature which expands its functionality to accommodate customers who want to be able to interact with Alexa and still enjoy listening to podcasts, music, and stock tips through exterior systems. That’s right, it’s quick and easy to connect your Echo to Bluetooth speakers:

• Open the Alexa App (Apple link  |  Google Play Link)
• Tap the “Devices” icon and select the Echo device you want to connect to speakers
• Select “Bluetooth Devices”
• Select “Pair New Device”
• Find your Audioengine Wireless speaker on the list of available Bluetooth devices

Bang, you’re done!

Now you can treat Alexa as if it were any other input device; you can still have whatever other devices you so choose connected to your Audioengine speakers, and since Alexa can control Echo’s volume with a simple, “Alexa turn down volume,” you can leave Audioengine’s volume knob exactly where you like it and adjust volume accordingly with Alexa.  If you have our S8 Powered Subwoofer connected wirelessly to your mains, this configuration will still work which means you’ll get full-spectrum high fidelity audio when listening to all your favorite songs, without sacrificing the unparalleled convenience provided by a product like Amazon Echo.  This will also work with our standalone B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver in the event you have a set of wired speakers you want to turn into wireless speakers.

Modern technology is really opening up doors... and windows... and exhaust fans... it’s basically blasting the roof off the whole place.

We are reaching the point where we can do just about anything we want with voice control technology, as long as we have all the right accouterments.  Products like Amazon Echo make life so easy it hurts... perhaps it hurts so good that you want to lie down and say, “Alexa, play ‘Hurts So Good’ by John Mellencamp.”  Don’t worry – we designed Audioengine Wireless speakers to do the rest.

Connecting Google Home to Bluetooth Speakers

Consumer electronics designers are, and have been, on a perpetual quest to give users the most streamlined experience imaginable.

At this point in time it seems like modern-day designers have exceeded the bounds of what most of us could have ever imagined in the first place.  Think about it, there is an app for literally everything; just by downloading a simple program onto your phone or tablet, your life can become easier.  Wearable technology, like Apple Watch, and smart speakers, like Google Home, tie all of your electronics together to make technology and user-friendliness a lifestyle rather than a rare luxury.  Today we are going to talk a little more about one of the leading products, what it does, and how Audioengine can take it one step further; that product is Google Home.

What Is Google Home?

Offically, this piece of technology is touted as a “Smart Speaker and Home Assistant.”

A smart speaker is one of those sleek futuristic speakers that sits on your friend’s kitchen counter, plays whatever music someone tells it to, and sometimes has a snarky robotic comeback to your sarcastic remarks.  There are a number of big brands making smart speakers (some of which we’ll discuss in other articles) and all of them have their pros and cons.  One “pro” to the Google Home is the “Home Assistant” part.  Google Home has an accompanying downloadable app that allows users to customize how the device interacts with and controls their home; lights, thermostats, coffee makers, and pretty much anything else can be controlled by Google Home and accessories.  Once you have all of your desired devices properly connected and configured, turning them on and off is just one voice command away... how much easier can life get?

When it comes to music, smart speakers make calling up the right tune an absolute breeze.  Google Home can control apps such as Spotify, YouTube, and iHeartRadio among others, so you can tell it to play just about any song in the world.  Google Home will even call up playlists you’ve saved within your music streaming apps, and you can tell the device to increase and decrease volume, pause, skip, and any other command you would typically give a media player.  There is just one drawback; while Google Home offers a few different sizes (featuring different speakers), the product’s focus is not audiophile-grade sound quality.  For that, we need to bring Audioengine into the mix.

How Can Audioengine Take Google Home Further?

You’re taking a step up in the world of consumer electronics and you’ve decided to purchase Google Home; you care about user-experience and you strive to stay ahead of the pop culture curve. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a quality listening experience.  As I always say, what good is having access to every song in the world if you’re just going to play them through an inadequate sound system?  That’s like sharpening a hunting knife so you can cut hot butter with it.

Luckily, the Google Home App (iTunes  |  Google Play) allows users to send audio to external Bluetooth speakers. Whether it’s the humble B2 Wireless Speaker, or a full-fledged pair of active Audioengine speakers such as the A5+ Wireless, Google Home is capable of transmitting your beloved music to your sonic system.  Bam!!--we just completed the full circle of user-friendliness and ear-friendliness.  It may sound complicated merely by description, but it’s actually extremely easy to configure, just follow the quick steps below:

• Download and open the Google Home App on your phone or tablet.
• Navigate to the “Devices” tab within the app
• Tap “Settings” in the devices submenu
• Scroll down to “Default Music Speaker” and tap “Pair Bluetooth Speaker”
• Select your Audioengine speaker – and you’re done!

Take control of your music.

Now you’re ready to shout voice commands all over the house and rock out while you make dinner, host a party, or do whatever it is you do.  You can even connect multiple sets of Audioengine wireless speakers for multi-room audio, by creating “groups” in the Google Home app (under that same “Devices” tab).

Isn’t it nice that designers have created all this awesome technology for us?  Now I’m just spit-balling, here, but -- what if one day someone will make some kind of like a smart speaker... except it lives in your brain and reads your mind.  Then you can just think about how good your favorite tunes will sound through a pair of Audioengine wireless speakers, and voila!

Experiencing static or buzzing in your home music system?

Whether you're using the renowned Audioengine A2+ or another high-end audio setup, understanding the root causes of these noises is essential for a pristine listening experience. This guide delves into common sources of disturbances and offers effective strategies to eradicate them. 

Why Are My Speakers Buzzing?

1. Static, Buzzing, and Ground Loops

Unwanted sounds in your audio setup, like static, buzzing, or humming, can stem from various sources. These include your computer's 3.5mm line out, RF interference, or the noise floor inherent in electronic devices. Ground loops are a frequent issue in systems where the audio source and speakers are on different power sources, such as separate power strips.

Solution:

To address ground loops, ensure all components of your audio system are connected to the same power strip or power source. This helps maintain a common ground and prevents ground loops. Using a ground loop isolator can also be effective in eliminating this issue.

2. Static from the 3.5mm Line Out

Static from the 3.5mm line out of a computer is a common issue. This often occurs due to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from other devices or poor quality cables.

Solution:

To reduce static, use high-quality shielded cables. Keeping cables away from power supplies and other electronic devices can also minimize interference. Alternatively, consider using an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to bypass the computer’s internal sound card, which is often a source of static.

3. RF Interference

Electronic devices in your home, such as routers, mobile phones, and even microwaves, can cause radio frequency interference (RFI), leading to that annoying buzz.

Solution:

To mitigate RF interference, position your audio setup away from other electronic devices. Using ferrite beads on cables can help suppress high-frequency noise. Additionally, ensuring your audio cables are of high quality and shielded can further reduce susceptibility to RF interference.

4. The Noise Floor

Every electronic device, including your home music system, has a baseline noise level known as the noise floor. When the system is amplified, this noise floor can become noticeable.

Solution:

To minimize the impact of the noise floor, keep your audio system’s volume at a reasonable level and adjust the gain settings appropriately. Ensuring your equipment is well-maintained and free from dust can also help, as dust can affect the performance of electronic components.

How Do I Fix My Speakers?

Eliminating buzzing noises and static involves a combination of savvy technical solutions and simple setup adjustments: 
 
Invest in Quality Cables: High-quality, shielded cables, especially for your 3.5mm line out, can significantly reduce electromagnetic interference. 
 
Strategic Placement of Equipment: Keep your speakers away from potential sources of RF interference, such as a cellphone.
 
Unified Power Sources: Connecting your audio source and system to the same power strip can help resolve ground loop issues. 

Regular Maintenance: Dust and debris can affect connections, leading to static. Keep your connectors and ports clean to maintain a clear signal path. 

 
External DAC for Enhanced Audio: Consider using an external Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). Digital to Analog converters work by converting digital audio files back into analog sound, to be heard the way the artist intended. DAC’s such as the Audioengine D1 feature 32-bit audio processing technology and are particularly effective in reducing the noise floor compared to devices with built-in sound cards.
 
Conclusion 
Static, buzzing, and grounding issues can disrupt your music enjoyment, but they don't have to be a permanent feature of your audio experience. With the right understanding and some adjustments, your home music system will deliver the high-quality sound you expect. Embrace the journey with Audioengine – where we combine state-of-the-art technology with user-friendly solutions to elevate your audio experience. 

6 Simple Wireless Speaker Shopping Tips

So you’ve decided to make the leap from wired to wireless music and might have made the mistake of Googling “Best Wireless Speakers.”

We here at Audioengine know how overwhelming this can be and we extend our deepest sympathies. But it’s time to put your concerns to rest as we’re here to give you some important buying tips… and yes, you may need these tips to make it through this with your sanity intact.

Before we start, let it be known we are not trying to sway you in any particular direction but we only want to make sure you’re aware of a few items that could go overlooked. And the majority of the following advice can be applied to pretty much any purchase you’re making in the audio world.

[Find out what speakers are best for you. Take the quiz]

Price point

As with anything, it is important to start by setting a budget for yourself and finding a product that aligns with this budget.

There are a ton of great wireless products out there, some of them are practically being given away, and others might cost your life savings. No matter your budget, one fact remains: a quality wireless speaker setup doesn’t HAVE to be expensive. Conversely, you often get what you pay for, so it is wise to be wary of a product whose price tag looks more like a shoe size if you catch my drift.

Features

Another important point that will assuredly be different for everyone is the inclusion of features.

If you’re looking for a simple wireless speaker with no options and no extra inputs, then don’t bother spending hours comparing products that are saturated with bells and whistles. If, on the other hand, you know you want the option to connect an analog device like a stereo or surround sound receiver, for instance, make this determination early and stick with it. There will always be an option to suit your exact needs so don’t feel pressured.

Reviews

Reviews are king in today’s world.

Everything from the usability of a product to the competence of a company’s customer service team can be scrutinized in an online review, and that’s why it’s obviously important to read as many reviews as you can find (and to also read between the lines with some of these). A responsible company addresses negative reactions and does not let any concern go unnoticed. Reviews not only tell us how customers react to a product but how a company reacts to its customers. And the way a company reacts to its customers can tell you whether you’re making a good or bad purchase.

Warranties and trials

This is always a fun one! If you’re having trouble deciding between two or more products because they have the same features and similar reviews, why not go with the one that offers a trial or a better warranty?

The wireless audio market is extremely competitive, and most companies are offering a brief trial period with no penalties or full-coverage or even an extended warranty period. The fact is, a company with a truly great product has nothing to fear and is confident in their product’s ability to satisfy anyone and everyone.

Portability and durability

Where are you going to be using these speakers? Are you going to sling wireless audio from the kitchen to the living room, or are you taking this setup down to the park for a picnic? Do you need the speakers to be battery powered? Waterproof?

I know, I know, asking way too many questions but you should be asking these questions too! Again, there will always be a product that suits your needs for portability — and often times, if the speakers are easily portable, they will also be durable to some extent. The caveat is that certain other aspects of the speakers will inevitably suffer. Sound quality, aux inputs, wireless range, etc.; these are all things that have the potential to “get the boot” the more portable or waterproof your speakers need to be.

Sound quality and wireless range

Obviously we want our wireless speakers to sound great and to not drop out or lose signal EVER.

The sound quality of the actual speaker itself is something you may need to derive from customer reviews, unless you have the option to actually hear the speaker before making a purchase. Apart from that, it’s best to read up on the company, what materials they are using, and what the speakers can be compared to, etc.

But when it comes to the sound quality of the actual WIRELESS itself, you’ll need to look out for a few things. Wi-fi or Bluetooth and other fun terms all define different ways a speaker can receive wireless audio information and process it. Each of these has its own pros and cons, and some will be more or less suitable to your particular setup. Wi-fi is good if you want to transmit audio to multiple speakers at once but Bluetooth has a much easier setup and the ease-of-use is a HUGE advantage. But for the best sound quality AND ease-of-use, you will want to look for Bluetooth products that use the aptX or aptX HD “codecs”. These will give you the best audio quality possible, and with Audioengine, the longest range as well. If you wish to get into more technical details about this type of wireless audio, please read our article on Bluetooth aptX HD technology.

In summary, there are a myriad of products on the market and all have their pros and cons. To get started, make a list of things you want and need out of your music system. Determine what is necessary, nice-to-have, and what you don’t need. Then when you make the detrimental error of Googling, “Best Wireless Speakers,” you might make it through to the other side with your sanity intact.

Still struggling with choosing the right speaker? Take our quiz and make it easy!

Customer Inquiry: "I've recently upgraded to the Audioengine A2+ Home Music System and am thoroughly impressed by the sound quality. Is there a way to further enhance this setup for a richer audio experience?" 

Why a Subwoofer is Important:

The Audioengine A2+ excels in high and mid-range frequency reproduction, providing an expansive soundstage. Its mid-woofers deliver a balanced bass, but for deeper, more resonant bass frequencies, adding a subwoofer will introduce you to an entirely new music experience, with bass reminiscent of your favorite live concert.  

Expanding Your System with a Subwoofer Integrating a subwoofer into your Audioengine home music system can dramatically improve your audio landscape: 

• Deepened Bass Response: A subwoofer like the Audioengine S8 is dedicated to reproducing the lowest frequency sounds, enhancing the depth and dimension of the audio, especially in tracks with significant low-end elements. 
• Enhanced Balance and Clarity: The subwoofer takes on the lower frequencies, allowing your system to focus on delivering clear highs and detailed mids. This separation ensures a balanced sound output and maximizes the performance of each component within its frequency range. 

Adding a subwoofer reveals the full spectrum of sound that the artist intended to be a part of your musical experience.

Subwoofer Types: Sealed vs. Ported and Their Placement 

• Sealed Subwoofers for Jazz and Acoustic:
• These subwoofers, like the Audioengine S6, offer a tighter and more precise bass, perfect for the nuanced sounds in jazz and acoustic music. Due to their controlled bass response, they are versatile in terms of placement and can be positioned either on the desk or in any compact space within the room. 

• Front-Firing Ported Subwoofers for Metal and Energetic Genres:
• These subwoofers are designed to handle the depth and intensity of genres like metal. They are ideally placed at listening height for the best experience. An elevated shelf or the desk itself can be great spots, ensuring the sound is directed straight at the listener for maximum impact. 

Space Considerations: Choosing the Right Size and Placement 

• U and L-Shaped Desks: These desk designs offer unique opportunities for subwoofer placement. With more corner space and legroom, you can consider slightly larger subwoofers that wouldn't traditionally fit under a standard desk. 
• Proper Placement: A front-firing subwoofer should be placed in an elevated position, such as your desktop, while a down-firing subwoofer should be placed on the floor.  
• Larger Subwoofers for Spacious Setups: If you have more room, especially with U and L-shaped desks, a larger subwoofer can be placed on the ground under the desk. Their down-firing design is particularly effective in this placement, as it allows the sound to resonate off the floor, filling the room without taking up valuable desk space. 

Conclusion:

Selecting the right subwoofer for your desktop setup involves understanding your music preferences, considering your available desk space, and deciding on the appropriate size and type of subwoofer. Whether it's a compact sealed model for jazz and acoustic melodies or a larger ported subwoofer for the dynamic ranges of metal, the ideal choice will transform your listening experience into an experience rivaled only by live performances.  

Why go wireless?

If you haven’t used them before, wireless speakers might sound like a hassle to set up, connect to, and maintain in your home. The truth is, getting your wireless speaker system started doesn’t take much and can easily be done in a matter of minutes.

With all of the mobile technology available at our fingertips, there’s no reason to be tied down to one method of listening to your music; whether it’s your phone, laptop or tablet, your streaming sources are unlimited when you go wireless.

One of the greatest benefits to adopting a wireless speaker system is getting rid all of those unsightly wires running along your floors and behind entertainment centers. This alone gives you plenty of options for placing your wireless speakers where they will work best for your listening experience. Not to mention that without all of the wires and confusing installation instructions, you’re free to connect them to your phone, computer or tablet via Bluetooth and start enjoying them right away.

It’s fairly simple to connect directly to Pandora, Spotify, or any other music streaming source you prefer as long as you follow instructions. Audioengine’s wireless speakers, for example, are designed so that once they’re turned on, you need only activate Bluetooth in your device’s settings menu and select the correct speaker to connect.

If you do run into trouble installing or connecting to your new speakers, our Audioengine support reps are ready to step in and show you the best possible solution for the issue.

[Find out what speakers are best for you. Take the quiz]

Our technology

At Audioengine, we provide only the best products. Currently, we have a few varieties of wireless home speakers, including the B2 wireless speaker, which boasts an easily adapted Bluetooth wireless system for your phone, and the HD6 wireless speaker with versatile power and connectivity features. We also are readily available to answer any of your questions, so you not only get the awesome sounding audio you want, but also the tools to make it fit right into your home.

With many modern audio speakers and systems adding wireless functionality to their list of features, you may wonder whether you are doing yourself a disservice by going wireless and ask yourself “is wireless audio quality any good?” 

Believe it or not, wireless can sound just as good as a wired connection, meaning you won’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience.

Our wireless speakers utilize Bluetooth technology which definitely has its advantages; it’s fairly universal and, with its lack of proprietary software, is really easy to set up. There must be a catch, right? In the past, we felt that Bluetooth technology wasn’t up to snuff, both in terms of the range of the signal and the quality of audio. In recent years, however, Bluetooth technology has seriously done a lot of growing up; advances in the technology has increased the bandwidth and range, making it not only function great, but sound great. Bluetooth now has the capability of streaming up to CD quality, or 16-bit/44.1kHz, over the air, which means that right out of gate you’re able to send great sending audio without being tethered by cables.

Codecs play a part in how Bluetooth audio is sent and received and some codecs provide slightly better fidelity than others.

In products like our B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver, we utilize the aptX HD codec, which we feel provides you with the highest fidelity decoding possible. Some devices, like most iOS devices, don’t utilize aptX, but even though we use aptX in our products, other great codecs like SBC and AAC will work and sound great. Not to mention, we utilize built-in DACs in our Bluetooth products, which will take your audio and pad the bit-depth to a 24-bit format, giving you added benefits such a lower noise floor.

Even though we use Bluetooth in more of our newer products, we do have other wireless options if you’re looking for any non-Bluetooth solutions. We offer two different wireless audio adapters, the W3 Wireless Audio Adapter the D2 Wireless DAC. The wireless technology used in both of these products is a lot like Wi-Fi, but on a closed protocol built specifically for high-resolution audio. The W3 includes a 16-bit/44.1kHz DAC, which makes it able to send CD-quality uncompressed audio over the air. If you’re looking for high-quality, though, the D2 represents the absolute highest possible performance wireless audio device we could build, able to send 24-bit/96kHz wirelessly.

So is wireless audio quality any good? The short answer is yes!

Using only the best hardware and software, you can rest assured that the wireless gear you’ve been considering will not only add convenience to your listening experience, but will retain the authenticity that you expect from your music.

Bluetooth Audio and Codecs

If you’re curious about wireless audio and have found yourself doing some research, you’re probably awash in buzzwords like codecs, sample rates, bit rates, resolution, bandwidth and heaven knows what else.

Lest you throw up your hands at the complexity of it all let’s do our best to explain some of the basics of Bluetooth audio.

Bluetooth is a radio signal that sends data from a transmitter in your phone or computer, to a receiver in your headphones or speakers.  In order to be sent from one device to another in an efficient manner, this data has to be encoded by the transmitter and then decoded by the receiver on the other end.

This is a big job, not to mention it all has to be done in a fraction of a second.

The problem here is that traditional Bluetooth codecs can’t process the amount of information necessary to recreate a faithful audio signal on the other end, so they have to compress the information.  During compression, little bits of information are lost, and as we discussed earlier, the “information” in this case is YOUR MUSIC!

Think about that for a second!

Your devices can’t keep up with the amount of information your music requires, so they essentially throw it out; little bits of the frequency spectrum, dynamic range, etc. This may not sound like a big deal, but when you consider the idea that something like aptX HD can fix it, why would you settle for anything less?

Now before we dive into some of the technical aspects of what makes aptX HD so amazing, it’s important to discuss some of the older codecs so we can understand what aptX HD really brings to the table.

Think of the word “codec” as a combination of the terms “code” and “decode,” as these are the primary functions of all audio codecs; their job is to encode large information files so they can be more easily transferred, and then to decode that same file on the other end.

You’re familiar with MP3s, right? Well, an MP3 is just a type of codec… a very widely used type of codec, in fact. Since we have all used MP3s, we are probably all familiar with how dramatically they can degrade the quality of an audio file. Luckily, tons of codecs have been developed over the years, all with the goal of vastly surpassing the audio quality of a standard MP3.  Some other codecs you may be familiar with are SBC, AAC, LDAC, and aptX. These are all considered superior to MP3s, but are also geared towards Bluetooth wireless audio.

So what’s the difference between standard aptX, and aptX HD?

For starters, aptX has actually been around since the 80s, and is currently much more widely used than aptx HD.  Standard aptX has been used in phones, tablets, and laptops for a long time now so it’s likely that you’ve actually experienced Bluetooth transmission that features aptX.  But for those of you who are looking for some numbers, here you go:

Standard aptX:

• Speed:  352 kbps
• Sample Resolution:  16-bit
• Sample Rate:  48kHz

Aptx HD:

• Speed:576 kbps
• Sample Resolution:  24-bit
• Sample Rate:  48kHz

Alright, let's talk about that for a second.

The speed of these file transfers are measured in Kilobits-per-second (Kbps), and they define how quickly all of this audio information moves from one device to another.  48kHz denotes the sample rate of the audio data — the sample rate is measurement of how many samples of audio are carried from one end to the other end per second.

So this means aptX HD is providing audio information 48,000 times per second… and that’s a lot of times.

Next, 24-bit denotes the sampling resolution — sample resolution is a measurement of how many bits of information are included in each sample. Most Bluetooth codecs simply cannot provide this much information.  Even if they could, they wouldn’t be able to encode it and decode it faithfully within 1 millisecond.

Long story short: aptX HD recreates your audio data more accurately and in greater detail than aptX and does this more quickly, efficiently, and with very low latency.  Pretty impressive right?

Now I know Bluetooth audio has been pretty crappy in the past, but those days are over.  Out with the old, in with the new! With Apple and Google doing away with headphone jacks on their phones, we are practically being forced to make the switch to Bluetooth — this is why aptX HD makes so much sense.  If we are going to be forced to go wireless, why don’t we take advantage of some Bluetooth sound quality that surpasses even traditional wired headphone connections in some cases?

Which devices support aptX HD?

In order to take advantage of the benefits of aptX HD, you’ll need to make sure you have a device that supports it.

These devices will have a Bluetooth chip called the CSR8675, which is capable of supporting 24-bit audio from aptX HD.

Bluetooth Receiver vs. Wireless Speakers

Customers occasionally write to ask questions about the differences between our B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver and our Wireless Powered Speakers. Usually the questions go something like…

“Do I really NEED your complete speaker system or just the B1 receiver?”

“Is one product easier to use than the other?”

“Are there differences in sound quality between the B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver and your Audioengine Wireless Speakers?”

…and there have been plenty more questions that come along with those — but have no fear, today we are here to hopefully clear this up!

First off, you should have some peace of mind knowing that no matter which solution you choose, we absolutely guarantee your satisfaction. Apart from that you might be wondering which option is going to best suit your needs — reasonable enough, so let’s talk about it…

Do I really NEED the entire system or can I get away with just the B1?

Audioengine wireless speakers are powered music systems that implement cutting edge Bluetooth aptX-HD to deliver high-fidelity long-range wireless from any device.

The B1 Bluetooth Receiver also offers the same aptX-HD technology; the only difference being that B1 does not have built-in speakers, so you will still need speakers to hear your music.

Now, customers sometimes say “I already have a different brand of powered speakers that I LOVE, I just want to make them wireless.” If this is the case, you can use B1 to turn your current non-wireless music system into some super-rockin’ wireless speakers. Or maybe you have an older pair of Audioengine speakers that you bought before we made our speakers wireless — here again, the B1 is a great solution! You just need to make sure, no matter what system you have, that you have the proper inputs — RCA-style inputs work the best, or even an optical audio input if your gear has one.

Is one solution more user-friendly than the other?

Hey, great question — glad you asked! This one is a bit subjective and depends on how many components you want in your setup.

The simple fact is if you have Audioengine wireless speakers you will have the easiest setup under the sun. All you have to do is connect your speakers to power, connect the left speaker to the right, find the speakers in your phone or tablet’s list of available Bluetooth devices and BOOM, you’re done! Think of it as if the B1 Bluetooth receiver is built into Audioengine speakers.

On the other hand, if you are using a pair of non-wireless speakers and you want to make them Bluetooth compatible by using our B1 Receiver, you will need to add B1 to your setup, but in all actuality the B1 itself is just as easy to use as the speakers. Long story long, if you love your current speakers and aren’t ready to make the switch, adding the B1 is still an extremely user-friendly option and you will be up and running with great-sounding wireless audio in no time flat.

Are there differences in sound quality between the B1 and the Wireless Speakers?

This is the only moment in this article where things might teeter on the brink of being controversial.

Audioengine’s Wireless speakers guarantee immaculate and highly satisfying sound quality, which is hard to beat. The B1 offers aptX-HD Bluetooth with 24-bit upsampling (which are the exact same Bluetooth specs as our wireless speakers), so the audio being SENT from your devices to the B1 is no different than the audio being SENT from your device to Audioengine’s Wireless Speakers; however, the B1 itself doesn’t have any speakers, so it has to rely on whatever speakers it is connected to. This is the only point at which your sound quality COULD suffer.

So let’s say you are sending the highest quality audio file from your laptop to the B1 Bluetooth Receiver. The B1 takes that super-high-quality file and handles it with such great care you may not be able to tell whether it was wireless or not…BUT, if you have your B1 connected to a crappy pair of speakers, guess what? No matter how pristine that audio file was, and no matter how skillfully the B1 handles that file, crappy speakers are going to make that audio sound crappy. BUT, if you are using the B1 to send audio to a pair of really great speakers that you love, the B1 will absolutely deliver the highest quality audio possible via Bluetooth, and it will do so with an extended range so you can bounce around the house and not worry about dropouts or inferior audio quality.

This was a ton of information so here’s a quick recap and summary…

The Bluetooth capability of Audioengine’s Wireless Speakers and the B1 is exactly the same. If you love your current speakers and aren’t ready to change brands, don’t sweat it, the B1 will give you beautiful wireless audio all the same. BUT, if you are looking to be truly reinvigorated by your music, you definitely need to try Audioengine’s Wireless speakers to take advantage of both our highly advanced Bluetooth technology and our unparalleled listening experience.

Why We Choose Bluetooth over WiFi

It’s no secret that most players in the “smart” speaker market are primarily using wi-fi to wirelessly send audio around the house.

So if Sonos, Bose, and other big name brands are using wi-fi through an internet router, why would Audioengine use Bluetooth for wireless audio in their home speakers?

Easy Setup

Audioengine wireless home speakers are ready to use within minutes out of the box.

Connecting power and the speakers to one another is easy enough, but getting your music playing wirelessly is actually even more straight-forward. Unlike most of the big brand smart speakers, you don’t need to download and install apps for setup, you don’t need to connect the speakers to your router, and there aren’t any passwords or other overly-complicated hoops to jump through. Audioengine makes it simple by keeping the wireless connection exclusively between your phone, tablet, or computer and the speakers. Simply go to your device’s list of available Bluetooth connections, select Audioengine, and play music directly from your favorite app! Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, iTunes, YouTube; any apps that stream audio from your device can be played through your Audioengine home speakers. And remember, our speakers don’t depend on the speed of your internet connection or wireless router so when your internet slows down or doesn’t cover all of your house, you can still stream from your phone or connect another device via one of Audioengine’s many audio ports, which brings me to the next point…

Flexible and versatile

Even before the implementation of our long-range wireless Bluetooth audio, Audioengine home speakers have been some of the most versatile on the market.

A selection of inputs allow you to not only stream wirelessly but to easily and quickly connect your turntable, TV, AVR, or any other piece of gear with an audio output. The point being, is that you are not bound to a single input source. Not many auxiliary options are offered among the rest of the smart speaker community, leaving the user completely reliant upon the wi-fi connection and other compatible devices they may already own. And what about when you’re using Alexa to search for music, but a particular song can’t be played due to copyright issues? This can happen with voice-controlled systems, but we all know a quick visit to YouTube can typically get around this barrier and play the music you want to hear. Now you can actually listen to any Beatles tune you want, whenever you want, but at the same time you can also connect to an external Alexa device for superior sound with Audioengine.

Range and quality

Bluetooth transmission range was not so great in the past, as many of you have experienced. And products using wi-fi still tout the superiority of its range over that of Bluetooth, but the truth is, those days are over.

