The Audioengine A2+ Wireless speakers are great for everyone looking for top-notch sound quality along with Bluetooth convenience. Though the speakers are small, they deliver powerful sound that can easily fill a room or convey the message if used in a desktop or a small room audio system. This very detailed and long guide will show you step by step how to connect and adjust your Audioengine A2+ Bluetooth speakers so you will have the best possible experience.
Unboxing and Basic Setup
What is packed in a box?
Before you begin, let’s check if you have everything needed. The pack of Audioengine A2+ Wireless should consist of the following items:
Two speakers: (one powered) left speaker and (one passive) right speaker.
Speaker cable: To connect the speakers.
Power supply and cable: To power the left speaker that in turn powers the right speaker.
3.5mm audio cable: For optional wired connection.
RCA audio cables: For optional wired connection.
USB cable: For optional digital connection.
Bluetooth antenna: For wireless connectivity.
User manual: Instructions and warranty information.
Checking Your Equipment
Make sure that you have all the parts and they are in good condition. Check for any damage that may have occurred during shipping. If anything is missing or damaged, please get in touch with the store or manufacturer and they will help you.
Finding the Best Spot
The positioning of your speakers is very important as it can make or break the sound quality. Here are few suggestions:
Height and Positioning: The speakers should be located at ear level for seated listeners. This way, the sound waves will come to your ears without any obstacles.
Distance: The speakers should be located at the same distance from one another and the primary listening position.
Surface: A stable surface should be used to prevent the occurrence of vibrations. It is advisable to use isolation pads so as to reduce the resonance of the surface.
Connecting the Audioengine A2+ Bluetooth Speakers
Step 1: Connecting the Speakers
Place the Speakers: The left and right speakers should be placed according to your wish. The left speaker is where the amplifier and control functions are located.
Connect the Speaker Wire: The supplied speaker wire should be used for connecting the left speaker to the right speaker. One end of the wire should be inserted in the output terminals of the left speaker and the other end in the input terminals of the right speaker. Make sure the polarity (+ and -) is the same at both ends.
Step 2: Powering Up
Connect the Power Supply: The power supply should be plugged into the power input of the left speaker.
Plug Into an Outlet: The power cable should be connected to an electrical outlet. The left speaker will turn on and you should see a power indicator light coming on.
Step 3: Installing the Bluetooth Antenna
Locate the Antenna Port: The Bluetooth antenna port on the back of the left speaker should be located.
Attach the Antenna: The Bluetooth antenna should be screwed into the port until it is securely attached.
Step 4: Pairing Your Device
Activate Bluetooth Mode: The left speaker should be switched to Bluetooth mode. There should be a Bluetooth button or switch on the speaker. When Bluetooth mode is active, the indicator light will usually blink to indicate that it is in pairing mode.
Enable Bluetooth on Your Device: Visit the Bluetooth settings of your smartphone, tablet, or computer and switch on Bluetooth.
Find and Select the Speakers: Check for “Audioengine A2+” or any comparable name in the Bluetooth settings of your device. Choose it for pairing.
Confirm Pairing: As soon as the Bluetooth connection is made, the indicator light on the speaker showing Bluetooth will become a constant light, thus signifying a successful connection.
Step 5: Playing Audio
Open Your Audio Source: Launch the music application, video, or any audio source on the device that is paired with you.
Adjust Volume: Turn the volume up on your device to a sweet spot and then turn the volume knob on the speaker to your choice of listening level.
Enjoy Your Music: Go ahead and have audio playing, and the sound from the Audioengine A2+ Bluetooth speakers will be of the best quality, so enjoy it.
Optimizing Sound Quality
Speaker Placement
The right positioning of speakers can dramatically enhance the quality of sound. Below are some suggestions:
Distance from Walls: Place the speakers at a minimum of a few inches distance from the walls to prevent the bass from accumulating and reflections from occurring.
Toe-In: Slightly turn the speakers towards your listening position to give a more precise stereo image.
Subwoofer Integration: If there’s a subwoofer in the setup, make sure it’s properly working with the speakers. Try out different placements and crossover settings to get the smoothest blend of the subwoofer with the A2+ speakers.
Acoustic Treatment
To further increase the quality of sound, you might want to consider putting acoustic treatment in the listening area:
Absorption Panels: Install absorption panels on walls to minimize reflections and echo.
Bass Traps: Set up bass traps in the room corners to manage the accumulation of low frequencies.
