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Audioengine HD6 Wireless Powered Speakers Review

Introduction

After much deliberation and research, I finally took the plunge and invested in the Audioengine HD6 Wireless Powered Speakers. My aging stereo system was comprised of an Onkyo receiver and a pair of Infinity speakers, both of which, despite being pleasing to the ear, felt outdated and cumbersome. I was ready for something more modern, streamlined, and, frankly, more eye-catching.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

The first thing that caught my attention was the impressive packaging of the Audioengine HD6. They arrived triple-boxed, making it feel like I was unwrapping a precious artifact. Inside, both speakers and all peripheral cables came in snug soft gray bags, which added a premium touch. The speakers themselves, adorned in a walnut veneer, looked sharp and substantial, although I noticed they leaned more towards brown and gray tones rather than the red hues depicted online.

Setup and Features

Setting up the Audioengine HD6 was straightforward. The included cables were of decent quality, but I decided to use a heavier gauge RCA cable to attach my newly purchased Onkyo CD player. Everything connected seamlessly, and the system powered on with reassuring solidity. After allowing the system to warm up, I loaded a disc and began my listening experience.

The functionality extended beyond CD playback. I also planned to stream FLAC audio from my aptX-capable Android tablet (Asus Zen 8). Pairing the tablet with the speakers was easy, and the Bluetooth connection remained robust, delivering high-quality sound without any hiccups. It was a pleasant surprise to experience such good performance through Bluetooth, with no noticeable degradation in sound quality.

Sound Quality

Describing the sound quality of the Audioengine HD6 involves a few layers. First, let’s talk about the tone. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be “natural.” These speakers deliver a balanced sound that’s neither overwhelming nor underwhelming in any frequency range. The silk dome tweeters offer a detailed yet laid-back high end, avoiding the harshness sometimes associated with metal dome tweeters. This makes listening non-fatiguing and enjoyable over extended periods.

The midrange is where these speakers truly shine. On albums like Bill Frisell’s “Guitar in the Space Age,” the guitar tones are vividly detailed. The bass registers, solid and taut, are not as ground-shaking as some might prefer, but they are tight and well-defined. The speakers do have a limit; pushing them at very high volumes can introduce some distortion, but for normal listening levels, they perform superbly.

Additional Setup with Subwoofer

One of my experiments involved integrating a Klipsch subwoofer into the setup, crossing it over at around 65-70 Hz. This expanded the bass capabilities and provided that extra punch for bass-heavy tracks like upright bass stands and kick drums. While the blend was subtle, it was the perfect complement to an already robust system and added the necessary depth for fuller sound in larger rooms.

Audioengine HD6 Review

Build Quality and Aesthetics

In terms of build quality, the Audioengine HD6 does not disappoint. The veneer finish, although a veneer over MDF, looks beautiful and feels substantial. The remote, though requiring careful aim, is functional and user-friendly. These speakers won’t just sound good; they’ll look good in your living room, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Usability and Ease of Use

When it comes to ease of use, setting up and operating the Audioengine HD6 is a breeze. Streaming music via Bluetooth from my tablet was seamless, and I appreciated the convenience of not having to fiddle with multiple components. However, if you’re someone who likes to tinker with EQ settings, be aware that the HD6 doesn’t offer this. The speakers sound as they are, without any built-in options for tweaking the audio output, which suited me just fine.

Who Should Buy These Speakers?

If you take your music seriously and value ease of use, aesthetics, and an all-in-one solution, the Audioengine HD6 Wireless Powered Speakers are worth considering. They are not the cheapest option on the market, and surpassing the guilt of their price tag can be a challenge. However, once you experience the sound quality and the convenience they offer, you’ll realize they are worth every penny.

Moreover, if you tend to listen to genres like small group jazz, chamber music, and classic rock, these speakers will impress. However, for those primarily looking to blast dance music in a large room, integrating a subwoofer is advisable for that extra low-end kick.

