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. 

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.

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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.