Audioengine HD6 Premium Powered Speaker System Review

Introduction

This review addresses a sentiment that high-quality, affordable audio equipment is no longer readily available. The author counters this by highlighting manufacturers like Audioengine, which produce such components, using the HD6 Premium Powered Speaker System as a prime example.

Component Overview

The reviewer recalls a previous positive experience with the Audioengine D2 24-Bit Wireless DAC and its pairing with the Audioengine A5+ speakers, noting the A5+'s "larger than life sound." The HD6 system is presented as a significant evolution, featuring larger cabinets and an elevated performance bar compared to previous models.

Design and Features

Audioengine's website is noted for its comprehensive information. The HD6 speakers are considered a major advancement, embodying the company's decade of experience. Powering the speakers is a Class A/B 50 Watt per channel amplifier, utilizing a linear power supply and toroidal transformer, rather than an assumed Class D amplifier. Connectivity includes both analog and digital inputs; the optical digital input supports signals up to 24-bit/96kHz, and an aptX Bluetooth input allows for wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, or computers. The HD6 speakers feature magnetically attached grilles and are available in furniture-grade wood veneers (black, walnut, or cherry) at a uniform price. The 5.5-inch Kevlar woofers are newly designed with die-cast aluminum baskets, and the silk dome tweeters are also new, upgraded with neodymium magnets and ferrofluid-cooled voice coils. Audioengine states the cabinets are thicker and more stable to reduce resonance. Customers purchasing directly from Audioengine's online store receive a 30-day return policy with no restocking fee.

[Image: Two Audioengine HD6 speakers, showcasing their wooden cabinets, woofers, and tweeters.]

Connectivity and Setup

Connecting the HD6 speakers to an audio source is described as simple. Audioengine includes all necessary cables: a power cable, a two-meter mini-jack interconnect, a two-meter interconnect terminated with RCAs, and 12 feet of 16 AWG speaker cable. Setup involves connecting the left speaker to a power source, linking the left and right speakers with the provided cable, and then connecting the audio source to the inputs on the rear of the left speaker.

The included silver remote control, though small, is praised for its solid metal construction and intuitive layout, which quickly becomes easy to use.

[Image: Audio cables including mini-jack to RCA and speaker wire, alongside a silver remote control.]

Performance and Sound Quality

The reviewer details extensive testing of the HD6 speakers in various audio setups, including a desktop system integrated with a computer music server. The speakers are commended for their neutral sound signature, which is compared favorably to other high-end two-way speakers, particularly given their self-powered design and integrated DAC, representing excellent value.

The performance is further explored through listening to music by David Bowie. The HD6 are noted for their ability to reproduce sonic details from multi-track recordings, allowing listeners to discern individual instrument contributions and the acoustic environments of the recordings. While acknowledging the physical limitations of smaller speakers, the soundstage is described as detailed and natural, avoiding the overly analytical presentation of studio monitors or the indistinct sound of lesser bookshelf speakers. The treble is highlighted as excellent and extended, handling high frequencies adeptly without significant distortion or sibilance, though minor harshness in the lower treble is attributed to potential source material issues.

The bass response is rated down to 50Hz. While not reaching sub-sonic frequencies, the speakers create a perceived sense of depth through a subtle mid-bass hump. This characteristic effectively reproduces the impact of kick drums and provides a satisfying low-end presence, even at higher volumes where the bass can be felt physically.

Recommendation

The Audioengine HD6 amplified speakers receive a strong recommendation. They are ideal for music enthusiasts and audiophiles seeking compact, self-powered speakers suitable for diverse applications, from enhancing computer audio to serving as a primary system in smaller rooms or offices where larger speakers are impractical. The HD6 are praised for delivering sound quality far beyond "decent" while eliminating the need for separate amplifiers, preamplifiers, and DACs. Considering their price point, they are deemed an exceptional value, making them an accessible and highly recommended option, even for novice audiophiles who can easily connect them to sources like turntables.

Specifications

Company Information

Company: Audioengine, LLC

Address: 6500 River Place Blvd., Building 7, Suite 250, Austin, TX 78730

Voice: (877) 853-4447

Email: support@audioengineusa.com

Website: www.audioengineusa.com