Audioengine HD4 Powered Speakers Review

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Here, Audioengine has crafted another flexible speaker system that works great on a computer desk or a tabletop — but what really sets this one apart is the size and the price. For less than $500, the new HD4 sits perfectly in-between the HD3 and the HD6. The HD4’s enclosure stands 9 inches tall, 5 ½ inches wide and 6 ½ inches deep. This is substantially smaller than its bigger brother, the HD6, which stands 11 ¾ inches tall, and about 7 inches wide by 10 inches deep — and that one sells for almost $250 more than the HD4. For comparison, the HD3 is the smallest in the series, standing 3 inches shorter than the HD4, and 4 ¼ inches wide by 5 ½ inches deep. his one sells for the under-400-dollar price point. But for less than $500, I think the new HD4 will be a great compact solution for anyone who has restricted space but still wants the better performance of a larger compact speaker.

The HD4 is constructed with custom-designed components designed at the company’s facility in Austin, Texas. The built-in analog power amps are housed inside cabinets that are precisely tuned. A black grille magnetically attaches to the front of the speaker cabinet just above the brushed metal plate. Removing the grill provides a view of the woofer and the tweeter for a professional studio monitor look. The speaker consists of a 4 inch Aramid fiber woofer complemented with a ¾ inch silk dome tweeter.

As bookshelf speakers, there’s no argument these are designed to sound the best when listening up close. However, the HD4 performed a lot better than I anticipated as a tabletop setup in a medium-sized living-room. I used a Pro-Ject T1 Turntable, which is a great turntable for the money. It has a phono-stage already built-in, so I used this to playback a vinyl-pressing of “Warrior,” which was recorded in 1984 by the classic rock band, Scandal. When I cranked up the volume up to about 75%, the room was filled with great sound that made me want to sing along to this mega anthem. Overall, the HD4 packs a warm musical “punch” in an open-room setting that was very easy to get lost in.

The HD4 was designed for anyone looking for a powered bookshelf speaker system with upgraded analog amps and the convenience of USB and aptX HD. It sits right in between the HD3 and the HD6 in terms of size and it’s price point. I think Audioengine’s use of analog amplifiers is a true testament to the brand’s dedication of inspiring more people to enjoy music with better sound. With a turntable or a computer positioned in-between these, I think you’ll have a professional looking studio monitor setup with modern functionality that’s ready to take on the digital world — plus this let’s you dip your toes into the world of analog for less than $500! If the HD3 is a little too small for your needs, and the HD6 is either too large — or more than you're looking to spend, then strongly consider the HD4. Adding a subwoofer to the HD4 here will present more bottom end weight. We recommend the Audioengine S8 subwoofer because it’s an excellent addition to this system that will also add more immersion for bass-heavy songs. Even without a sub, the HD4 still presents good bottom end weight that will complement a medium sized room using a TV, a turntable, your phone, or a tablet as the source.

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Комментарии

excellent review.... can’t wait to hear them!

sanjaystuart

"There's also a set of RCA outputs for connecting to a subwoofer." Thank you. That is precisely the detail I wanted to know!

vc

This is an incredible upgrade from stock speakers. Vocal sounds incredible, clear with the correct pitch. Bass is fine cause I am not a bass heavy person. If u like natural vocals, u can’t get anything wrong with the HD4. No regrets for me

hippo

I recently picked up a pair of these speakers. They are well crafted and sound wonderful, and even better once properly broken in. As any audio knowledgeable person would expect, there isn't much 'bottom end', and a subwoofer is needed for the low frequency bass that can often make the overall sound feel more full. For the frequency response they support, however, they are top-notch and well matched between the tweeters and woofers. The cabinets are also nice to look at, and the setup was a breeze. I have these in my home office, paired to my Mac over Bluetooth. I may switch to a wired connection, but TBD on that. I can't imagine going any larger than this for a home office setting, but I probably would buy a larger set for a living/family room. These are fine for a bedroom or similar sized room.

*Edit* I added a 10” Klipsch sub, tuned the crossover and gain a bit, and it all sounds magnificent. 🤤🤤

mattspalace

I wonder how the crossovers can be "active before the separate amplifiers before each driver" on the right speaker!

fjlviphone

Another great review. I once owned the HD3 and loved them (used in a home office and later in a small apartment in Bangkok). I am now, however, considering the HD4 but have't heard them. Here is the scenario I wonder if someone might help me with: I'm moving into an as yet selected apartment that will likely be around, or less than, 650 sq. feet / 60 sq. meters total. Also likely, however, is a modern open-floor plan, which I presume renders even a small or medium sized living room an effectively larger space to fill. Can my first love, the HD3, do the trick, or might the HD4 be necessary? Are the spec upgrades in the HD4 (60hz, 60 watts RMS, etc.) worth the extra $100, if the higher price is still within the budget? Thanks for any feedback!

brettobannon

How do they compare to A5+ wireless? Im not sure which one to buy

AXPortugal

How much better sounding are these than the HD3?

mantosof

Have you thought about reviewing AudioPro's A36 Floorstanders ?

MaxPower-zpwy

Not sure which one I should buy? Compare between HD4 and a5+ wireless. (I’m looking for new speaker for my turntable)

gfelrhf

I brought these speakers recently - and they sound AMAZING! I am still in the break-in period, but even still am loving every minute of it.
I had a question though, as I am new to the speaker game, I am hoping someone can help me out a bit.

When I first connected the speakers, I plugged them directly into my PC's motherboard USB port. When I went into the sound quality settings, I could only set it to a max of 16 bit 384k/hz. I thought I had a decent motherboard, but I guess that isn't the case. Speakers still sounded good though, though a little flat to my ear.

A few days ago I tried plugging the speakers into my Soundblaster G6 external DAC (USB from PC to the DAC, then analogue from the DAC to the speakers). With the DAC I was able to change it to 32 Bit, 48k/hz. And I swear - I think it sounds...better? I can't put my finger on it, they just sound fuller, sharper and deeper with the G6.

I'm confused, as I thought that the onboard DAC on the speakers would have been better than my G6 SoundBlaster.
Or, do you guys think It might be because I'm familiar with the type of sound from this dac?
How would you recommend I connect the speakers?

minimumoftwo

I'm pretty new to all this stuff. I have a JDS Element iii MK2 DAC/AMP I use for my current setup which is just some cheap logitech speakers, however I am upgrading to real deal speakers soon possible these HD4 or maybe even Kef LSX ii's. I'm guessing the JDS Labs DAC won't be necessary for these so I should just use it purely for headphones or is it worth testing to see which DAC produces better sound?

internetpolice

The RCA output on the HD4, is it "ONLY" for SUB WOOFERS? Does it also act as a phono-stage output, so in effect a pass through if I am connecting the speakers to a pre-amp... ?

JudgeDrokk

Hello, the black one beside which model is it please?

PotelinoSeven

I just got the Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT turntable and I am looking at the HD4's for my speakers. Will I need a pre-amp between the two??

patrickwalsh