(Small speakers): Homepod mini pair vs Audioengine A2+

[Romf]

Hi guys,

So here is the thing, I have a pair of homepod minis on my desktop, and I like the sound of that (small desktop, small room, not a lot of space on the desk).
Unfortunately I have some wifi issues in that place so after trying everything I'm thinking of switching to a pair of wired speakers.

I looked at a lot of options online, and ended up looking at the Audioengine A2+ as they have generally good reviews AND are small - I have a LG 5K screen and a small desk, so I can't put big speakers there.
I also read some people saying that the sound of the A2+ is disappointing.

So here is the thing: of course we all have a different sensibility about sound, and we are not all audio pros.

Knowing that for my setup there, a pair of homepod minis sounds great for me, is an Audioengine A2+ worse or better soundwise?


Thanks!

 

[gdbleb]

I have had a pair of the Audioengine A2+ for a few years now and like them very much for desktop use. I can't compare them to the homepods as I never tried them.
Have you tried a WiFi extender to address that issue?

 

[montuori]

I like the A2+ a lot. The audio quality is better than the price would have you believe. I also get mileage out of the RCA in/out (mixtapes!). I had a power supply go bad (though it wasn't the only PS in my office to die, I suspect something funky with the shoddy electricity delivery here in New Orleans); ordering a replacement was trivial.

I prefer the sound to that of the HomePod mini but I'm pretty sure you can find all sorts of opinions that contradict mine.

 

[jck1634]

I've been using HomePod minis as a stereo pair on my Mac setup for pretty much as long as it's been available. I know a lot people complain about lag issues and connectivity issues etc but the sound is really good especially when you're watching a movie. My only gripe with them was always having to manually connect them to my Mac. I tried everything to get them to be the default output on my Mac but it just would never happen.

Now, about 2 months ago I bought a pair of A2+ and I would say the sound is comparable. I honestly wouldn't say they were better or worse. The sound isn't as strong on the low end but is better in the mids and highs but only just. Where, I think the A2+ has the advantage, especially if you connect via USB is they connect and stay connected. It's a lot more convenient in that respects.

Is it worth spending a large amount of money when you already have a pair of HomePods? for me, it was considering I still use the HomePods as smart speakers around the house. Also you said you didn't have a lot of space on your desk. The A2+ take up a lot more space than the HomePods. Especially if you get the stands (you should definitely get the stands)

 

[TonyC28]

I've been using HomePod minis as a stereo pair on my Mac setup for pretty much as long as it's been available. I know a lot people complain about lag issues and connectivity issues etc but the sound is really good especially when you're watching a movie. My only gripe with them was always having to manually connect them to my Mac. I tried everything to get them to be the default output on my Mac but it just would never happen.

I’m having some issues getting this dialed in. I’m using an external monitor with my MacBook and trying to get the sound to one (for now) HomePod mini. If I play a video or song it works fine but system alert sounds still come through the MacBook. Is there a trick to this?

 

[satcomer]

I’m having some issues getting this dialed in. I’m using an external monitor with my MacBook and trying to get the sound to one (for now) HomePod mini. If I play a video or song it works fine but system alert sounds still come through the MacBook. Is there a trick to this?

Yep it's in your /Applications/Utilities/Audio Midi Setup.app! Make sure all sound are routed!

 

[TonyC28]

Yep it's in your /Applications/Utilities/Audio Midi Setup.app! Make sure all sound are routed!

Thank you!

 

[TonyC28]

Yep it's in your /Applications/Utilities/Audio Midi Setup.app! Make sure all sound are routed!

Can you expand on this a little? I found the Audio Midi Setup application but there aren't many settings to tinker with. I don't even see the HomePod there. I'm using an external LG monitor with my M1 MacBook Air. USB-C connection. Even when I try to use the monitor's speakers I am missing something because I can't control volume on it.

 

[satcomer]

The plus button!

 

[joker00]

I personally like the sound of the A2+ (we have both), and it's much simpler to get working.