Audioengine home speakers utilize cutting-edge tech that allows a solid transmission of up to 100 feet (and sometimes more) with no drop-outs and no blips. Again, this range is not reliant upon the ebb and flow of your wi-fi strength at any given point. But what about sound quality; isn’t Bluetooth kind of crappy? No way! Bluetooth audio has come a long way in the past few years as well, and the implementation of the aptX HD codec allows for near lossless audio transmission that rivals the sound of many wired music systems.

Elegant aesthetic and sound

Audioengine home speakers have always held sleek looks that equals their sound quality, and with the shift to high-quality wireless, these standards have been upheld.

We didn’t want to sacrifice our warm, rich, analog power amps and hand-built wooden cabinets by trying to cram all that goodness into a generic-looking plastic speaker enclosure with average-quality wireless. We want our speakers to be an integral part of the look and feel of your home and we also want you to have TWO speakers so your listening experience can be what it’s meant to be. Other systems allow you to purchase “add-on” speakers, but that means in order to have two speakers you have to, well… spend more money for “add-on” speakers. Audioengine home speakers come standard as a stereo pair that are tuned to perfection. To put it simply, Audioengine home speakers are some of the best-sounding speakers on the market today. “Smart” speakers tend to put more focus on the “smart” portion than on the “speakers” portion, often leaving the sound reproduction underwhelming. Would you rather watch the next season of GOT on a single wi-fi speaker or on a matched pair of award-winning audiophile-grade speakers with true stereo sound?

So, it’s safe to say Bluetooth and wi-fi each have their own advantages, just as anything else. But in the end, Bluetooth was the choice we made to be as user-friendly, versatile, and as hi-fi-sounding as possible.

How to Stream Music from my Phone to my Stereo?

We want things to work, is that so much to ask?

There is such a mass of technology and gadgetry available out there today that, for the most part, the good stuff sticks around and the bad stuff is pushed right out the door, never to be seen again. But when it comes to streaming music from our phones to our stereo systems, we sometimes still have to jump through hoops to get our gadgets to see eye to eye.

Rest easy, friends, for today I am here to make it very very easy. Let’s talk about a couple of ways Audioengine can get your music streaming from phone to stereo in less than 1 minute!

Using Audioengine Wireless Speakers

If you are one of the TRILLIONS of highly intelligent individuals who have already purchased a set of Audioengine wireless speakers (this includes the HD6, HD3, A5+ Wireless, and B2 speakers), you are in luck, as this is the easiest possible way to get your music streaming.

To get the system up and running in general, all you have to do is take your speakers out of the box, plug the left speaker into power, connect the left speaker to the right speaker via the included speaker wire (does not apply to B2, it's just one little speaker), and flip the power switch to the ‘On’ position. After the speakers are on, the only thing left to do is find the speakers on your phone’s list of available Bluetooth devices, and select them. They will pair within seconds after just ONE click! You’re done -- can you believe that!? Sheesh, that was easy. But what if you don’t have a pair of Audioengine wireless speakers?

Using Anything Else

Okay so maybe you don’t have a pair of super awesome wireless speakers, that’s cool, Audioengine can fix that in less than a minute using our B1 Bluetooth Receiver.

The same principals will apply from the previous section, but first, we have to MAKE our non-wireless speakers into wireless speakers. Let’s unpack our B1 Bluetooth receiver, connect it to power, and then run cables from the analog OUTPUTS on our B1, to the analog INPUTS on our existing speakers. Boom -- now our speakers are wireless, crazy right? The final step is the same as before; just locate B1 in your phone’s list of available Bluetooth devices and click. You’ll be paired in seconds and ready to rock that Duran Duran Greatest Hits album you just downloaded.

Keep in mind, once you’re paired like this, you should be able to stream any and all audio from your phone to your speakers. This means, iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, everything. Everything!

No more banging your head against the wall trying to get things paired up, no more proprietary passwords, and no more having to reconnect every ten minutes. It really is the best way to stream music from your phone to your speakers, no matter what kind of speakers you are using.

Now, why don’t you stream your way on back to our Wireless Speakers and see what you’re missing out on!

Speaker Setup – How to break in new speakers.

So you just got your brand new Audioengine speakers and you’re ready to pull them out of the box and get them set up so you can start rocking out.

Straight out of the box, your speakers should sound great, but what if your speaker setup could sound better with time?

One thing that you can easily do to make that new speaker setup sound top-notch is a thing called “break-in” and it’s actually really simple.

So why would you want to break the speakers in?

The materials we use for our speakers are quite robust, so right after manufacturing they can be a bit stiff.

One way to help out with this stiffness is to break them in so that these materials, such as the rubber surrounds of the aramid fiber drivers, loosen up. As mentioned earlier, the speakers should sound great from your first listen, but after they move around a bit and loosen up you should notice smoother low end response and sweeter mids/highs.

From time to time, we get asked about how to break in new speakers.

The break-in period doesn’t really require anything special other than listening to music and over time your speakers will become more and more broken in.

For proper break in, we generally recommend around 40 to 50 hours of at least mid-level playback before doing any critical listening. Some our customers have mentioned that they play tones or white noise while they are away, such as while they’re at work, to help the process along, but we’d recommend just listening to them normally at a medium-level during the break in period.

Breaking in your new speaker setup is a simple and crucial thing to do to make your speakers sound better and open up their potential. Some things do get better with age!

Audioengine – Doesn’t Your Music Deserve It?

Audioengine’s Home Music Systems are designed to deliver exceptional sound quality, offering you a next level gaming experience enhancing every footstep and gunshot, pulling you into the game's world, making every moment feel real and alive.  

This guide will help you navigate the nuances of connecting your Xbox Series X or PS5 directly to your Audioengine Desktop Speakers, Gaming DAC, or other speakers. Before we dive in, let's address a crucial but often overlooked aspect: the type of display you're using. 

• Can I connect external speakers to my Xbox Series X? 
• Can I connect external speakers to my PS5? 

Why TVs Simplify Speaker Connection 

Gaming on a modern TV makes connecting speakers straightforward. TVs usually offer a variety of audio outputs, giving you several options for your audio setup. Simply connect via HDMI to your TV and connect the speakers through an available audio output.

Computer monitors, while often providing high refresh rates, often have limited audio output options and so, this guide will be helpful to those of you who are looking to avoid using a TV. 

Note on Direct Connections 

The FAQs and compatibility table below focus on direct connections between your gaming console and speakers. If you're using an additional device like an A/V receiver, or connecting through your TV, compatibility may differ. 

Audioengine's Best Selling A2+ Desktop Speakers

How To Connect Your Xbox Series X to Your Speakers

Can I connect external speakers to my Xbox Series X? 

Certainly, although with limitations. The Xbox Series X doesn't natively support USB, optical, or Bluetooth audio outputs. You can, however, utilize the 3.5mm audio jack on the wireless controller to connect speakers that accept this input. 

We recommend purchasing an inline HDMI audio extractor. This device can take the HDMI output from your Xbox Series X and extract the audio to outputs like Optical or RCA, allowing you to connect your speakers more easily. 

How To Connect Your PS5 to Your Speakers

Can I connect external speakers to my PS5? 

Yes, you can. The PS5 supports USB audio output, making it compatible with speakers that offer this input*. However, the PS5 does not support 3.5mm, optical, or Bluetooth audio outputs. 

Why is the type of display I use important? 

As previously mentioned, your choice of display—whether a monitor or a TV—affects your audio options. Monitors usually lack the audio output variety found in modern TVs. 

Summary of Input Compatibility 

Refer to this table for compatibility between different audio input types and the Xbox Series X and PS5: 

Key 

• ✓: Compatible 
• ✕: Not Compatible
• Note: *While the PS5 supports USB audio, it supports USB Audio Class 1 devices. If your device doesn't support USB 1.0, you will need an adapter as discussed in this guide on the PS5 reddit. We have confirmed that the Audioengine A2+ (current generation) will support USB audio from the PS5.

Final Thoughts 

Understanding your setup's compatibility is essential for an optimal audio experience. Using a TV provides more options for connecting your speakers, but a monitor isn't entirely limiting; you just need the right equipment, like an HDMI audio extractor for Xbox setups. 

Feel free to explore our other resources to further optimize your gaming and audio experience. 

How to Connect Your Studio Monitors to Your TV 

Connecting studio monitors to your TV can enhance your viewing experience with high-quality sound. Studio monitors are designed for precise audio reproduction, making them a popular choice for audio professionals. However, there are several considerations and potential drawbacks to using studio monitors for TV audio. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to connect your studio monitors to your TV, along with some important notes. 

Step 1: Determine Your TV’s Audio Outputs 

Identify the Available Outputs: Most modern TVs come equipped with various audio output options, including HDMI ARC, optical, RCA, and 3.5mm headphone jacks. Check your TV's manual or inspect the back panel to identify the available outputs. 

Note: While studio monitors can be connected via these outputs, they may not offer the same listening experience, convenience and versatility as powered speakers designed specifically for home audio use, like an Audioengine Home Music System.  

Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Cables and Adapters 

HDMI ARC: If your studio monitors have an HDMI input, you can connect them directly using an HDMI cable. This option supports high-quality audio but is uncommon for studio monitors. 

Optical (TOSLINK): Use an optical cable to connect the TV's optical output to a digital-to-analog converter. Then, connect the converter to your studio monitors using balanced XLR or TRS cables. 

RCA or 3.5mm: If your TV has RCA or 3.5mm outputs, use the appropriate cables to connect directly to your studio monitors. You may need an adapter if your monitors use balanced inputs. 

Note: Using low quality converters and adapters can degrade audio quality and add complexity to your setup. Audioengine Home Music Systems offer direct connectivity options, making the setup process simpler and more reliable. 

Audioengine HD6 Home Music System

Step 3: Set Up and Calibrate Your Studio Monitors 

Placement: Place your studio monitors at ear level and angled towards your listening position. Ensure they are symmetrically placed for optimal stereo imaging. 

Calibration: Adjust the volume and any built-in EQ settings on your studio monitors to match your listening environment. Some monitors have rear-panel controls for fine-tuning. 

Note: Studio monitors are designed for near-field listening and may not provide the same immersive experience in a typical living room setup. Home Music Systems from Audioengine are optimized for both near-field and far-field listening, offering more flexibility and better sound coverage. 

Step 4: Connect a Subwoofer 

Subwoofer Output: If your studio monitors have a subwoofer output, connect an active subwoofer to enhance bass response. This setup is ideal for a more cinematic experience. 

Note: Many studio monitors lack dedicated subwoofer outputs, limiting your ability to achieve full-range sound. Audioengine Home Music Systems typically include subwoofer outputs, allowing you to easily integrate a subwoofer for deeper bass. 

Step 5: Adjust TV Audio Settings 

Audio Output Settings: Access your TV's audio settings menu and select the appropriate audio output (HDMI, optical, RCA, or 3.5mm). Disable the TV's internal speakers if necessary. 

Volume Control: Adjust the TV volume to a comfortable level. If using an external DAC or converter, ensure it is set to a neutral level. 

Conclusion 

Connecting studio monitors to your TV can significantly improve your audio experience, offering precise and clear sound. However, it's important to consider the potential limitations and complexities involved. Using various adapters and converters can affect audio quality and make the setup process cumbersome. 

Note: While studio monitors are excellent for professional audio work, they may not be the best choice for home entertainment. Audioengine Home Music Systems provide a more user-friendly and versatile solution, with features like analog amplifiers, built-in DACs, and subwoofer outputs, ensuring superior sound quality and ease of use. 

By following these steps and considering the alternative options, you can enhance your TV audio setup to better suit your preferences and needs. 

0.7" (18 mm) thick MDF cabinets with real wood veneer
1" (26 mm) silk dome tweeters with neodymium magnets
5.5" (140 mm) aramid fiber woofers with advanced voice coils

Operating temperature: 32 degrees F to 95 degrees F
Non-operating temperature: -4 degrees F to 113 degrees F
Relative humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

Dimensions (HWD)
Left speaker (active)
Dimensions: 11.75" (30 cm) x 7.25" (18.5 cm) x 10" (25 cm)
Right speaker (passive)
Dimensions: 11.75" (30 cm) x 7.25" (18.5 cm) x 10" (25 cm)

Weight
Left (active) - 17.5 lb (8 kg)
Right (passive) - 12.5 lb (5.5 kg)

Total Shipping Weight
33.5 lb (15 kg)

Shipping Box Dimensions (LWH)
20" (51 cm) x 15" (38 cm) x 17" (43 cm)

Internal D/A converter
AKM AK4396

Input Bit Depth
up to 24 bit native

Sample Rate
up to 192 kHz native

Connector Type
N/A

USB Device Class
N/A

Input Bit Depth
N/A

Input Sample Rate
N/A

Internal D/A Converter
AKM AK4396

Internal BT Receiver
N/A

Input Bit Depth
24 bit (padded)

Bluetooth Receiver Type
Bluetooth 5.0

Supported Codecs
aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC

Supported Bluetooth Profiles
N/A

Wireless Operation Range
Up to 100 ft (30 m) typical

Input Data Rate
Determined by Bluetooth

Wireless Latency
~30 milliseconds (ms)

Type
Powered Bluetooth aptX HD speaker system

Amplifier Type
Class AB

Rated Power Output:
50W RMS per channel (measured in compliance with 16 C.F.R. § 432.3)
Peak Power Output: 75W per channel (AES)
Total Peak Power Output: 150W (AES)

Drivers
5.5" aramid fiber woofers

1" silk dome tweeters

Inputs
3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, RCA L/R, digital optical (SPDIF,) Bluetooth aptX

Outputs
RCA variable line-out

Input Voltages
115/240 V, 50/60 Hz manually switchable

SNR
>95 dB (typical A-weighted)

THD+N
Less than 0.05% at all power settings

Crosstalk
<50 dB

Frequency Response
50 Hz-22 kHz ±1.5 dB

Frequency Response w/ Bass Reduction Switch selected
N/A

Analog Input Impedance
48K ohms unbalanced (mini-jack and RCA inputs)

Nominal Impedance
N/A

Input Impedance
N/A

Crossover Frequency
N/A

Protection
Output current limiting, thermal over-temperature, power on/off transient protection, replaceable external main fuse

Power Consumption
Idle: 10 W
Mute: 6 W
Sleep: 4 W

Standby Consumption
N/A

Phase
N/A

Recommended Amplifier Power
N/A

Battery Life
N/A

Battery Charge Time
N/A

1. Turn Off and Unplug:

• Make sure your system is turned off and unplugged.

2. Dust the Surfaces:

• Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away dust.
• For hard-to-reach places, use a soft brush or a can of compressed air.

3. Wipe Down the Exterior:

• We do not recommend using any solvents
• If cleaning off stains or build-up is necessary, we recommend doing so with a very small amount of mild cleaning solution applied only to the affected area, followed by quickly wiping the area dry completely. 
• Any scoured pads or objects like a 'magic eraser' too easily run the risk of removing sealers and top coats of the painted finish that can leave a clearly visible change in the uniformity of the paint/finish

4. Clean the Speaker Grills:

• The speaker grills can be gently cleaned with a vacuum, preferably using a soft bush attachment.
• A lint roller can also be used.

5. Clean Buttons and Knobs:

• A dry cloth is recommend for cleaning any knobs, buttons or other surfaces
• Be careful not to let water get into any gaps.

6. Clean Ports and Connections:

• Use compressed air to blow out dust from ports and connections.

7. Let Everything Dry:

• Make sure everything is completely dry before plugging back in and turning on.

8. Regular Cleaning:

• Dust your system regularly to keep it in good shape.

By following these steps, you can keep your Audioengine system clean and working well.

Audioengine operates two websites, audioengine.com and audioengineeu.com. If you go to any other site but these, they are not an Audioengine site. For Canada, Mexico and most of Europe and the UK, we only sell through Amazon. There are also a host of authorized retailers and sites across the US, and they can be found here. For international sales, we have distributors that operate independently, and they can be found here. 

What happens if I buy from an authorized site claiming to be Audioengine? Unfortunately, there is not much we can do. We are taking all the action we can to make sure those sites don't get indexed, but we recommend you work with the provider of the card you used to make payment to get your money back.

The Audioengine remote takes a CR2025 battery.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Terminal:
   • You can find Terminal in your Applications folder under Utilities, or you can use Spotlight by pressing Cmd + Space and typing "Terminal".
2. Execute the Command:
   • In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

bash

Copy code

sudo pkill bluetoothd

3. Enter Your Password:
   • After pressing Enter, you will be prompted to enter your password. Type your Mac's administrator password and press Enter.
   • Note that when you type your password, it won't be displayed on the screen (not even as asterisks). Just type it and press Enter.

By following these steps, you should be able to reset your Bluetooth service on your Mac, which can help resolve connectivity issues with your Audioengine devices or any other Bluetooth peripherals.

- The process for replacing a volume encoder begins with pulling the volume knob straight back from the encoder shaft

- Make sure the rubber insert stays with the volume knob - 

- The volume encoder shaft should look like so before proceeding - 

- Using a thin-walled 10mm socket, remove the lock nut fastening the encoder to the front of the speaker cabinet - 

- Once you have removed the amp backplate on the back of the active speaker, make sure to remove the encoder wiring terminal clip from the amp circuit board. You can then fully uninstall the encoder assembly by pulling back the encoder shaft from the inside -

- Finally, the IR receiver can be removed by using a long-necked Phillips PH1 screw driver to remove the 2 screws fastening the IR receiver on the inside of the cabinet - 

After fully removing the faulty encoder, the replacement can be installed following these steps in reverse order before finally connecting the wiring clip to the amp circuit board and fastening the amp backplate back onto the active speaker.

The process can be a bit cramped if you wish to do as little disassembly as possible, or a bit easier if you are comfortable moving parts to give yourself more workspace. The sound damping insulation normally overlaps at the bottom of the active cabinet. This can be peeled back similar to the reference picture attached. The crossover is mounted underneath this insulation (If process being done on an HD6) and is perhaps the most obtrusive part when replacing a volume encoder. This has two Philips head screws mounting it to the base of the cabinet along with an adhesive pad to reduce noise vibration. It is possible to remove the two screws and lift the adhered crossover up from the base of the cabinet momentarily to get better access to the IR receiver and volume knob assemblies at the front. If you'd rather not risk damaging anything, the IR receiver can still be unscrewed from the inside of the cabinet with a long-necked Phillips PH1 driver. The volume knob is loosened from the outside of the cabinet with a thin-walled 10mm socket found by pulling the volume knob straight back  from the encoder shaft. Ample lighting will also make this work easier

Each Speaker is 11.25"H x 7"W x 10.5"D

All Optical audio is considered a "fixed" output, meaning volume will not attenuate from the TV remote. If you have an HD5/HD6 you can use the Audioengine remote for this. Fo

We take great pride in our products, and go through great lengths to ensure consistency and quality. For that reason, this item was randomly selected for an additional step of Quality Assurance.

                                          Applicable to our A2+, HD3, HD4, A5+, A5+Wireless, and HD6 speakers.

1. Determine if the distortion is due to your source by disconnecting all source devices from the speakers.
2. Please make sure all of your connector cables are in working order. Try different cables as well as a different source device.
3. Please try using each input available (mini-jack, RCA, USB, as well as Bluetooth), one at a time, to see how the speakers react. If the distortion is unique to one speaker, when testing via RCA switch the RCA jacks (red to white and white to red) to see if the issue remains in the same channel.
4. Make sure it is not a power issue by trying a power outlet that is on a different circuit.

                             Applicable to our A1, A2+Wireless, B2, A5+Wireless, and HD6 speaker models

1. On your source device (phone, tablet, laptop, etc), turn on Bluetooth and go to Bluetooth preferences.
2. Select "Audioengine (your speaker model)" from the list of available devices to pair and connect.  The Pair indicator on the back panel should now be solid. Play your music and adjust the volume levels on the speakers and your device.

Applicable to our A1, A1-MR, A2+, HD3, HD4, A5+, and HD6 speaker models

1. Check to make sure the speaker wire connecting the left and right speakers is connected according to proper polarity (Red to Gold, Black to Silver) on both ends.
2. Please make sure all of your connector cables are in working order. Try different cables as well as a different source device.
3. If you are using any other devices in line with these speakers, please temporarily remove them from your setup and connect the source directly to the speakers
4. Please try using each available input, one at a time, to see how the speakers react. When testing via RCA swap the RCA jacks (red to white and white to red) to see if the issue remains in the same channel.

The HD6's  do not come with a dedicated headphone out. If you wanted to use headphones with our HD6 speakers, you'd want to incorporate a headphone amp, like our D1 24-bit DAC/Headphone Amp, into your set up.  When using a device like this, the audio would be cut off to your speakers when your headphones are plugged in, allowing you to enjoy the audio coming through the headphones without any interruption from your speakers.

• Tidal
• Spotify
• Pandora
• iTunes/Apple Music
• Amazon Music
• YouTube
• Sirius XM
• Qobuz

• If it's on and solid, this means the HD6 is powered on, and currently connected to a Bluetooth-enabled device.
• If your source is currently sending the HD6 an aptX signal, the LED indicator on the rear panel will illuminate orange instead of white.
• If it's on and blinking, this means the HD6 is powered on but not currently connected to a device.
• If it's off (and HD6 is powered on), this means Bluetooth is in standby and not connected to a device. The HD6, however, is still visible to your device, so simply connect using your device and the HD6 will automatically wake up.

1. Insert the paperclip into the hole on the back of the remote and push. The battery/button assembly of the remote will pop out.
2. Use the paperclip to push the battery out of the battery clip. Note the orientation of the battery when removing it.
3. Slide the new CR2025 battery into the battery clip. The positive (+) side of the battery should face away from the PCB.
4. The battery/button assembly is held in place with magnets, so once you've replaced the battery, slide it back into place.

• Larger redesigned woofer with die-cast aluminum frame for extended bass response with fast dynamics
• New larger custom 1” tweeter for an open and realistic high end and an extraordinary soundstage
• Thicker, low-resonance cabinet
• Upgraded crossover components

• Bluetooth aptX and digital optical inputs
• Real wood-veneer cabinet finish options
• Removable magnetic grills
• Solid aluminum remote control

Table of Contents 

• Introduction 
• Main Differences Between Bose Music Wave and Audioengine B2 
• Key Specifications 
• Key Features 
• Overall Design 
• Playback Capabilities 
• Other Noteworthy Features 
• Reliability 
• Pros and Cons 
• Conclusion 

Introduction 

When choosing a high-quality home music system, both Bose and Audioengine are prominent names in the industry. However, while the Bose Music Wave has been around for decades, the Audioengine B2 Home Music System offers a more modern take on premium audio. This comparison aims to delve into the specifics of each system, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. 

Main Differences Between Bose Music Wave and Audioengine B2 

The primary differences between the Bose Music Wave and Audioengine B2 lie in their design philosophy, sound quality, and connectivity features. The Bose Music Wave, released in 1993, is a legacy product with outdated features and a high price tag that does not justify its performance in today's market. On the other hand, the Audioengine B2 emphasizes superior sound performance, modern connectivity, and handcrafted design. 

Key Specifications 

Bose Music Wave: 

• Type: Integrated music system 
• Release Year: 1993 
• Original Price: $349 (equivalent to $600 in 2024) 
• Amplifier: Built-in amplifier 
• Drivers: Proprietary Bose speaker technology 
• Connectivity: CD player, AM/FM radio, auxiliary input, optional Bluetooth (added later) 
• Dimensions: 4.2” H x 14.6” W x 8.6” D 
• Weight: 8.7 lbs 

Audioengine B2: 

• Type: Powered Bluetooth speaker 
• Amplifier: 60W peak power total (15W RMS / 30W peak per channel), Class D 
• Drivers: 2.75” aramid fiber woofers, 0.75” silk dome tweeters 
• Connectivity: Bluetooth aptX, 3.5mm analog input 
• Dimensions: 4.25” H x 12.25” W x 5.50” D 
• Weight: 10.0 lbs 

Key Features 

Totorus," Cat, 2012. https://flickr.com/photos/totorus/8088287827 (accessed July 3, 2024). Licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Bose Music Wave: 

• Outdated Design: Combines multiple outdated audio sources in one unit. 
• Basic Connectivity: Includes CD player, AM/FM radio, and an auxiliary input. Optional Bluetooth was added much later. 
• High Cost: Originally priced at $349, equivalent to $600 today, without offering modern features. 

Audioengine B2: 

• High-Fidelity Sound: Utilizes premium components for superior audio quality. 
• Bluetooth aptX: Provides CD-like audio quality with extended range. 
• Handcrafted Cabinets: Made with real wood veneers, available in Walnut and Hi-Gloss White finishes. 
• Compact and Portable: Designed for easy placement and portability. 

Overall Design 

Bose Music Wave: The Bose Music Wave features a dated design that reflects its 1993 release. Its integrated form factor is bulky by today's standards, making it less suitable for modern home decor. The design focuses on combining multiple outdated audio sources in one unit, which may not appeal to contemporary users. 

Audioengine B2: The Audioengine B2 showcases a modern speaker design, with a focus on craftsmanship and premium materials. The hand-crafted wood cabinets not only enhance the acoustic performance but also add a touch of elegance to any room. The compact size and portability make it a versatile option for various spaces. 

Playback Capabilities 

Bose Music Wave: The Bose Music Wave offers basic playback capabilities, including a CD player and AM/FM radio. These features, while popular in the 90s, are now considered outdated. The optional Bluetooth adapter, added later, lacks the advanced audio quality of modern Bluetooth standards. 

Audioengine B2: The Audioengine B2 focuses on delivering high-fidelity sound through its Bluetooth aptX technology and built-in digital to analog converter. This ensures that every playback retains the artist's original intention with unmatched clarity and detail. The 3.5mm analog input provides additional connectivity options for wired sources. 

Other Noteworthy Features 

Bose Music Wave: 

• Alarm Clock Function: Built-in alarm clock with dual alarms. 
• Remote Control: Comes with an easy-to-use remote control. 
• Proprietary Waveguide Technology: Enhances sound quality using Bose's patented technology, though now outdated. 

Audioengine B2: 

13-Step Painting Process for Hi-Gloss White Finish 

Audioengine's B2 Home Music System in Hi-Gloss White undergoes a detailed 13-step painting process, the same used for a baby grand piano.  

This process includes initial sanding to smooth the wood surface, followed by the application of each layer before intermediate sanding ensures a flawless finish.  

The surface is polished to achieve a high-gloss, mirror-like finish, like a baby grand piano. Each cabinet undergoes a final thorough inspection, and hand detailing ensures the finish is perfect, resulting in a stunningly elegant and durable Hi-Gloss White cabinet for the B2 Home Music System. 

• Magnetic Speaker Grill: Protects the speakers while minimizing distortion. 
• Effortless Setup: No network setup, no passwords, just plug and play. 
• 3-Year Warranty: Industry-leading warranty and exceptional US-based customer support. 

Reliability 

Bose Music Wave: Bose's Music Wave system, while reliable in its time, is now outdated. The brand's legacy doesn't compensate for the lack of modern features and the high cost. 

Audioengine B2: Audioengine's B2 Home Music System is highly reliable, with numerous 5-star reviews and a high average rating. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in the B2's construction and performance, backed by a comprehensive 3-year warranty. 

Pros and Cons 

Bose Music Wave: Pros: 

• Basic connectivity with CD player and radio 
• Trusted brand history 

Cons: 

• Outdated features and design 
• High price point without modern capabilities 
• Bulky and less suitable for modern decor 

Audioengine B2: Pros: 

• Exceptional sound quality with Bluetooth aptX 
• Elegant, handcrafted design 
• Versatile connectivity options 

Cons: 

• Lacks integrated audio sources like a CD player and radio 
• Slightly heavier and less compact than other modern speakers 

Conclusion 

Choosing between the Bose Music Wave and Audioengine B2 ultimately depends on your audio needs and preferences. If you value modern sound quality, elegant design, and versatile connectivity, the Audioengine B2 Home Music System is the superior choice. While the Bose Music Wave offers basic connectivity and a legacy brand name, it falls short in terms of modern features and value for money. The Audioengine B2 stands out with its high-fidelity sound, premium materials, and excellent customer support, making it the better option for today's audio enthusiasts. 

Can Alexa Connect to Bluetooth Speakers?

Remember how in old science fiction movies a character could just talk out loud to a spaceship and it would do anything they commanded?

The idea of voice control technology has long been embedded in our expectations for the “future”, and even though most of those old science fiction movie-makers couldn’t imagine computers any further-advanced than those already available in 1979, they certainly hit the nail on the head with their forecast of voice control.  Nowadays, with the help of products like Amazon Echo (and its voice-controlled personal assistant ‘Alexa’), users can control aspects of their home just by verbalizing simple commands.  But even with the huge strides this technology has made in recent years, it’s impossible to get audiophile-quality sound from the speakers in an Amazon Echo product.  Audioengine can help with this, but before we dive into how, let’s talk a little more about the Amazon Echo.

