New Gear from Audioengine

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.

COMMENTS
BradleyP's picture

Hi Stephen--For months and months (and months), Audioengine has claimed better bass response for the A2+.  Are they still touting that?  In a certain range--think cellos and close miked vocals--the A2 BOOMS.  I love these little speakers, but do so wish that the bass response would be evened out.  Success?

Stephen Mejias's picture

Audioengine's Brady Bargenquast elaborated on this point via email:

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.

I've added this to the post.

dalethorn's picture

The D3 impressed me very favorably - better than my HRT Microstreamer. I'd swear they're getting closer to analog sound with this latest mini-DAC.

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