For far too long, my desktop audio experience was a compromise, relegated to either tinny monitor speakers or the isolating embrace of headphones. This constant reliance on headphones for extended periods, whether for music, gaming, or calls, often led to listener fatigue and a general disconnect from my surroundings. The search for a truly immersive and high-quality desktop audio solution became paramount, understanding that without it, my entire computing experience felt incomplete and less engaging.
Navigating the Soundscape: Key Considerations Before Acquiring Desktop Speakers
When contemplating an upgrade to one’s desktop sound system, it’s crucial to acknowledge the common pitfalls of integrated monitor speakers or basic headset audio. These often lack the depth, clarity, and stereo separation needed for a truly enjoyable experience, whether you’re working, gaming, or simply relaxing with music. Investing in a dedicated set of computer speakers transforms your desk into a personal sound stage, allowing for a more natural and less fatiguing listening environment.
The ideal customer for a premium set of desktop speakers is someone who spends a significant amount of time at their computer and values high-fidelity audio. This includes home office professionals seeking clear audio for video calls and background music, avid gamers desiring immersive soundscapes and precise audio cues, and music enthusiasts who appreciate the nuances of their favourite tracks. These individuals typically have a decent budget and limited desk space, making compact yet powerful solutions highly desirable.
Conversely, these speakers might not be for everyone. If you’re on a shoestring budget and merely need functional sound, there are far cheaper alternatives that will suffice. Similarly, if your primary concern is earth-shattering bass that vibrates the room without the addition of a separate subwoofer, or if you demand a multi-channel surround sound setup, these compact stereo speakers might not fully meet those specific, extreme requirements on their own. For those who fit these categories, a more entry-level 2.1 system with a bundled subwoofer, or a dedicated home theatre setup, might be a more suitable choice.
Before making a purchase, potential buyers should weigh several factors:
* Sound Quality: Assess the clarity, bass response, mid-range presence, and treble detail. Are you looking for balanced audio, or do you prioritise certain frequencies?
* Connectivity: Consider what devices you’ll be connecting. Do you need Bluetooth for wireless convenience, USB for direct digital audio, or traditional RCA/AUX inputs for other sources?
* Size and Aesthetics: Will the speakers fit comfortably on your desk without overcrowding it? Do their design and finish complement your workspace?
* Build Quality: Look for durable materials and solid construction that suggest longevity and minimise unwanted vibrations.
* Price: Determine your budget and evaluate whether the features and performance justify the cost.
Unveiling the Audioengine A2 Plus Wireless Bluetooth Desktop Speakers
The Audioengine A2 Plus Wireless Bluetooth Desktop Speakers are a compact, powered 2.0 stereo speaker system designed to deliver exceptional audio quality for your computer, smartphone, or other devices. Audioengine promises room-filling, custom-tuned sound that transcends their modest size, elevating everything from music and gaming to movies and podcasts. When you purchase the A2 Plus, you receive the two speakers (one active, one passive), all necessary connecting cables (USB, RCA, 3.5mm AUX), and a power supply, ensuring you’re ready to plug and play straight out of the box.
While there isn’t a single “market leader” in the desktop speaker segment, the A2 Plus speakers consistently stand out against many mass-market offerings and even some higher-priced studio monitors for their blend of compact form factor, premium build, and impressive sound. They offer a significant upgrade over the more common plastic-encased computer speakers, providing a more refined audio experience without the bulk of a full 2.1 system, though they can be augmented with a subwoofer for deeper bass. They build upon Audioengine’s reputation for quality, offering wireless connectivity as a key enhancement over previous iterations.
These particular Audioengine A2 Plus speakers are ideally suited for discerning users with limited desk space who refuse to compromise on sound quality. This includes gamers who appreciate detailed audio cues, music lovers who crave clarity and balanced sound, and anyone in a home office environment seeking a professional yet elegant audio solution. They are not for individuals who prioritise raw, booming bass above all else without considering adding an external subwoofer, or those looking for the absolute cheapest option on the market.
Here’s a quick glance at their strengths and minor drawbacks:
Pros:
* Exceptional sound clarity, balance, and wide soundstage for their size.
* Premium, hand-built wood cabinets with an elegant finish.
* Versatile connectivity including Bluetooth aptX, USB, RCA, and 3.5mm AUX.
* Compact footprint that fits neatly on most desks.
* Robust build quality ensures durability and minimal distortion.
* Simple, plug-and-play setup.
Cons:
* Higher price point compared to many entry-level desktop speakers.
* While bass is good for the size, deep bass enthusiasts may still desire a separate subwoofer.
* Some older revisions reported a rare left/right channel swap issue on USB input (resolvable by customer support).
