For years, my home office audio was a compromise. I wrestled with a tangled mess of cables connecting a decent-but-aging stereo amplifier to a pair of passive bookshelf speakers, all just to get better sound from my computer. It sounded good, but it was a space-hogging, inconvenient behemoth. When I wanted to quickly play a podcast from my phone, I had to deal with pairing a separate, tinny Bluetooth receiver. The dream was always a single, elegant solution: a pair of speakers that delivered genuine, room-filling hi-fi sound without the need for a separate amplifier, and with modern wireless connectivity built right in. The search for this “perfect” setup—one that could handle everything from critical music listening and gaming to wirelessly streaming a playlist during dinner—is what led me to the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Bookshelf Speakers.
- BLUETOOTH APTX-HD - Simple wireless connection to your bookshelf speakers from up to 100ft away with your smartphone or computer
- ROOM FILLING - A house shaking 150 watts of pure clean audio for your bookshelf, home theater, office studio, TV or living room
- HIGH FIDELITY - Crystal clear audio ready for your streaming music or personal library - all custom tuned by musicians for that signature audioengine sound
What to Consider Before Buying Powered Bookshelf Speakers
A powered bookshelf speaker system is more than just a pair of speakers; it’s a key solution for achieving high-quality audio without the complexity and expense of a traditional component-based stereo system. By integrating the amplifier directly into one of the speaker cabinets, they eliminate the need for a separate receiver or amp, saving space and simplifying setup immensely. This makes them perfect for desktops, apartments, bedrooms, or anyone looking to build a minimalist yet powerful sound system for their turntable, TV, or computer. The main benefit is achieving audiophile-grade sound with plug-and-play convenience, a goal that was once a frustrating contradiction in terms.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values both audio fidelity and simplicity. This includes budding audiophiles taking their first steps beyond basic computer speakers, vinyl enthusiasts looking for a straightforward way to power their new turntable, or anyone wanting a significant audio upgrade for their home office or living room without a massive footprint. Conversely, these might not be the best fit for dedicated home theater enthusiasts who require a full multi-channel surround sound setup (like 5.1 or 7.1 systems), or for hardcore audio purists who prefer the infinite customizability of mixing and matching separate passive speakers, amplifiers, and DACs. For those users, a more traditional component system would be a better, albeit more complex, path.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Powered bookshelf speakers are not all created equal in size. The Audioengine A5+ Wireless Bookshelf Speakers, for example, are substantial units with a 5-inch woofer. Measure your desk or shelf space carefully. You need not only enough surface area for the speakers themselves but also adequate room around them to breathe and project sound properly for optimal stereo imaging.
- Performance & Power: Look at the total power output (measured in Watts) and the driver size (woofers and tweeters). A larger woofer, like the 5-inch one here, can generally produce deeper and more impactful bass than a 3- or 4-inch driver. Also, consider the types of connectivity offered—Bluetooth (and which codecs, like aptX-HD, it supports), RCA, 3.5mm AUX, and Optical—to ensure it matches all your devices.
- Materials & Durability: The cabinet material is critical for sound quality. High-density wood or MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) is preferred as it is acoustically inert and reduces unwanted resonance and vibration, leading to cleaner sound. Cheaper speakers often use thin plastic, which can negatively color the audio and feel less durable over the long term.
- Ease of Use & Expandability: A key appeal is simplicity. How easy is the initial setup? Does it come with a remote control? Importantly, look for outputs that allow for future expansion. A dedicated subwoofer output, like the one on the A5+, is a massive advantage, allowing you to easily add a powered sub later for a true full-range system.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Bookshelf Speakers stand out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Bookshelf Speakers are an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how they stack up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 2 x AUX INPUT - Convenient connection to any device that has a 3.5mm headphone output or dual RCA output. Play from two devices via AUX at the same time, no plugging and switching needed
- EXPERIENCE AMAZING HOME THEATER SOUND WITH RICH, IMMERSIVE AUDIO – Featuring a 0.75" tweeter and a 5.25" Dynamic Balance driver, these passive bookshelf speakers deliver clear, balanced sound with...
