Andover Audio SpeakEasy 4 Delivers Great Sound for Records

Massachusetts-based Andover Audio continues to impress with its innovative audio products, drawing from the expertise of a team that has worked with iconic audio brands such as Advent, Bose, and Harman. Their latest release, the SpeakEasy 4 powered bookshelf speakers, is another testament to the company’s commitment to high-quality sound, particularly for vinyl enthusiasts. These speakers come equipped with an integrated phono pre-amplifier, making them ideal for pairing with turntables and record players that use magnetic cartridges. The result is a convenient, high-performance audio solution that brings the best out of both digital and analog formats.

The SpeakEasy 4 speakers stand out for their simplicity and ease of use. As powered speakers, they eliminate the need for a separate amplifier or receiver, with the necessary amplifiers already built into one of the speakers. Setting up the system is straightforward: connect the two speakers with the provided cable, plug the main speaker into a power source, and you’re ready to enjoy immersive sound. A physical knob on the front of the main speaker allows for easy source selection, but there’s also an included IR remote for more convenient control. The range of inputs and outputs at the back of the main speaker, including Bluetooth support, further extends the system’s versatility. Whether you want to connect your TV, gaming console, Wi-Fi streamer, or CD player, the SpeakEasy 4 speakers are ready to deliver.

One of the significant advantages of these speakers is their ability to wirelessly stream music via Bluetooth. This feature makes them a convenient option for those who want the flexibility of modern, wireless audio without sacrificing the sound quality of a traditional stereo setup. With 150W of total power distributed across two channels, the SpeakEasy 4 speakers can easily outperform most portable wireless speakers, offering rich, full stereo sound rather than the mono output typical of smaller Bluetooth devices.

For the price of $399, you can find portable Bluetooth speakers, but the SpeakEasy 4s offer much more. They bring the full, stereo sound experience of a traditional audio system while still maintaining a compact form and affordable price point. The speakers feature a bass reflex design with MDF enclosures, housing 4-inch woofers and 3/4-inch tweeters, each driven by dedicated direct-drive amplifiers. With the option to add a powered subwoofer for even deeper bass, these speakers provide an immersive listening experience, whether you’re watching TV, playing video games, or simply streaming your favorite music. In addition to their Bluetooth connectivity, the digital and analog inputs, including TOSLINK and e-ARC, make them an excellent choice for enhancing the audio of modern entertainment systems.

In terms of sound quality, the SpeakEasy 4s deliver solid low-frequency performance thanks to the powerful 4-inch woofers and well-designed bass reflex ports. Testing the speakers with tracks known for their bass lines, such as Simple Minds’ “New Gold Dream” and Talking Heads’ “Once in a Lifetime,” showed just how capable these compact speakers are. The bass was deep and punchy, while the soft dome tweeters provided clear, crisp highs. The result was a balanced, rich soundstage that performed well across various genres of music, from the driving bass of 80s hits to more mellow acoustic tracks.

Connecting a turntable to the SpeakEasy 4s transforms the listening experience for vinyl enthusiasts. With the built-in phono pre-amplifier, you can easily plug in any turntable and enjoy records the way they were meant to be heard—without the need for additional equipment. The speakers also have enough power, with 150W on tap, to fill a large room without any noticeable distortion. For optimal bass performance, it’s recommended to place the speakers a little distance from the wall, giving the rear bass reflex ports some room to enhance the low-end frequencies.

The SpeakEasy 4 powered bookshelf speakers also integrate well with Andover Audio’s SpinBase MAX turntable speaker system. Combining the two creates a formidable compact stereo setup that excels in both sound quality and versatility. Whether you’re listening to vinyl or streaming Bluetooth audio, the SpeakEasy 4 and SpinBase MAX work seamlessly together to deliver a rich stereo sound with added depth. This setup is ideal for those looking for a high-performance audio solution without the hassle of complex wiring or large components.

For those seeking to upgrade their home audio setup without breaking the bank, the SpeakEasy 4 powered bookshelf speakers from Andover Audio are a fantastic choice. Their blend of simplicity, power, and versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of audio applications, from improving TV and gaming sound to providing a superior platform for vinyl playback. Whether you’re a casual listener or an audiophile looking for a compact, powerful stereo system, the SpeakEasy 4s are well worth considering.