Is your Amazon Echo killing your audio quality?

First, while Echo and Alexa do in fact go hand-in-hand, they are not the exact same thing.

Echo is a line of smart speakers manufactured by Amazon, and Alexa is an intelligent personal assistant software used to control Echo.  Users can speak aloud to give Alexa, and therefore Echo, verbal commands (always beginning with the wake word, ‘Alexa’) such as, “Alexa, play my favorite song,” or “Alexa, what’s on my calendar this Saturday?”  Alexa will respond accordingly, so long as the questions asked or commands given are within Alexa’s realm of capability. With tons of Echo-compatible add-on products on the market, there really isn’t a whole lot that falls outside of Alexa’s wheelhouse.

The most common commands Alexa handles are music-related: whether it’s calling up a Spotify playlist, turning up or down the volume, or finding a specific song you haven’t heard in years but are randomly thinking about and absolutely have to hear right this second!!  The accessibility is astounding, no doubt, but its main consequence is that you are forced to listen to all your music on Echo’s built-in speakers instead of your own beastly audio system.  This is not to say Amazon has ignored their sound quality altogether, but realistically there’s only so much a single speaker housing of that size can handle.  Suffice it to say, there are limitations.

Luckily, Amazon has implemented a crucial feature which expands its functionality to accommodate customers who want to be able to interact with Alexa and still enjoy listening to podcasts, music, and stock tips through exterior systems. That’s right, it’s quick and easy to connect your Echo to Bluetooth speakers:

• Open the Alexa App (Apple link  |  Google Play Link)
• Tap the “Devices” icon and select the Echo device you want to connect to speakers
• Select “Bluetooth Devices”
• Select “Pair New Device”
• Find your Audioengine Wireless speaker on the list of available Bluetooth devices

Bang, you’re done!

Now you can treat Alexa as if it were any other input device; you can still have whatever other devices you so choose connected to your Audioengine speakers, and since Alexa can control Echo’s volume with a simple, “Alexa turn down volume,” you can leave Audioengine’s volume knob exactly where you like it and adjust volume accordingly with Alexa.  If you have our S8 Powered Subwoofer connected wirelessly to your mains, this configuration will still work which means you’ll get full-spectrum high fidelity audio when listening to all your favorite songs, without sacrificing the unparalleled convenience provided by a product like Amazon Echo.  This will also work with our standalone B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver in the event you have a set of wired speakers you want to turn into wireless speakers.

Modern technology is really opening up doors... and windows... and exhaust fans... it’s basically blasting the roof off the whole place.

We are reaching the point where we can do just about anything we want with voice control technology, as long as we have all the right accouterments.  Products like Amazon Echo make life so easy it hurts... perhaps it hurts so good that you want to lie down and say, “Alexa, play ‘Hurts So Good’ by John Mellencamp.”  Don’t worry – we designed Audioengine Wireless speakers to do the rest.

Connecting Google Home to Bluetooth Speakers

Consumer electronics designers are, and have been, on a perpetual quest to give users the most streamlined experience imaginable.

At this point in time it seems like modern-day designers have exceeded the bounds of what most of us could have ever imagined in the first place.  Think about it, there is an app for literally everything; just by downloading a simple program onto your phone or tablet, your life can become easier.  Wearable technology, like Apple Watch, and smart speakers, like Google Home, tie all of your electronics together to make technology and user-friendliness a lifestyle rather than a rare luxury.  Today we are going to talk a little more about one of the leading products, what it does, and how Audioengine can take it one step further; that product is Google Home.

What Is Google Home?

Offically, this piece of technology is touted as a “Smart Speaker and Home Assistant.”

A smart speaker is one of those sleek futuristic speakers that sits on your friend’s kitchen counter, plays whatever music someone tells it to, and sometimes has a snarky robotic comeback to your sarcastic remarks.  There are a number of big brands making smart speakers (some of which we’ll discuss in other articles) and all of them have their pros and cons.  One “pro” to the Google Home is the “Home Assistant” part.  Google Home has an accompanying downloadable app that allows users to customize how the device interacts with and controls their home; lights, thermostats, coffee makers, and pretty much anything else can be controlled by Google Home and accessories.  Once you have all of your desired devices properly connected and configured, turning them on and off is just one voice command away... how much easier can life get?

When it comes to music, smart speakers make calling up the right tune an absolute breeze.  Google Home can control apps such as Spotify, YouTube, and iHeartRadio among others, so you can tell it to play just about any song in the world.  Google Home will even call up playlists you’ve saved within your music streaming apps, and you can tell the device to increase and decrease volume, pause, skip, and any other command you would typically give a media player.  There is just one drawback; while Google Home offers a few different sizes (featuring different speakers), the product’s focus is not audiophile-grade sound quality.  For that, we need to bring Audioengine into the mix.

How Can Audioengine Take Google Home Further?

You’re taking a step up in the world of consumer electronics and you’ve decided to purchase Google Home; you care about user-experience and you strive to stay ahead of the pop culture curve. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a quality listening experience.  As I always say, what good is having access to every song in the world if you’re just going to play them through an inadequate sound system?  That’s like sharpening a hunting knife so you can cut hot butter with it.

Luckily, the Google Home App (iTunes  |  Google Play) allows users to send audio to external Bluetooth speakers. Whether it’s the humble B2 Wireless Speaker, or a full-fledged pair of active Audioengine speakers such as the A5+ Wireless, Google Home is capable of transmitting your beloved music to your sonic system.  Bam!!--we just completed the full circle of user-friendliness and ear-friendliness.  It may sound complicated merely by description, but it’s actually extremely easy to configure, just follow the quick steps below:

• Download and open the Google Home App on your phone or tablet.
• Navigate to the “Devices” tab within the app
• Tap “Settings” in the devices submenu
• Scroll down to “Default Music Speaker” and tap “Pair Bluetooth Speaker”
• Select your Audioengine speaker – and you’re done!

Take control of your music.

Now you’re ready to shout voice commands all over the house and rock out while you make dinner, host a party, or do whatever it is you do.  You can even connect multiple sets of Audioengine wireless speakers for multi-room audio, by creating “groups” in the Google Home app (under that same “Devices” tab).

Isn’t it nice that designers have created all this awesome technology for us?  Now I’m just spit-balling, here, but -- what if one day someone will make some kind of like a smart speaker... except it lives in your brain and reads your mind.  Then you can just think about how good your favorite tunes will sound through a pair of Audioengine wireless speakers, and voila!

Experiencing static or buzzing in your home music system?

Whether you're using the renowned Audioengine A2+ or another high-end audio setup, understanding the root causes of these noises is essential for a pristine listening experience. This guide delves into common sources of disturbances and offers effective strategies to eradicate them. 

Why Are My Speakers Buzzing?

1. Static, Buzzing, and Ground Loops

Unwanted sounds in your audio setup, like static, buzzing, or humming, can stem from various sources. These include your computer's 3.5mm line out, RF interference, or the noise floor inherent in electronic devices. Ground loops are a frequent issue in systems where the audio source and speakers are on different power sources, such as separate power strips.

Solution:

To address ground loops, ensure all components of your audio system are connected to the same power strip or power source. This helps maintain a common ground and prevents ground loops. Using a ground loop isolator can also be effective in eliminating this issue.

2. Static from the 3.5mm Line Out

Static from the 3.5mm line out of a computer is a common issue. This often occurs due to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from other devices or poor quality cables.

Solution:

To reduce static, use high-quality shielded cables. Keeping cables away from power supplies and other electronic devices can also minimize interference. Alternatively, consider using an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to bypass the computer’s internal sound card, which is often a source of static.

3. RF Interference

Electronic devices in your home, such as routers, mobile phones, and even microwaves, can cause radio frequency interference (RFI), leading to that annoying buzz.

Solution:

To mitigate RF interference, position your audio setup away from other electronic devices. Using ferrite beads on cables can help suppress high-frequency noise. Additionally, ensuring your audio cables are of high quality and shielded can further reduce susceptibility to RF interference.

4. The Noise Floor

Every electronic device, including your home music system, has a baseline noise level known as the noise floor. When the system is amplified, this noise floor can become noticeable.

Solution:

To minimize the impact of the noise floor, keep your audio system’s volume at a reasonable level and adjust the gain settings appropriately. Ensuring your equipment is well-maintained and free from dust can also help, as dust can affect the performance of electronic components.

How Do I Fix My Speakers?

Eliminating buzzing noises and static involves a combination of savvy technical solutions and simple setup adjustments: 
 
Invest in Quality Cables: High-quality, shielded cables, especially for your 3.5mm line out, can significantly reduce electromagnetic interference. 
 
Strategic Placement of Equipment: Keep your speakers away from potential sources of RF interference, such as a cellphone.
 
Unified Power Sources: Connecting your audio source and system to the same power strip can help resolve ground loop issues. 

Regular Maintenance: Dust and debris can affect connections, leading to static. Keep your connectors and ports clean to maintain a clear signal path. 

 
External DAC for Enhanced Audio: Consider using an external Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). Digital to Analog converters work by converting digital audio files back into analog sound, to be heard the way the artist intended. DAC’s such as the Audioengine D1 feature 32-bit audio processing technology and are particularly effective in reducing the noise floor compared to devices with built-in sound cards.
 
Conclusion 
Static, buzzing, and grounding issues can disrupt your music enjoyment, but they don't have to be a permanent feature of your audio experience. With the right understanding and some adjustments, your home music system will deliver the high-quality sound you expect. Embrace the journey with Audioengine – where we combine state-of-the-art technology with user-friendly solutions to elevate your audio experience. 

6 Simple Wireless Speaker Shopping Tips

So you’ve decided to make the leap from wired to wireless music and might have made the mistake of Googling “Best Wireless Speakers.”

We here at Audioengine know how overwhelming this can be and we extend our deepest sympathies. But it’s time to put your concerns to rest as we’re here to give you some important buying tips… and yes, you may need these tips to make it through this with your sanity intact.

Before we start, let it be known we are not trying to sway you in any particular direction but we only want to make sure you’re aware of a few items that could go overlooked. And the majority of the following advice can be applied to pretty much any purchase you’re making in the audio world.

[Find out what speakers are best for you. Take the quiz]

Price point

As with anything, it is important to start by setting a budget for yourself and finding a product that aligns with this budget.

There are a ton of great wireless products out there, some of them are practically being given away, and others might cost your life savings. No matter your budget, one fact remains: a quality wireless speaker setup doesn’t HAVE to be expensive. Conversely, you often get what you pay for, so it is wise to be wary of a product whose price tag looks more like a shoe size if you catch my drift.

Features

Another important point that will assuredly be different for everyone is the inclusion of features.

If you’re looking for a simple wireless speaker with no options and no extra inputs, then don’t bother spending hours comparing products that are saturated with bells and whistles. If, on the other hand, you know you want the option to connect an analog device like a stereo or surround sound receiver, for instance, make this determination early and stick with it. There will always be an option to suit your exact needs so don’t feel pressured.

Reviews

Reviews are king in today’s world.

Everything from the usability of a product to the competence of a company’s customer service team can be scrutinized in an online review, and that’s why it’s obviously important to read as many reviews as you can find (and to also read between the lines with some of these). A responsible company addresses negative reactions and does not let any concern go unnoticed. Reviews not only tell us how customers react to a product but how a company reacts to its customers. And the way a company reacts to its customers can tell you whether you’re making a good or bad purchase.

Warranties and trials

This is always a fun one! If you’re having trouble deciding between two or more products because they have the same features and similar reviews, why not go with the one that offers a trial or a better warranty?

The wireless audio market is extremely competitive, and most companies are offering a brief trial period with no penalties or full-coverage or even an extended warranty period. The fact is, a company with a truly great product has nothing to fear and is confident in their product’s ability to satisfy anyone and everyone.

Portability and durability

Where are you going to be using these speakers? Are you going to sling wireless audio from the kitchen to the living room, or are you taking this setup down to the park for a picnic? Do you need the speakers to be battery powered? Waterproof?

I know, I know, asking way too many questions but you should be asking these questions too! Again, there will always be a product that suits your needs for portability — and often times, if the speakers are easily portable, they will also be durable to some extent. The caveat is that certain other aspects of the speakers will inevitably suffer. Sound quality, aux inputs, wireless range, etc.; these are all things that have the potential to “get the boot” the more portable or waterproof your speakers need to be.

Sound quality and wireless range

Obviously we want our wireless speakers to sound great and to not drop out or lose signal EVER.

The sound quality of the actual speaker itself is something you may need to derive from customer reviews, unless you have the option to actually hear the speaker before making a purchase. Apart from that, it’s best to read up on the company, what materials they are using, and what the speakers can be compared to, etc.

But when it comes to the sound quality of the actual WIRELESS itself, you’ll need to look out for a few things. Wi-fi or Bluetooth and other fun terms all define different ways a speaker can receive wireless audio information and process it. Each of these has its own pros and cons, and some will be more or less suitable to your particular setup. Wi-fi is good if you want to transmit audio to multiple speakers at once but Bluetooth has a much easier setup and the ease-of-use is a HUGE advantage. But for the best sound quality AND ease-of-use, you will want to look for Bluetooth products that use the aptX or aptX HD “codecs”. These will give you the best audio quality possible, and with Audioengine, the longest range as well. If you wish to get into more technical details about this type of wireless audio, please read our article on Bluetooth aptX HD technology.

In summary, there are a myriad of products on the market and all have their pros and cons. To get started, make a list of things you want and need out of your music system. Determine what is necessary, nice-to-have, and what you don’t need. Then when you make the detrimental error of Googling, “Best Wireless Speakers,” you might make it through to the other side with your sanity intact.

Still struggling with choosing the right speaker? Take our quiz and make it easy!

With many modern audio speakers and systems adding wireless functionality to their list of features, you may wonder whether you are doing yourself a disservice by going wireless and ask yourself “is wireless audio quality any good?” 

Believe it or not, wireless can sound just as good as a wired connection, meaning you won’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience.

Our wireless speakers utilize Bluetooth technology which definitely has its advantages; it’s fairly universal and, with its lack of proprietary software, is really easy to set up. There must be a catch, right? In the past, we felt that Bluetooth technology wasn’t up to snuff, both in terms of the range of the signal and the quality of audio. In recent years, however, Bluetooth technology has seriously done a lot of growing up; advances in the technology has increased the bandwidth and range, making it not only function great, but sound great. Bluetooth now has the capability of streaming up to CD quality, or 16-bit/44.1kHz, over the air, which means that right out of gate you’re able to send great sending audio without being tethered by cables.

Codecs play a part in how Bluetooth audio is sent and received and some codecs provide slightly better fidelity than others.

In products like our B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver, we utilize the aptX HD codec, which we feel provides you with the highest fidelity decoding possible. Some devices, like most iOS devices, don’t utilize aptX, but even though we use aptX in our products, other great codecs like SBC and AAC will work and sound great. Not to mention, we utilize built-in DACs in our Bluetooth products, which will take your audio and pad the bit-depth to a 24-bit format, giving you added benefits such a lower noise floor.

Even though we use Bluetooth in more of our newer products, we do have other wireless options if you’re looking for any non-Bluetooth solutions. We offer two different wireless audio adapters, the W3 Wireless Audio Adapter the D2 Wireless DAC. The wireless technology used in both of these products is a lot like Wi-Fi, but on a closed protocol built specifically for high-resolution audio. The W3 includes a 16-bit/44.1kHz DAC, which makes it able to send CD-quality uncompressed audio over the air. If you’re looking for high-quality, though, the D2 represents the absolute highest possible performance wireless audio device we could build, able to send 24-bit/96kHz wirelessly.

So is wireless audio quality any good? The short answer is yes!

Using only the best hardware and software, you can rest assured that the wireless gear you’ve been considering will not only add convenience to your listening experience, but will retain the authenticity that you expect from your music.

Bluetooth Audio and Codecs

If you’re curious about wireless audio and have found yourself doing some research, you’re probably awash in buzzwords like codecs, sample rates, bit rates, resolution, bandwidth and heaven knows what else.

Lest you throw up your hands at the complexity of it all let’s do our best to explain some of the basics of Bluetooth audio.

Bluetooth is a radio signal that sends data from a transmitter in your phone or computer, to a receiver in your headphones or speakers.  In order to be sent from one device to another in an efficient manner, this data has to be encoded by the transmitter and then decoded by the receiver on the other end.

This is a big job, not to mention it all has to be done in a fraction of a second.

The problem here is that traditional Bluetooth codecs can’t process the amount of information necessary to recreate a faithful audio signal on the other end, so they have to compress the information.  During compression, little bits of information are lost, and as we discussed earlier, the “information” in this case is YOUR MUSIC!

Think about that for a second!

Your devices can’t keep up with the amount of information your music requires, so they essentially throw it out; little bits of the frequency spectrum, dynamic range, etc. This may not sound like a big deal, but when you consider the idea that something like aptX HD can fix it, why would you settle for anything less?

Now before we dive into some of the technical aspects of what makes aptX HD so amazing, it’s important to discuss some of the older codecs so we can understand what aptX HD really brings to the table.

Think of the word “codec” as a combination of the terms “code” and “decode,” as these are the primary functions of all audio codecs; their job is to encode large information files so they can be more easily transferred, and then to decode that same file on the other end.

You’re familiar with MP3s, right? Well, an MP3 is just a type of codec… a very widely used type of codec, in fact. Since we have all used MP3s, we are probably all familiar with how dramatically they can degrade the quality of an audio file. Luckily, tons of codecs have been developed over the years, all with the goal of vastly surpassing the audio quality of a standard MP3.  Some other codecs you may be familiar with are SBC, AAC, LDAC, and aptX. These are all considered superior to MP3s, but are also geared towards Bluetooth wireless audio.

So what’s the difference between standard aptX, and aptX HD?

For starters, aptX has actually been around since the 80s, and is currently much more widely used than aptx HD.  Standard aptX has been used in phones, tablets, and laptops for a long time now so it’s likely that you’ve actually experienced Bluetooth transmission that features aptX.  But for those of you who are looking for some numbers, here you go:

Standard aptX:

• Speed:  352 kbps
• Sample Resolution:  16-bit
• Sample Rate:  48kHz

Aptx HD:

• Speed:576 kbps
• Sample Resolution:  24-bit
• Sample Rate:  48kHz

Alright, let's talk about that for a second.

The speed of these file transfers are measured in Kilobits-per-second (Kbps), and they define how quickly all of this audio information moves from one device to another.  48kHz denotes the sample rate of the audio data — the sample rate is measurement of how many samples of audio are carried from one end to the other end per second.

So this means aptX HD is providing audio information 48,000 times per second… and that’s a lot of times.

Next, 24-bit denotes the sampling resolution — sample resolution is a measurement of how many bits of information are included in each sample. Most Bluetooth codecs simply cannot provide this much information.  Even if they could, they wouldn’t be able to encode it and decode it faithfully within 1 millisecond.

Long story short: aptX HD recreates your audio data more accurately and in greater detail than aptX and does this more quickly, efficiently, and with very low latency.  Pretty impressive right?

Now I know Bluetooth audio has been pretty crappy in the past, but those days are over.  Out with the old, in with the new! With Apple and Google doing away with headphone jacks on their phones, we are practically being forced to make the switch to Bluetooth — this is why aptX HD makes so much sense.  If we are going to be forced to go wireless, why don’t we take advantage of some Bluetooth sound quality that surpasses even traditional wired headphone connections in some cases?

Which devices support aptX HD?

In order to take advantage of the benefits of aptX HD, you’ll need to make sure you have a device that supports it.

These devices will have a Bluetooth chip called the CSR8675, which is capable of supporting 24-bit audio from aptX HD.

Bluetooth Receiver vs. Wireless Speakers

Customers occasionally write to ask questions about the differences between our B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver and our Wireless Powered Speakers. Usually the questions go something like…

“Do I really NEED your complete speaker system or just the B1 receiver?”

“Is one product easier to use than the other?”

“Are there differences in sound quality between the B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver and your Audioengine Wireless Speakers?”

…and there have been plenty more questions that come along with those — but have no fear, today we are here to hopefully clear this up!

First off, you should have some peace of mind knowing that no matter which solution you choose, we absolutely guarantee your satisfaction. Apart from that you might be wondering which option is going to best suit your needs — reasonable enough, so let’s talk about it…

Do I really NEED the entire system or can I get away with just the B1?

Audioengine wireless speakers are powered music systems that implement cutting edge Bluetooth aptX-HD to deliver high-fidelity long-range wireless from any device.

The B1 Bluetooth Receiver also offers the same aptX-HD technology; the only difference being that B1 does not have built-in speakers, so you will still need speakers to hear your music.

Now, customers sometimes say “I already have a different brand of powered speakers that I LOVE, I just want to make them wireless.” If this is the case, you can use B1 to turn your current non-wireless music system into some super-rockin’ wireless speakers. Or maybe you have an older pair of Audioengine speakers that you bought before we made our speakers wireless — here again, the B1 is a great solution! You just need to make sure, no matter what system you have, that you have the proper inputs — RCA-style inputs work the best, or even an optical audio input if your gear has one.

Is one solution more user-friendly than the other?

Hey, great question — glad you asked! This one is a bit subjective and depends on how many components you want in your setup.

The simple fact is if you have Audioengine wireless speakers you will have the easiest setup under the sun. All you have to do is connect your speakers to power, connect the left speaker to the right, find the speakers in your phone or tablet’s list of available Bluetooth devices and BOOM, you’re done! Think of it as if the B1 Bluetooth receiver is built into Audioengine speakers.

On the other hand, if you are using a pair of non-wireless speakers and you want to make them Bluetooth compatible by using our B1 Receiver, you will need to add B1 to your setup, but in all actuality the B1 itself is just as easy to use as the speakers. Long story long, if you love your current speakers and aren’t ready to make the switch, adding the B1 is still an extremely user-friendly option and you will be up and running with great-sounding wireless audio in no time flat.

Are there differences in sound quality between the B1 and the Wireless Speakers?

This is the only moment in this article where things might teeter on the brink of being controversial.

Audioengine’s Wireless speakers guarantee immaculate and highly satisfying sound quality, which is hard to beat. The B1 offers aptX-HD Bluetooth with 24-bit upsampling (which are the exact same Bluetooth specs as our wireless speakers), so the audio being SENT from your devices to the B1 is no different than the audio being SENT from your device to Audioengine’s Wireless Speakers; however, the B1 itself doesn’t have any speakers, so it has to rely on whatever speakers it is connected to. This is the only point at which your sound quality COULD suffer.

So let’s say you are sending the highest quality audio file from your laptop to the B1 Bluetooth Receiver. The B1 takes that super-high-quality file and handles it with such great care you may not be able to tell whether it was wireless or not…BUT, if you have your B1 connected to a crappy pair of speakers, guess what? No matter how pristine that audio file was, and no matter how skillfully the B1 handles that file, crappy speakers are going to make that audio sound crappy. BUT, if you are using the B1 to send audio to a pair of really great speakers that you love, the B1 will absolutely deliver the highest quality audio possible via Bluetooth, and it will do so with an extended range so you can bounce around the house and not worry about dropouts or inferior audio quality.

This was a ton of information so here’s a quick recap and summary…

The Bluetooth capability of Audioengine’s Wireless Speakers and the B1 is exactly the same. If you love your current speakers and aren’t ready to change brands, don’t sweat it, the B1 will give you beautiful wireless audio all the same. BUT, if you are looking to be truly reinvigorated by your music, you definitely need to try Audioengine’s Wireless speakers to take advantage of both our highly advanced Bluetooth technology and our unparalleled listening experience.

Why We Choose Bluetooth over WiFi

It’s no secret that most players in the “smart” speaker market are primarily using wi-fi to wirelessly send audio around the house.

So if Sonos, Bose, and other big name brands are using wi-fi through an internet router, why would Audioengine use Bluetooth for wireless audio in their home speakers?

Easy Setup

Audioengine wireless home speakers are ready to use within minutes out of the box.

Connecting power and the speakers to one another is easy enough, but getting your music playing wirelessly is actually even more straight-forward. Unlike most of the big brand smart speakers, you don’t need to download and install apps for setup, you don’t need to connect the speakers to your router, and there aren’t any passwords or other overly-complicated hoops to jump through. Audioengine makes it simple by keeping the wireless connection exclusively between your phone, tablet, or computer and the speakers. Simply go to your device’s list of available Bluetooth connections, select Audioengine, and play music directly from your favorite app! Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, iTunes, YouTube; any apps that stream audio from your device can be played through your Audioengine home speakers. And remember, our speakers don’t depend on the speed of your internet connection or wireless router so when your internet slows down or doesn’t cover all of your house, you can still stream from your phone or connect another device via one of Audioengine’s many audio ports, which brings me to the next point…

Flexible and versatile

Even before the implementation of our long-range wireless Bluetooth audio, Audioengine home speakers have been some of the most versatile on the market.

A selection of inputs allow you to not only stream wirelessly but to easily and quickly connect your turntable, TV, AVR, or any other piece of gear with an audio output. The point being, is that you are not bound to a single input source. Not many auxiliary options are offered among the rest of the smart speaker community, leaving the user completely reliant upon the wi-fi connection and other compatible devices they may already own. And what about when you’re using Alexa to search for music, but a particular song can’t be played due to copyright issues? This can happen with voice-controlled systems, but we all know a quick visit to YouTube can typically get around this barrier and play the music you want to hear. Now you can actually listen to any Beatles tune you want, whenever you want, but at the same time you can also connect to an external Alexa device for superior sound with Audioengine.

Range and quality

Bluetooth transmission range was not so great in the past, as many of you have experienced. And products using wi-fi still tout the superiority of its range over that of Bluetooth, but the truth is, those days are over.

Audioengine home speakers utilize cutting-edge tech that allows a solid transmission of up to 100 feet (and sometimes more) with no drop-outs and no blips. Again, this range is not reliant upon the ebb and flow of your wi-fi strength at any given point. But what about sound quality; isn’t Bluetooth kind of crappy? No way! Bluetooth audio has come a long way in the past few years as well, and the implementation of the aptX HD codec allows for near lossless audio transmission that rivals the sound of many wired music systems.

Elegant aesthetic and sound

Audioengine home speakers have always held sleek looks that equals their sound quality, and with the shift to high-quality wireless, these standards have been upheld.

We didn’t want to sacrifice our warm, rich, analog power amps and hand-built wooden cabinets by trying to cram all that goodness into a generic-looking plastic speaker enclosure with average-quality wireless. We want our speakers to be an integral part of the look and feel of your home and we also want you to have TWO speakers so your listening experience can be what it’s meant to be. Other systems allow you to purchase “add-on” speakers, but that means in order to have two speakers you have to, well… spend more money for “add-on” speakers. Audioengine home speakers come standard as a stereo pair that are tuned to perfection. To put it simply, Audioengine home speakers are some of the best-sounding speakers on the market today. “Smart” speakers tend to put more focus on the “smart” portion than on the “speakers” portion, often leaving the sound reproduction underwhelming. Would you rather watch the next season of GOT on a single wi-fi speaker or on a matched pair of award-winning audiophile-grade speakers with true stereo sound?

So, it’s safe to say Bluetooth and wi-fi each have their own advantages, just as anything else. But in the end, Bluetooth was the choice we made to be as user-friendly, versatile, and as hi-fi-sounding as possible.

How to Stream Music from my Phone to my Stereo?

We want things to work, is that so much to ask?

There is such a mass of technology and gadgetry available out there today that, for the most part, the good stuff sticks around and the bad stuff is pushed right out the door, never to be seen again. But when it comes to streaming music from our phones to our stereo systems, we sometimes still have to jump through hoops to get our gadgets to see eye to eye.

Rest easy, friends, for today I am here to make it very very easy. Let’s talk about a couple of ways Audioengine can get your music streaming from phone to stereo in less than 1 minute!

Using Audioengine Wireless Speakers

If you are one of the TRILLIONS of highly intelligent individuals who have already purchased a set of Audioengine wireless speakers (this includes the HD6, HD3, A5+ Wireless, and B2 speakers), you are in luck, as this is the easiest possible way to get your music streaming.

To get the system up and running in general, all you have to do is take your speakers out of the box, plug the left speaker into power, connect the left speaker to the right speaker via the included speaker wire (does not apply to B2, it's just one little speaker), and flip the power switch to the ‘On’ position. After the speakers are on, the only thing left to do is find the speakers on your phone’s list of available Bluetooth devices, and select them. They will pair within seconds after just ONE click! You’re done -- can you believe that!? Sheesh, that was easy. But what if you don’t have a pair of Audioengine wireless speakers?

