Audioengine, the company known for their desktop powered speakers, is introducing a new model to its legacy HD-series named the HD4. At $449 a pair, the HD4 sits in the middle of the HD-series range between the HD3 ($349) and HD6 ($699), both in terms of price and performance.
The company says the HD4 speakers offer versatile, high-fidelity audio for smaller spaces with excellent music reproduction that surrounds you with a sense of presence that most compact systems often miss. They can be used in a desktop environment with a laptop of PC or on a bookshelf.
As with all the speakers in the HD-series, the HD4 features Bluetooth aptX-HD for enhanced wireless fidelity from devices (mainly smartphones and laptops) that support the aptX-HD technology. Although it should be noted Apple has never supported aptX or the improved aptX-HD in any of their products, so there’s no extra benefit if you’re wirelessly connecting an iPhone, iPad or MacBook. Nonetheless, many Android phones do support aptX-HD, which can improve wireless sound quality when the music source is of higher quality.
Besides wireless, HD4 offers wired connections via USB input from a computer, a stereo mini-jack, and RCA inputs and output. The left speaker has a convenient volume/power knob on the front and also contains the internal amplifier. So to connect up the right speaker you’ll need to run a speaker cable (included) into it. Like many wireless speakers, they’re not completely wire-free.
Features
- Quick and easy setup
- No network setup, no passwords, no hassle
- Versatile playback in any room, from any app or device
- High-fidelity stereo sound for desktops and small spaces
- Modern, compact design that fits in and fills up any room
- Low-latency Bluetooth aptX-HD, extended-range wireless streaming
- Analog input for easy turntable connection
- Aramid fiber woofers and silk dome tweeters
- Built-in power amps wrapped in precision tuned, hand-built and finished wood-veneer cabinets
Specifications Comparison
| HD3 | HD4 | HD6 | |
| MSRP | $349.00 | $499.00 | $699.00 |
| Power output | 60W peak power total (15W RMS / 30W peak per channel), AES | 120W peak power total (30W RMS / 60W peak per channel), AES | 150W peak power total (50W RMS, 75W peak per channel) |
| Drivers | 2.75″ aramid fiber woofers, 3/4″ silk dome tweeters | 4″ Aramid fiber woofers, 3/4” silk dome tweeters | 5.5″ aramid fiber woofers, 1″ silk dome tweeters |
| Frequency response | 65Hz-22kHz +/-2.0dB | 60Hz-22kHz +/-1.5dB | 50Hz-22kHz +/-1.5dB |
| DAC | OPA2134 | AKM AK4396 | |
| Inputs | 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, stereo RCA, USB, Bluetooth | 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, USB, RCA L/R, Bluetooth | 3.5mm mini-jack, RCA L/R, digital optical (SPDIF) Bluetooth aptX |
| Bluetooth | AAC, aptX, aptX HD | aptX HD, aptX with very low latency, aptX, AAC, SBC | AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Outputs | RCA variable line-out, 3.5mm mini-jack headphone out | Dual RCA variable | Variable line-out w/2.0V RMS max output, 47ohm output impedance |
| Input voltages | 110-240V 50/60Hz auto-switching | 110-240V 50/60Hz auto-switching | 115/240V, 50/60Hz manually-switchable |
| Amplifier type | Dual analog class A/B monolithic | Dual analog class A/B monolithic | Dual analog class A/B monolithic |
| SNR | >95dB (typical A-weighted) | >95dB (typical A-weighted) | >95dB (typical A-weighted) |
| THD+N | <0.05% at all power settings | <0.05% at all power settings | <0.05% at all power settings |
| Crosstalk | <50dB | <50dB | <50dB |
| Analog input impedance | 5K ohms unbalanced | 48Kohms unbalanced (mini-jack and RCA inputs) | |
| Weight (LEFT speaker) | 4 lbs (1.8kg) | 17.5 lbs (8kg) | |
| Weight (RIGHT speaker) | 3.4lbs (1.5kg) | 12.5 lbs (5.5kg) | |
| Dimensions, each speaker (HWD): | 7” x 4.25” x 5.5” | 6.5” x 5.5″ x 9” | 11.75″ x 7.25” x 10” |
| Colors | Satin Black, High-Gloss White, Walnut | Satin Black, Walnut | Satin Black, High-Gloss White, Walnut, Cherry |
Price & Availability
The Audioengine HD4 wireless speakers are available now for $449 at Amazon, direct from audioengineusa.com and from over 400 authorized worldwide resellers.
