I listened to this review with my pair of Audioengine A2+ Powered Desktop Computer Speakers, and I could definitely tell the difference between the two sets of speakers; these speakers are GREAT.
I purchased the A2+ for my desk/bedroom and was impressed with the sound quality for such a small speaker. As you observed, the bass needed help and I added a Cambridge Audio Minx x201 subwoofer. It added the much needed low end/bass acoustics. It is smaller than Audioengine's subwoofer (which was too tall for the space where I wanted to place a subwoofer.) From my understanding, the mini-USB input uses the A2+'s DAC while the mini-jack input uses the device's DAC. The A2+'s DAC supports CD quality lossless audio (44.1 kHz/16 bit). I have a 2021 MacBook Pro M1 16 that has a DAC supporting Hi-res lossless audio (96 kHz/24 bit) for high-impedance headphones. I don't know if MBP recognizes the A2+ as a supporting high
@@MartinAaberge Wow 🤩! Thanks bro! I appreciate it. I just subscribed to you, too. I hope to see more of you here on YT despite of a lot of the old-time RUclipsrs seem to be exiting the platform.
I think they usually run for 250-300 here in Norway. I really like what they are able to pump out :) if you have a chance, go check em out in a store :)
Not really :) there is a bit of lag on the bluetooth and if we look at the technicalities on the different connections, I’m sure we could crown a winner, but pure listening. Not really any noticeable difference. However, I wasn’t actively listening for this.
hello, the a2+ should have auto sleep/idle mode to save energy. If i connect to my macbook via bluetooth and go to sleep,will it auto reconnect when i use the macbooj again? thanks
Sorry for the massive delay. I hooked up the macbook with a mini-jack, the ipad with a dongle and USB and the iphone on BT all at the same time. 1) started the macbook - plays 2) started the iPad - also plays so they play at the same time. 3) started the iPhone - it turned the ipad off so the macbook and the iphone play at the same time. So, it does not toggle, it actually plays at the same time :)
Thank you for this video and the setup! Is there anyway to setup a remote for sound control for these or do you have to adjust the volume on the back or via volume mixer on desktop?
I have not found a way to remote adjust the volum other than on the units you play from. To increase the volume on the speakers themselves I’m pretty sure you have to use the knob.
Is there any hissing at low or high volume? Is there any hissing with no music playing and volume is down vs all the way up? Is there any hissing with nothing connected to them and volume is down vs all the way up?
I live in Norway. I got it from a local reseller. Maybe Drop can ship it to you in Sweden? Here’s $10 referral link if you want :) drop.com/?referer=QAA3VT They seem to have it in stock
@@WaytooFastSpeed wouldn’t matter that much because they tune them the way they want so even if it would be the same components it wouldn’t be the same speaker:) but that’s interesting!! Kinda hope that isn't true :D
I heard Bluetooth 5 can allow connection to 2 devices at the same time. Can A2+ pick up 2 devices (say 1 cell phone and 1 laptop) at the same time and it allows user to switch one to go ?
Hi Andreas :) As far as I understand, the A5 and A2 has the same tweeter, but the A5 has a bigger kevlar bass. It will pack more sound to fill bigger rooms, like a living room, and will generally play richer sound. It is way bigger and more expensive so if you want a desktop pair, I’d go for the A2. You can also add the S8 subwoofer if you want more punch :)
Hi. The speakers do not has Ave a source selector. You simply set them to active in your Bluetooth settings. This way, you can have several devices connected, but you have to fight for control on these devices, not on the speakers:)
I listened to this review with my pair of Audioengine A2+ Powered Desktop Computer Speakers, and I could definitely tell the difference between the two sets of speakers; these speakers are GREAT.
Glad you like em :)
I purchased the A2+ for my desk/bedroom and was impressed with the sound quality for such a small speaker. As you observed, the bass needed help and I added a Cambridge Audio Minx x201 subwoofer. It added the much needed low end/bass acoustics. It is smaller than Audioengine's subwoofer (which was too tall for the space where I wanted to place a subwoofer.)
From my understanding, the mini-USB input uses the A2+'s DAC while the mini-jack input uses the device's DAC. The A2+'s DAC supports CD quality lossless audio (44.1 kHz/16 bit). I have a 2021 MacBook Pro M1 16 that has a DAC supporting Hi-res lossless audio (96 kHz/24 bit) for high-impedance headphones. I don't know if MBP recognizes the A2+ as a supporting high
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing your input. Appreciate it :)
the closest competitor is not the Kanto YU4, it's the YU2 which is the same size and is actually CHEAPER than the A2+
You’re correct. I meant the YU2s . The YU4s are both bigger and more expensive. Thanks for pointing it out :)
Awesome video review & testing, Martin! I want to create a video about this as well and your video gave me a lot of ideas. All the best!
That's fantastic. I subscribed to your channel to check what you're up to :)
@@MartinAaberge Wow 🤩! Thanks bro! I appreciate it. I just subscribed to you, too. I hope to see more of you here on YT despite of a lot of the old-time RUclipsrs seem to be exiting the platform.
Nice clear well explained review. Thanks!
