Audioengine A2

Accurate music reproduction

Need a subwoofer if you're after tooth-rattling bass for movies and games

Compact ; nicely finished ; fearsomely dynamic and attacking given their size

Some midrange coarseness ; an expected lack of scale

The price is right – and the size is too. But if your priority is outright fidelity, there are compelling alternatives

Small, elegant-looking speakers ; Fantastic music reproduction

Bass-heads need not apply ; Volume control resides on back of left speaker

The Audioengine A2 speaker set should be on the short list of anyone who values good musical reproduction over chest-thumping bass. If you're not sure into which camp you fall, you can order directly from the company, audition the A2s for up to 30...

Beautiful appearance ; Great frequency response ; Strong bass output ; Nice warranty and return policy ; Portability

High treble, but not loud enough ; Inconvenient volume knob placement ; No speaker covers

The best desktop speakers we’ve heard, and astounding value for money

Compact, stylish design ; Crisp, full-bodied sound

No Bluetooth or wireless streaming options as standard ; Lack the punch of larger active speakers

left – 1.6kg; right 1.4kg

The Audioengine A2 speaker set should be on the short list of anyone who values good musical reproduction over chest-thumping bass. If you're not sure into which camp you fall, you can order directly from the company, audition the A2s for up to 30...

Amazing sound in a tiny form-factor. No subwoofer necessary

Lacks the front-mounted volume control and USB port charger of the A5

While an all-around solid system, the A2’s volume control would be much handier if it were located on the front of the cabinet, and we miss the convenient USB charging port that the A5 boasts. But we have no complaints with the A2’s sound—it rocks,...

Amazing low-end frequency response from very small boxes; Kevlar woofers and silk drivers; MDF cabinets

Lacks two of the best features found on the Audioengine A5; amp is adequate only for near-field listening or small rooms

But we have no complaints with the A2’s sound—these little puppies rock, delivering spectacular sound with a wide variety of tunes. They don’t get as loud as some larger systems we’ve auditioned lately, but they’re easily the speakers to beat at this...

High treble, but not loud enough ; Inconvenient volume knob placement ; No speaker covers

Why try so many connections? Because the speakers have two types of inputs and I wanted to hear what each piece of equipment would sound like making note of any differences.