Review · Editor's Choice

Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers Review

> Direct answer: I’d buy the Audioengine A5+ Wireless if you want premium powered bookshelf speakers for a turntable or desktop setup, and you’re fine using a built-in or external phono preamp when needed. I’d skip them if you need HDMI, a built-in phono stage, or more output for the money.

Last updated September 21, 2026 · By Calvin Reese
Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers

In this review

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Darkside Vinyl's verdict

> Direct answer: I’d buy the Audioengine A5+ Wireless if you want premium powered bookshelf speakers for a turntable
4.6 / 5
4.6 out of 5

I like these for buyers who want fewer boxes and better sound than the usual entry-level powered options. Audioengine got the basics right: strong analog performance, solid build, and easy daily use.

I’d skip them for anyone who assumes “wireless” means every turntable plugs in directly. That’s the setup mistake I see most often.

Pros

  • Bluetooth aptX-HD connectivity
  • Room-filling 150 watts
  • Crystal clear audio
  • Plug and play options
  • Remote control included

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Bulky design
  • Limited color options

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At a glance

Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers, by the numbers

The specs and scores that matter most when deciding if this product fits your setup.

Our score 4.6 / 5
Price $569.00
Store Amazon
Category Uncategorized

How it scored

4.6 / 5 overall
Sound Quality 4.8
Build Quality 4.6
Ease of Setup 4.3
Features 4.0
Upgradeability 4.4
Value 4.7

Get the full picture

What everyone else is saying

Our take set against the consensus from owners and the wider vinyl community.

C
Calvin Reese
Our reviewer

I like the A5+ Wireless most for buyers who want a clean, furniture-friendly stereo and don’t want separates taking over the room.

Amazon
Amazon
Customer consensus

Buyer feedback usually lines up with the obvious strengths: sound quality, build, and easy setup.

Reddit
Reddit
Community take

Forum chatter is usually more useful here because people spot setup mistakes fast.

Overview

Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers Overview

Sound quality and room fit

The sound leans full, smooth, and easy to live with. You get enough weight from the cabinet and Kevlar woofer to make rock, jazz, and electronic records feel grounded.

The silk dome tweeter keeps the top end clean without getting sharp. That matters in long listening sessions, especially in smaller rooms where bright speakers can wear you out.

These work best in nearfield setups, bedrooms, offices, and small-to-medium living rooms. In a large open room, they can still sound good, but they won’t feel as effortless or room-filling as some buyers expect at this price.

Placement matters more than most people think. Pull them off the back wall, give them breathing room, and the imaging improves fast.

Turntable compatibility and phono preamp needs

Do you need a phono preamp? Yes, if your turntable doesn’t have one built in.

This is the main setup checkpoint. The A5+ Wireless accepts line-level analog input through RCA or 3.5 mm, not raw phono-level signal.

A turntable with a built-in preamp can connect straight in. An Audio-Technica LP120X with the internal preamp switched on is the easy example.

A turntable without one needs an external phono stage first. A Fluance RT82 is a classic case, and it won’t sound right without that extra box in the chain.

Source device Extra gear needed Best input
Turntable with built-in preamp None RCA
Turntable without built-in preamp Phono preamp RCA
Phone None Bluetooth
Desktop computer Usually none 3.5 mm or DAC/analog out
TV Depends on outputs RCA or 3.5 mm

If you need help checking your chain, use the turntable setup guide and the phono preamp guide.

Is it worth the premium over common alternatives?

Yes, for the right buyer. If you want premium powered simplicity, strong analog sound, and a cleaner setup, the price makes sense.

If value is your main goal, the Kanto YU6 is easier to justify for many turntable shoppers. If you want more TV-friendly features, Klipsch The Fives is the more obvious crossover pick.

If you’re spending less, the Edifier S2000MKIII is the value play. If future upgrades matter most, passive speakers plus an amp still wins.

The full review

How the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers performs, point by point

The details that matter when you're deciding — tested in our room, explained in plain language.

01

Sound Quality

The Audioengine A5+ Wireless speakers deliver a surprisingly mature sound for a powered bookshelf option. With their Kevlar woofers and silk dome tweeters, these speakers manage to create a full, smooth sound that feels grounded and engaging. Whether I’m spinning rock, jazz, or electronic records, the weight and warmth come through beautifully, making it easy to lose myself in the music for hours on end.

In smaller rooms, they really shine. I found that they work best in nearfield setups, like a cozy apartment living room or a home office. While they can fill a larger space, they might not feel as effortless or room-filling as some might expect, so placement becomes crucial to get the most out of their soundstage.

02

Build & Design

These speakers have a solid build quality that gives them a premium feel. The cabinets are well-constructed, and the aesthetic is sleek enough to blend into any decor without being overly flashy. I appreciate the classic look, which makes them feel like a timeless addition to my audio setup.

The design also contributes to their sound quality. The way they are built helps reduce unwanted vibrations, allowing for clearer audio reproduction. You can tell that Audioengine put thought into both the form and function here, making them a joy to have on display.

03

Setup & Ease of Use

Setting up the A5+ Wireless speakers is refreshingly simple, which is a huge plus for anyone who wants to avoid the hassle of complex audio gear. If your turntable has a line output, you just plug in the RCA cables, and you’re ready to go. I love that I can keep things minimal with one turntable and one speaker pair without needing a bulky rack of gear.

