Introduction
The Audioengine A2+ speakers are considered by many to be the best desktop audio systems. They are compact, have great sound, and include various ways to connect. But still, one of the things that get asked most by users and buyers is whether the speakers require an external DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) to entirely capitalize on their assets. The present review intends to peel off the layers of Audioengine A2+ speakers, concentrating on the features, performance, and the role of a DAC in the enhancement of their sound quality.
Overview of Audioengine A2+ Speakers
Design and Build Quality
The Audioengine A2+ speakers are not just plain cubes; they have a minimalist but beautiful design. The fact that they come in a small form factor makes them great for desktop use, while at the same time giving their durability long-life due to their good solid build quality. The speakers come in different finishes like: matte black, glossy white, and satin red, so the users can select the one that matches their preferences better.
The pairing of each speaker consists of a 2.75-inch Kevlar woofer and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter. The necessary cabinets are built of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) which is the material praised for its superior acoustic properties. The quality of the build is pristine with the little things and details being the points around which the design and construction revolve.
Connectivity Options
The A2+ speakers are very versatile in terms of connectivity and so they can be used with or connected to a wide variety of devices. First of all, they have RCA and 3.5mm inputs that provide the user with the option of connecting them to various audio sources like computers, smartphones, and tablets. On top of that, the A2+ speakers are equipped with an integrated USB DAC that allows for a digital connection between the computer and the speakers without a prior setup of any additional equipment.
Amplification and Power
The A2+ speakers are powered, which means they have amplifiers integrated into them. The power of each speaker is 15W RMS amplifier. Therefore, the total power output is 30W RMS. This amount of power is adequate for close listening which makes A2+ perfect for desktop usage.
Sound Quality
The A2+ speakers of the brand Audioengine are reputed for their sound quality. They can give very new and detailed audio, so there is no need to worry about the frequency response. Bass is only but tight and well-defined, the midrange is smooth and natural, and treble is crisp and clear. The overall sound signature is warm and engaging, thus damping the speakers and making them fit for different kinds of music and audio content.
Understanding DACs and Their Role
What is a DAC?
A DAC, or Digital-to-Analog Converter, is a contraption that turns digital audio signals into analog. The conversion is a must since speakers and headsets require analog signals to generate sound. The DAC’s workmanship can greatly influence the audio quality, as it decides how precisely the digital signal is converted.
Built-in DAC vs. External DAC
These days most audio-devices like computers, mobile phones, and media players come with an integrated DAC. Still, the performance of these integrated DACs can be quite different from one another. External DACs are standalone units that offer superior digital-to-analog conversion. They tend to use better materials and more advanced circuitry, which in turn leads to better sound quality.
What Makes the External DAC Worth Considering for Audioengine A2+?
Although the Audioengine A2+ speakers have an integrated USB DAC, the audiophiles may still think of the external DAC as a device to create more pleasant sound. The following lines give a few reasons why the mentioned pairing would be beneficial:
Sound Quality Enhancement: The premium external DACs can provide sound quality that is superior even to the quality provided by the DACs integrated into the devices used by the majority. They can also contribute to more precise conversion, wider dynamic range, and lower noise and distortion levels.
The Highest Bit Depth and Sampling Rates: External DACs are usually capable of supporting higher bit depths and sampling rates which means that high-res audio can be played back. The result is a very detailed and quite possibly even an immersive listening experience.
Diverse Connectivity Choices: External DACs often come with a wide selection of connectivity options featuring not just USB but also optical and coaxial inputs. Consequently, they can work with a much larger variety of audio sources.
Avoiding the Use of Poor Quality Internal DACs: Sometimes the integrated DACs found in computers and other electronic devices can be of poor quality. An external DAC can help one get rid of these bad components and also improve the quality of sound throughout the system.
Comparing the Audioengine A2+ with and without an External DAC
Listening Tests and Setup
In order to be able to tell which of the two – the Audioengine A2+ speakers with the external DAC or without – is more appealing, we performed a number of listening tests over different sources and DACs. The components that were included in the testing setup are:
Audioengine A2+ speakers
A desktop computer designated as the prime audio source
Various DACs connected externally, of both lower and higher price ranges.
High-resolution audio files (at 24 bits/96 kHz and upwards)
Normal CD-quality audio files (at 16 bits/44.1 kHz)
The evaluation involved the A2+ speakers comparing sound quality when connected directly to a computer through USB (using internal DAC) andwhen connected through various external DACs.