* Volume control is on the rear of the active speaker, which can be slightly inconvenient for frequent adjustments.
Delving Deeper: Performance and Practicality of the Audioengine A2 Plus
Having spent considerable time with the Audioengine A2 Plus Wireless Bluetooth Desktop Speakers, I can confidently share that they are far more than just “computer speakers.” They represent a carefully engineered audio experience that consistently delivers across various use cases. The attention to detail, both in design and performance, truly sets them apart.
Sound Quality: Custom-Tuned Audio Excellence
The core of the Audioengine A2 Plus experience lies in its sound quality. These 60-watt speakers are “custom-tuned by musicians,” and it genuinely shows. From the moment I first played music through them, I was struck by the exceptional clarity and balance. The sound is crisp, well-rounded, and surprisingly immersive for such compact units. Vocals are articulate, instruments are distinct, and the overall soundstage is impressively wide, pulling you into the audio experience.
For music, regardless of genre, the A2 Plus brings out details I often missed with lesser speakers or even some headphones. The mids are rich and present, while the highs are sparkling without being harsh. The bass, while not earth-shattering on its own (more on that later), is remarkably punchy and defined for a speaker of this size, extending down to a respectable 65 Hz. It integrates seamlessly with the rest of the frequency spectrum, providing a solid foundation without muddiness. This meticulous tuning ensures that the audio remains faithful to the original recording, providing an authentic and engaging listening experience that truly helps solve the problem of flat, uninspiring desktop audio.
Wireless Connectivity: The Freedom of Bluetooth aptX
In today’s increasingly wireless world, robust and high-quality Bluetooth connectivity is non-negotiable, and the Audioengine A2 Plus Wireless Desktop Speakers deliver admirably. Equipped with Bluetooth aptX, these speakers offer a simple, stable, and high-fidelity wireless connection from up to 30 meters away. This means I can easily stream music from my smartphone, tablet, or laptop without being tethered by cables, providing immense convenience and flexibility.
The pairing process is straightforward and quick, and once connected, the signal remains strong and consistent, even when I move my device around the room. The inclusion of aptX ensures that the audio quality transmitted wirelessly is superior to standard Bluetooth codecs, meaning less compression and a sound closer to a wired connection. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who switch between multiple devices or prefer a clutter-free desk setup, effectively solving the problem of tangled wires and limited placement options. The seamless switching between inputs is also a bonus, as the speakers intelligently prioritise the active source, making the user experience wonderfully smooth.
Wired Options: Plug and Play Versatility
While wireless is a fantastic convenience, sometimes a wired connection is preferred, especially for critical listening or situations where latency is an issue (like serious gaming). The Audioengine A2 Plus offers a comprehensive suite of “plug and play” wired options, including USB, RCA, and a 3.5mm AUX input.
The USB input is particularly useful for connecting directly to a computer, bypassing the computer’s internal digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) for a cleaner audio signal. This provides a noticeable improvement in sound quality for many, ensuring that the digital audio is processed by the speakers’ own high-quality DAC. The RCA inputs are perfect for connecting to a dedicated DAC, a turntable (with a pre-amp), or other audio components, offering a robust analogue connection. The ubiquitous 3.5mm AUX input provides compatibility with virtually any device that has a headphone jack.
It’s worth noting a specific point raised by some users regarding the USB input: a rare issue where the left and right channels might initially be swapped. In my experience, I haven’t encountered this, but it’s important to mention that if it does occur, streaming audio via Bluetooth temporarily corrects it, and crucially, Audioengine’s customer support is reportedly excellent, often providing replacement amplifier boards (which are easy to install) to resolve the matter for affected units. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to user satisfaction, turning a potential disadvantage into a testament to their support. The sheer versatility of these inputs means the A2 Plus speakers can serve as the central audio hub for almost any desktop setup, eliminating the need for multiple speaker systems.
Premium Build & Design: Hand-Built Wood Cabinets
Aesthetics and build quality are often overlooked in desktop speakers, but not so with the Audioengine A2 Plus. These speakers boast “hand-built wood cabinets” finished in a stunning “high gloss 13-step paint process.” The moment you take them out of their protective microfibre bags (a nice premium touch on its own), you can feel the quality. They have a good weight, feel incredibly solid, and exude a premium vibe that plastic enclosures simply cannot match.
The choice of wood for the cabinets is not merely cosmetic; it’s acoustically beneficial. Wood enclosures inherently offer less distortion than their metal or plastic counterparts, leading to greater clarity and a more natural sound. This robust construction also contributes to vibration dampening, ensuring that the sound you hear is pure and uncoloured by cabinet resonances. The sleek, minimalist design, whether in gloss black, white, or red, seamlessly blends into any modern workspace, looking as good as they sound. This meticulous craftsmanship ensures that the speakers are not only durable but also elevate the visual appeal of your desk, solving the problem of speakers that look cheap or out of place.
