Audioengine A2+ Gen 3 Review: The Desktop Speaker Upgrade That Finally Adds aptX Adaptive

Buy at the best rate Amazon US: https://link.amazon/B09OFpaMC Are the Audioengine A2+ Gen 3 the compact desktop speakers that finally justify the premium price, or does the unchanged driver design make this a marginal upgrade? In this video, I unbox and test the A2+ Gen 3 — featuring a new Class D amplifier, aptX Adaptive Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C with 96kHz support, and that iconic compact MDF cabinet — to see if they deliver for music lovers, gamers, and anyone tired of plastic computer speakers. I test the sound quality on music and games, check the new aptX Adaptive codec that dynamically adjusts to your wireless environment, and break down the connectivity: USB-C, RCA, 3.5mm, and Bluetooth with a claimed 100-foot range . I also cover the RCA subwoofer output that lets you add an S6 or S8 later if you want more low-end punch . But here's the real talk you need before buying: The drivers are unchanged. Audioengine kept the same 2.75-inch aramid-fiber woofers and 0.75-inch silk-dome tweeters from the previous generation, along with the same 65Hz–22kHz frequency response . The upgrades are all in the electronics — Bluetooth and amplification — not the acoustic design. If you already own the A2+ Wireless or Next Gen, there is no sound upgrade waiting here . The power spec is confusing. Launch coverage claimed the Class D amplifier jumps from 15W to 20W per channel, but Audioengine's own spec page still lists 15W RMS per channel into 4 ohms with 30W peak . Until Audioengine clarifies, don't buy this expecting a meaningful power increase. The bass has a hard ceiling. These are compact speakers with 2.75-inch woofers. Reviews consistently note the low-end is "clear" but not thumping — one owner said you'll "absolutely need a subwoofer" for real low-end bass . The RCA output makes adding one easy, but factor that into your total budget. Bluetooth latency is noticeable for gaming and video. One detailed owner review noted "a slight but noticeable latency that would make gaming or movie watching annoying," and recommended using the USB-C input instead . For music, Bluetooth is fine. For anything synchronized to video, go wired. There are mixed reliability reports. Amazon's review summary notes that while sound quality is praised, "some report connection issues, and some units stopped working over time" . This isn't universal, but test your unit thoroughly during the return window. On the positive side, the build quality and design are genuinely premium. Owners praise the "luxurious matte finish" and solid, dense feel that makes plastic computer speakers feel disposable by comparison . The USB-C input with 96kHz support bypasses your computer's internal DAC, delivering cleaner, more detailed sound . And the 3-year warranty is unusually generous for desktop speakers . At **$299 per pair**, they're $30 more than the previous generation's launch price . Whether that's worth it depends on how much you value aptX Adaptive and the Class D efficiency — the sound itself hasn't changed. Watch till the end for my honest verdict on whether the A2+ Gen 3 is worth it for your desk, or if the previous generation or a cheaper alternative makes more sense. 🔊 What's covered: Unboxing & first impressions (compact MDF cabinets, premium finish, five color options) The driver reality: same 2.75" aramid woofer & 0.75" silk tweeter as before Class D amplifier: the efficiency upgrade & the confusing power spec aptX Adaptive Bluetooth 5.3: real-world wireless stability & the 100ft range claim USB-C with 96kHz support: wired digital test & the PCM5100A DAC The bass ceiling: why you'll want a subwoofer for real low-end The Bluetooth latency issue: why gamers should use USB-C RCA subwoofer output: the upgrade path explained The real talk: mixed reliability reports, unchanged sound & the $299 price question A2+ Gen 3 vs A2+ Wireless: is the upgrade worth it for existing owners? Final verdict: are the A2+ Gen 3 worth $299? 👍 If you enjoyed this review, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on the bell for more desktop audio reviews, speaker comparisons, and setup content! Check Price: https://link.amazon/B023FMa7s #Audioengine #A2PlusGen3 #DesktopSpeakers #ComputerSpeakers #BluetoothSpeakers #aptXAdaptive #HiFiAudio #SpeakerReview #DeskSetup #TechReview