Using Anything Else

Okay so maybe you don’t have a pair of super awesome wireless speakers, that’s cool, Audioengine can fix that in less than a minute using our B1 Bluetooth Receiver.

The same principals will apply from the previous section, but first, we have to MAKE our non-wireless speakers into wireless speakers. Let’s unpack our B1 Bluetooth receiver, connect it to power, and then run cables from the analog OUTPUTS on our B1, to the analog INPUTS on our existing speakers. Boom -- now our speakers are wireless, crazy right? The final step is the same as before; just locate B1 in your phone’s list of available Bluetooth devices and click. You’ll be paired in seconds and ready to rock that Duran Duran Greatest Hits album you just downloaded.

Keep in mind, once you’re paired like this, you should be able to stream any and all audio from your phone to your speakers. This means, iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, everything. Everything!

No more banging your head against the wall trying to get things paired up, no more proprietary passwords, and no more having to reconnect every ten minutes. It really is the best way to stream music from your phone to your speakers, no matter what kind of speakers you are using.

Now, why don’t you stream your way on back to our Wireless Speakers and see what you’re missing out on!

Speaker Setup – How to break in new speakers.

So you just got your brand new Audioengine speakers and you’re ready to pull them out of the box and get them set up so you can start rocking out.

Straight out of the box, your speakers should sound great, but what if your speaker setup could sound better with time?

One thing that you can easily do to make that new speaker setup sound top-notch is a thing called “break-in” and it’s actually really simple.

So why would you want to break the speakers in?

The materials we use for our speakers are quite robust, so right after manufacturing they can be a bit stiff.

One way to help out with this stiffness is to break them in so that these materials, such as the rubber surrounds of the aramid fiber drivers, loosen up. As mentioned earlier, the speakers should sound great from your first listen, but after they move around a bit and loosen up you should notice smoother low end response and sweeter mids/highs.

From time to time, we get asked about how to break in new speakers.

The break-in period doesn’t really require anything special other than listening to music and over time your speakers will become more and more broken in.

For proper break in, we generally recommend around 40 to 50 hours of at least mid-level playback before doing any critical listening. Some our customers have mentioned that they play tones or white noise while they are away, such as while they’re at work, to help the process along, but we’d recommend just listening to them normally at a medium-level during the break in period.

Breaking in your new speaker setup is a simple and crucial thing to do to make your speakers sound better and open up their potential. Some things do get better with age!

Audioengine – Doesn’t Your Music Deserve It?

To minimize unwanted resonances and distortion, Audioengine cabinets have thick high-resin MDF walls with extensive internal bracing. Heavy internal sound-damping material is also used to reduce unwanted sound reflections inside the cabinet. The B2 cabinet is a unique design in that it has dual sub-enclosures to prevent cross-interference, while each side contains its own tuned, front-port bass slot.

0.7" (18 mm) thick MDF cabinets with real wood veneer
0.75" (20 mm) silk dome tweeters with neodymium magnets
2.75" (70 mm) aramid fiber woofers with advanced voice coils

Dimensions (HWD)
4.25”(10.8 cm) x 12.25”(31.1 cm) x 5.50”(14 cm)

Weight
6 lb (2.7 kg)

Total Shipping Weight
10 lb (4.6 kg)

Shipping Box Dimensions (LWH)
16” (40.6 cm) x 7.5” (19.1 cm) x 10.5” (26.7 cm)

Headphone Amp Type
N/A

Full-scale Headphone Output Level
N/A

Output Impedance
N/A

Recommended Headphone Impedance Level
N/A

Connector Type
N/A

USB Device Class
N/A

Input Bit Depth
N/A

Input Sample Rate
N/A

Internal D/A Converter
PCM 5102

Internal BT Receiver
N/A

Input Bit Depth
16 bit

Bluetooth Receiver Type
Bluetooth 5.0

Supported Codecs
aptX, AAC, SBC

Supported Bluetooth Profiles
N/A

Wireless Operation Range
Up to 100 ft (30 m) typical

Input Data Rate
Determined by Bluetooth

Wireless Latency
~30 milliseconds (ms)

Type
Powered Bluetooth aptX speaker

Amplifier Type
Class D

Rated Power Output:
15W RMS per channel (measured in compliance with 16 C.F.R. § 432.3)
Peak Power Output: 30W per channel (AES)
Total Peak Power Output: 60W (AES)

Drivers
2.75” aramid fiber woofers

0.75“ Silk dome tweeters

Inputs
3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, Bluetooth

Outputs
N/A

Input Voltages
100-240 V 50/60 Hz auto-switching

SNR
>95 dB (typical A-weighted)

THD+N
Less than 0.05% at all power settings

Crosstalk
N/A

Frequency Response
65 Hz-22 kHz ±2.0 dB

Frequency Response w/ Bass Reduction Switch selected
N/A

Analog Input Impedance
10K ohms unbalanced

Nominal Impedance
N/A

Input Impedance
N/A

Crossover Frequency
N/A

Protection
Output current limiting, thermal over-temperature, power on/off transient protection

Power Consumption
Idle: 10W

Standby Consumption
N/A

Phase
N/A

Recommended Amplifier Power
N/A

Battery Life
N/A

Battery Charge Time
N/A

Audioengine operates two websites, audioengine.com and audioengineeu.com. If you go to any other site but these, they are not an Audioengine site. For Canada, Mexico and most of Europe and the UK, we only sell through Amazon. There are also a host of authorized retailers and sites across the US, and they can be found here. For international sales, we have distributors that operate independently, and they can be found here. 

What happens if I buy from an authorized site claiming to be Audioengine? Unfortunately, there is not much we can do. We are taking all the action we can to make sure those sites don't get indexed, but we recommend you work with the provider of the card you used to make payment to get your money back.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Terminal:
   • You can find Terminal in your Applications folder under Utilities, or you can use Spotlight by pressing Cmd + Space and typing "Terminal".
2. Execute the Command:
   • In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

bash

Copy code

sudo pkill bluetoothd

3. Enter Your Password:
   • After pressing Enter, you will be prompted to enter your password. Type your Mac's administrator password and press Enter.
   • Note that when you type your password, it won't be displayed on the screen (not even as asterisks). Just type it and press Enter.

By following these steps, you should be able to reset your Bluetooth service on your Mac, which can help resolve connectivity issues with your Audioengine devices or any other Bluetooth peripherals.

The Dimensions are 4.25”H x 12.25”W x 5.50”D

We take great pride in our products, and go through great lengths to ensure consistency and quality. For that reason, this item was randomly selected for an additional step of Quality Assurance.

                             Applicable to our A1, A2+Wireless, B2, A5+Wireless, and HD6 speaker models

1. On your source device (phone, tablet, laptop, etc), turn on Bluetooth and go to Bluetooth preferences.
2. Select "Audioengine (your speaker model)" from the list of available devices to pair and connect.  The Pair indicator on the back panel should now be solid. Play your music and adjust the volume levels on the speakers and your device.

1. Determine if the distortion is due to your source by disconnecting all source devices from the speakers.
2. Please make sure all of your connector cables are in working order. Try different cables as well as a different source device.
3. Please try using each input available (mini-jack and Bluetooth), one at a time, to see how the speakers react.
4. Make sure it is not a power issue by trying a power outlet that is on a different circuit.

• If it's on and solid, this means the B2 is powered on, and currently connected to a Bluetooth-enabled device.
• If it's on and blinking, this means the B2 is powered on but not currently connected to a device.
• If it's off (and B2 is powered on), this means Bluetooth is in standby and not connected to a device. The B2, however, is still visible to your device, so simply connect using your device and it will automatically wake up.

1. Turn Off and Unplug:

• Make sure your system is turned off and unplugged.

2. Dust the Surfaces:

• Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away dust.
• For hard-to-reach places, use a soft brush or a can of compressed air.

3. Wipe Down the Exterior:

• We do not recommend using any solvents
• If cleaning off stains or build-up is necessary, we recommend doing so with a very small amount of mild cleaning solution applied only to the affected area, followed by quickly wiping the area dry completely. 
• Any scoured pads or objects like a 'magic eraser' too easily run the risk of removing sealers and top coats of the painted finish that can leave a clearly visible change in the uniformity of the paint/finish

4. Clean the Speaker Grills:

• The speaker grills can be gently cleaned with a vacuum, preferably using a soft bush attachment.
• A lint roller can also be used.

5. Clean Buttons and Knobs:

• A dry cloth is recommend for cleaning any knobs, buttons or other surfaces
• Be careful not to let water get into any gaps.

6. Clean Ports and Connections:

• Use compressed air to blow out dust from ports and connections.

7. Let Everything Dry:

• Make sure everything is completely dry before plugging back in and turning on.

8. Regular Cleaning:

• Dust your system regularly to keep it in good shape.

By following these steps, you can keep your Audioengine system clean and working well.

Audioengine operates two websites, audioengine.com and audioengineeu.com. If you go to any other site but these, they are not an Audioengine site. For Canada, Mexico and most of Europe and the UK, we only sell through Amazon. There are also a host of authorized retailers and sites across the US, and they can be found here. For international sales, we have distributors that operate independently, and they can be found here. 

What happens if I buy from an authorized site claiming to be Audioengine? Unfortunately, there is not much we can do. We are taking all the action we can to make sure those sites don't get indexed, but we recommend you work with the provider of the card you used to make payment to get your money back.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Terminal:
   • You can find Terminal in your Applications folder under Utilities, or you can use Spotlight by pressing Cmd + Space and typing "Terminal".
2. Execute the Command:
   • In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

bash

Copy code

sudo pkill bluetoothd

3. Enter Your Password:
   • After pressing Enter, you will be prompted to enter your password. Type your Mac's administrator password and press Enter.
   • Note that when you type your password, it won't be displayed on the screen (not even as asterisks). Just type it and press Enter.

By following these steps, you should be able to reset your Bluetooth service on your Mac, which can help resolve connectivity issues with your Audioengine devices or any other Bluetooth peripherals.

The dimensions of each speaker is 9.2"H x 5.5"W x 6.5"D

We take great pride in our products, and go through great lengths to ensure consistency and quality. For that reason, this item was randomly selected for an additional step of Quality Assurance.

The lower the speaker impedance, the more current (amperage) your amp or receiver will need to provide, but most separate power amps have more than a sufficient power supply and power amp sections for driving 4 ohm loads with ease. In fact many amps will perform better with a 4 ohm load as opposed to 8 ohms if their design is robust enough to supply the extra current. A quick web search will bring up more information on this subject.

The P4 is a very efficient speaker and designed to work well with digital hybrid amplifiers (Class-D, Class-T, etc.) as well as most stereo receivers, integrated amps, tube amplifiers, and whole-house music systems such as the Sonos ZonePlayer 120. Check out our N22 amp for a great setup!

To use the P4 speakers with the S8 you would need an amp, like our N22, to supply power to the P4 speakers and connect to the S8.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Common Features and Brand Highlights
3. Design
4. Ideal Spaces and Uses
5. Audio Quality
6. Tech Specs and Features
7. Conclusion

Introduction

In the search for the ideal subwoofer to improve your home music setup, Audioengine's S6 and S8 models emerge as standout options. Renowned for their superior quality and performance, both the S6 and S8 offer unique features that cater to different audio preferences and environments. This comprehensive comparison will help you understand the differences and decide which subwoofer is right for your setup.

Common Features and Brand Highlights

Both the Audioengine S6 and S8 are built with exceptional sound quality, premium handcrafted real wood design, and versatility in placement. Some common features include:

• Handcrafted, Real Wood Cabinets: Both models are meticulously crafted with attention to detail, ensuring the best sound quality in a modern and durable finish that complements any setup.
• Airtight Enclosure: This design feature ensures precise and clear bass response by preventing air leaks that can cause unwanted resonances and vibrations. The enclosure controls woofer cone movement by maintaining an airtight seal, minimizing distortion, and enhancing sound quality.
• Music-Focused Performance: Both subwoofers are engineered for music lovers, delivering detailed and dynamic sound that enhances the overall listening experience.
• Wireless Upgrades Available: Both subwoofers offer wireless connectivity upgrades, providing flexibility in placement for optimal acoustics.
• Clarity at Higher Volumes: The detailed construction and advanced engineering of the S6 and S8 ensure consistent audio performance, even at higher volumes. This is due to their Class D amplifier and precision-tuned enclosure that minimize distortion and maintain sound integrity.
• Versatile Connectivity Options: Both models include multiple input options such as RCA and 3.5mm, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio sources and setups. This versatility allows seamless integration into various audio systems.

Design

Audioengine S6

Front-Firing Design: The S6 features a front-firing woofer that directs sound toward the listener, ensuring a more direct and immersive audio experience. This design is particularly beneficial in compact spaces where optimal placement options are limited. Front-firing subwoofers like the S6 are effective in smaller rooms because they reduce bass reflection issues, providing clearer and more accurate sound directly to the listener.

Airtight Enclosure: Encased in an airtight enclosure, the S6’s design minimizes distortion and ensures tight, controlled bass. The premium handcrafted, real wood cabinet adds a touch of style and durability, making it the perfect addition to any audio setup. The airtight design is crucial in maintaining the purity of the bass output, as it prevents the unwanted resonance that can muddy the sound.

Audioengine S8

Down-Firing Design: The S8’s down-firing woofer ensures powerful bass distribution throughout larger rooms. This design helps in evenly dispersing sound, providing a balanced and uniform audio experience. Down-firing subwoofers like the S8 are ideal for larger spaces because they use the floor to reflect and amplify the bass waves, filling the room with rich, deep sound.

Detailed Construction: The Audioengine S8 is available in Hi-Gloss Piano White and Satin Black finishes, ensuring it blends seamlessly into any setup. Its larger form factor and solid build are designed to deliver impactful bass, making it a focal point in any high-quality audio system. The sturdy construction not only looks great but also supports the powerful output of the subwoofer, ensuring it performs at its best, even at high volumes.

Ideal Spaces and Uses

Audioengine S6

The S6 is optimized for music listening, providing clear and precise bass that enhances every genre. The S6’s precise and controlled bass ensures that you can enjoy high-quality sound without disturbing your neighbors, making it an excellent choice for apartments and other shared living spaces. Whether you are an audiophile who loves every nuance of your music, a gamer needing clear, undistorted bass, the S6 is tailored to meet these needs without overwhelming the space.

Audioengine S8

The S8 is tailored for larger, floor-based setups and is ideal for standalone houses and non-shared living spaces where there is more room to fill. Its powerful, down-firing woofer is perfect for sounds where deep, impactful bass is desired. The S8 excels in delivering room-filling bass that enhances any genre, making it a great choice for more immersive audio experiences. If you have a dedicated media room or an open-plan living space, the S8’s ability to produce powerful, room-shaking bass will transform your listening experience.

Audio Quality

Audioengine S6

The Audioengine S6 excels in delivering tight, controlled bass with precision and clarity. Its sealed design ensures minimal distortion, making it ideal for critical listening scenarios. With a 210W Class D amplifier and a 6" long-throw woofer, the S6 offers a frequency response of 33 - 132 Hz ±1.5dB, providing a rich and full listening experience. The Class D amplifier is efficient and powerful, providing ample power for the woofer without generating excessive heat. This efficiency helps maintain high audio quality by minimizing power loss and ensuring that the woofer can deliver consistent, clean sound even at higher volumes.

Audioengine S8

The Audioengine S8 offers deep, room-filling bass thanks to its ported design and 8" custom down-firing woofer. It delivers a frequency response of 27 - 180 Hz ±1.5dB, ensuring it can handle very low frequencies with ease. This makes the S8 perfect for sounds that require deep, impactful bass, providing a more dynamic and immersive sound experience. The ported design allows for greater efficiency in producing low frequencies, making the bass sound more natural and less strained.

Tech Specs and Features

Audioengine S6

• 210W Class D Amplifier & 6" Long Throw Woofer: Ensures powerful yet controlled bass output.
• Frequency Response: 33 - 132 Hz ±1.5dB: Reproduces low frequencies with high accuracy.
• Adjustable Crossover: 40 - 130Hz: Allows for fine-tuning to optimize integration with other speakers.
• Wireless Upgrade Available: Provides flexibility in placement for optimal sound quality.
• Phase Switch and Volume Control: Offers precise tuning for perfect integration into any audio setup.

Audioengine S8

• 8" Custom Down-Firing Woofer: Delivers deeper and more impactful bass.
• Frequency Response: 27 - 180 Hz ±1.5dB: Handles very low frequencies for a profound bass experience.
• 3.5MM AUX & RCA Audio Inputs: Ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio sources.
• Wireless Upgrade Available: Allows for flexible placement without compromising sound quality.
• Auto-Sleep Power Saving Mode: Reduces power consumption when not in use, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Audioengine S6 and S8 depends on your specific needs and listening environment. Here’s our definitive quick guide to help you decide which subwoofer is right for your situation:

For Urban Living Environments

If you live in an urban setting with shared walls or limited space, the Audioengine S6 is the perfect choice. Its compact size and front-firing design make it ideal for placing on desks, bookshelves, or other elevated locations. The S6 provides tight, controlled bass that won’t disturb your neighbors, making it perfect for apartments or smaller rooms. Its precision and clarity ensure that you enjoy high-quality sound without overwhelming your living space.

For Homes with No Shared Walls

For those living in houses with no shared walls and more space to fill, the Audioengine S8 is the perfect option. Its larger size and down-firing woofer are designed to deliver deep, impactful bass that can fill larger rooms. The S8 is ideal for home theaters, living rooms, or any setup where you can enjoy powerful bass without worrying about disturbing others. Its ability to produce room-filling bass makes it perfect for creating an immersive audio experience in spacious environments.

The S6 and S8 models focus on music, ensuring that every note and beat is reproduced with clarity and depth. Their superior bass performance enhances the music listening experience, providing an exceptional audio experience for music enthusiasts. Both models offer wireless options, providing the freedom to place your subwoofer in the acoustically optimal position, ensuring an audio experience that meets your highest expectations. By focusing on the specific features and benefits of each model, this comparison provides a clear, detailed view to help potential buyers make an informed decision.

Speaker Setup – How to break in new speakers.

So you just got your brand new Audioengine speakers and you’re ready to pull them out of the box and get them set up so you can start rocking out.

Straight out of the box, your speakers should sound great, but what if your speaker setup could sound better with time?

One thing that you can easily do to make that new speaker setup sound top-notch is a thing called “break-in” and it’s actually really simple.

So why would you want to break the speakers in?

The materials we use for our speakers are quite robust, so right after manufacturing they can be a bit stiff.

One way to help out with this stiffness is to break them in so that these materials, such as the rubber surrounds of the aramid fiber drivers, loosen up. As mentioned earlier, the speakers should sound great from your first listen, but after they move around a bit and loosen up you should notice smoother low end response and sweeter mids/highs.

From time to time, we get asked about how to break in new speakers.

The break-in period doesn’t really require anything special other than listening to music and over time your speakers will become more and more broken in.

For proper break in, we generally recommend around 40 to 50 hours of at least mid-level playback before doing any critical listening. Some our customers have mentioned that they play tones or white noise while they are away, such as while they’re at work, to help the process along, but we’d recommend just listening to them normally at a medium-level during the break in period.

Breaking in your new speaker setup is a simple and crucial thing to do to make your speakers sound better and open up their potential. Some things do get better with age!

Audioengine – Doesn’t Your Music Deserve It?

Kanto Sub8 vs. Audioengine S8: Product Comparison

Table of Contents 

• Introduction 
• Main Differences Between Kanto Sub8 and Audioengine S8 
• Key Features 
• Overall Design 
• Bass Performance 
• Key Specifications 
• Audioengine S8 Exclusive Advantages 
• Kanto Sub8 Overview 
• Pros and Cons 

Introduction 

When selecting a subwoofer, the choice often comes down to the Kanto Sub8 and the Audioengine S8. Both offer distinct features and benefits, but the Audioengine S8 is designed for those who seek premium sound quality and design. Let's dive into what sets these two subwoofers apart and why the S8 stands out as the better option for audiophiles and home audio enthusiasts. 

Main Differences Between Kanto Sub8 and Audioengine S8 

The Audioengine S8 distinguishes itself with its handcrafted wood cabinets, far superior bass response, and a 3-year warranty. In contrast, the Kanto Sub8, while more budget-friendly, offers a basic design and a shorter 2-year warranty. 

Key Features 

The Audioengine S8 is designed for those who prioritize sound quality and aesthetic appeal. It's ported down-firing design and real wood construction are indicative of its superior performance. Meanwhile, the Kanto Sub8 offers a sealed front-firing design and practical features but falls short in delivering the same depth of sound. 

Overall Design 

The Audioengine S8's design is a testament to craftsmanship and quality. With a finish akin to a baby grand piano, it adds a luxurious touch to any room. On the other hand, the Kanto Sub8, while practical with its matte vinyl finish, doesn't offer the same level of elegance or refinement. 

Bass Performance 

Audioengine S8: 

• Down-Firing Design: This design enhances bass depth and clarity, offering a richer listening experience. 
• Frequency Reach: With a capability to deliver bass down to 28 Hz, the S8 captures deeper tones often missed by other subwoofers. 

Kanto Sub8 - Beware of Frequency Limitations:

• Sealed Front-Firing Design: While practical, it doesn't match the depth of a down-firing system. 
• Frequency Limitations: With a frequency response of only 35 Hz, the Sub8 misses the deepest bass tones. Even Audioengine's smaller S6, a sealed front-firing subwoofer with a 6-inch driver and 210W power, achieves 33 Hz with ease. 

Audioengine S8 Exclusive Advantages 

Audioengine's S8 offers easy integration into any home music setup, along with exceptional customer support and an industry-leading 3-year warranty. In contrast, the Kanto Sub8 offers a standard 2-year warranty, which may be limiting for those seeking long-term reliability. 

Reliability 

The Audioengine S8 is backed by thousands of positive reviews and a high average rating, making it a top choice for consumers seeking lasting satisfaction. Its 3-year warranty also provides peace of mind, ensuring long-term performance. The Kanto Sub8, while reliable, lacks the same level of customer assurance and support. 

• Rich Bass Performance: Delivers unparalleled bass depth thanks to its down-firing design and extended frequency range. 
• Premium Construction: Handcrafted wood cabinets not only enhance sound but also add a touch of class to any setup. 
• Extended Warranty: A 3-year warranty reflects Audioengine's confidence in their product's durability. 
• Brand Assurance: Audioengine's stellar reputation for customer service and product quality speaks for itself. 

Audioengine S8 Customer Review:

Kanto Sub8 Overview 

The Kanto Sub8 is an accessible option for those on a budget, offering basic functionality and affordability. While it provides good sound quality, it doesn't compete with the sophisticated design and performance of the Audioengine S8. 

Kanto Sub8 Customer Experiences 

The Kanto Sub8, while marketed with a powerful 300W peak amplifier, has received mixed reviews regarding its actual performance, especially when it comes to delivering impactful low-frequency sound. Many users have noted that its output doesn't match expectations when compared to other subwoofers in its class. Here's what one Amazon customer had to say about their experience with the Sub8: 

"Not impressed. I have input and crossover settings maxed, paired with Kanto YU3 speakers. There is just not much low-frequency output from this sub, I have to crank up the YU3 speakers to get any measurable sound from this sub. I am comparing this to the Polk Audio ... which hits hard at much lower sound levels... the Polk only has 100W sustained 200W max, whereas the Kanto claim on Amazon is 300W peak." 

Key Specifications 

Audioengine S8: 

• Amplifier Power: 250W Peak Power 
• Frequency Response: Reaches 28 Hz 
• Cabinet: Handcrafted, hand-painted real wood 
• Warranty: 3 years 

Kanto Sub8: 

• Amplifier Power: 300W Peak Power 
• Frequency Response: Reaches 35 Hz 
• Cabinet: Matte vinyl finish 
• Warranty: 2 years 

Pros and Cons 

Audioengine S8 

Pros: 

• Exceptional bass performance 
• Luxurious design and finish 
• Comprehensive customer support 
• Longer 3-year warranty 

Cons: 

• Higher price point, justified by superior quality 

Kanto Sub8 

Cons: 

• Inferior sound quality compared to the S8 
• Limited frequency response and design elegance 
• Shorter 2-year warranty 

Conclusion

When choosing between the Kanto Sub8 and the Audioengine S8, it's clear that the S8 is the superior choice for those seeking premium sound quality and design. The Audioengine S8 stands out with its handcrafted wood cabinets, impressive down-firing bass capabilities, and a more extended 3-year warranty, offering a level of sophistication and reliability that the Kanto Sub8 struggles to match.

While the Kanto Sub8 provides an affordable entry point for those on a budget, it falls short in delivering the rich, deep bass that audiophiles crave, as highlighted by customer feedback and its limited frequency response. The Audioengine S8 not only excels in providing a more immersive audio experience but also showcases a level of craftsmanship that adds a touch of elegance to any listening environment.

Ultimately, for those who prioritize high-quality sound, aesthetic appeal, and lasting performance, the Audioengine S8 is the clear winner, offering an unmatched audio experience that goes beyond basic functionality.

Frequently Asked Subwoofer Questions

Subwoofers are pivotal in enhancing the audio experience, providing the depth and richness that transform good sound systems into great ones.

As part of the Audioengine lineup, the S6 and S8 subwoofers offer distinct advantages and features tailored to various listening environments. Here, we address some frequently asked questions about these two subwoofers to help you make an informed decision.

#1 What Makes the Audioengine S6 and S8 Different?

The Audioengine S6 and S8 are designed to cater to different needs and preferences:

• Audioengine S6: Compact and front-firing, the S6 is ideal for desktop setups and apartment living. Its design directs sound towards the listener, minimizing disruption to neighbors and fitting seamlessly into smaller spaces. This subwoofer is perfect for enhancing desktop audio without taking up much room.

• Audioengine S8: Larger and down-firing, the S8 excels in providing powerful, deep bass suitable for home theaters and larger rooms. Its design ensures that sound resonates throughout the room, making it a versatile choice for both music and movie enthusiasts.

# 2 Why Do I Need a Subwoofer?

Even with high-quality speakers, adding a subwoofer like the S6 or S8 can dramatically enhance your audio experience. Subwoofers handle the lower frequencies that regular speakers struggle with, adding depth and clarity to your music and movies.

For example, the Audioengine A2+ Home Music System delivers excellent mid and high range sounds but pairing it with a subwoofer like the S6 or S8 brings out the full spectrum of bass frequencies, making your listening experience richer and more immersive.

# 3 Are All Subwoofers Created Equal?

When it comes to subwoofers, quality is paramount. Lower quality subwoofers, included with some desktop audio systems, can significantly detract from the overall listening experience.

Here’s why investing in a high-quality subwoofer like the Audioengine S6 or S8 can make all the difference.

• Precision and Clarity: High-quality subwoofers like the Audioengine S6 and S8 deliver tight, controlled bass that enhances both music and movie soundtracks. They provide clear, defined bass that complements mid and high frequencies.
• Robust Build Quality: The S6 and S8 are built from durable materials that minimize unwanted vibrations and resonance. This ensures improved sound quality and a longer lifespan compared to cheaper subwoofers.
• Wide Frequency Range: Both the S6 and S8 reproduce a broad range of low frequencies, providing depth and impact across various types of audio content. Lower quality subwoofers often struggle with this, resulting in a lack of depth.
• Sufficient Power: The S6 and S8 produce ample volume and dynamic range without distortion. Lower quality subwoofers are often underpowered, leading to distortion at higher volumes.

#4 How Should I Place My Subwoofer for Optimal Sound?

Placement Tips for the S6:

• Desk Setup: Place the S6 on your desk or a dedicated stand to keep the bass directed towards your ears. This front-firing design ensures the sound reaches you directly without spreading through floors or walls.
• Room Positioning: Position the S6 near your primary listening area but avoid corners and walls to prevent muddy sound.

Placement Tips for the S8:

• Larger Spaces: The S8 can be placed on the floor in larger rooms to fill the space with deep bass. Its down-firing design allows sound waves to resonate off the floor, enhancing the overall audio experience.
• Subwoofer Crawl Technique: For the best placement, use the subwoofer crawl method. Place the S8 in your usual listening spot, play bass-heavy music, and move around the room to find where the bass sounds best. This spot is where you should place your subwoofer for optimal performance.

#5 Should I Choose a Sealed or Ported Subwoofer?

• Sealed Subwoofers: The S6, with its sealed design, offers tighter and more precise bass. This makes it ideal for genres like jazz or acoustic music, where detail and clarity are paramount.
• Ported Subwoofers: The S8 features a ported design that produces deeper and more impactful bass, suitable for energetic genres like rock and EDM. It’s perfect for larger spaces where you want the bass to be felt as well as heard.