Thank you! Glad you like it :)
These are quite expensive over here in Sweden. About 3-400 euro
But i like the look of the red ones
I think they usually run for 250-300 here in Norway. I really like what they are able to pump out :) if you have a chance, go check em out in a store :)
@@MartinAaberge don't think we have a reseller here. Maybe Hifiklubben? We have them here.
Great review! You should look into some top quallity Finish products: Genelec G One =)
Thanks for the tip! I've used some of the Genelec ones before. Excellent sound, but I don't like the design.
Did you notice any sound quality difference between USB connection, 3.5mm jack, and Bluetooth?
Not really :) there is a bit of lag on the bluetooth and if we look at the technicalities on the different connections, I’m sure we could crown a winner, but pure listening. Not really any noticeable difference. However, I wasn’t actively listening for this.
Hi,
It's just me or the sound seems a bit muffled (mids and highs)?
Thanks for the review
Hi Castro. I think muffled is a good word to describe the sound. It is a bit muffled. It still feels punchy, but maybe not as clear as it could be :)
yeah i feel the same. I thought it was because I was listening on my mac mini...
@@MartinAaberge Does the muffled sound leave if you use the subwoofer or play with the equalizer in your pc?
Nice video :)
Thanks
hello, the a2+ should have auto sleep/idle mode to save energy. If i connect to my macbook via bluetooth and go to sleep,will it auto reconnect when i use the macbooj again? thanks
Thanks for stopping by. I am in the middle of refurbishing so I haven't spent much time at my desk, but I will try to do a test for you :)
Is Bluetooth always on?
I think so. but you have to hold the bluetooth button to activate pairing mode
I am having troublke with the USB connection to my dock. Is there any special settings that i need to adjust? i am using a 2022 macbook air
nice vid! So I can have two computers plugged in (PC on USB and MacBook on 3.5mm) and the speaker will seamlessly toggle between which one is active?
Brilliant question. I’ll try it out when I’m back from vacation :)
@@MartinAaberge how did it go?
Sorry for the massive delay. I hooked up the macbook with a mini-jack, the ipad with a dongle and USB and the iphone on BT all at the same time.
1) started the macbook - plays
2) started the iPad - also plays so they play at the same time.
3) started the iPhone - it turned the ipad off so the macbook and the iphone play at the same time.
So, it does not toggle, it actually plays at the same time :)
Thank you for this video and the setup! Is there anyway to setup a remote for sound control for these or do you have to adjust the volume on the back or via volume mixer on desktop?
I have not found a way to remote adjust the volum other than on the units you play from. To increase the volume on the speakers themselves I’m pretty sure you have to use the knob.
Is there any hissing at low or high volume? Is there any hissing with no music playing and volume is down vs all the way up? Is there any hissing with nothing connected to them and volume is down vs all the way up?
Hi. Been on vacation, but I’ll check when I get back to the office :)
Where did you get the floting desk object?
That’s frome Floately :) affiliate link with 10% discount here:
floately.kckb.st/martin-aaberge
sure looks wireless
Nice one. Where do you live? I can't get the DS1M shipped to sweden :/
I live in Norway. I got it from a local reseller. Maybe Drop can ship it to you in Sweden? Here’s $10 referral link if you want :)
drop.com/?referer=QAA3VT
They seem to have it in stock
@@MartinAaberge I can’t find it on drop though? Can you link me? Or link the Norwegian shop where you bought it?
@@Alex-HD drop.com/buy/audioengine-a2-bluetooth-speakers-with-dac
I bought it from scandinavianphoto.no
@@MartinAaberge sorry if I was unclear. I meant the DS1M speaker stands, not the speaker itself. I already got the speakers :)
@@MartinAaberge ? :)
also one of the better speakers for that size of it is the Kanto yu2
Thx. I might check them out :)
They are by rumor the same speaker manufactured in the same factory.
@@WaytooFastSpeed wouldn’t matter that much because they tune them the way they want so even if it would be the same components it wouldn’t be the same speaker:) but that’s interesting!! Kinda hope that isn't true :D
I heard Bluetooth 5 can allow connection to 2 devices at the same time. Can A2+ pick up 2 devices (say 1 cell phone and 1 laptop) at the same time and it allows user to switch one to go ?
Yes. The switch gap persons on the devices. The last one to grab the speakers in his/her settings win ;)
you get a like for your dance
Haha. Thx!
Awesome video, thanks! I'm between the A2 and A5. Have you tried the latter, and if so, what do you think? Edit: Hilsener fra Stavanger :)
Hi Andreas :) As far as I understand, the A5 and A2 has the same tweeter, but the A5 has a bigger kevlar bass. It will pack more sound to fill bigger rooms, like a living room, and will generally play richer sound. It is way bigger and more expensive so if you want a desktop pair, I’d go for the A2. You can also add the S8 subwoofer if you want more punch :)
I do not see a source selector, how to select the audio source I need ? Thanks !
Hi. The speakers do not has Ave a source selector. You simply set them to active in your Bluetooth settings. This way, you can have several devices connected, but you have to fight for control on these devices, not on the speakers:)
Dat office tho
Thx, Working on it :)