Audioengine has announced its latest wireless speaker set, the A1-MR ($229 at Audioengineusa.com). Building on their successful A1 Bluetooth speakers, Audioengine changes things up in the new A1-MR by dumping Bluetooth and incorporating Wi-Fi and wireless multi-room audio capability.
Why Audioengine couldn’t have included both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi seems odd, but Wi-Fi does add more listening flexibility and better audio quality from compatible sources. It must also be noted that the A1-MR does not include a USB port for playing music files from USB flash drives.
However, just like the previous A1, the A1-MR also includes a 3.5mm analog audio input and an RCA subwoofer output should you want to boost that bass.
A1-MR Speaker Configuration
Out of the box, the A1-MR consists of two speakers. The left channel speaker contains the built-in amplifiers for both speakers, physical connections, volume control, and Wi-Fi capability. The Built-in amp and other features require that the A1-MR left channel speaker be connected to AC power. The powered left channel speaker connects the right channel passive speaker via a traditional speaker wire.
Wi-Fi, Control App, and Multi-room Audio
Where the wireless part comes in is that the A1-MR connects your home Wi-Fi network. This allows the speakers to work with the Audioengine Control App for iOS and Android.
Using the app you can control the operation of the speaker system, as well as access several popular music streaming services including Amazon Music, Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Napster, and more.
The control app allows you to set up multiple A1-MR speaker systems around the house and stream music to one or more of them.
You can also stream music from compatible smartphones using Spotify Connect or AirPlay.
In addition to streaming, you can use the A1-MR with any that has an analog audio output, such as a turntable (with built-in preamp), TVs, PC/Laptop soundcard, audio cassette deck, or CD player. An RCA to minijack cable is included if needed.
A1-MR Core Specifications
Amplifier Type: Class D
Power Output: 60 W peak power total (15 W RMS / 30 W peak per channel), AES
Midrange/Woofers: 2.75” aramid fiber
Tweeters: 0.75“ Silk dome tweeters
Inputs: 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, Wi-Fi
Outputs: LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) variable line-out for an optional subwoofer.
Input Voltage: 100-240 V 50/60 Hz auto-switching
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): >95 dB (typical A-weighted)
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N): <0.05% at all power settings
Stereo Crosstalk: <50 dB
Frequency Response: 65 Hz-22 kHz ±2.0 dB
Protection: Output current limiting, thermal over-temperature, power on/off transient protection
Power Consumption: 10W (idle)
Dimensions (HWD): Each speaker – 6″ (15.2 cm) x 4″ (10.2 cm) x 5.25″ (13.3 cm)
Weight: Left (powered speaker) – 3.1 lb (1.4 kg), Right (passive speaker) – 2.4 lb (1.1 kg)
Total Shipping Weight: 7.6 lb (3.5 kg)
Shipping Box Dimensions (LWH): 15″ x (38.1 cm) 7.25″ (18.4 cm) x 11″ (27.9 cm)
What’s In The Box
Here are the accessories included with the A1-MR system.
- 1 A1-MR Powered (left) speaker with Wi-Fi
- 1 A1-MR Passive (right) speaker
- 1 Speaker wire pair (16AWG)
- 1 AC power cord
- 1 Mini-jack audio cable
- 1 Mini-jack to RCA audio cable.
- 1 Setup guide (pdf)
Pricing & Availability
The Audioengine A1-MR wireless stereo speakers are available now for:
- $229/pair from Amazon.com or direct from audioengineusa.com.
Optional Subwoofers are also available now:
- S8 Wired Subwoofer – $349 at Amazon or audioengineusa.com
- S8 Wireless Subwoofer – $489 at Amazon or audioengineusa.com