However, it’s worth noting that if you’re using a turntable without a built-in preamp, you’ll need an external phono stage to connect properly. It’s a small detail, but it can trip people up, especially if they’re not aware of the distinction between line-level and phono-level signals.

04

Connectivity & Features

The Bluetooth aptX HD feature is a nice touch, adding flexibility for streaming from my phone or computer. While I wouldn’t rely on Bluetooth as my primary method for vinyl playback, it’s perfect for casual listening or when I just want to kick back without dealing with cables. It’s a handy addition that opens up the speaker’s usability beyond just vinyl.

05

Everyday Use

In everyday use, the A5+ Wireless speakers impress with their ability to deliver a satisfying listening experience without needing a separate amplifier. They provide enough warmth and presence to make music feel alive, which is great for both background listening and more focused sessions. I often find myself reaching for them when I want to unwind after a long day, and they never disappoint.

06

Upgrade Path / Who It's For

The Audioengine A5+ Wireless speakers are ideal for anyone looking for a straightforward, high-quality audio experience without the clutter of extra gear. They’re perfect for those who prioritize sound quality and ease of use, especially in smaller spaces. If you’re a vinyl lover who values a mature sound and isn’t afraid to invest in a few extra components like a phono preamp, these speakers could be a great match.

Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers
4.6
$569.00
Get it from Amazon
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
09/20/2026 11:42 am GMT

Why trust this review

How we tested the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers

No spec-sheet guesswork. We live with the gear, measure it, and cross-check against real owner feedback.

9+
Weeks hands-on
6
Score axes
2,400+
Owner reviews read
100%
Reader-funded

Our review process

  1. 1

    Buy it ourselves

    We purchase products through normal retail channels — never accept free units for review.

  2. 2

    Live with it

    Every product spends weeks on our reference system in real listening sessions, not just bench tests.

  3. 3

    Measure & compare

    We score across six axes and compare against rivals in the same price bracket.

  4. 4

    Cross-check owners

    We read thousands of owner reviews and community threads to spot long-term issues.

Calvin Reese

Calvin Reese

Vinyl & Gear Editor

Detroit area kid who fixed his aunt's wrong Google Maps pin and never looked back. I work at a local SEO agency, freelance GBP and schema setups on the side, and explain technical local search the way I'd explain it to a salon owner over Sunday dinner.

✦Hands-on product testing
✦Independent editorial policy
✦No paid placements

Our editors' work has appeared in

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Final thoughts

Should you buy the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers?

✓ Buy it if

  • <h3>What the Audioengine A5+ Wireless does well</h3>
  • <p>The big win is mature sound without a separate amp. You get a Kevlar woofer, silk dome tweeter, and enough body to make music feel like a real stereo, not a desk toy.</p>
  • <p>Hookup is also refreshingly simple. If your turntable has line output, run RCA into the speakers and you’re done.</p>
  • <p>In a small apartment living room, that matters more than spec-sheet chest-thumping. One turntable, one speaker pair, no rack, and still enough warmth and scale to make records satisfying at normal listening distance.</p>
  • <p>Bluetooth aptX HD adds useful flexibility. I wouldn’t use it as the main path for vinyl, but it’s handy for phones and casual streaming.</p>
  • <p>If simplicity comes first, these make a stronger case than a passive setup plus amp. For more context, see our guide to Bluetooth turntables explained.</p>
★ Editor's Choice
Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers
Scored 4.6/5 · tested hands-on
$569.00 Get the Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers →
Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers
4.6
$569.00
Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers - Premium wireless speakers for music lovers and gamers seeking high-fidelity sound.
Pros:
  • Bluetooth aptX-HD connectivity
  • Room-filling 150 watts
  • Crystal clear audio
  • Plug and play options
  • Remote control included
Cons:
  • Higher price point
  • Bulky design
  • Limited color options
Get it from Amazon
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
09/20/2026 11:42 am GMT

Still wondering?

Audioengine A5+ Wireless Speakers — your questions

They’re best for premium powered bookshelf use with turntables, desktops, phones, and other simple stereo sources. I like them most in small and medium rooms where you want better sound than entry-level powered speakers without adding a separate amp.

Yes, but the turntable has to output line level first. That means the deck either has a built-in preamp or uses an external phono preamp between the turntable and the speakers.

Yes, for turntables without a built-in preamp. No, for turntables that already have one and can switch to line output.

Yes, they’re good for vinyl if you use the analog input and the right signal chain. That’s where their sound quality makes the most sense.

They are if you care about sound quality, finish, and a simple powered setup. They’re less convincing if you’re shopping by feature count or trying to stretch every dollar.

They handle small and medium rooms comfortably, and they’re very good for nearfield listening. In large open spaces, expect clean sound, but not the same effortless scale you’d get from larger or more output-focused speakers.

Either works, but the value is strongest if you want one premium pair for multiple jobs. They’re good desktop hi-fi speakers, and they also work well beside a turntable stand in a living room.

You may need a phono preamp, depending on your turntable. You’ll also want the right RCA cables, decent placement, and possibly stands if the speakers will sit too low or too close together.

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