Listening Impressions with Built-in DAC
The Audioengine A2+ speakers connected directly to the computer via USB put on a great show and performed perfectly. The sound quality was not only there but also very nice and detailed, with no frequency dominating the others. The internal DAC was able to keep up and deliver a good quality listening experience for most audio content such as music, movies and games.
Basses were tight and had a punchy quality, mid-range was smooth and natural, while highs were crisp and well-defined. The sound stage was quite wide and imaging was precise so that one could easily pinpoint where the instruments and vocals are in relation to the left and right speakers.
Listening Impressions with External DACs
To find out if using an external DAC would bring any advantages, we conducted tests where the A2+ speakers were connected to various external DACs, including budget ones and high-end models. Here are impressions for each of the groups:
Budget External DACs:
The A2+ speakers were used with low-cost external DACs that cost less than $100 each. Among these DACs were well-known such as the FiiO E10K and the Schiit Modi 3.
FiiO E10K: Compared to the built-in DAC, the FiiO E10K was able to demonstrate the sound quality which was better to a significant extent. Bass was tighter and better managed, midrange was a bit more distinct and the treble was less harsh. Overall, the sound was purer and more exciting with better transparency and resolution.
Schiit Modi 3: The Schiit Modi 3 was paramount to the approval of similar enhancements; moreover, it had a sound signature that was a tad warmer. The bass was huge and came with a lot of impact while the midrange was sumptuous and realistic, and the treble was soft and bright. The width of the soundstage increased, and the positioning of the sounds became more accurate.
Mid-Range External DACs:
After that, the A2+ speakers were put to test against mid-range external DACs that were in the price range of $100 to $300. The models included in the test were the AudioQuest DragonFly Red and the Topping D50s.
AudioQuest DragonFly Red: The DragonFly Red gave a lift in sound quality that was hard to overlook. The bass was abundant and effectively scattered, the mids were harmonious and informative, and the highs were gentle and highly spread out. The panorama of sound was enlarged, and the localization of sounds was more accurate. The overall sound was mixed with more liveliness and engrossing quality together with the heightened clarity and resolution.
Topping D50s: The Topping D50s provided about the same performance as the company’s flagship model in terms of neutral and transparent sound signature. The low-end was fast and nicely controlled while the midrange was intelligible and close to nature and the high end was smooth and airy. The sound field was broad and the sound positioning was unobtrusive. The overall sound was polished and intricate with the max clarity and resolution being its other important characteristics.
High-End External DACs:
In the end, we tested the A2+ speakers with the high-end external DACs which were priced above $300. Some of the models we tested were the Chord Mojo and the Benchmark DAC3.
Chord Mojo: The Chord Mojo brought about a significant upgrade in the quality of sound. The low frequencies were profound and striking; the midrange was lush and vivid, and the high frequencies were airy and lengthy. The entire space created by the sound was broad, and the positioning of the sounds was right on. The whole range of sound was powerful and very pleasant to hear, and the sound had wonderful clarity and resolution. When playing high-resolution audio files, the Mojo’s performance was quite amazing as it brought out even the smallest details and variations in the music.
Benchmark DAC3: The Benchmark DAC3 gave the listener an extraordinary experience with a sound that was very transparent and neutral. The bass was firm and under control, the midrange was bright and equally transparent as the bass, and the treble was very refined and also very present. The soundstage was vast, and the imaging was spot-on. The total sound was polished and very detailed with outstanding openness and resolution. The performance of the DAC3 was especially noteworthy with high-resolution audio files as they were able to uncover tiny details and nuances in the music.
Conclusion
After all the testing and evaluation, it can be said that the Audioengine A2+ speakers do not perform optimally without an external DAC. The built-in DAC certainly delivers an acceptable listening experience, however, external DACs will make a huge difference in the quality of sound especially with high-resolution audio files. The extent of improvement is related to the external DAC’s quality, with a more significant difference being perceived with more expensive models.
Users who want to get the most out of their Audioengine A2+ speakers should think about investing in a quality external DAC which is really a good idea. The FiiO E10K and Schiit Modi 3 are among the budget DACs that bring an improvement in sound quality noticeable even at a very low price. The same can be said for the DragonFly Red, Topping D50s, Chord Mojo, and Benchmark DAC3 which are the mid-range and high-end DACs providing superb audio performance and an immersive listening experience.
To sum up, the use of an external DAC together with the Audioengine A2+ speakers is a matter of personal choice based on the user’s preferences and financial constraints. If the listener is not very serious, the internal DAC might be good enough, whereas for the audiophiles and others wanting the very best sound quality, an external DAC would be a worthwhile investment. In this regard, we are going to discuss more the pros and cons of using an external DAC with the Audioengine A2+ speakers.