#6 What is an Adjustable Crossover and Why is it Important?

An adjustable crossover allows you to control which frequencies are sent to your subwoofer and which are sent to your speakers. This ensures that the subwoofer handles only the low-end frequencies, allowing your speakers to deliver clearer highs and mids. Both the S6 and S8 feature adjustable crossovers, enabling you to fine-tune your audio setup for the best performance.

#7 How Do I Connect My Subwoofer to My System?

Both the S6 and S8 can be connected to your home music system through various methods:

• Wired Connection: Provides a stable and continuous sound quality. It’s ideal for setups where the subwoofer will remain in a fixed position.
• Wireless Connection: Using adapters like Audioengine’s W3, you can convert a wired subwoofer into a wireless unit, offering more flexibility in placement and reducing cable clutter.

#8 Are Front-Firing Subwoofers Better for Desktop Setups?

Yes, front-firing subwoofers like the S6 are specifically designed for desktop setups. They direct sound towards the listener, making them ideal for close-proximity listening environments like a home office or gaming station. This design ensures that you experience the full impact of the bass without disturbing adjacent rooms or neighbors.

Conclusion

Choosing the right subwoofer depends on your specific needs and listening environment. The Audioengine S6 is perfect for compact spaces and desktop setups, offering precise bass in a neighbor-friendly package. The S8, on the other hand, excels in larger rooms and home theater setups, delivering powerful and resonant bass that can transform your listening experience.

Whether you’re enhancing a home music system or creating a full home theater, understanding the features and benefits of the S6 and S8 will help you make the right choice. Both subwoofers embody Audioengine’s commitment to quality and superior sound, ensuring that every note and beat is delivered with clarity and depth. Upgrade your audio experience today with the S6 or S8 and discover the difference a high-quality subwoofer can make.

15.6mm thick MDF cabinet
8" custom downfiring woofer

Dimensions (HWD)
11.25" (28.6 cm) x 11.25" (28.6 cm) x 11.25" (28.6 cm)

Weight
23.6 lb (10.7 kg)

Total Shipping Weight
30 lb (13.6 kg)

Shipping Box Dimensions (LWH)
16" (40.6 cm) x 16" (40.6 cm) x 18" (45.7 cm)

Type
Powered Subwoofer, front ported design

Amplifier Type
Class D

Rated Power Output:/strong>
125W RMS (measured in compliance with 16 C.F.R. § 432.3)
Total Peak Power Output: 250W (AES)

Drivers
8" long throw down-firing woofer

Inputs
3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, RCA L/R

Outputs
N/A

Input Voltages
100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz auto-switching

SNR
Greater than 95 dB (typical A-weighted)

THD+N
Less than 0.05% at all power settings

Crosstalk
N/A

Frequency Response
27Hz - 180Hz ±1.5 dB

Frequency Response w/ Bass Reduction Switch selected
N/A

Analog Input Impedance
N/A

Nominal Impedance
N/A

Input Impedance
10K ohms unbalanced

Crossover Frequency
50Hz - 130Hz

Protection
Output current limiting, thermal over-temperature, power on/off transient protection

Power Consumption
N/A

Standby Consumption
<1W

Phase
0 / 180 degrees

Recommended Amplifier Power
N/A

Battery Life
N/A

Battery Charge Time
N/A

1. Turn Off and Unplug:

• Make sure your system is turned off and unplugged.

2. Dust the Surfaces:

• Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away dust.
• For hard-to-reach places, use a soft brush or a can of compressed air.

3. Wipe Down the Exterior:

• We do not recommend using any solvents
• If cleaning off stains or build-up is necessary, we recommend doing so with a very small amount of mild cleaning solution applied only to the affected area, followed by quickly wiping the area dry completely. 
• Any scoured pads or objects like a 'magic eraser' too easily run the risk of removing sealers and top coats of the painted finish that can leave a clearly visible change in the uniformity of the paint/finish

4. Clean the Speaker Grills:

• The speaker grills can be gently cleaned with a vacuum, preferably using a soft bush attachment.
• A lint roller can also be used.

5. Clean Buttons and Knobs:

• A dry cloth is recommend for cleaning any knobs, buttons or other surfaces
• Be careful not to let water get into any gaps.

6. Clean Ports and Connections:

• Use compressed air to blow out dust from ports and connections.

7. Let Everything Dry:

• Make sure everything is completely dry before plugging back in and turning on.

8. Regular Cleaning:

• Dust your system regularly to keep it in good shape.

By following these steps, you can keep your Audioengine system clean and working well.

Audioengine operates two websites, audioengine.com and audioengineeu.com. If you go to any other site but these, they are not an Audioengine site. For Canada, Mexico and most of Europe and the UK, we only sell through Amazon. There are also a host of authorized retailers and sites across the US, and they can be found here. For international sales, we have distributors that operate independently, and they can be found here. 

What happens if I buy from an authorized site claiming to be Audioengine? Unfortunately, there is not much we can do. We are taking all the action we can to make sure those sites don't get indexed, but we recommend you work with the provider of the card you used to make payment to get your money back.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Terminal:
   • You can find Terminal in your Applications folder under Utilities, or you can use Spotlight by pressing Cmd + Space and typing "Terminal".
2. Execute the Command:
   • In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

bash

Copy code

sudo pkill bluetoothd

3. Enter Your Password:
   • After pressing Enter, you will be prompted to enter your password. Type your Mac's administrator password and press Enter.
   • Note that when you type your password, it won't be displayed on the screen (not even as asterisks). Just type it and press Enter.

By following these steps, you should be able to reset your Bluetooth service on your Mac, which can help resolve connectivity issues with your Audioengine devices or any other Bluetooth peripherals.

The S8 is 11.25"H x 11.25"W x 11.25"D

We take great pride in our products, and go through great lengths to ensure consistency and quality. For that reason, this item was randomly selected for an additional step of Quality Assurance.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Terminal:
   • You can find Terminal in your Applications folder under Utilities, or you can use Spotlight by pressing Cmd + Space and typing "Terminal".
2. Execute the Command:
   • In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

bash

Copy code

sudo pkill bluetoothd

3. Enter Your Password:
   • After pressing Enter, you will be prompted to enter your password. Type your Mac's administrator password and press Enter.
   • Note that when you type your password, it won't be displayed on the screen (not even as asterisks). Just type it and press Enter.

By following these steps, you should be able to reset your Bluetooth service on your Mac, which can help resolve connectivity issues with your Audioengine devices or any other Bluetooth peripherals.

We take great pride in our products, and go through great lengths to ensure consistency and quality. For that reason, this item was randomly selected for an additional step of Quality Assurance.

For PC, the D2 should be recognized automatically. For Mac, under System Preferences/Sound, select “Audioengine D2”

Yes! You will need an Apple USB camera adapter, and a self powered USB hub. We've tested this with the D-link DUB-H4 and DUB-H7, and it works well. Here's an example of how this would be connected:

iDevice w/ USB Camera Adapter --USB-> Powered hub --USB-> D2 Sender --wireless-> D2 Receiver --RCA-> Speakers

You can use Audioengine DACs with your original A5s, no problem. You would simply use a standard RCA cable and the RCA to mini-jack adapter that came with the A5 to connect the RCA output from the DAC in to one of the mini-jack inputs.

Bluetooth Audio and Codecs

If you’re curious about wireless audio and have found yourself doing some research, you’re probably awash in buzzwords like codecs, sample rates, bit rates, resolution, bandwidth and heaven knows what else.

Lest you throw up your hands at the complexity of it all let’s do our best to explain some of the basics of Bluetooth audio.

Bluetooth is a radio signal that sends data from a transmitter in your phone or computer, to a receiver in your headphones or speakers.  In order to be sent from one device to another in an efficient manner, this data has to be encoded by the transmitter and then decoded by the receiver on the other end.

This is a big job, not to mention it all has to be done in a fraction of a second.

The problem here is that traditional Bluetooth codecs can’t process the amount of information necessary to recreate a faithful audio signal on the other end, so they have to compress the information.  During compression, little bits of information are lost, and as we discussed earlier, the “information” in this case is YOUR MUSIC!

Think about that for a second!

Your devices can’t keep up with the amount of information your music requires, so they essentially throw it out; little bits of the frequency spectrum, dynamic range, etc. This may not sound like a big deal, but when you consider the idea that something like aptX HD can fix it, why would you settle for anything less?

Now before we dive into some of the technical aspects of what makes aptX HD so amazing, it’s important to discuss some of the older codecs so we can understand what aptX HD really brings to the table.

Think of the word “codec” as a combination of the terms “code” and “decode,” as these are the primary functions of all audio codecs; their job is to encode large information files so they can be more easily transferred, and then to decode that same file on the other end.

You’re familiar with MP3s, right? Well, an MP3 is just a type of codec… a very widely used type of codec, in fact. Since we have all used MP3s, we are probably all familiar with how dramatically they can degrade the quality of an audio file. Luckily, tons of codecs have been developed over the years, all with the goal of vastly surpassing the audio quality of a standard MP3.  Some other codecs you may be familiar with are SBC, AAC, LDAC, and aptX. These are all considered superior to MP3s, but are also geared towards Bluetooth wireless audio.

So what’s the difference between standard aptX, and aptX HD?

For starters, aptX has actually been around since the 80s, and is currently much more widely used than aptx HD.  Standard aptX has been used in phones, tablets, and laptops for a long time now so it’s likely that you’ve actually experienced Bluetooth transmission that features aptX.  But for those of you who are looking for some numbers, here you go:

Standard aptX:

• Speed:  352 kbps
• Sample Resolution:  16-bit
• Sample Rate:  48kHz

Aptx HD:

• Speed:576 kbps
• Sample Resolution:  24-bit
• Sample Rate:  48kHz

Alright, let's talk about that for a second.

The speed of these file transfers are measured in Kilobits-per-second (Kbps), and they define how quickly all of this audio information moves from one device to another.  48kHz denotes the sample rate of the audio data — the sample rate is measurement of how many samples of audio are carried from one end to the other end per second.

So this means aptX HD is providing audio information 48,000 times per second… and that’s a lot of times.

Next, 24-bit denotes the sampling resolution — sample resolution is a measurement of how many bits of information are included in each sample. Most Bluetooth codecs simply cannot provide this much information.  Even if they could, they wouldn’t be able to encode it and decode it faithfully within 1 millisecond.

Long story short: aptX HD recreates your audio data more accurately and in greater detail than aptX and does this more quickly, efficiently, and with very low latency.  Pretty impressive right?

Now I know Bluetooth audio has been pretty crappy in the past, but those days are over.  Out with the old, in with the new! With Apple and Google doing away with headphone jacks on their phones, we are practically being forced to make the switch to Bluetooth — this is why aptX HD makes so much sense.  If we are going to be forced to go wireless, why don’t we take advantage of some Bluetooth sound quality that surpasses even traditional wired headphone connections in some cases?

Which devices support aptX HD?

In order to take advantage of the benefits of aptX HD, you’ll need to make sure you have a device that supports it.

These devices will have a Bluetooth chip called the CSR8675, which is capable of supporting 24-bit audio from aptX HD.

Bluetooth Receiver vs. Wireless Speakers

Customers occasionally write to ask questions about the differences between our B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver and our Wireless Powered Speakers. Usually the questions go something like…

“Do I really NEED your complete speaker system or just the B1 receiver?”

“Is one product easier to use than the other?”

“Are there differences in sound quality between the B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver and your Audioengine Wireless Speakers?”

…and there have been plenty more questions that come along with those — but have no fear, today we are here to hopefully clear this up!

First off, you should have some peace of mind knowing that no matter which solution you choose, we absolutely guarantee your satisfaction. Apart from that you might be wondering which option is going to best suit your needs — reasonable enough, so let’s talk about it…

Do I really NEED the entire system or can I get away with just the B1?

Audioengine wireless speakers are powered music systems that implement cutting edge Bluetooth aptX-HD to deliver high-fidelity long-range wireless from any device.

The B1 Bluetooth Receiver also offers the same aptX-HD technology; the only difference being that B1 does not have built-in speakers, so you will still need speakers to hear your music.

Now, customers sometimes say “I already have a different brand of powered speakers that I LOVE, I just want to make them wireless.” If this is the case, you can use B1 to turn your current non-wireless music system into some super-rockin’ wireless speakers. Or maybe you have an older pair of Audioengine speakers that you bought before we made our speakers wireless — here again, the B1 is a great solution! You just need to make sure, no matter what system you have, that you have the proper inputs — RCA-style inputs work the best, or even an optical audio input if your gear has one.

Is one solution more user-friendly than the other?

Hey, great question — glad you asked! This one is a bit subjective and depends on how many components you want in your setup.

The simple fact is if you have Audioengine wireless speakers you will have the easiest setup under the sun. All you have to do is connect your speakers to power, connect the left speaker to the right, find the speakers in your phone or tablet’s list of available Bluetooth devices and BOOM, you’re done! Think of it as if the B1 Bluetooth receiver is built into Audioengine speakers.

On the other hand, if you are using a pair of non-wireless speakers and you want to make them Bluetooth compatible by using our B1 Receiver, you will need to add B1 to your setup, but in all actuality the B1 itself is just as easy to use as the speakers. Long story long, if you love your current speakers and aren’t ready to make the switch, adding the B1 is still an extremely user-friendly option and you will be up and running with great-sounding wireless audio in no time flat.

Are there differences in sound quality between the B1 and the Wireless Speakers?

This is the only moment in this article where things might teeter on the brink of being controversial.

Audioengine’s Wireless speakers guarantee immaculate and highly satisfying sound quality, which is hard to beat. The B1 offers aptX-HD Bluetooth with 24-bit upsampling (which are the exact same Bluetooth specs as our wireless speakers), so the audio being SENT from your devices to the B1 is no different than the audio being SENT from your device to Audioengine’s Wireless Speakers; however, the B1 itself doesn’t have any speakers, so it has to rely on whatever speakers it is connected to. This is the only point at which your sound quality COULD suffer.

So let’s say you are sending the highest quality audio file from your laptop to the B1 Bluetooth Receiver. The B1 takes that super-high-quality file and handles it with such great care you may not be able to tell whether it was wireless or not…BUT, if you have your B1 connected to a crappy pair of speakers, guess what? No matter how pristine that audio file was, and no matter how skillfully the B1 handles that file, crappy speakers are going to make that audio sound crappy. BUT, if you are using the B1 to send audio to a pair of really great speakers that you love, the B1 will absolutely deliver the highest quality audio possible via Bluetooth, and it will do so with an extended range so you can bounce around the house and not worry about dropouts or inferior audio quality.

This was a ton of information so here’s a quick recap and summary…

The Bluetooth capability of Audioengine’s Wireless Speakers and the B1 is exactly the same. If you love your current speakers and aren’t ready to change brands, don’t sweat it, the B1 will give you beautiful wireless audio all the same. BUT, if you are looking to be truly reinvigorated by your music, you definitely need to try Audioengine’s Wireless speakers to take advantage of both our highly advanced Bluetooth technology and our unparalleled listening experience.

Why We Choose Bluetooth over WiFi

It’s no secret that most players in the “smart” speaker market are primarily using wi-fi to wirelessly send audio around the house.

So if Sonos, Bose, and other big name brands are using wi-fi through an internet router, why would Audioengine use Bluetooth for wireless audio in their home speakers?

Easy Setup

Audioengine wireless home speakers are ready to use within minutes out of the box.

Connecting power and the speakers to one another is easy enough, but getting your music playing wirelessly is actually even more straight-forward. Unlike most of the big brand smart speakers, you don’t need to download and install apps for setup, you don’t need to connect the speakers to your router, and there aren’t any passwords or other overly-complicated hoops to jump through. Audioengine makes it simple by keeping the wireless connection exclusively between your phone, tablet, or computer and the speakers. Simply go to your device’s list of available Bluetooth connections, select Audioengine, and play music directly from your favorite app! Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, iTunes, YouTube; any apps that stream audio from your device can be played through your Audioengine home speakers. And remember, our speakers don’t depend on the speed of your internet connection or wireless router so when your internet slows down or doesn’t cover all of your house, you can still stream from your phone or connect another device via one of Audioengine’s many audio ports, which brings me to the next point…

Flexible and versatile

Even before the implementation of our long-range wireless Bluetooth audio, Audioengine home speakers have been some of the most versatile on the market.

A selection of inputs allow you to not only stream wirelessly but to easily and quickly connect your turntable, TV, AVR, or any other piece of gear with an audio output. The point being, is that you are not bound to a single input source. Not many auxiliary options are offered among the rest of the smart speaker community, leaving the user completely reliant upon the wi-fi connection and other compatible devices they may already own. And what about when you’re using Alexa to search for music, but a particular song can’t be played due to copyright issues? This can happen with voice-controlled systems, but we all know a quick visit to YouTube can typically get around this barrier and play the music you want to hear. Now you can actually listen to any Beatles tune you want, whenever you want, but at the same time you can also connect to an external Alexa device for superior sound with Audioengine.

Range and quality

Bluetooth transmission range was not so great in the past, as many of you have experienced. And products using wi-fi still tout the superiority of its range over that of Bluetooth, but the truth is, those days are over.

Audioengine home speakers utilize cutting-edge tech that allows a solid transmission of up to 100 feet (and sometimes more) with no drop-outs and no blips. Again, this range is not reliant upon the ebb and flow of your wi-fi strength at any given point. But what about sound quality; isn’t Bluetooth kind of crappy? No way! Bluetooth audio has come a long way in the past few years as well, and the implementation of the aptX HD codec allows for near lossless audio transmission that rivals the sound of many wired music systems.

Elegant aesthetic and sound

Audioengine home speakers have always held sleek looks that equals their sound quality, and with the shift to high-quality wireless, these standards have been upheld.

We didn’t want to sacrifice our warm, rich, analog power amps and hand-built wooden cabinets by trying to cram all that goodness into a generic-looking plastic speaker enclosure with average-quality wireless. We want our speakers to be an integral part of the look and feel of your home and we also want you to have TWO speakers so your listening experience can be what it’s meant to be. Other systems allow you to purchase “add-on” speakers, but that means in order to have two speakers you have to, well… spend more money for “add-on” speakers. Audioengine home speakers come standard as a stereo pair that are tuned to perfection. To put it simply, Audioengine home speakers are some of the best-sounding speakers on the market today. “Smart” speakers tend to put more focus on the “smart” portion than on the “speakers” portion, often leaving the sound reproduction underwhelming. Would you rather watch the next season of GOT on a single wi-fi speaker or on a matched pair of award-winning audiophile-grade speakers with true stereo sound?

So, it’s safe to say Bluetooth and wi-fi each have their own advantages, just as anything else. But in the end, Bluetooth was the choice we made to be as user-friendly, versatile, and as hi-fi-sounding as possible.

Adding Bluetooth to Your Stereo Receiver or Amplifier: A Practical Guide with the Audioengine B1 

In the current landscape of digital music, the convenience and versatility of Bluetooth connectivity have become increasingly essential for music enthusiasts. Those with traditional stereo receivers or amplifiers often find themselves at a crossroads, seeking to bridge the gap between their cherished, high-quality equipment and the modern world of wireless audio streaming.

This scenario raises the question: How to add Bluetooth to a stereo receiver or amplifier without compromising on sound quality? Enter the Audioengine B1 Bluetooth Receiver, a product that has risen to become one of our best sellers, thanks to its significant improvement in audio quality over competing solutions. 

Why Consider Bluetooth for Your Audio System? 

The shift towards wireless audio streaming is driven by several factors: 

• Convenience of Wireless Technology: Eliminating the need for physical cables, Bluetooth allows for a clutter-free and flexible listening experience. The ability to control music from a distance is not just about comfort; it's about integrating your audio system into a wireless world seamlessly. 
• Access to a Wide Range of Devices: Bluetooth enables your stereo system to connect with a variety of modern devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This compatibility opens up a world of possibilities, from streaming services and digital libraries to podcasts and online radio. 
• Ease of Use: The ability to control your music wirelessly means you can change tracks, adjust volume, and switch between devices effortlessly, all from the device in your hand. 

The Audioengine B1: Enhancing Traditional Systems with Modern Technology 

The B1 Bluetooth receiver allows you to cast music and other audio from your device and send it out to any music system, without losing any sound quality along the way—even to those extended ranges. It works great with those vintage systems that have been waiting in the wings.

The Audioengine B1 Bluetooth Receiver has earned its place as a top seller by addressing the common pitfalls of wireless audio. Here’s how: 

• Better than CD Sound Quality: The B1 stands out from its competitors by delivering an audio experience that’s both clear and rich. It leverages advanced technology to ensure that the sound transmitted over Bluetooth is faithful to the original recording. The B1 delivers high-quality, extended-range, CD-like quality sound anywhere in your home.
• Simple and Universal Compatibility: Designed for hassle-free integration, the B1 connects easily with any stereo receiver or amplifier, making the setup process straightforward for all users. 
• Reliability: The B1 is known for its stable and consistent Hi-Fidelity Bluetooth connection, ensuring uninterrupted music playback. 

Implementing the B1 in Your Audio Setup 

• Making the Connection: Link the B1 to your stereo system using the provided cables, connecting it to an available input on your receiver or amplifier. 
• Powering the Device: Plug the B1 into a power source, readying it for use. 
• Bluetooth Pairing: Activate Bluetooth on your device and select the B1 to establish a connection. 
• Begin Streaming: Your stereo system is now equipped to wirelessly receive audio from a range of Bluetooth-enabled devices. 

Advantages of the Audioengine B1 

While the B1’s primary goal is to introduce Bluetooth functionality to traditional systems, its benefits extend further: 

• Preservation of Audio Quality: One of the key strengths of the B1 is its ability to maintain the integrity and richness of your music, a feature that has been a significant factor in its popularity. 

• Compact and Unobtrusive Design: The B1’s sleek and minimalistic design ensures it fits seamlessly into any audio setup without becoming an eyesore or occupying unnecessary space. 
• Versatility in Use: The B1 is not limited to streaming music; it enhances the audio experience for movies, gaming, and other multimedia applications. 

Just a few MORE reasons why you'll love the B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver:

• Easy setup, connects in seconds
• No network setup, no passwords, no hassle
• Extended-range wireless aptX-HD Bluetooth, reaches further with CD-like quality sound
• Connects to any music system
• Analog and optical outputs
• Bluetooth aptX LED indicator
• CD-like quality audio with aptX-HD Bluetooth

Conclusion 

The addition of Bluetooth to your stereo receiver or amplifier represents more than just a technological upgrade; it's a step towards bringing your audio experience in line with the evolving digital world. The Audioengine B1 Bluetooth Receiver offers an ideal solution, balancing the need for wireless convenience with the uncompromised audio quality. Its success as one of our top sellers is a testament to its ability to meet the demands of discerning audiophiles looking to modernize their audio systems. 

 Shop Audioengine B1 Bluetooth Receiver 

Audioengine B1 and B-Fi Comparison Guide

Choosing the right wireless music streamer can significantly enhance your listening experience by offering you the convenience and quality of streaming music wirelessly. In the realm of home audio systems, two standout choices from Audioengine are the B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver and the B-Fi Multiroom Music Streamer. Both devices are designed to stream music wirelessly to your stereo system but cater to different preferences and functionalities.

Here's an in-depth look at these options to help you decide which one aligns with your audio streaming needs. 

B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver: Expanding Horizons with Bluetooth 

The B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver is designed for simplicity and quality, allowing you to wirelessly stream music from your device directly to your music system. It’s particularly suitable for integrating with both contemporary and vintage stereo systems, offering a touch of modernity without compromising the system's original charm. 

Noteworthy Aspects: 

• Extended Range: The B1 boasts a 100-foot range, ensuring stable, quality sound transmission across extensive spaces. 
• Digital to Analog Converter (DAC): It comes equipped with an internal DAC that guarantees CD-quality or better sound, preserving the integrity of the music exactly as the artist intended. 
• Ease of Connectivity: Setup is straightforward, requiring no internet or network configuration, offering a hassle-free user experience. 
• aptX-HD Bluetooth: This technology supports better than CD-quality sound, providing an enhanced listening experience without the typical constraints of wireless streaming. Your device will stay paired, pair once and forget it! 
• Versatile Outputs: The B1 features both analog and optical outputs, offering flexibility in connection to various audio systems. 
• Design Aesthetic: With its brushed metal finish, the B1 not only sounds good but also adds a sleek, aesthetic appeal to your audio setup that is durable as well. 

B-Fi Multiroom Music Streamer: The Wi-Fi Revolution 

In contrast, the B-Fi Multiroom Music Streamer takes a leap forward by utilizing your home's Wi-Fi network for music streaming. This approach bypasses traditional Bluetooth streaming, offering a direct and uncompressed audio signal for a pure, high-fidelity sound experience. 

Key Features: 

• Wi-Fi Streaming: B-Fi streams music directly to your stereo from your streaming service via your router. This way, your songs are free from Bluetooth’s digital signal processing, a feature enjoyed by Audiophiles everywhere (more on this below). 
• Audioengine App: Control is at your fingertips with the Audioengine app, allowing you to stream from major music services or your personal music library directly to any music system in your home. 
• Internal DAC: Like the B1, B-Fi includes an internal DAC, ensuring that the music delivered to your stereo system is of the highest quality, just as the artist intended. 
• Multiroom Capability: B-Fi’s strength lies in its ability to fill your entire home with music, streaming seamlessly to multiple rooms for a unified listening experience. 

Making Your Choice: The Bluetooth vs. Wi-Fi Streaming Quality Debate 

The B1, on the other hand, employs Bluetooth connectivity, utilizing high-quality codecs like Qualcomm aptX HD. These codecs are designed to compress and then decompress digital audio files with minimal loss of quality.  

However, even the most advanced Bluetooth codecs involve some level of digital signal processing (DSP) to recreate the song. While to many listeners the difference may be imperceptible, discerning audiophiles might lean towards the B-Fi for its method of streaming.  

The B-Fi's reliance on Wi-Fi rather than Bluetooth means the music is streamed without the additional step of DSP, potentially offering a purer, more accurate version of the original recording. 

• B1 for Bluetooth Convenience: If you value simplicity and the versatility to stream from any Bluetooth-enabled device directly to your stereo system, the B1 offers an effective solution with an impressive range and high-quality sound. The B1 is your best option if you don’t have a smart phone or Wi-Fi network. 
• B-Fi for Wi-Fi Fidelity: For those who prioritize the purity of uncompressed audio and the convenience of streaming across multiple rooms via Wi-Fi, the B-Fi stands out. It is particularly appealing to users who prefer controlling their music ecosystem through a dedicated app. You can even connect up to 9 B-Fi or A1MR for a system that connects your entire house! The B-Fi is a great choice for Audiophiles that prefer the warmth of analog audio playback. 

Audioengine A1MR

Both the B1 and B-Fi embody Audioengine's commitment to delivering superior sound quality and innovative streaming solutions. By understanding the distinctive features and benefits of each device, you can select the wireless music streamer that best aligns with your lifestyle and audio preferences, ensuring an unparalleled listening experience that brings your music to life exactly as the artist intended. 

Bluetooth receiver type
Bluetooth 5.3

Supported Bluetooth codecs
aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC

Supported Bluetooth profiles
A2DP, AVRCP

Inputs
Bluetooth

Outputs
Stereo analog RCA
Digital optical (SPDIF)

Required power
5V, 200mA

Wireless operation range
Up to 100ft (30m) typical

Full-scale output
2.0V RMS

Output impedance
57 Ohms

D/A converter
Wolfson WM8740

Power filtering
3-stage redundant regulation

SNR
SNR (DC to 20 kHz)
100dB

THD+N
(1 kHz FS 96 kS/s) <0.02%

Frequency response
10Hz - 20kHz (+/-0.5dB)

Crosstalk
>-86dB

Input bit depth
24-bit (upsampled)

Input data rate
Determined by Bluetooth

Latency
~30 milliseconds (ms)

Product dimensions
3.5 x 4 x 1

Shipping weight
1.0lbs (0.5kg)

Shipping box dimensions
11 x 7 x 3

Environmental Requirements
Operating temperature: 32° to 105°F (0°C to 40°C)
Storage temperature: -4°0 to 115°F (-20°C to 46°C)
Relative humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

Included accessories
RCA audio cable (3ft/1m)
Power adapter with detachable cable
Microfiber bag
Setup guide

Technical Features
Supports all Bluetooth-enabled devices
High-fidelity Bluetooth with aptX transmission and extended range
Stream high-resolution 24-bit digital audio from the Audioengine B1 to any music system.
Includes built-in Wolfson WM8740 DAC for superior 24-bit upsampled playback
Aluminum case with audiophile-grade connectors
Analog and optical outputs
2.0Vrms maximum output level

Experience stunning audio quality with aptX HD coding, built-in 24-bit upsampling DAC, and extended wireless range.

