Important Specs Overview
Speaker type: powered, 2-way, back-ported
Continuous power handling: 50 W
Peak power handling: 75 W
Frequency response range: 50 – 22k Hz (+/- 1.5dB)
Driver size: 5.5 in
Unit weight: ~14 lbs (averaged)
Cabinet dimensions: 7.5 x 10 x 12 in (width x depth x height)
Wireless: Bluetooth 5.0 and included remote
Warranty: 3 years
Review And Discussion
The HD6 is Audioengine’s premier powered speaker. It also now comes in a passive version, the HDP6 (review forthcoming). The newer HD6 distinguishes itself from their longstanding and popular A5+ (reviewed here) with an improved design and additional features, namely Bluetooth compatibility.
The first obvious upgrade is aesthetic, with the new cabinet. The only two significant changes really are that the edges aren’t rounded anymore and the volume knob and power light are now housed in a nice looking chrome plate, which remains exposed if the speakers are covered. And yet these mere two changes do make the entire speaker look more classic and less juvenile. The panels are also actual wood now, as opposed to much more commonly used MDF, which both the A2+ and A5+ are made of.
Beyond that, though, this speaker doesn’t appear to be much different than the A5+, save for the Bluetooth compatibility. Fully reviewing it would be a bit redundant because, spoiler alert, we think the older A5+ is still the better choice, mainly because it’s (currently) so much cheaper.
Our Overall Take, As Compared To The Competition
The HD6 is essentially a slightly revamped facelift of the highly popular and regarded A5+ with mostly cosmetic changes. We’d say it’d be worth a marginal price increase, but for the time being the HD6 is just way too expensive – you might as well get the A5+ for significantly cheaper because it’s essentially the same speaker. If you really want Bluetooth? Might as well just get a separate device for that and save the majority of your cash. And even the significantly cheaper A5+ is still kind of pricey for that matter.
But hey, audio prices are really fickle, and the HD6 is a perfectly solid speaker. If you can snag it at a discount at some point? Then by all means get it.
See the HD6 powered speakers on Amazon (affiliate link)
See our current picks for the overall best budget bookshelf speakers
