Audioengine A5+ Powered Speaker Review

4.42 Mixed Usages
4.4 Dialogue & Vocal Accuracy:
4.5 Treble Accuracy:
4.4 Bass Accuracy:
4.4 Imaging & Soundstage:
4.4 Dynamic Range:
Release year: 2011 Rating: 4.6 Warranty: 3 years 0.75" tweeter 5" woofer usage: overall best for: living rooms

Audioengine A5+ wireless model is a versatile speaker that supports both wired and wireless connectivity. They have a clean and simple design that matches well with room décor. In terms of performance, Audioengine will win you heart. They sound room-filling, rich and detailed with adequate amount of bass. At this price point, the speaker sounded much better than expected. They can bring music back to life instead of being dull. It is a powerful speaker that is great for everyday use.

Our Verdict

Audioengine boasts about its well-built and well-engineered cabinet and drivers. Due to the use of analog amplifier in the speakers, they can deliver warm and rich sound. Although you can connect a subwoofer, the speakers will produce ample amount of bass even without it. Place them in medium sized rooms or in compact spaces for best results. With wide range of connectivity, you have options to connect multiple devices.

PROS
  • Remote for easy control
  • Crisp and clear sound
  • Great as TV speakers
  • Easy setup
  • Versatile connectivity options
  • Well built
CONS
  • Not for large rooms
Where to buy
Specification

GENERAL:

Speaker Type Bookshelf Speaker
Number Of Channels 2.0 way speaker
Amplification Type Active Speaker (Built-in Amp)
Power Source AC Powered

DRIVERS

Drive Unit 2x2
Tweeter Type silk dome
Tweeter Size (inches) 0.75
Midrange Size (inches) N/A
Midrange Type N/A
Woofer Size (inches) 5
Woofer Type Aramid fiber
Other

SPECS

Power Range 150W (total)
Sensitivity N/A
Impedance N/A
Frequency Range 50-22k
Crossover Frequencies N/A

CONNECTIVITY:

Speaker Wire Input: Yes
Speaker Level Input N/A
Line Level Input N/A
Digital Input (Optical) N/A
Digital Input (Coaxial) N/A
RCA Input Yes
3.5mm Stereo Analog Input Yes
Aux Input N/A
Bi-amp Input: N/A
HDMI Input N/A
USB Port N/A
Subwoofer Output N/A

WIRELESS FEATURES

Bluetooth Yes
Wi-Fi N/A
Other

CONNECTOR:

Connector Type 5-Way Binding Posts
Compatible Connector Types speaker wire
Speaker Wire Compatibility 16 AWG

AUDIO QUALITY ( TESTED )

Bass Accuracy: Deep and impactful bass but not chest thumping
Dialogue & Vocal Accuracy: Clear vocals
Treble Accuracy Detailed highs
Imaging & Soundstage: Great imaging and soundstage
Dynamic Range: good dynamic range
Power Handling: Easy to drive
Frequency Response: Good frequency response
Transient Response: Decent transient response

BUILD MATERIAL

Enclosure Bass-reflex
Finish MDF
Color black, white, bamboo

SIZE & WEIGHT

Height (inches) 10.8
Width (inches) 7.2
Depth (inches) 9.75
Weight (pounds) 15.4 lb (left), 9.6 lb (right)
Recommended Stand Height (inches) 24-30

CONTROL

Handheld Remote
Control by app
Amazon Alexa
Google Assistant

IN THE BOX

Accessories: 1 pair of A5+ Speaker, Remote, Speaker wire, Mini-jack to mini-jack audio cable, RCA audio cable, Setup guide
User manual: Yes
Where to buy
Details Review

Design:

Audioengine A5+ speakers are available in three different color options. It is made of MDF and to minimize the reflections it uses internal bracing. It has rounded edges that eliminates diffractions. They do not come with any speaker grille, which can be a downside if you have pets or kids. Overall, the build quality is quite sturdy and durable.

Performance:

 

Audioengine A5+ is an active speaker that has 0.75” tweeter and 5” woofer. It uses a Class AB amplifier that works with an RMS power of 50W. The speakers are quite loud, increase the volume and ensure minimal distortion in all scenarios. It has a bass port on the rear side of the speaker that minimizes air turbulence and ensure accurate bass.

Bass heavy songs sounded quite impactful in compact spaces. It has silk dome tweeter that has neodymium magnets. They deliver detailed highs with a smooth response. For low ends, it has Kevlar woofer with rubber surrounds. To improve the bass response, the speaker has ‘gapless core’ toroidal transformer. It is capable of improving the speaker performance while dissipating low heat.

The speakers sound rich, natural and accurate in terms of performance. Instrumental sounds are clear and accurate. We played music of different genre and found the speaker handled them quite well. In terms of separation and soundstage, the speaker shows good performance. Overall, the speakers are capable of producing audiophile grade sound quality no matter the type of source or genre.

The drivers are video shielded so you can safely place them near monitors. Once the setup is complete, play the speakers for 30-50 hours. This is known as the break-in time that allows the drivers to play at full potential.

Speaker placement:

You can place Audioengine A5+ on desktop or speaker stands. Leave a gap of 6” from the back wall. The distance between speaker and sitting position should be equal and around 6’. Elevate the speakers if needed, so that the tweeter is at ear level. They sit on high-density foam isolation pad for improved performance.

Connectivity and control:

 

The back panel of the Audioengine A5+ has 3.5mm audio and RCA port.It has a USB port but it is only for charging devices like mobile, table or media player. It has a variable preamp audio output to connect subwoofer or Audioengine wireless adapter in case you want to daisy-chain other speakers.

Connect the speakers by using the given 16-gauge speaker wire. It comes with a remote for easier control. The remote has volume up/down button, mute, and sleep button. In case you want Bluetooth version, choose the A5+ Bluetooth speaker model. There is also a wired model with no Bluetooth support.

Use case:

The A5+ speakers are good for small to medium sized rooms. They are great for near field listening. The speakers can play music, movies, TV shows and even games. You can connect them to TV or PC. Use them as computer speakers if you like.

Compatible device:

Audioengine A5+ speaker will work the Audioengine S8 subwoofer. It works with wireless adapter like the Audioengine W3 device. With the W3 adapters, you can perform wireless streaming.

Cost:

Audioengine A5+ is an affordable pair of speakers that is available under $400. You do not have to spend extra on amplifier or receiver.

FAQ:

What is the best alternative to the Audioengine A5+ speakers?

You can check the Klipsch R-15PM speakers if you are looking for an alternative of the Audioengine A5+ model. They are slightly costlier but has more connectivity options. The speakers have bigger drivers which means the sound will be much better. It has USB and optical audio inputs.

How to connect a turntable to the Audioengine A5+ wireless speakers?

Turntables without built-in phono preamp will need one before you connect it to the Audioengine A5+ speakers. If it already has a phono preamp built-in, then connection will be simple and straightforward.

Where to buy

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