Compact Powerhouse: Room-Filling Audio
Despite their relatively compact footprint, the Audioengine A2 Plus speakers are described as “room-filling,” packing a substantial “60 watts of pure clean audio.” I can attest to this claim. Placed on my desk in an office room approximately 4m x 3m, these speakers effortlessly fill the space with rich, dynamic sound. Even at around 60% volume, they provide ample sound pressure without any noticeable distortion, which is a testament to their robust amplifier and driver design.
For their size, the bass response is impressive. For general listening, gaming, and watching videos, the low-end is tight and impactful. However, if you are a “hardcore basshead” who craves chest-thumping, room-shaking sub-bass, you might still want to consider adding a dedicated subwoofer (like Audioengine’s own S8). The A2 Plus has a sub-out connection precisely for this purpose. But for the vast majority of users who appreciate balanced audio with a solid, well-defined low-end, these speakers perform exceptionally well on their own. They offer a powerful audio experience without demanding excessive desk real estate, proving that great sound doesn’t always require massive speakers.
User Experience: Setup and Control
The user experience with the Audioengine A2 Plus is refreshingly straightforward. Setup is genuinely “plug and play” – a five-minute job involving connecting the power, linking the two speakers with the included cable, and then pairing a Bluetooth device or plugging in a wired source. It’s incredibly intuitive, meaning you can enjoy your enhanced audio almost immediately.
The volume control is a knob located at the rear of the active (left) speaker. While some might prefer a front-mounted control or a remote, I found it quickly became a non-issue. I simply set the main speaker volume to a comfortable maximum level and then control the day-to-day listening volume directly from my connected device (computer, phone, etc.). The automatic switching between input sources is also seamless; if Bluetooth activity ceases, the speakers intelligently switch back to a wired input if detected. Importantly, I haven’t experienced any of the reported humming sounds that sometimes plague powered speakers, even when placed close to me on the desk. This attention to a clean, noise-free signal is crucial for an enjoyable listening experience.
Voices of Satisfaction: Real-World Experiences with the Audioengine A2 Plus Speakers
Having scoured the internet and analysed countless user testimonies, it’s clear that the general sentiment surrounding the Audioengine A2 Plus Wireless Bluetooth Desktop Speakers is overwhelmingly positive. Many users, like myself, praise the premium unboxing experience, noting the speakers and cables nestled in soft microfibre bags, instantly conveying a sense of quality. The consensus on sound quality is high; users consistently highlight the crisp, well-rounded audio and impressive sound separation, especially considering the compact size. While some “hardcore bassheads” recommend a subwoofer for extra rumble, most find the built-in bass more than sufficient for general listening, gaming, and even dance music.
The design and build quality also receive frequent commendation, with owners appreciating the solid, weighty feel and the elegant, high-gloss finish that integrates seamlessly into any desk setup. The ease of installation and versatile connectivity are often cited as major advantages, making them a hassle-free upgrade. Even when encountering a rare technical hiccup, such as the USB channel swap, users commend Audioengine’s support for their swift and effective resolutions, reinforcing confidence in the brand. The prevailing sentiment is that despite their higher price point, these speakers represent a worthwhile investment, providing a truly mind-blowing audio experience for their size.
Final Verdict: Why the Audioengine A2 Plus is Your Next Audio Upgrade
If you’re still enduring the muffled, lifeless sound from your monitor or laptop speakers, or constantly tethered to headphones, you’re missing out on a truly engaging desktop experience. The lack of proper audio can lead to fatigue, reduce immersion in games and movies, and even make everyday tasks feel less enjoyable.
The Audioengine A2 Plus Wireless Bluetooth Desktop Speakers offer an exceptional solution to these pervasive problems. Firstly, their superior sound clarity and balanced output genuinely transform any audio content, from the most intricate music tracks to the explosive soundscapes of modern games. Secondly, their versatile connectivity, encompassing high-quality Bluetooth aptX, USB, RCA, and AUX inputs, ensures they integrate seamlessly with all your devices. Finally, the premium, hand-built wooden cabinets not only look fantastic on any desk but also contribute to their stellar acoustic performance and long-lasting durability. For anyone ready to transform their desktop audio experience and invest in a truly premium sound system, I wholeheartedly recommend giving the Audioengine A2 Plus Wireless Bluetooth Desktop Speakers a serious look. Click here to check them out and discover a new level of audio enjoyment.