Diffusers: Utilize diffusers to scatter the sound waves and create a listening environment that is more natural.
Equalization and DSP
A few sources of audio and playback devices provide equalization (EQ) and digital signal processing (DSP) functions. Rely on these capabilities to adjust the sound in accordance to your preferences. For example, the case when you might want to slightly boost the bass or treble to make it compatible with your room acoustic and personal taste.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Setup done carefully, nonetheless, you may be faced with a few common troubles. Here are the solutions:
No Sound
Check Connections: Make sure that every cable is tightly connected and the power is supplied to the device.
Select the Correct Output: Confirm that the audio source has been selected to output the sound to the Audioengine A2+ speakers.
Volume Levels: Confirm that the volume on the speakers and the audio source is up.
Distorted Sound
Reduce Volume: Turn down the volume on both the speakers and the audio source to check if the distortion still occurs.
Check Cables: Make sure the cables are neither broken nor incorrectly connected.
Source Quality: Make sure the audio source is of good quality. Low-bitrate files might be distorted.
Uneven Sound
Check Speaker Placement: Make sure the speakers have equal distances from the listening position and that they are properly angled.
Balance Settings: Check the balance settings on the audio source to make sure it’s centered.
Interference and Noise
Reduce Interference: Place the speakers and cables at a distance from the sources of electromagnetic interference (routers, electronics, etc.).
Ground Loops: If you hear a constant low sound or buzzing, a ground loop issue may be the cause. To resolve this, a ground loop isolator can be used or simply try plugging into another outlet.
Advanced Setup Options
Using a Subwoofer
Subwoofers are able to improve the quality of sound in the lower frequencies of the Audioengine A2+ speakers. The following are the steps for putting a subwoofer into play:
Connect the Subwoofer: RCA cable will be the one to be used to join the input of the subwoofer with the RCA output of the audio source or the preamp output of the A2+ speakers.
Adjust Crossover: The subwoofer’s crossover frequency should be set to the frequency of the A2+ speakers as well. This is usually around 80Hz.
Positioning: The subwoofer should be positioned so that it sounds like a part of the A2+ speakers. Trying out different places can help find the best sound.
Using an External DAC
Sound quality can be highly improved by using an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC) because it offers a cleaner signal. The following points explain how to connect an external DAC to the A2+ speakers:
Connect the DAC: USB or optical cable should be used for connecting the DAC to the audio source.
Connect to Speakers: RCA cable will be used to connect the output of the DAC to the RCA input of the left speaker.
Select the DAC: Your audio source should be set to route sound via the external DAC.
Wireless Streaming
Though the A2+ model does not feature Bluetooth, it is still possible to stream wirelessly if you connect a Bluetooth adapter externally:
Connect the Adapter: The Bluetooth adapter is to be plugged into the 3.5mm or RCA input of the left speaker.
Pair Your Device: You should follow the adapter’s guidelines in order to pair it with your mobile device, tablet, or computer.
Select the Adapter: Route sound from the audio source to the Bluetooth adapter.
Maintenance and Care
To maintain the best possible state of your Audioengine A2+ speakers, it is wise to observe the following maintenance instructions:
Regular Cleaning
Dusting: Make it a habit to use a soft and dry cloth to remove dust from the speakers. Do not use materials that can be abrasive and might thus scratch the surface.
Cleaning Grilles: In case the grilles of the speakers are removable, do so gently and clean them with either a soft brush or vacuuming them with a brush attachment.
Protecting from Damage
Avoid Overdriving: Do not use the speakers at extremely high volumes for long periods since this might lead to the speakers getting damaged.
Keep Dry: Ensure that the speakers are not exposed to moisture and that they are not in direct contact with sunlight.
Handle with Care: Be careful when moving the speakers so that you do not crush the internal components.
Software and Firmware Updates
Making sure that your DAC or Bluetooth Adapter firmware is up to date will not only keep the performance of your audio system at the highest level, but also will ensure that the devices are compatible with each other.
Periodic Checks
Connection Integrity: Every now and then, check that all the connections are tight. Loose cables can affect the quality of the sound you hear.
Power Supply: Check that the power supply works properly and that there are no rough patches or signs of damage.
Speaker Performance: Take note of any changes in the sound quality and if it deteriorates, the speakers may need servicing.
