CarpetShagAgreed. I'm convinced the Kanto YU2 are the equivalent speaker! If you take a look around AliExpress, you can find the mfg that make all these speakers. AudioEngine simply brands theirs, as does Kanto. And for $50 less...go Kanto if you want the small form factor. Otherwise--for slightly larger size and less or the same money you can get great sounding alternatives. I learned this over the summer auditioning many alternatives to the A2s.
MiksterThey are not equivalent. You can tell because the ports are in different locations. (My guess: AudioEngines are using a tuned port to extend the bass, whereas the Kantos are using a simpler bass reflex design.)
I've owned both and think the AudioEngines are head and shoulders better. They image well, and have a fun, punchy sound. The Kantos sound muddy, and muffled. I sold the Kantos, but not the AudioEngines.
The A2+s are distinctly mid-fi. There is a HUGE upper bass EQ bump that is non-defeatable. http://noaudiophile.com/AudioEngine_A2_Plus/. You can't get them to integrate well with a sub well because of it. The rest of the spectrum is good, not great. I have had many computer speakers and most were better than these. Many of the popular, inexpensive, 4 to 5" powered studio monitors sold at musicians sites are better. IMHO buyers fall in love with the size and finish, don't listen objectively.
I’m new to Drop, so I’m a bit confused. What’s the advantage of getting these through Drop rather than via Audioengine directly for the same price? (I should point out that I actually own these. I consider the sound to be so-so. Someone below mentioned “muddy” and I agree)
RedboneThere's really no advantage. It's just that every time you want to order something through Drop, you should check the prices at other retailers first to make sure you're actually getting a good deal
RedboneNone other than 30+ day delayed gratification. I have the older A2 model and they are great desktop speakers. I'd like to get the plus model at some point, but I can wait for an actual deal.
If you are looking into these, I recommend reading my comments below. I convinced another user to try Vanatoo, and I think he was blown away. These are really bad, it’s the only reason I go out of my way to comment on these. Even my wife who can care less about audio thought AE didn’t sound good. These are easily one of the most disappointing audio purchases I’ve ever made.
Just a heads up, these sound good but have reliability issues. I own the A2+ non-Bluetooth and the right speaker has crapped out after 2 years of light usage, never used at high volumes because of a small room. There are also lots of owners reporting similar issues, as well as unrelated ones, which an 'Audioengine A2+ problems' search will turn up.