Audioengine has been my favorite speaker brand for years. Unlike many brands that make overpriced products, Audioengine consistently delivers solid performance without breaking the bank. My most recent pair was the A2+ Speakers for my computer setup. I loved the portability and convenience of the A2+ but they did have some limitations when it came to audio depth and overall power. The Audioengine HD4 seems to be the perfect upgrade and I was excited to give them a try.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing you notice about the HD4 is its compact form factor. At just over 9 inches tall, these speakers fit easily on my desk. The build quality is solid as the speakers feel substantial without being overly heavy. Unlike cheaper alternatives that often cut corners with plastic enclosures, the HD4 is made of an MDF cabinet with a wood veneer finish, and that translates into better acoustics as well.
The HD4 system offers a lot of connectivity options, including Bluetooth aptX HD, USB-C, RCA, and 3.5mm inputs. In my case, I skip the included antenna and connect directly to my MacBook via a USB-C cable. This provides a clean, reliable digital signal and avoids any of the potential hiccups that come with wireless connections.
The HD4 also comes with preamp outputs, which means you can expand your system later. For instance, you can add a subwoofer or pair it with a power amp and passive speakers, using the HD4 as your DAC and preamp.
Another nice feature is the built-in headphone amplifier. Audioengine equipped the system with an OPA1602 amp capable of delivering up to 300mW at 32 ohms. It has enough juice to drive many high-impedance headphones that usually demand a dedicated amp. I tried it with a few different pairs, and the performance was impressive for something integrated into a speaker system. Just plug into the front port of the left speaker, and you’re good to go. If you need to switch between speakers and headphones, this is a very convenient feature.
Sound Performance
The HD4 sound exactly like I expected. For such a compact pair of speakers, they produce a full sound that works well for everyday computer use. What impressed me most is the bass response. Smaller speakers often overcompensate with muddy low end. The HD4 delivers a tight and controlled bass. For my small office space, it’s more than enough. If you need a deeper bass, you’ll want to add a subwoofer, but for nearfield listening, the HD4 is perfect for my setup.
Mids are warm and engaging, making vocals sound natural and clear. Highs are crisp without being harsh, allowing detail to come through without fatigue during long listening sessions. Imaging is another strong point; stereo separation feels precise.
The only upgrade I plan to make is adding speaker stands to angle the drivers directly at ear level. This would optimize the listening position and further enhance clarity.
Final Thoughts
The Audioengine HD4 is a great upgrade from my previous A2+; It is still compact while delivering excellent sound performance. From the tight bass response to the integrated headphone amp, the HD4 delivers maximum value in a small package. We at TechWalls highly recommend the speakers.