DAC Characteristics
The B1 Bluetooth Receiver utilizes the Wolfson WM8740 DAC, widely known for its low noise and high fidelity. B1 is essentially an upsampling 24-bit Bluetooth DAC and will pad all bit depths internally to 24-bits, thus achieving a higher signal-to-noise ratio. Due to the WM8740's high signal-to-noise specs, the fact that the digital signal is converted (upsampled) to 24-bits and the added benefit of triple redundancy power source conversion and filtering, the B1 presents impressive low noise and low distortion characteristics with a noticeable improvement over other Bluetooth devices.

Extended Range
Most Bluetooth implementations have very limited range, usually within just one room. But with careful signal management circuitry and antenna tuning, we offer a superior solution that will reach more than one room with no degradation in audio quality.

High quality Bluetooth audio
The B1 features aptX HD coding which is an advanced Bluetooth audio codec that provides much higher-quality sound than previous versions. The B1 is backwards-compatible with all previous Bluetooth implementations as well, so you can wirelessly stream music from any device and still enjoy outstanding sound.

Optical Output
B1 also functions as a wireless audio bridge from your device to your favorite DAC or preamp. Use the internal DAC with RCA analog outputs or connect the optical output into another DAC.

Audioengine operates two websites, audioengine.com and audioengineeu.com. If you go to any other site but these, they are not an Audioengine site. For Canada, Mexico and most of Europe and the UK, we only sell through Amazon. There are also a host of authorized retailers and sites across the US, and they can be found here. For international sales, we have distributors that operate independently, and they can be found here. 

What happens if I buy from an authorized site claiming to be Audioengine? Unfortunately, there is not much we can do. We are taking all the action we can to make sure those sites don't get indexed, but we recommend you work with the provider of the card you used to make payment to get your money back.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Terminal:
   • You can find Terminal in your Applications folder under Utilities, or you can use Spotlight by pressing Cmd + Space and typing "Terminal".
2. Execute the Command:
   • In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

bash

Copy code

sudo pkill bluetoothd

3. Enter Your Password:
   • After pressing Enter, you will be prompted to enter your password. Type your Mac's administrator password and press Enter.
   • Note that when you type your password, it won't be displayed on the screen (not even as asterisks). Just type it and press Enter.

By following these steps, you should be able to reset your Bluetooth service on your Mac, which can help resolve connectivity issues with your Audioengine devices or any other Bluetooth peripherals.

We take great pride in our products, and go through great lengths to ensure consistency and quality. For that reason, this item was randomly selected for an additional step of Quality Assurance.

You can absolutely still use the B1, and it will sound great. aptX® is a high quality Bluetooth audio codec that works really well. With that said, in addition to mandatory support for SBC, Bluetooth also includes optional support for many other codecs, like MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and AAC, all of which have their own advantages, and some of which sound very close to aptX®.

AptX® keeps an up to date list of supported device on their site. See here, for supported smartphones:

https://www.aptx.com/products?field_product_category_tid=126

And here, for supported tablets:

https://www.aptx.com/products?field_product_category_tid=135

No extra software or drivers are needed. The B1 is compatible with any device that supports Bluetooth, and the A2DP profile for streaming stereo audio. This includes most all Smartphones, Tablets, and Laptop Computers.

Yes, the B1 transmits 16-bit stereo audio.

Yes, any audio product with a standard analog audio input can connect to B1 with the included RCAs. B1 also includes a digital output so you also can connect via optical (TOSLINK).

Once your B1 is paired and connected then any app (iTunes, etc.) or online players (such as Youtube) will automatically play your music through Bluetooth.

The B1 uses Bluetooth, which operates on the same 2.4GHz band as most Wi-Fi Routers. There's always a possibility for interference with wireless technology on the same frequency, but in our testing this was very uncommon.

B1 automatically powers-down and mutes the output after about 10 minutes. The BT input, however, is still active so you can just pair to it again without pressing the front panel button. B1 will remain on if a device is paired with it and turned on though.

Here's how to use an Audioengine Bluetooth device to turn your 4th Generation Apple TV into a powerful home entertainment system:

First, make sure your Audioengine device is powered up and are ready to pair. Next, go into your Apple TV’s settings and choose Remotes and Devices. Then click on Bluetooth. Under Other Devices, you’ll see the Audioengine device (listed as Audioengine HD6, Audioengine B1,Audioengine B2, etc.). Click on that. Apple TV will pair with your speakers and will send the audio signal directly to the device.

A video link is here

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Main Differences Between Audioengine A5+ and Klipsch R-50PM
3. Other Noteworthy Features
4. Key Specifications
5. Overall Design
6. Playback Capabilities
7. Klipsch R-50PM Overview
8. Audioengine A5+ Exclusive Advantages
9. Pros and Cons
   • Audioengine A5+
   • Klipsch R-50PM
10. Conclusion

Introduction

Choosing the right home music system can dramatically enhance your listening experience. The Audioengine A5+ Home Music System w/ Bluetooth aptX-HD and the Klipsch R-50PM both offer premium sound quality, but they cater to slightly different user preferences. This comparison will explore how these systems meet the needs of audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

Main Differences Between Audioengine A5+ and Klipsch R-50PM

The Audioengine A5+ is known for its exceptional audio quality and aesthetic design, featuring high-definition Bluetooth aptX-HD technology that delivers music the way the artist intended. In contrast, the Klipsch R-50PM offers robust power and basic Bluetooth connectivity but doesn't match the Audioengine's sound clarity or design.

Other Noteworthy Features

Audioengine’s A5+ leads with superior customer support, offering a 3-year warranty, a 30-day audition period, and US-based customer phone support, emphasizing their commitment to customer satisfaction. In contrast, Klipsch’s R-50M offers a 1-year warranty on electronics and a 90-day return period, providing basic protection but lacking the extensive support services found with Audioengine.

Key Specifications

Audioengine A5+:

• Amplifier Type: Class AB (Analog)
• Power Output: 150W peak power total (50W RMS / 75W peak per channel), AES
• Connectivity: Bluetooth aptX-HD, RCA, 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, USB, Subwoofer Output

Klipsch R-50PM:

• Total System Power: 120W Total System Power (240W Peak), 60W per channel cont.
• Frequency Response: 55Hz - 20kHz
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, Optical, Analog

Overall Design

The Audioengine A5+ boasts hand-crafted and hand-painted real wood cabinets that not only improve acoustics but also the aesthetics of any room. Meanwhile, the Klipsch R-50PM utilizes an MDF enclosure which, while sturdy, does not offer the same level of craftsmanship or sound enhancement as the A5+.

Playback Capabilities

With its powerful Class AB amplifier, the Audioengine A5+ delivers richer and more detailed sound across all volumes. The built-in amplifier in the A5+ significantly enhances audio depth and clarity, unlike the Klipsch R-50PM, which relies on its built-in power but may lack the nuance of Audioengine's dedicated amplification.

Klipsch R-50PM Overview

The Klipsch R-50PM, is designed for power and impact with its robust output capabilities and modern aesthetic. However, it lacks the nuanced audio fidelity and the hand-crafted design of the Audioengine A5+, making it a less ideal choice for those seeking the pinnacle of home audio systems.

Audioengine A5+ Exclusive Advantages

• Premium handcrafted and hand-painted design with real wood cabinets
• Superior sound quality with dedicated Class AB amplifiers
• Extensive connectivity including high-definition Bluetooth aptX-HD

Pros and Cons

Audioengine A5+:

• Pros: Superior audio quality and design, versatile connectivity options, exceptional customer support.
• Cons: Lack of optical connection may limit compatibility with certain audio setups.

Klipsch R-50PM:

• Pros: Powerful output, dynamic bass extension, modern connectivity features.
• Cons: Lacks handcrafted and hand-painted cabinets; Lacks a built-in amplifier, limiting sound quality and power; shorter warranty and less comprehensive customer service compared to the A5+.

Conclusion

For those seeking a blend of superior audio quality, design, and cutting-edge technology, the Audioengine A5+ Home Music System w/ Bluetooth aptX-HD is the clear choice. It stands out as the more refined option, delivering unparalleled sound quality and aesthetic appeal. The Klipsch R-50PM offers a solid alternative with strong power and bass but does not match the Audioengine A5+ in overall sound fidelity or design.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Main Differences Between Kanto YU6 and Audioengine A5+
3. Key Specifications
4. Design and Build Quality
5. Sound Performance and Playback Capabilities
6. Kanto YU6 Overview
7. Audioengine A5+ Exclusive Advantages
8. Customer Service and Warranty Comparison
9. Pros and Cons
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In the competitive market of Home Music Systems, discerning listeners look for more than just mere volume; they seek clarity, depth, and a design that complements their space. The Audioengine A5+ and Kanto YU6 both strive to dominate the realm of premium sound systems, each offering unique features to appeal to specific tastes and preferences in audio quality and functionality.

Main Differences Between Audioengine A5+ and Kanto YU6

The Audioengine A5+ is renowned for its high-quality build and acoustic performance, powered by a Class AB amplifier that ensures richer, more detailed sound reproduction. The Audioengine A5+ integrates Bluetooth aptX-HD, which allows for superior wireless audio quality that appeals to consumers preferring lossless audio streams. In contrast, the Kanto YU6 operates with a Class D amplifier, suited for energy efficiency but potentially compromising on the audio purity at higher volumes. It employs Bluetooth 4.0, which, while reliable, does not support higher-quality codecs like Bluetooth aptX-HD.

Key Specifications

• Audioengine A5+:
  • Amplifier Type: Class AB
  • Power Output: 150W peak power total (75W RMS per channel)
  • Inputs: 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, RCA L/R, Bluetooth aptX HD
• Kanto YU6:
  • Amplifier Type: Class D
  • Power Output: 200W Peak Power (100 Watts Total RMS)
  • Inputs: 3.5mm mini-jack AUX, RCA with Phono Switch, Optical, Bluetooth 4.0

Design and Build Quality

The Audioengine A5+ is distinguished by its handcrafted and hand-painted real wood cabinets that not only enhance the visual appeal of the system but also contribute to its superior acoustic performance. These cabinets help to dampen resonance and provide a warmer, more natural sound. The Kanto YU6, while well-built, uses more conventional materials and lacks the detailed craftsmanship found in the A5+, focusing instead on a simplistic design.

Sound Performance and Playback Capabilities

The A5+ leverages its superior Class AB amplifier to deliver expansive, detailed sound across various genres and volumes without distortion. Its Bluetooth aptX-HD connection ensures that streaming audio maintains its quality, just as the artist intended. The Kanto YU6, while capable of producing significant volume, does not maintain the same clarity or depth when pushed to its limits, due to its Class D amplifier's limitations.

Overview of Kanto YU6 Features

The Kanto YU6, while a competent competitor in the Home Music System market, is designed with basic functionality in mind. The Kanto YU6 offers multiple input options and a built-in phono preamp, making it suitable for desktop environments that require multiple connections. However, it lacks the detailed feature set and acoustic fidelity that define the A5+.

Exclusive Advantages of Audioengine A5+

The A5+ not only excels in sound quality but also with user-friendly features such as high-quality Bluetooth aptX-HD, multiple input options, and a subwoofer output, ensuring seamless connectivity across devices. This ease of use extends to the system’s operation, where inputs are always ready to accept signals without the need to toggle between sources manually. The A5+ has evident attention to detail in its design and construction, as the handcrafted and hand-painted real wood cabinet uses the same 13-step process as a baby grand piano.

Customer Service and Warranty Comparison

Audioengine is dedicated to exceptional customer service and reliability, offering a comprehensive 3-year warranty on all products, which far surpasses the industry standard. This commitment is highlighted by the unique 30-day audition period, allowing customers to experience the quality of the A5+ in their own space. Moreover, Audioengine prides itself on US-based customer phone support where clients can speak directly to knowledgeable staff who work collaboratively to resolve any issues. This contrasts with Kanto's offering, which includes only a 2-year warranty, reflecting a lesser commitment to customer assurance and product longevity.

Pros and Cons

• Audioengine A5+:
  • Pros: Exceptional sound quality due to class AB amplifier, high-quality Bluetooth connectivity, handcrafted and hand-painted real wood build, and superior customer service.
  • Cons: Fewer color options, lacks an optical connection.
• Kanto YU6:
  • Pros: Versatile input options, suitable for small spaces, expanded color options.
  • Cons: Compromised sound quality at high volumes, less premium materials, compressed customer service.

Conclusion

When deciding between the Audioengine A5+ and Kanto YU6, consider what aspects of audio performance and design are most important to you. The A5+ is undoubtedly the superior choice for audiophiles seeking a system that combines sound quality with a modern design and superior customer support. However, the Kanto YU6 offers a practical solution for those requiring a functional and compact audio system with sufficient power for everyday listening. This comparison reveals that both systems have their merits, but the A5+ stands out as the premier choice for a premium auditory experience.

Can Alexa Connect to Bluetooth Speakers?

Remember how in old science fiction movies a character could just talk out loud to a spaceship and it would do anything they commanded?

The idea of voice control technology has long been embedded in our expectations for the “future”, and even though most of those old science fiction movie-makers couldn’t imagine computers any further-advanced than those already available in 1979, they certainly hit the nail on the head with their forecast of voice control.  Nowadays, with the help of products like Amazon Echo (and its voice-controlled personal assistant ‘Alexa’), users can control aspects of their home just by verbalizing simple commands.  But even with the huge strides this technology has made in recent years, it’s impossible to get audiophile-quality sound from the speakers in an Amazon Echo product.  Audioengine can help with this, but before we dive into how, let’s talk a little more about the Amazon Echo.

Is your Amazon Echo killing your audio quality?

First, while Echo and Alexa do in fact go hand-in-hand, they are not the exact same thing.

Echo is a line of smart speakers manufactured by Amazon, and Alexa is an intelligent personal assistant software used to control Echo.  Users can speak aloud to give Alexa, and therefore Echo, verbal commands (always beginning with the wake word, ‘Alexa’) such as, “Alexa, play my favorite song,” or “Alexa, what’s on my calendar this Saturday?”  Alexa will respond accordingly, so long as the questions asked or commands given are within Alexa’s realm of capability. With tons of Echo-compatible add-on products on the market, there really isn’t a whole lot that falls outside of Alexa’s wheelhouse.

The most common commands Alexa handles are music-related: whether it’s calling up a Spotify playlist, turning up or down the volume, or finding a specific song you haven’t heard in years but are randomly thinking about and absolutely have to hear right this second!!  The accessibility is astounding, no doubt, but its main consequence is that you are forced to listen to all your music on Echo’s built-in speakers instead of your own beastly audio system.  This is not to say Amazon has ignored their sound quality altogether, but realistically there’s only so much a single speaker housing of that size can handle.  Suffice it to say, there are limitations.

Luckily, Amazon has implemented a crucial feature which expands its functionality to accommodate customers who want to be able to interact with Alexa and still enjoy listening to podcasts, music, and stock tips through exterior systems. That’s right, it’s quick and easy to connect your Echo to Bluetooth speakers:

• Open the Alexa App (Apple link  |  Google Play Link)
• Tap the “Devices” icon and select the Echo device you want to connect to speakers
• Select “Bluetooth Devices”
• Select “Pair New Device”
• Find your Audioengine Wireless speaker on the list of available Bluetooth devices

Bang, you’re done!

Now you can treat Alexa as if it were any other input device; you can still have whatever other devices you so choose connected to your Audioengine speakers, and since Alexa can control Echo’s volume with a simple, “Alexa turn down volume,” you can leave Audioengine’s volume knob exactly where you like it and adjust volume accordingly with Alexa.  If you have our S8 Powered Subwoofer connected wirelessly to your mains, this configuration will still work which means you’ll get full-spectrum high fidelity audio when listening to all your favorite songs, without sacrificing the unparalleled convenience provided by a product like Amazon Echo.  This will also work with our standalone B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver in the event you have a set of wired speakers you want to turn into wireless speakers.

Modern technology is really opening up doors... and windows... and exhaust fans... it’s basically blasting the roof off the whole place.

We are reaching the point where we can do just about anything we want with voice control technology, as long as we have all the right accouterments.  Products like Amazon Echo make life so easy it hurts... perhaps it hurts so good that you want to lie down and say, “Alexa, play ‘Hurts So Good’ by John Mellencamp.”  Don’t worry – we designed Audioengine Wireless speakers to do the rest.

Connecting Google Home to Bluetooth Speakers

Consumer electronics designers are, and have been, on a perpetual quest to give users the most streamlined experience imaginable.

At this point in time it seems like modern-day designers have exceeded the bounds of what most of us could have ever imagined in the first place.  Think about it, there is an app for literally everything; just by downloading a simple program onto your phone or tablet, your life can become easier.  Wearable technology, like Apple Watch, and smart speakers, like Google Home, tie all of your electronics together to make technology and user-friendliness a lifestyle rather than a rare luxury.  Today we are going to talk a little more about one of the leading products, what it does, and how Audioengine can take it one step further; that product is Google Home.

What Is Google Home?

Offically, this piece of technology is touted as a “Smart Speaker and Home Assistant.”

A smart speaker is one of those sleek futuristic speakers that sits on your friend’s kitchen counter, plays whatever music someone tells it to, and sometimes has a snarky robotic comeback to your sarcastic remarks.  There are a number of big brands making smart speakers (some of which we’ll discuss in other articles) and all of them have their pros and cons.  One “pro” to the Google Home is the “Home Assistant” part.  Google Home has an accompanying downloadable app that allows users to customize how the device interacts with and controls their home; lights, thermostats, coffee makers, and pretty much anything else can be controlled by Google Home and accessories.  Once you have all of your desired devices properly connected and configured, turning them on and off is just one voice command away... how much easier can life get?

When it comes to music, smart speakers make calling up the right tune an absolute breeze.  Google Home can control apps such as Spotify, YouTube, and iHeartRadio among others, so you can tell it to play just about any song in the world.  Google Home will even call up playlists you’ve saved within your music streaming apps, and you can tell the device to increase and decrease volume, pause, skip, and any other command you would typically give a media player.  There is just one drawback; while Google Home offers a few different sizes (featuring different speakers), the product’s focus is not audiophile-grade sound quality.  For that, we need to bring Audioengine into the mix.

How Can Audioengine Take Google Home Further?

You’re taking a step up in the world of consumer electronics and you’ve decided to purchase Google Home; you care about user-experience and you strive to stay ahead of the pop culture curve. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a quality listening experience.  As I always say, what good is having access to every song in the world if you’re just going to play them through an inadequate sound system?  That’s like sharpening a hunting knife so you can cut hot butter with it.

Luckily, the Google Home App (iTunes  |  Google Play) allows users to send audio to external Bluetooth speakers. Whether it’s the humble B2 Wireless Speaker, or a full-fledged pair of active Audioengine speakers such as the A5+ Wireless, Google Home is capable of transmitting your beloved music to your sonic system.  Bam!!--we just completed the full circle of user-friendliness and ear-friendliness.  It may sound complicated merely by description, but it’s actually extremely easy to configure, just follow the quick steps below:

• Download and open the Google Home App on your phone or tablet.
• Navigate to the “Devices” tab within the app
• Tap “Settings” in the devices submenu
• Scroll down to “Default Music Speaker” and tap “Pair Bluetooth Speaker”
• Select your Audioengine speaker – and you’re done!

Take control of your music.

Now you’re ready to shout voice commands all over the house and rock out while you make dinner, host a party, or do whatever it is you do.  You can even connect multiple sets of Audioengine wireless speakers for multi-room audio, by creating “groups” in the Google Home app (under that same “Devices” tab).

Isn’t it nice that designers have created all this awesome technology for us?  Now I’m just spit-balling, here, but -- what if one day someone will make some kind of like a smart speaker... except it lives in your brain and reads your mind.  Then you can just think about how good your favorite tunes will sound through a pair of Audioengine wireless speakers, and voila!

Experiencing static or buzzing in your home music system?

Whether you're using the renowned Audioengine A2+ or another high-end audio setup, understanding the root causes of these noises is essential for a pristine listening experience. This guide delves into common sources of disturbances and offers effective strategies to eradicate them. 

Why Are My Speakers Buzzing?

1. Static, Buzzing, and Ground Loops

Unwanted sounds in your audio setup, like static, buzzing, or humming, can stem from various sources. These include your computer's 3.5mm line out, RF interference, or the noise floor inherent in electronic devices. Ground loops are a frequent issue in systems where the audio source and speakers are on different power sources, such as separate power strips.

Solution:

To address ground loops, ensure all components of your audio system are connected to the same power strip or power source. This helps maintain a common ground and prevents ground loops. Using a ground loop isolator can also be effective in eliminating this issue.

2. Static from the 3.5mm Line Out

Static from the 3.5mm line out of a computer is a common issue. This often occurs due to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from other devices or poor quality cables.

Solution:

To reduce static, use high-quality shielded cables. Keeping cables away from power supplies and other electronic devices can also minimize interference. Alternatively, consider using an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to bypass the computer’s internal sound card, which is often a source of static.

3. RF Interference

Electronic devices in your home, such as routers, mobile phones, and even microwaves, can cause radio frequency interference (RFI), leading to that annoying buzz.

Solution:

To mitigate RF interference, position your audio setup away from other electronic devices. Using ferrite beads on cables can help suppress high-frequency noise. Additionally, ensuring your audio cables are of high quality and shielded can further reduce susceptibility to RF interference.

4. The Noise Floor

Every electronic device, including your home music system, has a baseline noise level known as the noise floor. When the system is amplified, this noise floor can become noticeable.

Solution:

To minimize the impact of the noise floor, keep your audio system’s volume at a reasonable level and adjust the gain settings appropriately. Ensuring your equipment is well-maintained and free from dust can also help, as dust can affect the performance of electronic components.

How Do I Fix My Speakers?

Eliminating buzzing noises and static involves a combination of savvy technical solutions and simple setup adjustments: 
 
Invest in Quality Cables: High-quality, shielded cables, especially for your 3.5mm line out, can significantly reduce electromagnetic interference. 
 
Strategic Placement of Equipment: Keep your speakers away from potential sources of RF interference, such as a cellphone.
 
Unified Power Sources: Connecting your audio source and system to the same power strip can help resolve ground loop issues. 

Regular Maintenance: Dust and debris can affect connections, leading to static. Keep your connectors and ports clean to maintain a clear signal path. 

 
External DAC for Enhanced Audio: Consider using an external Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). Digital to Analog converters work by converting digital audio files back into analog sound, to be heard the way the artist intended. DAC’s such as the Audioengine D1 feature 32-bit audio processing technology and are particularly effective in reducing the noise floor compared to devices with built-in sound cards.
 
Conclusion 
Static, buzzing, and grounding issues can disrupt your music enjoyment, but they don't have to be a permanent feature of your audio experience. With the right understanding and some adjustments, your home music system will deliver the high-quality sound you expect. Embrace the journey with Audioengine – where we combine state-of-the-art technology with user-friendly solutions to elevate your audio experience. 

6 Simple Wireless Speaker Shopping Tips

So you’ve decided to make the leap from wired to wireless music and might have made the mistake of Googling “Best Wireless Speakers.”

We here at Audioengine know how overwhelming this can be and we extend our deepest sympathies. But it’s time to put your concerns to rest as we’re here to give you some important buying tips… and yes, you may need these tips to make it through this with your sanity intact.

Before we start, let it be known we are not trying to sway you in any particular direction but we only want to make sure you’re aware of a few items that could go overlooked. And the majority of the following advice can be applied to pretty much any purchase you’re making in the audio world.

[Find out what speakers are best for you. Take the quiz]

Price point

As with anything, it is important to start by setting a budget for yourself and finding a product that aligns with this budget.

There are a ton of great wireless products out there, some of them are practically being given away, and others might cost your life savings. No matter your budget, one fact remains: a quality wireless speaker setup doesn’t HAVE to be expensive. Conversely, you often get what you pay for, so it is wise to be wary of a product whose price tag looks more like a shoe size if you catch my drift.

Features

Another important point that will assuredly be different for everyone is the inclusion of features.

If you’re looking for a simple wireless speaker with no options and no extra inputs, then don’t bother spending hours comparing products that are saturated with bells and whistles. If, on the other hand, you know you want the option to connect an analog device like a stereo or surround sound receiver, for instance, make this determination early and stick with it. There will always be an option to suit your exact needs so don’t feel pressured.

Reviews

Reviews are king in today’s world.

Everything from the usability of a product to the competence of a company’s customer service team can be scrutinized in an online review, and that’s why it’s obviously important to read as many reviews as you can find (and to also read between the lines with some of these). A responsible company addresses negative reactions and does not let any concern go unnoticed. Reviews not only tell us how customers react to a product but how a company reacts to its customers. And the way a company reacts to its customers can tell you whether you’re making a good or bad purchase.

Warranties and trials

This is always a fun one! If you’re having trouble deciding between two or more products because they have the same features and similar reviews, why not go with the one that offers a trial or a better warranty?

The wireless audio market is extremely competitive, and most companies are offering a brief trial period with no penalties or full-coverage or even an extended warranty period. The fact is, a company with a truly great product has nothing to fear and is confident in their product’s ability to satisfy anyone and everyone.

Portability and durability

Where are you going to be using these speakers? Are you going to sling wireless audio from the kitchen to the living room, or are you taking this setup down to the park for a picnic? Do you need the speakers to be battery powered? Waterproof?

I know, I know, asking way too many questions but you should be asking these questions too! Again, there will always be a product that suits your needs for portability — and often times, if the speakers are easily portable, they will also be durable to some extent. The caveat is that certain other aspects of the speakers will inevitably suffer. Sound quality, aux inputs, wireless range, etc.; these are all things that have the potential to “get the boot” the more portable or waterproof your speakers need to be.

Sound quality and wireless range

Obviously we want our wireless speakers to sound great and to not drop out or lose signal EVER.

The sound quality of the actual speaker itself is something you may need to derive from customer reviews, unless you have the option to actually hear the speaker before making a purchase. Apart from that, it’s best to read up on the company, what materials they are using, and what the speakers can be compared to, etc.

But when it comes to the sound quality of the actual WIRELESS itself, you’ll need to look out for a few things. Wi-fi or Bluetooth and other fun terms all define different ways a speaker can receive wireless audio information and process it. Each of these has its own pros and cons, and some will be more or less suitable to your particular setup. Wi-fi is good if you want to transmit audio to multiple speakers at once but Bluetooth has a much easier setup and the ease-of-use is a HUGE advantage. But for the best sound quality AND ease-of-use, you will want to look for Bluetooth products that use the aptX or aptX HD “codecs”. These will give you the best audio quality possible, and with Audioengine, the longest range as well. If you wish to get into more technical details about this type of wireless audio, please read our article on Bluetooth aptX HD technology.

In summary, there are a myriad of products on the market and all have their pros and cons. To get started, make a list of things you want and need out of your music system. Determine what is necessary, nice-to-have, and what you don’t need. Then when you make the detrimental error of Googling, “Best Wireless Speakers,” you might make it through to the other side with your sanity intact.

Still struggling with choosing the right speaker? Take our quiz and make it easy!

Customer Inquiry: "I've recently upgraded to the Audioengine A2+ Home Music System and am thoroughly impressed by the sound quality. Is there a way to further enhance this setup for a richer audio experience?" 

Why a Subwoofer is Important:

The Audioengine A2+ excels in high and mid-range frequency reproduction, providing an expansive soundstage. Its mid-woofers deliver a balanced bass, but for deeper, more resonant bass frequencies, adding a subwoofer will introduce you to an entirely new music experience, with bass reminiscent of your favorite live concert.  

Expanding Your System with a Subwoofer Integrating a subwoofer into your Audioengine home music system can dramatically improve your audio landscape: 

• Deepened Bass Response: A subwoofer like the Audioengine S8 is dedicated to reproducing the lowest frequency sounds, enhancing the depth and dimension of the audio, especially in tracks with significant low-end elements. 
• Enhanced Balance and Clarity: The subwoofer takes on the lower frequencies, allowing your system to focus on delivering clear highs and detailed mids. This separation ensures a balanced sound output and maximizes the performance of each component within its frequency range. 

Adding a subwoofer reveals the full spectrum of sound that the artist intended to be a part of your musical experience.

Subwoofer Types: Sealed vs. Ported and Their Placement 

• Sealed Subwoofers for Jazz and Acoustic:
• These subwoofers, like the Audioengine S6, offer a tighter and more precise bass, perfect for the nuanced sounds in jazz and acoustic music. Due to their controlled bass response, they are versatile in terms of placement and can be positioned either on the desk or in any compact space within the room. 