- Each speaker in the Stage 2 series features Polycellulose ribbed cone woofers
Unboxing and First Impressions
The premium experience begins before you even plug them in. The Audioengine A5+ Wireless Bookshelf Speakers arrived double-boxed, a reassuring sign of the care taken in shipping. Inside, each speaker was nestled in thick foam and protected by a soft microfiber bag, a thoughtful touch that prevents scratches and makes handling them feel special. As one user noted, this robust packaging is essential, although rare shipping mishaps can still occur. Lifting them from the box, their weight is the first thing you notice—at over 15 pounds for the pair, they feel dense, solid, and impeccably built. The hand-finished wood cabinets are smooth to the touch, with clean lines and no visible seams. Setup is refreshingly simple: connect the included speaker wire from the left (active) speaker to the right (passive) one, plug in the power cord, and flip the switch. Pairing via Bluetooth was instantaneous with my phone and laptop, and the included remote, while basic, covers all necessary functions. These don’t feel like “computer speakers”; they feel like genuine hi-fi equipment, streamlined for the modern user.
Key Benefits
- Rich, warm, and immersive sound signature that excels with music
- Powerful 150W peak output fills small to medium-sized rooms
- Excellent connectivity with high-fidelity aptX-HD Bluetooth and analog inputs
- Premium build quality with hand-finished wood cabinets
- Dedicated subwoofer output for easy system expansion
Limitations
- Substantial size may be too large for smaller desks
- Some users may desire deeper sub-bass without adding a separate subwoofer
- Reports of potential finish cracking over time and susceptibility to RF interference
A Deep Dive into the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Experience
After several weeks of intensive testing—using them as my primary desktop speakers for work, for gaming in the evenings, and as a music system for my living area—it’s clear that the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Bookshelf Speakers are more than just a convenient package. They are a genuinely impressive audio system that redefines what’s possible without a rack of separate components.
The Signature Audioengine Sound: Warm, Detailed, and Incredibly Musical
The heart of any speaker is its sound, and this is where the A5+ truly shines. Audioengine talks about their “signature sound,” and after listening, I understand. It’s a sound profile that is warm, engaging, and distinctly musical, rather than clinically flat or artificially V-shaped. The 0.75-inch silk dome tweeters deliver crisp, clear highs without a hint of harshness or sibilance, even at higher volumes. Cymbals shimmer, vocals are rendered with lifelike presence, and the subtle details in string instruments are easy to pick out. This was confirmed during my testing with everything from the complex jazz arrangements of Miles Davis’s “Kind of Blue” to the layered synths of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon,” a track another user happily jammed to on their turntable setup.
The 5-inch aramid fiber woofers handle the mids and bass with authority and precision. Mid-range is where these speakers truly excel; guitars have bite, pianos have weight, and vocals feel intimate and direct. This makes them fantastic for more than just music. As one user noted, dialogue in media and spoken-word content on YouTube sounds clear and natural. For gaming, the stereo imaging is superb. The distinct left-right separation creates a wide soundstage that makes it easy to pinpoint enemy footsteps in a game like Valorant or get lost in the sweeping orchestral scores of an RPG. The bass response is tight, punchy, and surprisingly deep for a speaker of this size, reaching down to 50Hz. One reviewer rightly stated that the bass “thumps,” and for most music and in a desktop or small-room setting, it’s more than sufficient. However, for those who crave that visceral, window-rattling rumble from movie explosions or deep electronic basslines, the integrated subwoofer output is a godsend, allowing for a seamless upgrade path.
Effortless Connectivity for Every Device
Versatility is arguably the A5+’s greatest strength. The inclusion of Bluetooth with the high-fidelity aptX-HD codec is a game-changer. Streaming from Tidal or Spotify from my phone was simple and sounded remarkably close to a wired connection, with a stable signal and no dropouts anywhere in my apartment, living up to its 100-foot range claim. The 30ms latency is low enough that I didn’t notice any significant lip-sync issues when watching videos, a common pitfall of lesser Bluetooth speakers.
