Overview

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Audioengine is a Texas-based privately owned audio company founded in 2005 by Brady Bargenquast and Dave Evans. The company specializes in high-quality powered Home Music Systems and other audio components designed for homes, offices, and desktops. Audioengine is known for integrating both analog wired inputs as well as digital connections in its products, offering easy connectivity with options such as RCA, 3.5mm AUX, Optical, USB and Hi-Res Bluetooth.

History

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Founded in 2005, Audioengine aimed to develop easy to use, high-quality home audio systems for music lovers. The company’s first major product was the A5, a powered speaker system designed to offer professional-level sound for desktop and home use. Following the success of the A5, Audioengine expanded its product line with the A2, a smaller desktop speaker system praised for its compact size, real wood speaker cabinets and powerful detailed audio output. The A2 was later updated to the A2+, integrating Bluetooth technology, enabling high-quality wireless streaming from various devices.

Over the years, Audioengine has continued to innovate, introducing the HD Series, which includes high-fidelity powered speakers suitable for a variety of listening environments. The company also launched the B2, a Bluetooth-enabled all-in-one portable speaker designed to bring high-fidelity audio to small and medium-sized rooms.

Wired and Forbes have reviewed the B2 positively, highlighting it as a competitor in the high-end Bluetooth market due to its design and high quality wireless streaming. Audioengine also expanded its offerings with digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and wireless music receivers, such as the B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver and the D1 DAC and headphone amplifier, both of which have received favorable reviews from industry experts.

Reception and Recognition

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  • New York Magazine’s “The Strategist” declared the A2+ the “Best Overall Desktop Speaker” of 2024, offering that the A2+ are “great compact speakers that pack a huge punch.”[1]
  • Wired described the B2 as “a standout performer in the field,” competing with other high-end Bluetooth speakers. The publication emphasized its build quality and stylish wood finishes.[2]
  • Forbes called the B2 “a winning combo,” praising its clear sound and design quality. The review highlighted its capability to play loud while maintaining clarity and its suitability for various room sizes.[3]
  • TechRadar highlighted the Audioengine A2+ for its performance, noting its "refined 'hi-fi' presentation" and contrasting it with other desktop speakers like the JBL 104-BT. The review emphasized the A2+ as a preferred choice for daily music listening due to its sound quality and Bluetooth connectivity.[4]
  • PCMag reviewed the B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver, stating it is “a simple way to stream high-quality wireless audio through your home.”[5]
  • What Hi-Fi? praised the D1 DAC and Headphone Amplifier as “a great headphone amp and DAC in one neat box,” highlighting its compact design and performance.[6]

References

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  1. ^ NYMag.com (2024) “The 6 Very Best Computer Speakers” Available at: https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-computer-speakers.html
  2. ^ Wired (2014). "Audioengine B2 Bluetooth Speaker Review." Available at: https://www.wired.com/2014/11/audioengine-b2-bluetooth-speaker/
  3. ^ Forbes (2014). "Audioengine B2 Review." Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/geoffreymorrison/2014/11/25/audioengine-b2-review/
  4. ^ TechRadar (2019). "4 ways to improve music quality from your computer speakers." Available at: https://www.techradar.com/features/4-ways-to-improve-music-quality-from-your-computer-speakers
  5. ^ PC Mag (2014) “Audioengine B1 Review” Available at: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/audioengine-b1-bluetooth-music-receiver
  6. ^ What Hi-Fi (2012) “Audioengine D1 Review” Available at: https://www.whathifi.com/audioengine/d1/review
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