Audioengine A1-MR Review

Audioengine is best known for crafting accuracy-focused speakers that avoid digital signal processing (DSP)—no small feat in the era of wireless audio. Its new A1-MR speakers ($229) are a Wi-Fi-based update to the Bluetooth-only A1 ($199). Like the A1, the speakers deliver crisp, balanced audio with real stereo separation. And thanks to Wi-Fi they also support lossless playback and work with an app that enables multiroom streaming. We wish the app had some form of EQ and that the speakers didn't drop Bluetooth support completely, but that doesn't change the fact that they sound just as good as the A1 and offer more versatility. If it's Bluetooth you're after, the original A1 speakers are still available, while the $299.95 Harman Kardon SoundSticks 4 are our Editors’ Choice in the category.Distinctive Design The A1-MR's handsome black-gray speaker cabinets are made of sturdy MDF and measure 6.0 by 4.0 by 5.3 inches (HWD) each. The powered left speaker weighs 3.4 pounds, while the p...

Audioengine's A1-MR speakers deliver top-notch audio free of digital signal processing, with Wi-Fi support for lossless audio and multiroom playback.

Rich, natural, and detailed audio with no digital signal processing; Multiroom playback via app; Wired aux input and subwoofer output

App doesn’t have an EQ; Not for those seeking powerful bass; Drivers aren't angled upward for ideal playback

Audioengine A1 Review

The new Audioengine A1 (also listed as the Audioengine One) is a compact pair of powered stereo bookshelf Bluetooth speakers. Without built-in Alexa or speakerphone functionality, these $199 speakers are a dramatic departure from the ubiquitous all-in-one mono models that dominate the market. You get two distinct speakers for true stereo separation, and there’s no DSP (digital signal processing), which means you’re hearing the unadulterated audio without any dynamic compression/limiting or EQ. If you're looking for accurate, balanced audio from your PC or phone, this is a strong system for the price.Design The A1 speakers are black and gray, each measuring 6.0 by 4.0 by 5.3 inches (HWD) and weighing 6.7 pounds. There are no grille covers—Audioengine instead opts for an exposed driver look, a decision we’ll always approve of. The speaker cabinets each house a 2.75-inch aramid fiber woofer and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, which combine for a frequency range of 65Hz to 22kHz. The A...

The wireless Audioengine A1 is a surprisingly affordable pair of bookshelf speakers that deliver sonic accuracy and detail without digital signal processing.

Accurate stereo audio performance with no DSP; Wired aux in and subwoofer out; AAC and AptX support

Lacks powerful bass depth; Drivers should be angled upward to align with ears