Beyond wireless, the dual analog inputs provide crucial flexibility. I connected my Audio-Technica turntable directly to the RCA inputs and my computer’s audio interface to the 3.5mm auxiliary input, allowing me to switch sources without ever touching a cable. This plug-and-play simplicity is what draws many people to this product, including a user who was new to the audiophile world and appreciated the straightforward setup. It seamlessly bridges the gap between analog sources like a record player and digital sources from a PC or smartphone. One user even highlighted their successful pairing with a Presonus AudioBox interface, noting there was “zero noticeable hiss,” a testament to the quality of the internal Class AB amplifier and shielding. This makes the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Bookshelf Speakers a true central hub for a modern, multi-source audio system. If seamless connectivity and high-quality sound are your priorities, you can find these impressive speakers available here.
Design, Build Quality, and Real-World Considerations
The physical presence of the A5+ cannot be overstated. These are big, beautiful speakers. In the black satin finish I tested, they look sleek, modern, and purposeful. They command attention on a desk or bookshelf, and their heft inspires confidence in their longevity. As one user bluntly put it, “These are big, especially for a desk, I just so happen to have a big desk.” This is a critical point: if you have a cramped workspace, you may want to consider their smaller sibling, the A2+. But if you have the space, the larger cabinet volume and 5-inch woofer of the A5+ provide a fuller, more authoritative sound that smaller speakers simply can’t replicate.
However, no product is perfect. A few users have reported issues that are important to consider. One person encountered a persistent static and clicking sound, which they eventually traced to RF interference from their mesh Wi-Fi router being placed too close to the active speaker. This is a potential issue with any powered speaker, and the solution is simple—ensure there is some distance between the speakers and powerful wireless transmitters. More concerning are the couple of reports of the wood finish developing cracks after a year or two of use, even with gentle care. While this appears to be an uncommon issue, it’s a disappointing flaw in an otherwise premium product and something to be mindful of. Despite these isolated reports, the overwhelming consensus points to a product with outstanding build quality that feels built to last for years, backed by a solid 3-year warranty.
What Other Users Are Saying
Sifting through feedback from other owners, a clear picture emerges. The vast majority of users are thrilled with their purchase, frequently praising the sound quality as a massive leap from soundbars or typical computer speakers. A 71-year-old lifelong audio enthusiast called them his “favorite by far” out of the many speakers he’s owned over the years, a powerful endorsement. Another user, transitioning from a bass-heavy Bose system, found the A5+’s balanced and detailed soundstage to be the “correct choice” for critical listening.
On the other side, the negative feedback often centers on a few key areas. Some find the bass lacking for their tastes, confirming my assessment that bass-heavy genres or home theater use will almost certainly benefit from the addition of a subwoofer like the Audioengine S8. The most critical review came from a user who found the sound “thin” and was “profoundly disappointed,” which sounds highly anomalous and could point to a defective unit, poor source material, or improper placement, as their experience is the polar opposite of most. The reports of finish cracking, while infrequent, are the most valid long-term concern mentioned by users.
How Does the Audioengine A5+ Compare to the Alternatives?
The Audioengine A5+ Wireless Bookshelf Speakers exist in a competitive market. To understand their value, it’s crucial to see how they stack up against other popular options, each catering to a different user and budget.
1. Micca COVO-S 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers
- IMPORTANT NOTE - The COVO-S is a passive bookshelf speaker that requires an amplifier or home theater receiver to work. It cannot be connected directly to a turntable, smartphone, or computer. Speaker...
- COMPACT SPEAKER, GREAT SOUND - At only 5.1-inch tall and 4.2-inch wide, The Micca COVO-S speaker delivers great sound despite its diminutive size, giving listeners an immersive experience with its...
- VERSATILE PLACEMENT - Its slim shape and classic design easily fit in a wide variety of room decor as bookshelf speakers, center channel speakers, or use with optional wall mount brackets as surround...
