Watch Out For: Sometimes the volume of the speakers and your smartphone speakers gets a bit mixed up if the volume of the smartphone is really low, can be basically impossible to turn the volume up straight from the speaker. Also, they can be paired with a subwoofer. It’s easy enough to connect them to other stereo components, too. If streaming is your thing, it’s as simple as flicking a switch on the speakers and connecting via your smartphone’s or computer’s Bluetooth settings - it’s that simple.

Who They’re For: Anybody looking for versatile high-quality bookshelf speakers that aren’t super expensive. Audioengine offers a 30-day “audition period,” allowing you to get a free refund if you don’t like them (but you will). The speakers have numerous inputs and connectivity options, so if you don’t want to stream music you can connect the stereo pair to a turntable, stereo receiver or desktop. The speakers support high-res streaming: Bluetooth aptX, SBC and AAC. The Good: The A5+ Wireless speakers produce the same excellent sound quality of the A5+, but with built-in Bluetooth receiver and 24-bit DAC, it’s extremely easy to stream Spotify or Tidal from your smartphone. Black (tested) or white finishes cost $499 if you prefer the Bamboo finish, that’ll cost you an extra $70.īuy Now: $499 (Black/White) Buy Now: $569 (Bamboo) The Audioengine A5+ Wireless powered speakers are available in three finishes. No need to wire the speakers up to a computer, CD player or turntable to play music, although you still can. Recently, in 2018, Audioengine released the A5+ Wireless speakers, which are essentially identical to the Audioengine A5+ speakers, just with built-in Bluetooth so you can stream music. Audioengine designs and manufactures everything in the speaker from the ground up - it’s a bonafide audiophile-grade speaker. For years, Audioengine’s A5+ powered speakers have been regarded as some of the best desktop and bookshelf speakers you can buy.

Stereophile wifi vs bluetooth