Do Audioengine A2 Need a DAC

Introduction

The Audioengine A2+ speakers are widely regarded as one of the best choices for desktop audio systems. They offer a compact design, excellent sound quality, and versatile connectivity options. However, one question that often arises among users and potential buyers is whether these speakers need an external DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) to achieve their full potential. This review aims to explore the Audioengine A2+ speakers in detail, focusing on their features, performance, and the role of a DAC in enhancing their audio quality.

Overview of Audioengine A2+ Speakers

Design and Build Quality

The Audioengine A2+ speakers are designed with simplicity and elegance in mind. Their compact size makes them ideal for desktop setups, while their solid build quality ensures durability. The speakers are available in multiple finishes, including matte black, glossy white, and satin red, allowing users to choose a style that fits their aesthetic preferences.

Each speaker houses a 2.75-inch Kevlar woofer and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter. The cabinets are made of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), which is known for its acoustic properties. The build quality is excellent, with attention to detail evident in the design and construction.

Connectivity Options

The A2+ speakers offer versatile connectivity options, making them compatible with a wide range of devices. They feature RCA and 3.5mm inputs, allowing users to connect them to computers, smartphones, tablets, and other audio sources. Additionally, the A2+ speakers come with a built-in USB DAC, enabling direct digital connection to a computer without the need for additional equipment.

Amplification and Power

The A2+ speakers are powered, meaning they have built-in amplifiers. Each speaker is equipped with a 15W RMS amplifier, providing a total power output of 30W RMS. This power is sufficient for near-field listening, making the A2+ ideal for desktop use.

Sound Quality

The Audioengine A2+ speakers are known for their excellent sound quality. They deliver clear and detailed audio with a balanced frequency response. The bass is tight and well-defined, the midrange is smooth and natural, and the treble is crisp and clear. The overall sound signature is warm and engaging, making these speakers suitable for various genres of music and other audio content.

Understanding DACs and Their Role

What is a DAC?

A DAC, or Digital-to-Analog Converter, is a device that converts digital audio signals into analog signals. This conversion is necessary because speakers and headphones require analog signals to produce sound. The quality of the DAC can significantly impact the audio quality, as it determines how accurately the digital signal is converted.

Built-in DAC vs. External DAC

Most modern audio devices, including computers, smartphones, and media players, have built-in DACs. However, the quality of these built-in DACs can vary widely. External DACs are dedicated devices designed to provide higher-quality digital-to-analog conversion. They often feature better components and more sophisticated circuitry, resulting in improved audio performance.

Why Consider an External DAC for Audioengine A2+?

While the Audioengine A2+ speakers come with a built-in USB DAC, some users may wonder if an external DAC could further enhance their audio experience. Here are several reasons why one might consider using an external DAC with the A2+ speakers:

1. Improved Sound Quality: High-quality external DACs can offer better sound quality than the built-in DACs in most devices. They can provide more accurate conversion, better dynamic range, and lower noise and distortion levels.
2. Higher Bit Depth and Sampling Rates: External DACs often support higher bit depths and sampling rates, allowing for the playback of high-resolution audio files. This can result in a more detailed and immersive listening experience.
3. Better Connectivity Options: External DACs typically offer a variety of connectivity options, including optical, coaxial, and USB inputs. This makes them compatible with a broader range of audio sources.
4. Bypassing Poor-Quality Internal DACs: In some cases, the built-in DACs in computers and other devices may be of low quality. Using an external DAC can bypass these inferior components and improve overall audio performance.

Evaluating the Audioengine A2+ with and without an External DAC

Setup and Testing

To evaluate the impact of an external DAC on the Audioengine A2+ speakers, we conducted a series of listening tests using various audio sources and DACs. The testing setup included the following components:

• Audioengine A2+ speakers
• A computer as the primary audio source
• Various external DACs (including budget and high-end models)
• High-resolution audio files (24-bit/96kHz and higher)
• Standard CD-quality audio files (16-bit/44.1kHz)

The tests involved comparing the sound quality of the A2+ speakers when connected directly to the computer via USB (using the built-in DAC) and when connected through different external DACs.