Comparisons to Other Products

Before settling on the HD6, I also considered the Audioengine A5+ and, to a lesser extent, other powered speaker systems that come at a lower price point. While the A5+ is a good option, the inclusion of a premium amplifier, built-in DAC, and exceptional Bluetooth interface in the HD6 justified my choice. They offer a more refined sound and advanced features, making them stand out among similarly priced competitors.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

    • Exceptional sound quality with natural tone
    • Beautiful veneer finish and substantial build
    • Seamless Bluetooth connectivity with aptX support
    • Built-in DAC and premium amplifier
    • Non-fatiguing, detailed listening experience

Cons:

    • High upfront cost
    • Limited to their preset sound; no built-in EQ adjustments
    • Distortion at very high volumes
    • Remote requires careful aiming
    • Slightly large for typical desktop setups

Conclusion

Overall, my experience with the Audioengine HD6 Wireless Powered Speakers has been overwhelmingly positive. They combine excellent sound quality, a beautiful aesthetic, and modern features to create an all-in-one solution that will enhance any small to midsized room. While they do come with a few drawbacks, such as the price and some distortion at higher volumes, these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things.

Suppose you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality audio solution that integrates seamlessly with modern technology while also delivering detailed, natural sound, and you’re ready to invest. In that case, the Audioengine HD6 is a solid choice. Just remember that sometimes, you do get what you pay for, and in this case, that’s an exceptional listening experience.

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Bass Response
7.2
The bass response of the HD6 is good but not exceptional. It is described as tight and crisp, but not ground-shaking. Users have found that while it handles mid-bass well, it lacks the depth needed for deep organ music or movie explosions. A subwoofer adds the needed extension for a fuller experience, particularly for larger rooms or more demanding audio needs.
Treble Detail
8
The treble detail of the HD6 is quite commendable. The silk dome tweeter is noted for being laid-back and detailed without being harsh or overly bright. It allows users to appreciate the finer details in music without causing ear fatigue, though it may not be as incisive as some metal dome tweeters. Overall, it offers a pleasant high-end experience.
Midrange Clarity
9
Midrange clarity is one of the strongest aspects of the HD6. User reviews highlight the outstanding naturalness and clarity in the vocals and instruments. Whether it’s for music or movies, the mids come through clearly and naturally, making for an engaging listening experience.
Design
8.8
The design of the HD6 is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The speakers are compact yet substantial, with a high-quality finish that looks more like hardwood furniture than typical MDF. The packaging is also thoughtful, adding to the premium feel. However, some may find them larger than expected for a desktop setup.
Sound Quality
8.5
Overall sound quality of the HD6 is impressive, providing a balanced, natural, and non-fatiguing listening experience. While the bass might fall short for some, the mids and highs create an inviting soundstage that's suitable for various genres of music as well as movies. Its performance at low volumes is also commendable, maintaining quality even when not played loudly.
Value for Money
8.5
Audioengine HD6 offers great value for money, especially considering it combines an amplifier, DAC, and Bluetooth capabilities in one package. Compared to purchasing separate components, the HD6's integrated solution is cost effective without compromising on quality. While the price might seem high at first, the all-in-one feature justifies the cost well for most users.
8.3
Total Score
Rating Summary
The Audioengine HD6 offers an impressive combination of sound quality, functionality, and design. From a value-for-money standpoint, it's hard to beat the integrated DAC, amplifier, and Bluetooth at this price point. The bass response, while tight and controlled, might not satisfy those looking for extreme lows, but pairing it with a subwoofer can fill in that gap nicely. The treble is detailed without being harsh, and the midrange clarity stands out as a major strength. The overall sound quality is balanced and pleasant, making listening sessions enjoyable across various music genres and movies. Design-wise, the speakers are beautifully crafted, adding a touch of elegance to any setup. They might be slightly large for some desktop settings, but they fit perfectly in a small to midsized room. On the downside, the Bluetooth performance is solid, but ensuring aptX usage is crucial for optimal sound quality. In summary, the Audioengine HD6 is a well-rounded speaker system that delivers a rich and engaging audio experience, making it a worthwhile investment for serious audiophiles and casual listeners alike.