• Front-Firing Ported Subwoofers for Metal and Energetic Genres:
• These subwoofers are designed to handle the depth and intensity of genres like metal. They are ideally placed at listening height for the best experience. An elevated shelf or the desk itself can be great spots, ensuring the sound is directed straight at the listener for maximum impact. 

Space Considerations: Choosing the Right Size and Placement 

• U and L-Shaped Desks: These desk designs offer unique opportunities for subwoofer placement. With more corner space and legroom, you can consider slightly larger subwoofers that wouldn't traditionally fit under a standard desk. 
• Proper Placement: A front-firing subwoofer should be placed in an elevated position, such as your desktop, while a down-firing subwoofer should be placed on the floor.  
• Larger Subwoofers for Spacious Setups: If you have more room, especially with U and L-shaped desks, a larger subwoofer can be placed on the ground under the desk. Their down-firing design is particularly effective in this placement, as it allows the sound to resonate off the floor, filling the room without taking up valuable desk space. 

Conclusion:

Selecting the right subwoofer for your desktop setup involves understanding your music preferences, considering your available desk space, and deciding on the appropriate size and type of subwoofer. Whether it's a compact sealed model for jazz and acoustic melodies or a larger ported subwoofer for the dynamic ranges of metal, the ideal choice will transform your listening experience into an experience rivaled only by live performances.  

Why go wireless?

If you haven’t used them before, wireless speakers might sound like a hassle to set up, connect to, and maintain in your home. The truth is, getting your wireless speaker system started doesn’t take much and can easily be done in a matter of minutes.

With all of the mobile technology available at our fingertips, there’s no reason to be tied down to one method of listening to your music; whether it’s your phone, laptop or tablet, your streaming sources are unlimited when you go wireless.

One of the greatest benefits to adopting a wireless speaker system is getting rid all of those unsightly wires running along your floors and behind entertainment centers. This alone gives you plenty of options for placing your wireless speakers where they will work best for your listening experience. Not to mention that without all of the wires and confusing installation instructions, you’re free to connect them to your phone, computer or tablet via Bluetooth and start enjoying them right away.

It’s fairly simple to connect directly to Pandora, Spotify, or any other music streaming source you prefer as long as you follow instructions. Audioengine’s wireless speakers, for example, are designed so that once they’re turned on, you need only activate Bluetooth in your device’s settings menu and select the correct speaker to connect.

If you do run into trouble installing or connecting to your new speakers, our Audioengine support reps are ready to step in and show you the best possible solution for the issue.

[Find out what speakers are best for you. Take the quiz]

Our technology

At Audioengine, we provide only the best products. Currently, we have a few varieties of wireless home speakers, including the B2 wireless speaker, which boasts an easily adapted Bluetooth wireless system for your phone, and the HD6 wireless speaker with versatile power and connectivity features. We also are readily available to answer any of your questions, so you not only get the awesome sounding audio you want, but also the tools to make it fit right into your home.

With many modern audio speakers and systems adding wireless functionality to their list of features, you may wonder whether you are doing yourself a disservice by going wireless and ask yourself “is wireless audio quality any good?” 

Believe it or not, wireless can sound just as good as a wired connection, meaning you won’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience.

Our wireless speakers utilize Bluetooth technology which definitely has its advantages; it’s fairly universal and, with its lack of proprietary software, is really easy to set up. There must be a catch, right? In the past, we felt that Bluetooth technology wasn’t up to snuff, both in terms of the range of the signal and the quality of audio. In recent years, however, Bluetooth technology has seriously done a lot of growing up; advances in the technology has increased the bandwidth and range, making it not only function great, but sound great. Bluetooth now has the capability of streaming up to CD quality, or 16-bit/44.1kHz, over the air, which means that right out of gate you’re able to send great sending audio without being tethered by cables.

Codecs play a part in how Bluetooth audio is sent and received and some codecs provide slightly better fidelity than others.

In products like our B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver, we utilize the aptX HD codec, which we feel provides you with the highest fidelity decoding possible. Some devices, like most iOS devices, don’t utilize aptX, but even though we use aptX in our products, other great codecs like SBC and AAC will work and sound great. Not to mention, we utilize built-in DACs in our Bluetooth products, which will take your audio and pad the bit-depth to a 24-bit format, giving you added benefits such a lower noise floor.

Even though we use Bluetooth in more of our newer products, we do have other wireless options if you’re looking for any non-Bluetooth solutions. We offer two different wireless audio adapters, the W3 Wireless Audio Adapter the D2 Wireless DAC. The wireless technology used in both of these products is a lot like Wi-Fi, but on a closed protocol built specifically for high-resolution audio. The W3 includes a 16-bit/44.1kHz DAC, which makes it able to send CD-quality uncompressed audio over the air. If you’re looking for high-quality, though, the D2 represents the absolute highest possible performance wireless audio device we could build, able to send 24-bit/96kHz wirelessly.

So is wireless audio quality any good? The short answer is yes!

Using only the best hardware and software, you can rest assured that the wireless gear you’ve been considering will not only add convenience to your listening experience, but will retain the authenticity that you expect from your music.

Bluetooth Audio and Codecs

If you’re curious about wireless audio and have found yourself doing some research, you’re probably awash in buzzwords like codecs, sample rates, bit rates, resolution, bandwidth and heaven knows what else.

Lest you throw up your hands at the complexity of it all let’s do our best to explain some of the basics of Bluetooth audio.

Bluetooth is a radio signal that sends data from a transmitter in your phone or computer, to a receiver in your headphones or speakers.  In order to be sent from one device to another in an efficient manner, this data has to be encoded by the transmitter and then decoded by the receiver on the other end.

This is a big job, not to mention it all has to be done in a fraction of a second.

The problem here is that traditional Bluetooth codecs can’t process the amount of information necessary to recreate a faithful audio signal on the other end, so they have to compress the information.  During compression, little bits of information are lost, and as we discussed earlier, the “information” in this case is YOUR MUSIC!

Think about that for a second!

Your devices can’t keep up with the amount of information your music requires, so they essentially throw it out; little bits of the frequency spectrum, dynamic range, etc. This may not sound like a big deal, but when you consider the idea that something like aptX HD can fix it, why would you settle for anything less?

Now before we dive into some of the technical aspects of what makes aptX HD so amazing, it’s important to discuss some of the older codecs so we can understand what aptX HD really brings to the table.

Think of the word “codec” as a combination of the terms “code” and “decode,” as these are the primary functions of all audio codecs; their job is to encode large information files so they can be more easily transferred, and then to decode that same file on the other end.

You’re familiar with MP3s, right? Well, an MP3 is just a type of codec… a very widely used type of codec, in fact. Since we have all used MP3s, we are probably all familiar with how dramatically they can degrade the quality of an audio file. Luckily, tons of codecs have been developed over the years, all with the goal of vastly surpassing the audio quality of a standard MP3.  Some other codecs you may be familiar with are SBC, AAC, LDAC, and aptX. These are all considered superior to MP3s, but are also geared towards Bluetooth wireless audio.

So what’s the difference between standard aptX, and aptX HD?

For starters, aptX has actually been around since the 80s, and is currently much more widely used than aptx HD.  Standard aptX has been used in phones, tablets, and laptops for a long time now so it’s likely that you’ve actually experienced Bluetooth transmission that features aptX.  But for those of you who are looking for some numbers, here you go:

Standard aptX:

• Speed:  352 kbps
• Sample Resolution:  16-bit
• Sample Rate:  48kHz

Aptx HD:

• Speed:576 kbps
• Sample Resolution:  24-bit
• Sample Rate:  48kHz

Alright, let's talk about that for a second.

The speed of these file transfers are measured in Kilobits-per-second (Kbps), and they define how quickly all of this audio information moves from one device to another.  48kHz denotes the sample rate of the audio data — the sample rate is measurement of how many samples of audio are carried from one end to the other end per second.

So this means aptX HD is providing audio information 48,000 times per second… and that’s a lot of times.

Next, 24-bit denotes the sampling resolution — sample resolution is a measurement of how many bits of information are included in each sample. Most Bluetooth codecs simply cannot provide this much information.  Even if they could, they wouldn’t be able to encode it and decode it faithfully within 1 millisecond.

Long story short: aptX HD recreates your audio data more accurately and in greater detail than aptX and does this more quickly, efficiently, and with very low latency.  Pretty impressive right?

Now I know Bluetooth audio has been pretty crappy in the past, but those days are over.  Out with the old, in with the new! With Apple and Google doing away with headphone jacks on their phones, we are practically being forced to make the switch to Bluetooth — this is why aptX HD makes so much sense.  If we are going to be forced to go wireless, why don’t we take advantage of some Bluetooth sound quality that surpasses even traditional wired headphone connections in some cases?

Which devices support aptX HD?

In order to take advantage of the benefits of aptX HD, you’ll need to make sure you have a device that supports it.

These devices will have a Bluetooth chip called the CSR8675, which is capable of supporting 24-bit audio from aptX HD.

Bluetooth Receiver vs. Wireless Speakers

Customers occasionally write to ask questions about the differences between our B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver and our Wireless Powered Speakers. Usually the questions go something like…

“Do I really NEED your complete speaker system or just the B1 receiver?”

“Is one product easier to use than the other?”

“Are there differences in sound quality between the B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver and your Audioengine Wireless Speakers?”

…and there have been plenty more questions that come along with those — but have no fear, today we are here to hopefully clear this up!

First off, you should have some peace of mind knowing that no matter which solution you choose, we absolutely guarantee your satisfaction. Apart from that you might be wondering which option is going to best suit your needs — reasonable enough, so let’s talk about it…

Do I really NEED the entire system or can I get away with just the B1?

Audioengine wireless speakers are powered music systems that implement cutting edge Bluetooth aptX-HD to deliver high-fidelity long-range wireless from any device.

The B1 Bluetooth Receiver also offers the same aptX-HD technology; the only difference being that B1 does not have built-in speakers, so you will still need speakers to hear your music.

Now, customers sometimes say “I already have a different brand of powered speakers that I LOVE, I just want to make them wireless.” If this is the case, you can use B1 to turn your current non-wireless music system into some super-rockin’ wireless speakers. Or maybe you have an older pair of Audioengine speakers that you bought before we made our speakers wireless — here again, the B1 is a great solution! You just need to make sure, no matter what system you have, that you have the proper inputs — RCA-style inputs work the best, or even an optical audio input if your gear has one.

Is one solution more user-friendly than the other?

Hey, great question — glad you asked! This one is a bit subjective and depends on how many components you want in your setup.

The simple fact is if you have Audioengine wireless speakers you will have the easiest setup under the sun. All you have to do is connect your speakers to power, connect the left speaker to the right, find the speakers in your phone or tablet’s list of available Bluetooth devices and BOOM, you’re done! Think of it as if the B1 Bluetooth receiver is built into Audioengine speakers.

On the other hand, if you are using a pair of non-wireless speakers and you want to make them Bluetooth compatible by using our B1 Receiver, you will need to add B1 to your setup, but in all actuality the B1 itself is just as easy to use as the speakers. Long story long, if you love your current speakers and aren’t ready to make the switch, adding the B1 is still an extremely user-friendly option and you will be up and running with great-sounding wireless audio in no time flat.

Are there differences in sound quality between the B1 and the Wireless Speakers?

This is the only moment in this article where things might teeter on the brink of being controversial.

Audioengine’s Wireless speakers guarantee immaculate and highly satisfying sound quality, which is hard to beat. The B1 offers aptX-HD Bluetooth with 24-bit upsampling (which are the exact same Bluetooth specs as our wireless speakers), so the audio being SENT from your devices to the B1 is no different than the audio being SENT from your device to Audioengine’s Wireless Speakers; however, the B1 itself doesn’t have any speakers, so it has to rely on whatever speakers it is connected to. This is the only point at which your sound quality COULD suffer.

So let’s say you are sending the highest quality audio file from your laptop to the B1 Bluetooth Receiver. The B1 takes that super-high-quality file and handles it with such great care you may not be able to tell whether it was wireless or not…BUT, if you have your B1 connected to a crappy pair of speakers, guess what? No matter how pristine that audio file was, and no matter how skillfully the B1 handles that file, crappy speakers are going to make that audio sound crappy. BUT, if you are using the B1 to send audio to a pair of really great speakers that you love, the B1 will absolutely deliver the highest quality audio possible via Bluetooth, and it will do so with an extended range so you can bounce around the house and not worry about dropouts or inferior audio quality.

This was a ton of information so here’s a quick recap and summary…

The Bluetooth capability of Audioengine’s Wireless Speakers and the B1 is exactly the same. If you love your current speakers and aren’t ready to change brands, don’t sweat it, the B1 will give you beautiful wireless audio all the same. BUT, if you are looking to be truly reinvigorated by your music, you definitely need to try Audioengine’s Wireless speakers to take advantage of both our highly advanced Bluetooth technology and our unparalleled listening experience.

Why We Choose Bluetooth over WiFi

It’s no secret that most players in the “smart” speaker market are primarily using wi-fi to wirelessly send audio around the house.

So if Sonos, Bose, and other big name brands are using wi-fi through an internet router, why would Audioengine use Bluetooth for wireless audio in their home speakers?

Easy Setup

Audioengine wireless home speakers are ready to use within minutes out of the box.

Connecting power and the speakers to one another is easy enough, but getting your music playing wirelessly is actually even more straight-forward. Unlike most of the big brand smart speakers, you don’t need to download and install apps for setup, you don’t need to connect the speakers to your router, and there aren’t any passwords or other overly-complicated hoops to jump through. Audioengine makes it simple by keeping the wireless connection exclusively between your phone, tablet, or computer and the speakers. Simply go to your device’s list of available Bluetooth connections, select Audioengine, and play music directly from your favorite app! Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, iTunes, YouTube; any apps that stream audio from your device can be played through your Audioengine home speakers. And remember, our speakers don’t depend on the speed of your internet connection or wireless router so when your internet slows down or doesn’t cover all of your house, you can still stream from your phone or connect another device via one of Audioengine’s many audio ports, which brings me to the next point…

Flexible and versatile

Even before the implementation of our long-range wireless Bluetooth audio, Audioengine home speakers have been some of the most versatile on the market.

A selection of inputs allow you to not only stream wirelessly but to easily and quickly connect your turntable, TV, AVR, or any other piece of gear with an audio output. The point being, is that you are not bound to a single input source. Not many auxiliary options are offered among the rest of the smart speaker community, leaving the user completely reliant upon the wi-fi connection and other compatible devices they may already own. And what about when you’re using Alexa to search for music, but a particular song can’t be played due to copyright issues? This can happen with voice-controlled systems, but we all know a quick visit to YouTube can typically get around this barrier and play the music you want to hear. Now you can actually listen to any Beatles tune you want, whenever you want, but at the same time you can also connect to an external Alexa device for superior sound with Audioengine.

Range and quality

Bluetooth transmission range was not so great in the past, as many of you have experienced. And products using wi-fi still tout the superiority of its range over that of Bluetooth, but the truth is, those days are over.

Audioengine home speakers utilize cutting-edge tech that allows a solid transmission of up to 100 feet (and sometimes more) with no drop-outs and no blips. Again, this range is not reliant upon the ebb and flow of your wi-fi strength at any given point. But what about sound quality; isn’t Bluetooth kind of crappy? No way! Bluetooth audio has come a long way in the past few years as well, and the implementation of the aptX HD codec allows for near lossless audio transmission that rivals the sound of many wired music systems.

Elegant aesthetic and sound

Audioengine home speakers have always held sleek looks that equals their sound quality, and with the shift to high-quality wireless, these standards have been upheld.

We didn’t want to sacrifice our warm, rich, analog power amps and hand-built wooden cabinets by trying to cram all that goodness into a generic-looking plastic speaker enclosure with average-quality wireless. We want our speakers to be an integral part of the look and feel of your home and we also want you to have TWO speakers so your listening experience can be what it’s meant to be. Other systems allow you to purchase “add-on” speakers, but that means in order to have two speakers you have to, well… spend more money for “add-on” speakers. Audioengine home speakers come standard as a stereo pair that are tuned to perfection. To put it simply, Audioengine home speakers are some of the best-sounding speakers on the market today. “Smart” speakers tend to put more focus on the “smart” portion than on the “speakers” portion, often leaving the sound reproduction underwhelming. Would you rather watch the next season of GOT on a single wi-fi speaker or on a matched pair of award-winning audiophile-grade speakers with true stereo sound?

So, it’s safe to say Bluetooth and wi-fi each have their own advantages, just as anything else. But in the end, Bluetooth was the choice we made to be as user-friendly, versatile, and as hi-fi-sounding as possible.

How to Stream Music from my Phone to my Stereo?

We want things to work, is that so much to ask?

There is such a mass of technology and gadgetry available out there today that, for the most part, the good stuff sticks around and the bad stuff is pushed right out the door, never to be seen again. But when it comes to streaming music from our phones to our stereo systems, we sometimes still have to jump through hoops to get our gadgets to see eye to eye.

Rest easy, friends, for today I am here to make it very very easy. Let’s talk about a couple of ways Audioengine can get your music streaming from phone to stereo in less than 1 minute!

Using Audioengine Wireless Speakers

If you are one of the TRILLIONS of highly intelligent individuals who have already purchased a set of Audioengine wireless speakers (this includes the HD6, HD3, A5+ Wireless, and B2 speakers), you are in luck, as this is the easiest possible way to get your music streaming.

To get the system up and running in general, all you have to do is take your speakers out of the box, plug the left speaker into power, connect the left speaker to the right speaker via the included speaker wire (does not apply to B2, it's just one little speaker), and flip the power switch to the ‘On’ position. After the speakers are on, the only thing left to do is find the speakers on your phone’s list of available Bluetooth devices, and select them. They will pair within seconds after just ONE click! You’re done -- can you believe that!? Sheesh, that was easy. But what if you don’t have a pair of Audioengine wireless speakers?

Using Anything Else

Okay so maybe you don’t have a pair of super awesome wireless speakers, that’s cool, Audioengine can fix that in less than a minute using our B1 Bluetooth Receiver.

The same principals will apply from the previous section, but first, we have to MAKE our non-wireless speakers into wireless speakers. Let’s unpack our B1 Bluetooth receiver, connect it to power, and then run cables from the analog OUTPUTS on our B1, to the analog INPUTS on our existing speakers. Boom -- now our speakers are wireless, crazy right? The final step is the same as before; just locate B1 in your phone’s list of available Bluetooth devices and click. You’ll be paired in seconds and ready to rock that Duran Duran Greatest Hits album you just downloaded.

Keep in mind, once you’re paired like this, you should be able to stream any and all audio from your phone to your speakers. This means, iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, everything. Everything!

No more banging your head against the wall trying to get things paired up, no more proprietary passwords, and no more having to reconnect every ten minutes. It really is the best way to stream music from your phone to your speakers, no matter what kind of speakers you are using.

Now, why don’t you stream your way on back to our Wireless Speakers and see what you’re missing out on!

Speaker Setup – How to break in new speakers.

So you just got your brand new Audioengine speakers and you’re ready to pull them out of the box and get them set up so you can start rocking out.

Straight out of the box, your speakers should sound great, but what if your speaker setup could sound better with time?

One thing that you can easily do to make that new speaker setup sound top-notch is a thing called “break-in” and it’s actually really simple.

So why would you want to break the speakers in?

The materials we use for our speakers are quite robust, so right after manufacturing they can be a bit stiff.

One way to help out with this stiffness is to break them in so that these materials, such as the rubber surrounds of the aramid fiber drivers, loosen up. As mentioned earlier, the speakers should sound great from your first listen, but after they move around a bit and loosen up you should notice smoother low end response and sweeter mids/highs.

From time to time, we get asked about how to break in new speakers.

The break-in period doesn’t really require anything special other than listening to music and over time your speakers will become more and more broken in.

For proper break in, we generally recommend around 40 to 50 hours of at least mid-level playback before doing any critical listening. Some our customers have mentioned that they play tones or white noise while they are away, such as while they’re at work, to help the process along, but we’d recommend just listening to them normally at a medium-level during the break in period.

Breaking in your new speaker setup is a simple and crucial thing to do to make your speakers sound better and open up their potential. Some things do get better with age!

Audioengine – Doesn’t Your Music Deserve It?

To minimize unwanted resonances and distortion, Audioengine cabinets have thick high-resin MDF walls with extensive internal bracing. Heavy internal sound-damping material is used to reduce unwanted sound reflections inside the cabinet. All cabinet edges are rounded which look great and reduce high-frequency diffraction effects on the front baffles. The A5+ cabinet contains tuned, rear-port slots.

0.5" (13 mm) thick MDF cabinets
5" (130 mm) aramid fiber woofers with advanced voice coils
0.75" (20 mm) silk dome tweeters with neodymium magnets
Toroidal power transformer

Operating temperature: 32 degrees F to 95 degrees F
Non-operating temperature: -4 degrees F to 113 degrees F
Relative humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

Dimensions (HWD)
Left (active) - 10.75" (27 cm) x 7" (18 cm) x 9" (23 cm)
Right (passive) - 10.75" (27 cm) x 7" (18 cm) x 7.75" (20 cm)

Weight
Left (active) - 15.4 lb (7 kg)
Right (passive) - 9.6 lb (4.4 kg)

Total Shipping Weight
31 lb (14 kg)

Shipping Box Dimensions (LWH)
22" (56 cm) x 11.5" (29 cm) x 15" (38 cm)

Internal D/A Converter
PCM5102

Internal BT Receiver
N/A

Input Bit Depth
24 bit (padded)

Bluetooth Receiver Type
Bluetooth 5.0

Supported Codecs
aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC

Supported Bluetooth Profiles
N/A

Wireless Operation Range
Up to 100 ft (30 m) typical

Input Data Rate
Determined by Bluetooth

Wireless Latency
~30 milliseconds (ms)

Type
Powered Bluetooth aptX HD speaker system

Amplifier Type
Class AB

Rated Power Output:
50W RMS per channel (measured in compliance with 16 C.F.R. § 432.3)
Peak Power Output: 75W per channel (AES)
Total Peak Power Output:150W (AES)

Drivers
5" aramid fiber woofers

0.75" silk dome tweeters

Inputs
3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, RCA L/R, Bluetooth

Outputs
RCA variable line-out

Input Voltages
115/240 V, 50/60 Hz manually switchable

SNR
>95 dB (typical A-weighted)

THD+N
Less than 0.05% at all power settings

Crosstalk
<50 dB

Frequency Response
50 Hz-22 kHz ±1.5 dB

Frequency Response w/ Bass Reduction Switch selected
N/A

Analog Input Impedance
N/A

Nominal Impedance
N/A

Input Impedance
10K ohms unbalanced

Crossover Frequency
N/A

Protection
Output current limiting, thermal over-temperature, power on/off transient protection, replaceable external main fuse

Power Consumption
Idle: 10 W
Mute: 6 W
Sleep: 4 W

Standby Consumption
N/A

Phase
N/A

Recommended Amplifier Power
N/A

Battery Life
N/A

Battery Charge Time
N/A

1. Turn Off and Unplug:

• Make sure your system is turned off and unplugged.

2. Dust the Surfaces:

• Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away dust.
• For hard-to-reach places, use a soft brush or a can of compressed air.

3. Wipe Down the Exterior:

• We do not recommend using any solvents
• If cleaning off stains or build-up is necessary, we recommend doing so with a very small amount of mild cleaning solution applied only to the affected area, followed by quickly wiping the area dry completely. 
• Any scoured pads or objects like a 'magic eraser' too easily run the risk of removing sealers and top coats of the painted finish that can leave a clearly visible change in the uniformity of the paint/finish

4. Clean the Speaker Grills:

• The speaker grills can be gently cleaned with a vacuum, preferably using a soft bush attachment.
• A lint roller can also be used.

5. Clean Buttons and Knobs:

• A dry cloth is recommend for cleaning any knobs, buttons or other surfaces
• Be careful not to let water get into any gaps.

6. Clean Ports and Connections:

• Use compressed air to blow out dust from ports and connections.

7. Let Everything Dry:

• Make sure everything is completely dry before plugging back in and turning on.

8. Regular Cleaning:

• Dust your system regularly to keep it in good shape.

By following these steps, you can keep your Audioengine system clean and working well.

Audioengine operates two websites, audioengine.com and audioengineeu.com. If you go to any other site but these, they are not an Audioengine site. For Canada, Mexico and most of Europe and the UK, we only sell through Amazon. There are also a host of authorized retailers and sites across the US, and they can be found here. For international sales, we have distributors that operate independently, and they can be found here. 

What happens if I buy from an authorized site claiming to be Audioengine? Unfortunately, there is not much we can do. We are taking all the action we can to make sure those sites don't get indexed, but we recommend you work with the provider of the card you used to make payment to get your money back.

The Audioengine remote takes a CR2025 battery.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Terminal:
   • You can find Terminal in your Applications folder under Utilities, or you can use Spotlight by pressing Cmd + Space and typing "Terminal".
2. Execute the Command:
   • In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

bash

Copy code

sudo pkill bluetoothd

3. Enter Your Password:
   • After pressing Enter, you will be prompted to enter your password. Type your Mac's administrator password and press Enter.
   • Note that when you type your password, it won't be displayed on the screen (not even as asterisks). Just type it and press Enter.

By following these steps, you should be able to reset your Bluetooth service on your Mac, which can help resolve connectivity issues with your Audioengine devices or any other Bluetooth peripherals.

- The process for replacing a volume encoder begins with pulling the volume knob straight back from the encoder shaft

- Make sure the rubber insert stays with the volume knob - 

- The volume encoder shaft should look like so before proceeding - 

- Using a thin-walled 10mm socket, remove the lock nut fastening the encoder to the front of the speaker cabinet - 

- Once you have removed the amp backplate on the back of the active speaker, make sure to remove the encoder wiring terminal clip from the amp circuit board. You can then fully uninstall the encoder assembly by pulling back the encoder shaft from the inside -

- Finally, the IR receiver can be removed by using a long-necked Phillips PH1 screw driver to remove the 2 screws fastening the IR receiver on the inside of the cabinet - 

After fully removing the faulty encoder, the replacement can be installed following these steps in reverse order before finally connecting the wiring clip to the amp circuit board and fastening the amp backplate back onto the active speaker.

The process can be a bit cramped if you wish to do as little disassembly as possible, or a bit easier if you are comfortable moving parts to give yourself more workspace. The sound damping insulation normally overlaps at the bottom of the active cabinet. This can be peeled back similar to the reference picture attached. The crossover is mounted underneath this insulation (If process being done on an HD6) and is perhaps the most obtrusive part when replacing a volume encoder. This has two Philips head screws mounting it to the base of the cabinet along with an adhesive pad to reduce noise vibration. It is possible to remove the two screws and lift the adhered crossover up from the base of the cabinet momentarily to get better access to the IR receiver and volume knob assemblies at the front. If you'd rather not risk damaging anything, the IR receiver can still be unscrewed from the inside of the cabinet with a long-necked Phillips PH1 driver. The volume knob is loosened from the outside of the cabinet with a thin-walled 10mm socket found by pulling the volume knob straight back  from the encoder shaft. Ample lighting will also make this work easier

The size of each speaker is 10.75"Hx 7"W x 9"D

We take great pride in our products, and go through great lengths to ensure consistency and quality. For that reason, this item was randomly selected for an additional step of Quality Assurance.

                                          Applicable to our A2+, HD3, HD4, A5+, A5+Wireless, and HD6 speakers.

1. Determine if the distortion is due to your source by disconnecting all source devices from the speakers.
2. Please make sure all of your connector cables are in working order. Try different cables as well as a different source device.
3. Please try using each input available (mini-jack, RCA, USB, as well as Bluetooth), one at a time, to see how the speakers react. If the distortion is unique to one speaker, when testing via RCA switch the RCA jacks (red to white and white to red) to see if the issue remains in the same channel.
4. Make sure it is not a power issue by trying a power outlet that is on a different circuit.

                             Applicable to our A1, A2+Wireless, B2, A5+Wireless, and HD6 speaker models

1. On your source device (phone, tablet, laptop, etc), turn on Bluetooth and go to Bluetooth preferences.
2. Select "Audioengine (your speaker model)" from the list of available devices to pair and connect.  The Pair indicator on the back panel should now be solid. Play your music and adjust the volume levels on the speakers and your device.

Applicable to our A1, A1-MR, A2+, HD3, HD4, A5+, and HD6 speaker models

1. Check to make sure the speaker wire connecting the left and right speakers is connected according to proper polarity (Red to Gold, Black to Silver) on both ends.
2. Please make sure all of your connector cables are in working order. Try different cables as well as a different source device.
3. If you are using any other devices in line with these speakers, please temporarily remove them from your setup and connect the source directly to the speakers
4. Please try using each available input, one at a time, to see how the speakers react. When testing via RCA swap the RCA jacks (red to white and white to red) to see if the issue remains in the same channel.

