You might want to check out our Audioengine A5+ review if you are looking for quality, crisp-sounding bookshelf speakers. They are extremely versatile and priced competitively. They’re also active or powered speakers with onboard amplification. This removes the need for buying an additional amplifier or receiver.
Bookshelf speakers are a fantastic addition to pump up the sound in small and medium-sized rooms. They also make awesome products for adding quality sound to a home theater speaker system or office space. But finding a quality pair of bookshelf speakers that fit your needs can be hard. Do Audioengine’s A5+ deliver? Check out our review to find out.
Table of Contents
Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers
Specifications
| Dimensions (Per Speaker) | 10.75” H x 7” W x 9” D |
| Weight (Per Speaker) | 25 pounds – power left speaker (15) and passive right speaker (9.75) |
| Type | Active Bookshelf Speakers |
| Power | 150 Watts Total (Peak) – 75W Per Channel |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz~22KHz |
| Drivers | 2 – 5″ Aramid Fiber Woofer and 1″ Silk Dome Tweeter |
| Connectivity Options | Bluetooth 5.0 (+aptX-HD), RCA input, AUX, RCA variable output/sub out capability |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
| Other Features | 24-bit DAC, remote control, aptX-HD low latency, Bluetooth antenna, volume knob, included bags and cables |
Highlights of Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers
Wireless speaker capability
Since the Audioengine A5+ can be used as a wireless speaker, you don’t have to worry about organizing messy cables when setting them up. Thanks to its Bluetooth aptX HD, an extended sound range up to 100 feet, and its 24-bit DAC, you can conveniently set up your speakers and enjoy your favorite songs played in crisp quality. With this feature, the Audioengine A5+ wireless speakers offer audiophiles a unique listening experience for movies, shows, games, and music.
Remote control
The included easy-to-use remote control allows you to control your speaker from afar. The remote control includes essential functions such as controlling the volume, muting the sound, or putting your speakers into power-saving mode.
Dual analog inputs
Other than its Bluetooth connectivity, the Audioengine A5+ wireless speakers boast two audio inputs (RCA and mini-jack audio inputs). This makes it the ideal speaker to connect to any kind of device. The mini-jack or AUX connections allow for easy connection to your smartphones and tablets.
Amazing sound output for its size
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the sound this bookshelf wireless speaker can give to you. That is despite its small size compared to speakers with larger cabinets and more drivers. This combination makes it a great option, especially at this price point.
Audioengine-designed drivers
These Audioengine A5+ wireless speakers contain drivers made out of high-quality materials. Its 5″ woofer is designed with aramid fiber, Kevlar and contains advanced voice coils. The woofer is paired with a 3/4″ silk dome tweeter. And since Audioengine creates their own drivers for their products, their speakers generate sound with outstanding quality and consistency.
Product Summary
The Audioengine A5+ active speakers can produce the quality sound you’d find in larger and pricier speakers. That’s despite its smaller size (10.75″ x 7″ x 9″). You can also freely choose between the wired or wireless connection for your convenience. Additionally, you can connect it to any type of device or music streaming platform without hassle at all.
These active speakers are powered with a standard AC cord. Because of that, you don’t have to use any kind of receiver or amplifier when using this speaker with various audio sources. You can easily monitor power through an indicator located on the bottom of the left speaker.
This pair of high-performance powered speakers can capture all details found in any sound or music thanks to its top-notch drivers. The aramid fiber woofer, silk dome tweeter, and high-end Bluetooth aptX-HD capabilities provide an immersive experience with your games, music, and more. AptX-HD is especially useful for home theater and watching videos. The low latency connection removes lag when watching videos. They produce a great soundstage and good clarity at all frequencies. All bookshelf speaks struggle with bass reproduction at times. That’s especially true with smaller bookshelf speakers. The A5+ has solid natural-sounding bass. Those looking for more booming bass may want to consider adding a subwoofer. Volume is definitely sufficient for a medium-sized room thanks to 150 Watts of onboard power.
You can tell a lot of care is put into the Audioengine A5+’s handcrafted speakers. Three color options are available in white, bamboo, black. Although we prefer the gloss white color, all three have a design that is bold and classy at the same time. Upon purchase, you get a pair of Audioengine A5+ wireless speakers that come with a 12-foot banana plug speaker wire coated with gold. A Bluetooth antenna, remote control, an alternating current power cord, an RCA input cable, and a 3.5mm AUX audio cable. There are even separate microfiber bags included for the speakers and cables. Lastly, the product also comes with a setup guide for your convenience and a three-year product warranty.
Pros and Cons
The Good: Connectivity Options and Features
The Audioengine A5+ is very well-known for its versatility. It can be connected to all types of devices. It doesn’t matter if you want to use them with a TV, tablet, receiver, phone, or PC. You will have no problem connecting this active speaker to any of your devices. It will also work well with any operating system. That includes macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, or iOs.
In addition, because of its wireless capabilities, it’s also a good purchase for audiophiles looking for a speaker that can offer wired and wireless connectivity. Other than its versatility, this speaker is also fairly simple to use. There’s no need to understand complicated setups for this speaker system. Simply set it up and connect it to your devices, and you’re done. Connectivity options include stereo RCA input, 3.5mm AUX, and Bluetooth 5.0. There is even a USB port for charging your devices. You’ll find these inputs along with the power switch on the back panel of the A5+’s left speaker. On the front of the left speaker, you’ll find the battery indicator and a volume knob.
The Bad: Bass Reproduction
This pair of speakers may seem a bit costly to some customers. There’s also a slight dip in sound quality for the wireless connection compared to a wired connection. Luckily, you’ll have the option of using both. Many have a wired connection for the most used activities. A Bluetooth connection can then be conveniently used with other devices. If you are looking for big bass, there are other bookshelf speakers with more low end. You also may just want to consider pairing them with a subwoofer. You can achieve this thanks to the A5+’s RCA variable output. It’s a combination many consider to start the speaker system. It gives you more placement options and a lot of bang for your buck.
Final Verdict and Alternatives
Audioengine’s audio products are known for providing value. The Audioengine A5+ powered speakers deliver a variety of features. They boast fantastic sound quality, good clarity, and a clean low-end. For its price, it’s a steal for home theater or desktop speakers. If you’re looking for performance wireless speakers priced under $500, then the Audioengine A5+ speakers are a great option. It’s no surprise why they are hailed as a favorite among various customers for affordable home audio.
You can also check out our guide for the best bookshelf speakers under $500. You’ll find similarly priced options that may better fit your preferences. The Edifier S2000MKIII just about matches the A5+ price. Unless you prefer the A5+ design, we see the Edifiers as a better option for active bookshelf speakers. They have even more connectivity options, onboard EQ settings, and great sound quality. They’re also just beautiful. If you’re looking to save money, the Edifier S1000DB active bookshelf speakers are more affordable and have a dedicated sub-out line. Prefer passive speakers and have a receiver already? We really like the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2. They sound great and have a design that is clean and classy.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.