One of our favorite small desktop loudspeakers has been significantly revised. Audioengine’s new A2+ powered loudspeaker ($249/pair) is scheduled to ship on November 1. Upgrades include a built-in 16-bit Burr-Brown DAC; variable subwoofer output; and improved binding posts, AC connection, and power supply.
Bass response has also been addressed. Audioengine's Brady Bargenquast explains, "In the new A2+ we've included a linear limiter which will manage the bass at the point where bass distortion starts to occur. Being a linear limiter, it will not chop the signal, but instead retains the shape of the waveform, simply not allowing it to go into distortion. So if you listen to the A2+ at higher levels you'll notice the bass response is tamed and not as boomy. The limiter will have no effect at normal listening levels."
Perhaps more exciting is Audioengine’s D3 asynchronous USB DAC/headphone amp ($189). The flash-drive–sized D3 supports resolutions up to 24-bit/96kHz and will also be available in November.
Perhaps more exciting is Audioengine’s D3 asynchronous USB DAC/headphone amp ($189). The flash-drive–sized D3 supports resolutions up to 24-bit/96kHz and will also be available in November.