• Bluetooth LED is on and solid: The A5+ Wireless has power and currently connected to a Bluetooth-enabled device.
• LED indicator illuminates orange instead of white: This is normal! It means that your source is currently sending the A5+ Wireless an aptX signal.
• Bluetooth LED is on and blinking: The A5+ Wireless has power and the Bluetooth receiver is in pairing mode.
• Bluetooth LED is off and A5+ Wireless is on: Bluetooth is in standby and not in pairing mode. However, the A5+ Wireless is still visible to your device, so simply connect using your device and it will automatically wake up.

This issue occurs because some computers fail to "wake up" the USB port after a period of inactivity. While our A2+BT uses UPnP drivers for maximum compatibility, the USB connection is identified as an external DAC by most systems. Recent operating system updates for Mac and Windows have made this issue more frequent. 

1. What solutions can I try to resolve this issue? 

The solution often requires trial and error based on your specific computer setup. Many customers have found helpful tips and solutions in the following resources: 

• For Mac users: Apple Community Thread 

• For Windows users: StarTech USB Issues FAQ 

2. Is there a difference in audio quality when using USB/Bluetooth versus analog connections? 

Yes, there is a difference. Here’s what you need to know: 

• USB/Bluetooth Connection: This uses the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) built into the A2+BT speakers, which is 16-bit. 

• Analog Connection (RCA or 3.5mm inputs): This uses the DAC in your computer or device. Since most modern computers support 24-bit or even 32-bit audio, you’ll achieve better sound quality when using an analog connection. 

3. How do I know which connection type is best for me? 

• If you prioritize convenience or wireless functionality, USB or Bluetooth is a great choice. 

• If you’re looking for the highest audio fidelity, consider using analog connections like RCA or a 3.5mm mini-jack. 

If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team. We’re here to help! 

If you're looking to enhance the bass on your A2+ Home Music System, there are a few steps you can take to achieve the sound you're looking for:

1. Speaker Positioning:
   The placement of your speakers can have a significant effect on bass performance. Try placing the speakers closer to a wall, which can naturally amplify the bass. Additionally, ensure that the surface they're on is stable, as vibrations can impact sound quality.
2. Use of Equalizer Software:
   Windows 11 has built-in sound enhancements, but for more detailed control over the bass and other sound frequencies, we recommend using third-party equalizer software. One highly recommended option is a DSP correction software specifically designed for A2+ Home Music System. You can find more details about this software and how to use it in this article: Enhancing Audioengine A2+.

This software allows for precise adjustments of the bass and other sound settings to give you a more customized listening experience.

If you need any further assistance or have additional questions, feel free to contact our support team!

Table of Contents 

• Introduction 
• Main Differences Between Audioengine A2+ and Edifier R1280DBs 
• Key Specifications 
• Overall Design 
• Playback Capabilities 
• Other Noteworthy Features 
• Audioengine A2+ Exclusive Advantages 
• Edifier R1280DBs Overview 
• Pros and Cons
  • Audioengine A2+ 
  • Edifier R1280DBs 
• Conclusion  

Introduction 

In the realm of powered desktop speakers, the distinction between a good and an exceptional audio experience can be vast. The Audioengine A2+ and Edifier R1280DBs both offer quality sound and features, but a closer look reveals why the A2+ is the superior choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. 

Main Differences Between Edifier R1280DBs and Audioengine A2+

The Audioengine A2+ sets itself apart through its premium build quality, superior sound performance, and versatile connectivity options. Emphasizing a richer audio experience and modern aesthetics. While the Edifier R1280DBs aim for affordability and functionality, they do not offer the same level of premium materials or sound quality. 

Key Specifications 

• Audioengine A2+: 

• Amplifier Type: Class AB 
• Power Output: 60-Watt Peak Power Total 
• Connectivity: Bluetooth aptX, USB, Analog Inputs 
• Edifier R1280DBs: 

• Built-in Amplifier Power: Up to 42 Watts 
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, RCA Inputs 

Overall Design 

The Audioengine A2+ showcases its superior design with real-wood cabinets that are both hand-crafted and hand-painted, available in Satin Black, High Gloss White, High Gloss Red, and Matte Blue. This attention to detail sets them apart from the Edifier R1280DBs, which, despite having real wood cabinets, do not offer the same level of craftsmanship, lacking the hand-crafted and painted qualities that pushes the A2+ to a higher standard of design excellence. 

Playback Capabilities 

The Audioengine A2+ stands out with its 60 watts of power, supported by a Class AB amplifier and Bluetooth aptX, for a superior sound experience. In contrast, the Edifier R1280DBs, although featuring Bluetooth 5.0, are limited to a 42-watt output, which does not allow for the same level of volume or audio clarity, emphasizing the A2+'s enhanced sound capabilities. 

Other Noteworthy Features 

Audioengine enhances customer confidence with US-based customer phone support, a 30-day audition period, and a 3-year warranty, highlighting its commitment to product excellence. Conversely, Edifier offers essential support with a 30-day return policy and a 2-year warranty.  

Audioengine A2+ Exclusive Advantages 

• Superior Sound Quality: With its built-in DAC and AB Amplifier, the A2+ allows you to hear your favorite songs the way the artist intended. 
• Premium Design: The hand-crafted and hand-painted wood cabinets not only provide superior acoustics but also add a touch of elegance to your space. 
• Versatile Connectivity: The A2+ supports a wide range of devices through Bluetooth aptX, USB, and analog inputs, ensuring compatibility with any setup. 
• Exceptional Customer Support: Audioengine's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their responsive US-based customer phone support and comprehensive 3-year warranty. 

Edifier R1280DBs Overview 

While the Edifier R1280DBs are a solid choice for those on a budget, offering Bluetooth connectivity and a practical design, they lack the A2+'s premium finish, signature Audioengine sound quality, and industry leading customer support. 

Pros and Cons 

Audioengine A2+ 

• Pros: Exceptional sound quality; elegant, hand-crafted design; versatile connectivity; superior customer support. 
• Cons: Higher price but justified by the superior sound quality and craftsmanship. 

Edifier R1280DBs 

• Pros: Affordable, good for basic needs, and includes remote control. 
• Cons: Sound and build quality cannot match the A2+; limited support. 

Conclusion 

While both the Audioengine A2+ and Edifier R1280DB offer quality sound and features, a closer look revealed that the Audioengine A2+ is the superior choice for both audiophiles and casual listeners. Through the hand-crafted and hand-painted cabinets and superior sound quality, the A2+ proves to be the best choice.  

Kanto YU2 vs Audioengine A2+: Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Main Differences Between Kanto YU2 and Audioengine A2+
• Key Specifications
• Overall Design
• Playback Capabilities
• Kanto YU2 Overview
• Audioengine A2+ Exclusive Advantages
• Customer Service and Warranty
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Introduction

In the competitive world of desktop audio systems, the difference between an average and exceptional experience is marked by details that go beyond mere volume. The Audioengine A2+ and Kanto YU2 both strive to dominate this niche, but the A2+ stands out significantly in both performance and design.

Main Differences Between Audioengine A2+ and Kanto YU2

• The Audioengine A2+ excels with its Class AB amplifier, known for superior sound quality, over the Kanto YU2’s Class D amplifier.
• The YU2 does not support Bluetooth. The A2+ supports Bluetooth with Qualcomm's advanced aptX codec offering clearer, more versatile connectivity than the wired capabilities of the YU2.
• With discrete analog crossovers, the A2+ ensures a more refined audio separation compared to the YU2's digital approach.
• Front-ported speakers, like the Audioengine A2+, offer greater flexibility in placement and better bass response in confined spaces compared to rear-ported designs, like the Kanto YU2, which require more room to avoid bass buildup and distortion.

Key Specifications

Audioengine A2+:

• Amplifier Type: Class AB Analog
• Power Output: 60W Peak Power Total (30W Peak per Channel)
• Inputs: 3.5mm Stereo Mini-Jack, RCA, USB, Bluetooth aptX

Kanto YU2:

• Amplifier Type: Class D
• Power Output: 100W Peak Power (50 Watts Total RMS)
• Inputs: 3.5mm Mini-Jack AUX, USB, NO RCA INPUT

Overall Design

Audioengine A2+ not only prioritizes acoustic quality but also highlights detailed attention to design. Each speaker is hand-crafted from real wood and hand-painted using the same 13-step process as a baby grand piano. This not only enhances the aesthetic of any setup but also improves audio performance by reducing unwanted resonances, providing a warmer and more natural sound compared to materials like plastic or metal. This level of craftsmanship is not seen in the Kanto YU2, which opts for a more simplistic approach, lacking the A2+'s hand-painted and handcrafted real wood finish.

Playback Capabilities

The A2+ leverages its powerful Class AB amplifier to deliver an expansive and detailed sound, making it ideal for diverse audio settings from quiet background music to party-level sound without distortion. In contrast, the Kanto YU2, although capable within smaller spaces, struggles to maintain clarity at higher volumes due to its Class D amplifier configuration, highlighting the A2+ as the more versatile and superior-sounding option.

Kanto YU2 Overview

The Kanto YU2, while a competent competitor in the budget speaker market, is designed with basic functionality in mind. It offers a basic digital audio connection via USB and a minimal physical footprint, making it suitable for desktop environments where space is at a premium. However, it lacks the robust feature set and acoustic fidelity that define the A2+, positioning it as a more entry-level option.

Audioengine A2+ Exclusive Advantages

Beyond delivering exceptional sound quality, the A2+ excels with user-friendly features such as extended-range wireless Bluetooth aptX and multiple input options, ensuring seamless connectivity across devices. This simplicity extends to the speaker's operation, where inputs are always ready to accept signals without the need to toggle between sources manually, making the A2+ both powerful and incredibly convenient for daily use.

Customer Service and Warranty

Audioengine is dedicated to exceptional customer service and reliability, offering a comprehensive 3-year warranty on all products, which far surpasses the industry standard. This commitment is highlighted by the unique 30-day audition period, allowing customers to experience the quality of the A2+ in their own space. Moreover, Audioengine prides itself on US-based customer phone support where clients can speak directly to knowledgeable staff who work collaboratively to resolve any issues. This contrasts with Kanto's offering, which includes only a 2-year warranty, reflecting a lesser commitment to customer assurance and product longevity.

Pros and Cons

Audioengine A2+:

Pros: Exceptional sound quality due to class AB amplifier and integrated DAC; handcrafted, hand-painted real wood design; versatile connectivity; superior customer support.

Cons: Fewer color options and slightly taller design.

Kanto YU2:

Pros: Suitable for limited-space setups and seven color options

Cons: Compromised sound quality at higher volumes, less detailed design, and compressed customer service.

Conclusion

Comparing the Audioengine A2+ and Kanto YU2 reveals a clear disparity in quality and value. The A2+ not only outperforms the YU2 in terms of sound and design but also in its comprehensive feature set and customer-centric offerings. For those seeking a superior desktop audio experience, the A2+ proves an unbeatable choice. Cementing A2+'s position as the preferred system for both audiophiles and casual users seeking premium sound on their desktop.

Audioengine's A2+ Wireless Desktop Speakers have clinched the title of Best Desktop Speaker of 2024, as declared by New York Magazine. This recognition shines a spotlight on the A2+'s superior sound quality, wrapped in the sleek, new matte blue finish.

Read the full review

In an era where desktop speakers often compromise on quality for design, Audioengine stands out by merging both without sacrifice. The A2+ is not just another speaker—it's a statement of high-fidelity audio meeting bold, innovative design.

Jennifer Conrad from New York Magazine remarked on the A2+'s impressive capabilities, noting,

"The speakers easily filled my office with music at a low volume and could be turned up loud enough to fill most of my apartment."

This is what Audioengine aims for: robust, clear sound that can command any room, regardless of volume levels.

Since its inception in 2005, Audioengine has been at the forefront of creating home music systems that redefine the listening experience.

The A2+ Wireless Desktop Speakers embody this mission, offering Bluetooth connectivity and an intuitive setup that appeals to audiophiles and casual listeners alike, and that is what makes them the best desktop speakers of 2024. The addition of the matte blue model to the A2+ lineup showcases Audioengine's commitment to providing options that cater to the individual style of our users.

This accolade from New York Magazine is a testament to Audioengine's legacy of innovation and quality in the audio industry. It celebrates not just the superior sound of the A2+, but also the company's ongoing commitment to enhancing the way music is experienced in personal and professional spaces.

For those in pursuit of desktop speakers that refuse to compromise on sound or style, the Audioengine A2+ Wireless Desktop Speakers, especially in the new matte blue variant, offer an unrivaled audio experience that stands out in 2024's competitive landscape.

Can Alexa Connect to Bluetooth Speakers?

Remember how in old science fiction movies a character could just talk out loud to a spaceship and it would do anything they commanded?

The idea of voice control technology has long been embedded in our expectations for the “future”, and even though most of those old science fiction movie-makers couldn’t imagine computers any further-advanced than those already available in 1979, they certainly hit the nail on the head with their forecast of voice control.  Nowadays, with the help of products like Amazon Echo (and its voice-controlled personal assistant ‘Alexa’), users can control aspects of their home just by verbalizing simple commands.  But even with the huge strides this technology has made in recent years, it’s impossible to get audiophile-quality sound from the speakers in an Amazon Echo product.  Audioengine can help with this, but before we dive into how, let’s talk a little more about the Amazon Echo.

Is your Amazon Echo killing your audio quality?

First, while Echo and Alexa do in fact go hand-in-hand, they are not the exact same thing.

Echo is a line of smart speakers manufactured by Amazon, and Alexa is an intelligent personal assistant software used to control Echo.  Users can speak aloud to give Alexa, and therefore Echo, verbal commands (always beginning with the wake word, ‘Alexa’) such as, “Alexa, play my favorite song,” or “Alexa, what’s on my calendar this Saturday?”  Alexa will respond accordingly, so long as the questions asked or commands given are within Alexa’s realm of capability. With tons of Echo-compatible add-on products on the market, there really isn’t a whole lot that falls outside of Alexa’s wheelhouse.

The most common commands Alexa handles are music-related: whether it’s calling up a Spotify playlist, turning up or down the volume, or finding a specific song you haven’t heard in years but are randomly thinking about and absolutely have to hear right this second!!  The accessibility is astounding, no doubt, but its main consequence is that you are forced to listen to all your music on Echo’s built-in speakers instead of your own beastly audio system.  This is not to say Amazon has ignored their sound quality altogether, but realistically there’s only so much a single speaker housing of that size can handle.  Suffice it to say, there are limitations.

Luckily, Amazon has implemented a crucial feature which expands its functionality to accommodate customers who want to be able to interact with Alexa and still enjoy listening to podcasts, music, and stock tips through exterior systems. That’s right, it’s quick and easy to connect your Echo to Bluetooth speakers:

• Open the Alexa App (Apple link  |  Google Play Link)
• Tap the “Devices” icon and select the Echo device you want to connect to speakers
• Select “Bluetooth Devices”
• Select “Pair New Device”
• Find your Audioengine Wireless speaker on the list of available Bluetooth devices

Bang, you’re done!

Now you can treat Alexa as if it were any other input device; you can still have whatever other devices you so choose connected to your Audioengine speakers, and since Alexa can control Echo’s volume with a simple, “Alexa turn down volume,” you can leave Audioengine’s volume knob exactly where you like it and adjust volume accordingly with Alexa.  If you have our S8 Powered Subwoofer connected wirelessly to your mains, this configuration will still work which means you’ll get full-spectrum high fidelity audio when listening to all your favorite songs, without sacrificing the unparalleled convenience provided by a product like Amazon Echo.  This will also work with our standalone B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver in the event you have a set of wired speakers you want to turn into wireless speakers.

Modern technology is really opening up doors... and windows... and exhaust fans... it’s basically blasting the roof off the whole place.

We are reaching the point where we can do just about anything we want with voice control technology, as long as we have all the right accouterments.  Products like Amazon Echo make life so easy it hurts... perhaps it hurts so good that you want to lie down and say, “Alexa, play ‘Hurts So Good’ by John Mellencamp.”  Don’t worry – we designed Audioengine Wireless speakers to do the rest.

Connecting Google Home to Bluetooth Speakers

Consumer electronics designers are, and have been, on a perpetual quest to give users the most streamlined experience imaginable.

At this point in time it seems like modern-day designers have exceeded the bounds of what most of us could have ever imagined in the first place.  Think about it, there is an app for literally everything; just by downloading a simple program onto your phone or tablet, your life can become easier.  Wearable technology, like Apple Watch, and smart speakers, like Google Home, tie all of your electronics together to make technology and user-friendliness a lifestyle rather than a rare luxury.  Today we are going to talk a little more about one of the leading products, what it does, and how Audioengine can take it one step further; that product is Google Home.

What Is Google Home?

Offically, this piece of technology is touted as a “Smart Speaker and Home Assistant.”

A smart speaker is one of those sleek futuristic speakers that sits on your friend’s kitchen counter, plays whatever music someone tells it to, and sometimes has a snarky robotic comeback to your sarcastic remarks.  There are a number of big brands making smart speakers (some of which we’ll discuss in other articles) and all of them have their pros and cons.  One “pro” to the Google Home is the “Home Assistant” part.  Google Home has an accompanying downloadable app that allows users to customize how the device interacts with and controls their home; lights, thermostats, coffee makers, and pretty much anything else can be controlled by Google Home and accessories.  Once you have all of your desired devices properly connected and configured, turning them on and off is just one voice command away... how much easier can life get?

When it comes to music, smart speakers make calling up the right tune an absolute breeze.  Google Home can control apps such as Spotify, YouTube, and iHeartRadio among others, so you can tell it to play just about any song in the world.  Google Home will even call up playlists you’ve saved within your music streaming apps, and you can tell the device to increase and decrease volume, pause, skip, and any other command you would typically give a media player.  There is just one drawback; while Google Home offers a few different sizes (featuring different speakers), the product’s focus is not audiophile-grade sound quality.  For that, we need to bring Audioengine into the mix.

How Can Audioengine Take Google Home Further?

You’re taking a step up in the world of consumer electronics and you’ve decided to purchase Google Home; you care about user-experience and you strive to stay ahead of the pop culture curve. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a quality listening experience.  As I always say, what good is having access to every song in the world if you’re just going to play them through an inadequate sound system?  That’s like sharpening a hunting knife so you can cut hot butter with it.

Luckily, the Google Home App (iTunes  |  Google Play) allows users to send audio to external Bluetooth speakers. Whether it’s the humble B2 Wireless Speaker, or a full-fledged pair of active Audioengine speakers such as the A5+ Wireless, Google Home is capable of transmitting your beloved music to your sonic system.  Bam!!--we just completed the full circle of user-friendliness and ear-friendliness.  It may sound complicated merely by description, but it’s actually extremely easy to configure, just follow the quick steps below:

• Download and open the Google Home App on your phone or tablet.
• Navigate to the “Devices” tab within the app
• Tap “Settings” in the devices submenu
• Scroll down to “Default Music Speaker” and tap “Pair Bluetooth Speaker”
• Select your Audioengine speaker – and you’re done!

Take control of your music.

Now you’re ready to shout voice commands all over the house and rock out while you make dinner, host a party, or do whatever it is you do.  You can even connect multiple sets of Audioengine wireless speakers for multi-room audio, by creating “groups” in the Google Home app (under that same “Devices” tab).

Isn’t it nice that designers have created all this awesome technology for us?  Now I’m just spit-balling, here, but -- what if one day someone will make some kind of like a smart speaker... except it lives in your brain and reads your mind.  Then you can just think about how good your favorite tunes will sound through a pair of Audioengine wireless speakers, and voila!

Experiencing static or buzzing in your home music system?

Whether you're using the renowned Audioengine A2+ or another high-end audio setup, understanding the root causes of these noises is essential for a pristine listening experience. This guide delves into common sources of disturbances and offers effective strategies to eradicate them. 

Why Are My Speakers Buzzing?

1. Static, Buzzing, and Ground Loops

Unwanted sounds in your audio setup, like static, buzzing, or humming, can stem from various sources. These include your computer's 3.5mm line out, RF interference, or the noise floor inherent in electronic devices. Ground loops are a frequent issue in systems where the audio source and speakers are on different power sources, such as separate power strips.

Solution:

To address ground loops, ensure all components of your audio system are connected to the same power strip or power source. This helps maintain a common ground and prevents ground loops. Using a ground loop isolator can also be effective in eliminating this issue.

2. Static from the 3.5mm Line Out

Static from the 3.5mm line out of a computer is a common issue. This often occurs due to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from other devices or poor quality cables.

Solution:

To reduce static, use high-quality shielded cables. Keeping cables away from power supplies and other electronic devices can also minimize interference. Alternatively, consider using an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to bypass the computer’s internal sound card, which is often a source of static.

3. RF Interference

Electronic devices in your home, such as routers, mobile phones, and even microwaves, can cause radio frequency interference (RFI), leading to that annoying buzz.

Solution:

To mitigate RF interference, position your audio setup away from other electronic devices. Using ferrite beads on cables can help suppress high-frequency noise. Additionally, ensuring your audio cables are of high quality and shielded can further reduce susceptibility to RF interference.

4. The Noise Floor

Every electronic device, including your home music system, has a baseline noise level known as the noise floor. When the system is amplified, this noise floor can become noticeable.

Solution:

To minimize the impact of the noise floor, keep your audio system’s volume at a reasonable level and adjust the gain settings appropriately. Ensuring your equipment is well-maintained and free from dust can also help, as dust can affect the performance of electronic components.

How Do I Fix My Speakers?

Eliminating buzzing noises and static involves a combination of savvy technical solutions and simple setup adjustments: 
 
Invest in Quality Cables: High-quality, shielded cables, especially for your 3.5mm line out, can significantly reduce electromagnetic interference. 
 
Strategic Placement of Equipment: Keep your speakers away from potential sources of RF interference, such as a cellphone.
 
Unified Power Sources: Connecting your audio source and system to the same power strip can help resolve ground loop issues. 

Regular Maintenance: Dust and debris can affect connections, leading to static. Keep your connectors and ports clean to maintain a clear signal path. 

 
External DAC for Enhanced Audio: Consider using an external Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). Digital to Analog converters work by converting digital audio files back into analog sound, to be heard the way the artist intended. DAC’s such as the Audioengine D1 feature 32-bit audio processing technology and are particularly effective in reducing the noise floor compared to devices with built-in sound cards.
 
Conclusion 
Static, buzzing, and grounding issues can disrupt your music enjoyment, but they don't have to be a permanent feature of your audio experience. With the right understanding and some adjustments, your home music system will deliver the high-quality sound you expect. Embrace the journey with Audioengine – where we combine state-of-the-art technology with user-friendly solutions to elevate your audio experience. 

6 Simple Wireless Speaker Shopping Tips

So you’ve decided to make the leap from wired to wireless music and might have made the mistake of Googling “Best Wireless Speakers.”

We here at Audioengine know how overwhelming this can be and we extend our deepest sympathies. But it’s time to put your concerns to rest as we’re here to give you some important buying tips… and yes, you may need these tips to make it through this with your sanity intact.

Before we start, let it be known we are not trying to sway you in any particular direction but we only want to make sure you’re aware of a few items that could go overlooked. And the majority of the following advice can be applied to pretty much any purchase you’re making in the audio world.

[Find out what speakers are best for you. Take the quiz]

Price point

As with anything, it is important to start by setting a budget for yourself and finding a product that aligns with this budget.

There are a ton of great wireless products out there, some of them are practically being given away, and others might cost your life savings. No matter your budget, one fact remains: a quality wireless speaker setup doesn’t HAVE to be expensive. Conversely, you often get what you pay for, so it is wise to be wary of a product whose price tag looks more like a shoe size if you catch my drift.

Features

Another important point that will assuredly be different for everyone is the inclusion of features.

If you’re looking for a simple wireless speaker with no options and no extra inputs, then don’t bother spending hours comparing products that are saturated with bells and whistles. If, on the other hand, you know you want the option to connect an analog device like a stereo or surround sound receiver, for instance, make this determination early and stick with it. There will always be an option to suit your exact needs so don’t feel pressured.

Reviews

Reviews are king in today’s world.

Everything from the usability of a product to the competence of a company’s customer service team can be scrutinized in an online review, and that’s why it’s obviously important to read as many reviews as you can find (and to also read between the lines with some of these). A responsible company addresses negative reactions and does not let any concern go unnoticed. Reviews not only tell us how customers react to a product but how a company reacts to its customers. And the way a company reacts to its customers can tell you whether you’re making a good or bad purchase.

Warranties and trials

This is always a fun one! If you’re having trouble deciding between two or more products because they have the same features and similar reviews, why not go with the one that offers a trial or a better warranty?

The wireless audio market is extremely competitive, and most companies are offering a brief trial period with no penalties or full-coverage or even an extended warranty period. The fact is, a company with a truly great product has nothing to fear and is confident in their product’s ability to satisfy anyone and everyone.

Portability and durability

Where are you going to be using these speakers? Are you going to sling wireless audio from the kitchen to the living room, or are you taking this setup down to the park for a picnic? Do you need the speakers to be battery powered? Waterproof?

I know, I know, asking way too many questions but you should be asking these questions too! Again, there will always be a product that suits your needs for portability — and often times, if the speakers are easily portable, they will also be durable to some extent. The caveat is that certain other aspects of the speakers will inevitably suffer. Sound quality, aux inputs, wireless range, etc.; these are all things that have the potential to “get the boot” the more portable or waterproof your speakers need to be.

Sound quality and wireless range

Obviously we want our wireless speakers to sound great and to not drop out or lose signal EVER.

The sound quality of the actual speaker itself is something you may need to derive from customer reviews, unless you have the option to actually hear the speaker before making a purchase. Apart from that, it’s best to read up on the company, what materials they are using, and what the speakers can be compared to, etc.

But when it comes to the sound quality of the actual WIRELESS itself, you’ll need to look out for a few things. Wi-fi or Bluetooth and other fun terms all define different ways a speaker can receive wireless audio information and process it. Each of these has its own pros and cons, and some will be more or less suitable to your particular setup. Wi-fi is good if you want to transmit audio to multiple speakers at once but Bluetooth has a much easier setup and the ease-of-use is a HUGE advantage. But for the best sound quality AND ease-of-use, you will want to look for Bluetooth products that use the aptX or aptX HD “codecs”. These will give you the best audio quality possible, and with Audioengine, the longest range as well. If you wish to get into more technical details about this type of wireless audio, please read our article on Bluetooth aptX HD technology.

In summary, there are a myriad of products on the market and all have their pros and cons. To get started, make a list of things you want and need out of your music system. Determine what is necessary, nice-to-have, and what you don’t need. Then when you make the detrimental error of Googling, “Best Wireless Speakers,” you might make it through to the other side with your sanity intact.

Still struggling with choosing the right speaker? Take our quiz and make it easy!

Customer Inquiry: "I've recently upgraded to the Audioengine A2+ Home Music System and am thoroughly impressed by the sound quality. Is there a way to further enhance this setup for a richer audio experience?" 

Why a Subwoofer is Important:

The Audioengine A2+ excels in high and mid-range frequency reproduction, providing an expansive soundstage. Its mid-woofers deliver a balanced bass, but for deeper, more resonant bass frequencies, adding a subwoofer will introduce you to an entirely new music experience, with bass reminiscent of your favorite live concert.  

Expanding Your System with a Subwoofer Integrating a subwoofer into your Audioengine home music system can dramatically improve your audio landscape: 

• Deepened Bass Response: A subwoofer like the Audioengine S8 is dedicated to reproducing the lowest frequency sounds, enhancing the depth and dimension of the audio, especially in tracks with significant low-end elements. 
• Enhanced Balance and Clarity: The subwoofer takes on the lower frequencies, allowing your system to focus on delivering clear highs and detailed mids. This separation ensures a balanced sound output and maximizes the performance of each component within its frequency range. 

Adding a subwoofer reveals the full spectrum of sound that the artist intended to be a part of your musical experience.

Subwoofer Types: Sealed vs. Ported and Their Placement 

• Sealed Subwoofers for Jazz and Acoustic:
• These subwoofers, like the Audioengine S6, offer a tighter and more precise bass, perfect for the nuanced sounds in jazz and acoustic music. Due to their controlled bass response, they are versatile in terms of placement and can be positioned either on the desk or in any compact space within the room. 

• Front-Firing Ported Subwoofers for Metal and Energetic Genres:
• These subwoofers are designed to handle the depth and intensity of genres like metal. They are ideally placed at listening height for the best experience. An elevated shelf or the desk itself can be great spots, ensuring the sound is directed straight at the listener for maximum impact.