Andover Audio’s primary focus has been providing music listeners with affordable vinyl playback options that includes their SpinDeck, SpinBase, and Turntable Music Systems.
However, Andover is adding something different to its product line, a powered bookshelf speaker pair called the SpeakEasy 4 Powered Speaker System.
This is Andover’s first standalone powered speaker system. The SpeakEasy 4 is easy to set up and provides digital, analog (including a built-in phono preamp), and wireless Bluetooth connectivity. This means you can connect a variety of source components to the system including a turntable, CD players, a compatible streaming device (such as the Andover Songbird), or a turntable.
What is SpeakEasy 4?
The right channel speaker incorporates all the source connectivity for the system but both speakers have their own built-in amplifiers. The audio signals that are needed for the left channels speaker are transferred from the Right Channel speaker via a special connection. The result is a compact two-channel speaker system that is designed to deliver a full stereo sound listening experience.
The Speakers
Each SpeakEasy 4 speaker has a 4-inch woofer and 3⁄4-inch silk-dome tweeter. The SpeakEasy 4 speakers are powered by Andover’s Dual Direct Drive. Each woofer and tweeter is powered by its own dedicated amplifier. This is designed to support the smoothest possible transition for detailed distortion-free sound that is clear at any volume level.
Connectivity Options
Phono Input: For vinyl LP playback, the SpeakEasy 4’s Phono input is compatible with most turntables without requiring a separate phono preamplifier.
Auxiliary Input: This is an analog input that can connect a CD player, tuner, personal computer, or any other line-level source.
Digital Imputs: The SpeakEasy 4’s Toslinks accept high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz (two-channel PCM only, no Dolby or DTS decoding is provided).
HDMI-ARC: This makes it easy to get audio from a HDMI-ARC enabled TV (most TVs) to the SpeakEasy 4 — making it a great soundbar substitute in addition to music playback.
USB Port: This allows the playback of song files stored on USB flash drivers directly through the SpeakEasy 4, as well as being able to power and charge a mobile device (smartphones, tablets) or Andover’s own Songbird Streamer.
Bluetooth: The SpeakEasy 4 includes a built-in Bluetooth receiver.
Preamp Outputs: The SpeakEasy 4 also has line pre-outs that permit connection of additional powered speakers, and/or a powered subwoofer.
Additional Features
LED Night Mode: This sets the speakers’ internal lights to dim five seconds after the user changes the volume, advances a track, or makes another adjustment.
Control: Easily control the SpeakEasy 4 with its included IR remote, or with its intuitive front-panel control knob with LED to indicate operation modes.
Automatic Power-On: The SpeakEasy 4 wakes from Standby mode when an audio signal is sensed on the input that was active when the speaker was last placed on Standby. This means that when you turn your selected source component on the SpeakEasy 4 will automatically wake so you can hear the music.
Grilles: The speakers come with removable grilles.
Bass Reflex: The SpeakEasy 4 has a MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) cabinet that incorporates internal bracing and a bass reflex slotted vent for lower resonance.
Finish: White or black vinyl veneer finish
Specifications
- Product Description: Powered Loudspeaker System with phono preamplifier and Bluetooth-compatible wireless receiver
- Amplifier Type: Dual Direct Drive, Class D
- Power Output: 150W total; 50W RMS to each woofer, 25W RMS to each tweeter.
- Port: Rear Mounted Slot vent
- Woofer (each speaker): 1 x 4-inches; (100mm) treated-paper diaphragm, long excursion
- Tweeter (each speaker): 3⁄4-inch (19mm) soft dome
- Frequency Response (±3dB): 55Hz–20kHz, (under laboratory conditions)
- Input Impedance: Phono, 47k ohm / 47pF Line, 8k ohm
- AC power Consumption: 100–240VAC / 180W
- Dimensions
- Height: 9.5 inches (240mm)
- Width: 6-inches (150mm)
- Depth: 8.25-inches (210mm) including knob
- Weight
- Right speaker: 7.3 lbs (3.3kg)
- Left speaker: 6.1 lbs (2.75kg)
From Bob Hazelwood, Andover’s Director of Engineering and Product Development: “We enjoyed great success with our unique SpinBase series of one-box powered speakers for vinyl fans…We feel it is important also to offer a more conventional powered speaker option that will not only seamlessly integrate with existing Andover components like the Songbird Streamer and SpinDeck 2 turntable, but also accommodate digital and analog sources via a well-performing, affordable tabletop speaker for anyone looking to significantly enhance these sources’ sound quality. The result is the SpeakEasy 4—effortless setup and operation with detailed sound for a wide range of home entertainment needs. As the name implies, we’ve made something that is easy to connect and use with whatever source you have.”
Initial Impressions
Andover Audio is making an interesting strategic move by entering the powered speaker market. Compared to some other brands (see related reading section below), the SpeakEasy 4 is very reasonably priced, especially with the inclusion of a HDMI-ARC connection.
One interesting feature is the inclusion of a dedicated phono preamp which includes the required ground connection. This is very convenient and ties the SpeakEasy 4 to the rest of the Andover turntable offerings. The only complaint I have so far is that the ground connection is located on the opposite side of the connection panel from the L/R channel phono connections.
Price & Availability
The SpeakEasy 4 is available for pre-order (expected delivery in July) for $399/pair in a black or white vinyl finish at www.andoveraudio.com.
Related Reading