The Micca COVO-S represents a completely different approach to audio. These are passive speakers, meaning they have no built-in amplifier and require a separate stereo receiver or amp to function. This makes them a great choice for budget-conscious hobbyists who are building a component system from scratch or upgrading speakers on an existing setup. With their much smaller 3-inch woofer and significantly lower price point, they cannot compete with the A5+ in terms of power, bass extension, or overall sonic richness. The Micca is for the DIY-inclined user on a tight budget, while the Audioengine A5+ is a complete, high-performance, all-in-one system for those who prioritize convenience and superior sound quality out of the box.
2. Edifier S1000W 2.0 WiFi Bookshelf Speakers
- WORKS WITH ALEXA, SUPPORTS AIRPLAY 2, SPOTIFY CONNECT – Connect speakers to your home Wi-Fi network, control them with voice commands via third-party voice interaction, and stream Hi-Res audio from...
- HI-RES AUDIO TECHNOLOGY - Experience the best sound quality with an audio signal sample rate of up to 24bit/192kHz. Hi-Res quality tunes listening at home.
- ENJOY MULTI-ROOM MUSIC - Group two or more speakers together to play music in multiple rooms, create stereo sound, or fill your entire home with music (app support required).
The Edifier S1000W is a very strong and direct competitor to the Audioengine A5+. It is also a high-quality powered bookshelf speaker system with a similar price point and power output. The primary advantage of the Edifier is its expanded connectivity, most notably the inclusion of Wi-Fi with support for AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect. This makes it an excellent choice for users deeply embedded in a smart home ecosystem or those who prioritize the convenience of multi-room, high-resolution streaming over a Wi-Fi network. The choice between the two may come down to philosophy: the Audioengine focuses on a purer, more direct audio experience with top-tier Bluetooth, while the Edifier leans into the world of smart, network-connected audio features.
3. Pyle Home PCB4BK 4″ Bookshelf Speakers
- 200 WATT POWER: These mini bookshelf speakers have a power handling of 200 watts peak that will produce high sound resonance. It has an 8 Ohm impedance and great for watching movies, listening to...
- VIDEO SHIELDED: Built with video shielding to ensure optimum experience while in use. They will not distort TV images, specifically for CRT monitors and avoid permanently damaging picture tube with...
- 4” PAPER CONE DRIVER: This is a pair of clean-cut cube speakers that boasts a 4” paper cone driver. It will enhance home theater stereo experience by producing a powerful audio and perfect sound...
The Pyle Home PCB4BK speakers occupy the entry-level segment of the market. Like the Miccas, these are passive speakers requiring an external amplifier. They are designed for users seeking a very basic audio upgrade for a garage, workshop, or secondary room where critical listening is not the priority. With a 4-inch paper cone driver and a focus on value, their audio performance, build quality, and power handling will be leagues below the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Bookshelf Speakers. They serve a functional purpose for those on the strictest of budgets, but they are not in the same class and should not be considered by anyone seeking a true hi-fi listening experience.
Final Verdict: Are the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Bookshelf Speakers Worth It?
After extensive hands-on testing, the answer is a resounding yes. The Audioengine A5+ Wireless Bookshelf Speakers deliver on their promise of providing a simple, elegant, and powerful all-in-one stereo system. They produce a rich, detailed, and wonderfully musical sound that brings life to any source you throw at them, from vinyl records to high-resolution streaming. Their combination of excellent audio performance, versatile connectivity, and premium build quality makes them an outstanding value and an easy recommendation.
They are the perfect solution for the discerning listener who wants to ditch the clutter of a component stereo system without sacrificing sound quality. They are ideal for a premium desktop setup, a main system for a small-to-medium-sized room, or a high-fidelity partner for a turntable. While they may be too large for tiny desks and true bass fanatics will want to utilize the subwoofer output, these are minor caveats for what is otherwise a masterclass in modern, convenient hi-fi. If you’ve decided the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Bookshelf Speakers are the right fit, you can check their current price and purchase them here.
Last update on 2025-10-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API