The artist Wassily Kandinsky once observed that color is a power that directly influences the soul. Yet in the world of home stereo equipment, the color spectrum rarely gets much attention, with hardware typically limited to a handful of standard finishes such as silver-faced classics, wood-grain boxes, and modern reflective piano black, leaving little room for vibrant alternatives.
Design and Visual Appeal
Having a home audio setup in such an unconventional and cheerful color palette brings an undeniable sense of joy to any space. The tech inside holds up remarkably well alongside the striking exterior. After spending months testing this audio suite, the results leave a lasting impression. Straight out of the box, it serves as a fantastic option for music enthusiasts who care just as much about the visual aesthetics of their living room as they do about pristine acoustic performance.
Straightforward Setup and Connectivity
One of the standout advantages of the Audioengine suite is how effortlessly it comes together during installation. Users simply plug in the A2+ speakers, link them using the provided stereo cables, and power them on. Connection options include streaming via Bluetooth or plugging in external hardware through standard stereo inputs, making it as fundamental and user-friendly as home hi-fi systems get.
Pairing the Crosley C6 turntable via Bluetooth proves just as seamless. The A2+ speakers feature an intuitive pairing mode that activates upon startup, signaled by a flashing Pair button located on the rear panel. Turning on the turntable while ensuring it rests in the line position utilizing the built-in preamp allows the C6 to instantly detect the speakers. Once successfully linked, the flashing indicator on the back of the speakers along with the turntable connection light turns solid blue.
Integrating the subwoofer follows the same straightforward process. Connecting an RCA cable from the RCA output on the rear of the A2+ units directly to the audio input on the back of the S6 subwoofer establishes the link. Users can then fine-tune the low-end presence and sound profile to their liking, after which the subwoofer volume adjusts in perfect lockstep with the A2+ speakers whenever the master volume changes.
Acoustic Performance Across Media
Following months of continuous listening and daily use, the kit proves exceptionally versatile while leaving room for personal tweaks and future upgrades. Right out of the box, the speakers, subwoofer, and turntable look fantastic and deliver warm, detailed sound. Despite their compact physical footprint, the A2+ speakers provide surprising depth and clarity, handling slashing guitars on Primus and Frank Zappa records or sophisticated soundstages on jazz albums by Paul Chambers and Bill Evans with ease. These units also double as great desktop companions for home gaming and laptop audio.
Adding the subwoofer to the A2+ setup drastically improves cinematic viewing experiences. Roasting lions and rushing wildlife sequences in 1995's Jumanji feel vivid, booming, and immersive. Moving smoothly from desktop computer output to a full living room stereo or home theater setup makes the hardware adaptable for any environment. The canary-yellow finish provides equal parts interior design satisfaction and reliable acoustic output at a competitive entry-level price point.
