Getting a new pair of Audio Engine HD6 Speakers

[Flint]

To reinforce my belief that most often the best solution for a modern TV/Audio setup is a TV, HDMI Source (Streaming Device) and a pair of powered speakers (rather than buying a receiver), I just ordered a set of the new Audio Engine HD6 speakers in Cherry for my third TV setup.

https://audioengineusa.com/shop/wirelessspeakers/hd6-wireless-speakers/

The new rig is a new TV, an Amazon Fire TV Stick, and these speakers.

I am eager to hear them.

 

[Randy]

Very cool and YOU SUCK!

I love my Audio Engine speakers and I am guessing I am going to spend a little time with them this evening.

 

[Dentman]

Class D Amp?

 

[MakeMineVinyl]

Class D Amp?

That would my wild guess, based on no real information I have of them. Class D is the most economical way to go, while still giving high quality.

 

[Dentman]

Wow, I'm guessing class D amps have come a long way in the last 10 years. Seems I remember them being nearly as hated as the antichrist.

 

[Flint]

The site makes a big deal about these speakers having class AB amps.

 

[Dentman]

Didn't see that info anywhere.

 

[Batman]

3rd system?? MattB must really be rubbing off on you! Eagerly awaiting news and specs on 4th, 5th & 6th systems!

 

[Haywood]

It would be really cool if they could do a wireless 5.1 setup with the brains in the center channel, similar to what Sonos did with their Play system, but with better sound.

 

[MakeMineVinyl]

Wow, I'm guessing class D amps have come a long way in the last 10 years. Seems I remember them being nearly as hated as the antichrist.

Yes they have, and are good enough for 99% of listeners now. Specific needs like mine will never be able to use them except for maybe my subwoofer amp.

 

[heeman]

Yes.................you suck on the new speakers and the 3rd set-up.........

 

[Flint]

Well, technically, I have way more than three setups - but only three TVs are in the house. I also have my main office PC with some amazing sounding SVS small bookshelf speakers, my small front room desk with the Mackie monitors, and a pair of the Audio Engine A5+ speakers in my bedroom for those romantic weekends. I imagine I will also put something up in my music practice room once I organize that mess.

 

[Dentman]

Yes they have, and are good enough for 99% of listeners now. Specific needs like mine will never be able to use them except for maybe my subwoofer amp.

That's crazy. What should the buyer look for in a high quality Class D amp? Or are they all just that good now (With exception to cheap products found in a dollar type store)?

 

[Flint]

That's crazy. What should the buyer look for in a high quality Class D amp? Or are they all just that good now (With exception to cheap products found in a dollar type store)?

Given that damn near every HT receiver relies on Class-D amps in order to cram 9, or 13, ATMOS channels, each delivering over 75 Watts, into a metal box no bigger than an old 5 channel receiver, they certainly must be pretty good now.

There are high end amps out there costing thousands of dollars which use class-D tech, as well as tons of studio monitors as well as other self-powered speakers of good reputation using them. The pro-audio and commercial audio world has heavily embraces them, more for their weight to output ratio in most cases (and in others, simply for their cost to output ratio).

I no longer shun Class-D amps, but I am careful about what I use - and I still won't put a Class-D amp in my primary reference system since I can still get great Class-AB amps at prices I can afford.

 

[Flint]

So the company wo is fulfilling my Audio Engine speaker order called me today to let me know they may have accidentally sent me a pair of the unpowered (passive) HD6 speakers. While I appreciated the heads up, I was not impressed with their solution. Their recommendation is to receive the speakers, make sure they are the wrong models, then arrange a return. Once the return packaged are accepted and being tracked by FedEx, they will then ship me the speakers I ordered.

That means I have to wait through an entire shipping cycle before getting my speakers, which is a HUGE disappointment. I mentioned to the guy I was talking to that I wasn't looking forward to a week's delay in getting my speakers, and he nonchalantly said the right speakers should arrive well within the Amazon advertised delivery date of November 14th. I didn't like that attitude of "I am adhering to the strictest requirements of the legal expectation Amazon provided to you, so you have nothing to complain about." I could have argued with him, but decided to just say, "well, at least you let me know." and hung up.

 

[PaulyT]

That sucks. And yeah, not great customer service there...

 

[Dentman]

A bad review of the retailer should bring some satisfaction.

 

[Dentman]

Given that damn near every HT receiver relies on Class-D amps in order to cram 9, or 13, ATMOS channels, each delivering over 75 Watts, into a metal box no bigger than an old 5 channel receiver, they certainly must be pretty good now.

There are high end amps out there costing thousands of dollars which use class-D tech, as well as tons of studio monitors as well as other self-powered speakers of good reputation using them. The pro-audio and commercial audio world has heavily embraces them, more for their weight to output ratio in most cases (and in others, simply for their cost to output ratio).

I no longer shun Class-D amps, but I am careful about what I use - and I still won't put a Class-D amp in my primary reference system since I can still get great Class-AB amps at prices I can afford.

I had no idea they were using class D amps in well healed HT receivers these days. 10 years is like a lifetime in HT.

 

[Razz]

So Flint, Why did you choose the Audio Engine HD6? I especially want to know considering you bought them without auditioning them!!!! I'm a bit surprised. No... very surprised.

 

[Randy]

Rodkin out to my Audio Engines right now.

So Flint, Why did you choose the Audio Engine HD6? I especially want to know considering you bought them without auditioning them!!!! I'm a bit surprised. No... very surprised.

Yeah Flint, what gives? Buying them without hearing them, were you just convinced they were what you wanted and worth the money. I have not heard one single bad thing about the Audio Engine products.