Audioengine A2 Plus Gen 3 Brings aptX Adaptive To Compact Desktop Speakers

A good first HiFi system does not need to fill a room with boxes. Audioengine’s A2 Plus Gen 3 is a compact pair of powered speakers designed to sit on a desk, shelf or small table, with the amplifier and digital-to-analogue converter already built in.

The latest version keeps the familiar small-speaker format but adds aptX Adaptive Bluetooth and broader USB-C support. That makes it easier to connect a phone, tablet or computer without buying a separate amplifier or DAC first.

Quick Reference

• What it is: A pair of compact powered stereo speakers.
• Price: $299 per pair in the United States.
• Connections: USB-C, Bluetooth, RCA and 3.5mm analogue input.
• Best for: Desks, bedrooms, gaming setups and small starter systems.
• Available in: Matte Black, Matte Green, Hi-Gloss Piano White, Hi-Gloss Red and Hi-Gloss Limoncello Yellow.

A Complete Desktop System

Powered speakers contain their own amplification, so they do not need a separate amplifier. One A2 Plus Gen 3 speaker contains the electronics, while a supplied cable carries the signal to the second speaker. You still get proper left and right stereo sound, but with fewer boxes and cables than a traditional system.

Each cabinet uses a 2.75-inch aramid-fibre woofer for lower and middle frequencies and a 0.75-inch silk-dome tweeter for higher frequencies. A tweeter is the small driver responsible for treble sounds such as cymbals, strings and the fine detail in a voice.

How It Connects

A computer can connect through USB-C, allowing the speakers’ internal DAC to convert the digital music data into an analogue signal. A DAC, or digital-to-analogue converter, is the part that turns a digital file or stream into the electrical signal used by the amplifier and speakers.

Phones, tablets and computers can also connect wirelessly using Bluetooth 5.3. The RCA and 3.5mm inputs cover analogue sources, including a CD player or a turntable with a built-in phono stage. A separate RCA output allows a powered subwoofer to be added later if more bass is wanted.

What aptX Adaptive Means

A Bluetooth codec is the method used to package and send sound wirelessly. AptX Adaptive can change its data rate according to the quality of the wireless connection. When conditions are good, it can prioritise higher-quality audio; when interference increases, it can adjust to help prevent dropouts.

The A2 Plus Gen 3 also supports aptX HD, aptX, AAC and LC3, so it can work with a wide range of source devices. The exact codec used will depend on what the connected phone, tablet or computer supports.

Who It Is For

These speakers make the most sense for somebody who wants a simple first stereo system or a clear upgrade from laptop speakers. They are small enough for a student desk, but their wired inputs mean they can also become the centre of a more traditional system with a CD player or turntable.

They are not designed to produce the deepest bass in a large room. The subwoofer output provides an upgrade route, but beginners can start with the speakers alone and add more only if they need it.

Price And Availability

The Audioengine A2 Plus Gen 3 costs $299 per pair in the United States and is available through Audioengine and authorised retailers. Regional prices may vary.

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