Enhancing Your Audio Experience
Pairing with a High-Quality Audio Source
The Audioengine A2+ speakers are capable of delivering stunning sound quality but their potential will only be realized when connected to high-quality audio sources. The following sources are very good candidates:
High-Resolution Audio Files: Choose to go with FLAC, ALAC, or other high-resolution audio files which will provide you with the sound quality of non-compressed formats like MP3 but also in lower quality at the same time.
Quality Streaming Services: Make use of the premium sound quality streaming services TIDAL, Qobuz, or Spotify Premium, which will be offering the highest bitrate streaming options so that the best sound quality of your Audioengine A2+ speakers will be heard.
Using an Audio Interface
The audio interface can be a big plus for your entire set up:
Connect the Audio Interface: Connecting the audio interface to your computer will require a suitable cable (USB, Thunderbolt, etc.).
Connect Speakers to Interface: The audio outputs of the interface can be connected to the A2+ speakers via RCA or 1/4-inch cables.
Configure Software: Your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) or recording software should be set to the audio interface as the primary output device.
Room Acoustics
Making your room acoustically pleasant can easily be one of the best sound quality factors in your setup:
Furniture Arrangement: Sound reflections will be minimized, and sound absorption will be increased if you arrange furniture correctly. You may even consider using bookshelves, rugs, or curtains as acoustic treatment.
Dedicated Listening Area: If you can, then set up a dedicated listening area with very little noise and distractions so that you can cherish the A2+ speakers’ sound quality.
Speaker Stands
Taking advantage of speaker stands can lead to sound quality improvement by minimizing vibrations and locating the speakers at the best possible height:
Choose the Right Stands: Go for the stands that will raise the tweeters to your ear level with their accurate height.
Isolation Pads: Place isolation pads on the stands for the dual purpose of absorbing vibrations and enhancing the clarity of sound.
Placement: The stands along with the speakers should be located in accordance with the recommended placement rules that were mentioned previously.
Exploring the Full Potential of Audioengine A2+
Audioengine A2+ speakers, due to their multifunctional nature, have the potential to be full-fledged in various settings. Below are some advanced use cases that can be explored for their full potential:
Home Office Setup
A2+ speakers are a home office setup’s major asset by providing high-definition sound for music, video calls, and media consumption:
Desk Placement: The best place for the speakers would be on either side of your monitor with a slight angle towards you.
Cable Management: Cable clips or channels can be used to organize the cables neatly and keep them out of sight.
Multiple Inputs: Computer (via USB) and smartphone (via 3.5mm cable) can be connected simultaneously for the freedom of choosing your audio source.
Home Studio Setup
A2+ speakers, for the musicians and podcasters, can be your near-field monitor:
Monitor Placement: To eliminate vibrations and to have the speakers at ear level, put the speakers on isolation pads or stands.
Audio Interface: An audio interface will not only provide better sound quality but also leniency in controlling your audio inputs and outputs when the speakers are connected.
Acoustic Treatment: Adding acoustic panels and bass traps to your home studio will help you in achieving the desired control over the sound quality.
Entertainment System
The A2+ speakers can be integrated into the home entertainment system to give audio during films and TV shows a boost in quality:
TV Connection: The RCA cables should be used to connect the speakers to the audio output of your television.
Media Player Integration: A media player or streaming device can be hooked up to the speakers for the best quality sound during playback.
Subwoofer Addition: You could get a subwoofer for an even more enjoyable audio experience with powerful bass.
Portable Audio Setup
The A2+ are not portable speakers per se, but their small size makes them acceptably easy to move around and set up in different places:
Temporary Setups: The speakers can be used in temporary setups, like outdoor socializing or parties, where sound quality matters.
Power Source: Make sure a power outlet is available or use an extension cord if necessary.
Protection: Cover or pack the speakers properly while transporting them.
Conclusion
Choosing the Audioengine A2+ speakers is a great decision for those who want high-quality sound in small and versatile package. By adapting the setup and optimizing their positioning and connectivity, you can be sure that these speakers will give you the best performance possible.
The A2+ speakers, regardless of whether you place them in a home office, studio, or entertainment setup, are giving audio clarity and power which are extraordinary. They will provide excellent sound quality for a long period of time if taken good care of and properly maintained.
Their setup options are advanced and versatile allowing the A2+ speakers to be used in various ways that warrant their full capability and range of uses. The A2+ speakers from Audioengine are a great purchase for all kinds of users – from audiophiles and casual listeners to professionals requiring high-quality but dependable audio equipment. These speakers will certainly make your audio experience even more pleasurable.