Listening Impressions with Built-in DAC

When connected directly to the computer via USB, the Audioengine A2+ speakers performed admirably. The sound quality was clear and detailed, with a balanced frequency response. The built-in DAC provided a satisfactory listening experience for most types of audio content, including music, movies, and gaming.

The bass was tight and punchy, the midrange was smooth and natural, and the treble was crisp and well-defined. The soundstage was reasonably wide, and the imaging was accurate, allowing for precise placement of instruments and vocals within the stereo field.

Listening Impressions with External DACs

To determine the potential benefits of using an external DAC, we tested the A2+ speakers with several external DACs, ranging from budget models to high-end units. Here are the listening impressions for each category:

1. Budget External DACs:

We tested the A2+ speakers with budget external DACs priced under $100. These DACs included popular models like the FiiO E10K and the Schiit Modi 3.

• FiiO E10K: The FiiO E10K provided a noticeable improvement in sound quality compared to the built-in DAC. The bass was tighter and more controlled, the midrange was slightly more detailed, and the treble was smoother. The overall sound was more refined and engaging, with improved clarity and resolution.
• Schiit Modi 3: The Schiit Modi 3 offered similar improvements, with a slightly warmer sound signature. The bass was fuller and more impactful, the midrange was rich and natural, and the treble was smooth and extended. The soundstage was wider, and the imaging was more precise.

2. Mid-Range External DACs:

Next, we tested the A2+ speakers with mid-range external DACs priced between $100 and $300. These included models like the AudioQuest DragonFly Red and the Topping D50s.

• AudioQuest DragonFly Red: The DragonFly Red provided a significant upgrade in sound quality. The bass was deep and well-defined, the midrange was rich and detailed, and the treble was smooth and extended. The soundstage was wider, and the imaging was more precise. The overall sound was more dynamic and engaging, with improved clarity and resolution.
• Topping D50s: The Topping D50s offered a similarly impressive performance, with a neutral and transparent sound signature. The bass was tight and controlled, the midrange was clear and natural, and the treble was smooth and extended. The soundstage was wide, and the imaging was accurate. The overall sound was refined and detailed, with excellent clarity and resolution.

3. High-End External DACs:

Finally, we tested the A2+ speakers with high-end external DACs priced over $300. These included models like the Chord Mojo and the Benchmark DAC3.

• Chord Mojo: The Chord Mojo provided a substantial improvement in sound quality. The bass was deep and impactful, the midrange was rich and detailed, and the treble was smooth and extended. The soundstage was wide, and the imaging was precise. The overall sound was dynamic and engaging, with excellent clarity and resolution. The Mojo’s performance was particularly impressive with high-resolution audio files, revealing subtle details and nuances in the music.
• Benchmark DAC3: The Benchmark DAC3 offered an exceptional listening experience, with a highly transparent and neutral sound signature. The bass was tight and controlled, the midrange was clear and natural, and the treble was smooth and extended. The soundstage was wide, and the imaging was accurate. The overall sound was refined and detailed, with superb clarity and resolution. The DAC3’s performance was particularly impressive with high-resolution audio files, revealing subtle details and nuances in the music.

Conclusion

After extensive testing and evaluation, it is clear that the Audioengine A2+ speakers can benefit from the use of an external DAC. While the built-in DAC provides a satisfactory listening experience, external DACs can offer significant improvements in sound quality, particularly with high-resolution audio files. The degree of improvement depends on the quality of the external DAC, with higher-end models providing the most noticeable enhancements.

For users looking to maximize the performance of their Audioengine A2+ speakers, investing in a quality external DAC is a worthwhile consideration. Budget DACs like the FiiO E10K and Schiit Modi 3 offer noticeable improvements at an affordable price, while mid-range and high-end DACs like the AudioQuest DragonFly Red, Topping D50s, Chord Mojo, and Benchmark DAC3 provide exceptional audio performance and a more immersive listening experience.

Ultimately, the decision to use an external DAC with the Audioengine A2+ speakers depends on the user’s priorities and budget. For casual listeners, the built-in DAC may be sufficient, while audiophiles and those seeking the best possible sound quality may find the investment in an external DAC to be highly rewarding. Here, we will explore additional aspects and considerations for using an external DAC with the Audioengine A2+ speakers.