A2 Powered Speakers (Original) Archives — Audioengine Skip to Content

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.  

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.

Audioengine A2+

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.

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

  1. 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.

Start with power cycling your speakers by turning them off and then back on.  From there:

  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.

If the issue persists, please click on the following link and then click on the dropdown to submit an email to our Support team:

Support Page

When doing so, please copy and paste the above troubleshooting steps along with the results of each and include this information when contacting us.

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

If one of your speakers is not working (whether it be the left or right speaker), we would recommend the following troubleshooting steps:

Start by power cycling your speakers by turning them off and then back on.  From there:

  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.

If the issue persists, please click on the following link and then click on the dropdown to submit an email to our Support team:

Support Page

When doing so, please copy and paste the above troubleshooting steps along with the results of each and include this information when contacting us.

The following troubleshooting tips can help diagnose and correct most concerns with the A2 speakers. We have attempted to make this list as comprehensive as possible, so some of these may not apply to your issue, but please go through each tip.

Please check to see if the green LED on your power supply brick lights up when AC power is applied and that all of the pins are straight and connected properly. Also, check to see that any wall outlets or surge protectors are switched to the "On" position and are in working order. If you haven’t already, power cycle your speakers by disconnecting them from AC power, and plugging them back in.

If the light comes on:

1) Please make sure all of your connections are complete and all of your connector cables are in working order (you will want to swap out some interconnects to test for this).

2) Try using at least one additional source to see if the problem follows.

3) Make sure your speaker wire is connected according to proper polarity (Red to Gold, Black to Silver) on both ends.

4) Please try using the mini plug (Input B) as well as the RCA jacks (Input A) to see how the speakers react. Switch the RCA jacks (red and white) to see if the issue remains in the same channel.

5) If you are using any wireless devices, preamps, or external DACs in line with these speakers, please remove the wireless device from the application (temporarily) and connect the source directly to the speakers.

6 If you are using a computer in line with the speakers, please make sure the volume is up on your media players, internet radio, master control, device volume, etc. and your balance control in centered.

7) If your input source has its own EQ, please make sure the low end is at a moderate level, as having too much bass in your signal can cause the speakers to break up.

8) Try your speakers in a different location to see if something is causing interference in the current location. Something as simple as a router, cordless / mobile phone, halogen lamps, etc. near the speakers may be causing the issue in your setup.