The HD6 Wireless Speakers are Bluetooth speakers with sound that fills any room and connects to any device. No network setup, passwords to enter, or buttons to push.
HD6 Wireless Speakers are not just another great-sounding Audioengine speaker but a complete Bluetooth music system that works with all your apps, music, and devices (even your favorite turntable). Blending the best of the past and present, HD6 combines stunning good looks with truly-useful features.
Tidal, Spotify, Pandora…all your favorite streaming apps play instantly.
No matter how you listen, HD6 Wireless Speakers have you covered.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THEM
BENEFITS
Perfect for TV sound
Wireless that works with all your devices and apps
No network setup, no passwords, no hassle
High-end sound wrapped in hand-built wood cabinets
Simple setup, no receiver needed
Optical audio input
Advanced wireless
Subwoofer connection
Solid metal remote control
No buttons to push & inputs are always ready to go
SET UP IN SECONDS
SIMPLE. NO HASSLE. EASY TO USE.
The HD6 Wireless Speakers are versatile Bluetooth speakers packing a big sound that fills any room. Turntable? TV? No problem, we have you covered.
No network setup, passwords to enter, or buttons to push. Setting them up is so easy you’ll be rocking in no time.
Keep your music fun, easy, and sounding great.
SMALL SPEAKERS BIG SOUND
FILLS ANY ROOM
Clear, full and powerful sound that fills any room.
The HD6 Wireless Speakers are constructed with custom Audioengine components: aramid fiber woofers, silk tweeters, high-fidelity Bluetooth aptX-HD, and built-in power amps wrapped in precision tuned, hand-crafted cabinets. These speakers are designed as a main TV room system but are versatile enough to fit into any space.
GO OLD SCHOOL
ANALOG, BABY!
Audioengine wireless speakers are special. Their traditional analog amplifiers sound incredible compared to lower-cost digital amps found in other mass-produced brands.
Our powered speakers are an all-in-one solution with no extra amps or components needed! All you need to do is unpack the speakers, place them where you want, and then plug in the AC cord. Next, connect the included speaker wire from the active speaker to the right passive speaker. Then plug in your music (iPod, CD player, computer, etc.) with the supplied cables and you're ready to go.
Question:
What makes Audioengine wireless Bluetooth speakers and receivers better than other Bluetooth systems?
Answer:
Some of the features we feel make our products better are overall ease of setup, high-quality audio components and design, as well as high interference tolerance - all the good stuff that's important for a wireless product to be of any real use.
Audioengine Bluetooth products also features a higher signal-to-noise ratio due to the inclusion of a 24-bit high-performance DAC and much better wireless range than most Bluetooth products - up to 100 FT in most cases.
Question:
How can such small speakers have so much clean-sounding, deep, tight bass?
Answer:
One of the reasons Audioengine active and passive speakers have such amazing bass in such a small package are the designs of the bass ports on each speaker. These aren’t just holes or slots in the cabinets, but specifically shaped openings with tubes designed with precise calculations. The result is incredible low end with minimal audible air turbulence. These are effectively mini-subs built into each speaker, allowing Audioengine speakers to be used with or without a separate subwoofer. It's also worth mentioning that we don’t use any enhancement circuits to add fake bass, so what you’ll hear is real bass- low and clean.
Question:
How much latency do Audioengine Bluetooth products have?
Answer:
Though overall latency can be affected by some external factors (including things like signal strength, how well the source device's manufacturer has implemented it's Bluetooth, and even simply from being physically further away from the speakers) Audioengine Bluetooth products have very low latency when compared to most Bluetooth receivers, around 30 ms.
Question:
What does it mean if the LED indicator is orange, instead of white?
Answer:
Whenever the pair button's LED turns from white to orange, that means that your source is currently sending it an aptX, or aptX HD signal.
Question:
Are two separate speakers really better than one boombox or soundbar?
Answer:
We are firm believers that two quality speakers will always sound better than one or more speakers together in a single cabinet, regardless of the amplifier or sound enhancing technology used. There are some decent one-piece speaker systems that simulate stereo and surround sound from a single source, but most fall way short as they can’t accurately duplicate a wide sound stage with imaging as complete and rich as Audioengine speakers.
Question:
Is the HD6 designed only for use with Bluetooth devices?
Answer:
Even though the HD6 has a built-in Bluetooth receiver, the HD6 are extremely versatile and can be used with a number of different devices, both digital and analog. There two analog inputs, a mini-stereo and RCA input, on the rear panel so you can directly connect any product with a line-level/preamp audio output, such as a turntable. The HD6s also have an optical input that utilizes the speakers' built-in DAC, so any source that has a digital optical output can be used directly with the speakers, such as the optical output of your television or computer.
Question:
Can Audioengine speakers be used outside?
Answer:
Absolutely! It's tough to protect speakers and electronics from extreme changes in temperature and humidity. Due to that, we don't generally recommend the permanent installation of our speakers outdoors. It's fine though (encouraged even) to bring them outside with you all day, and our speakers are simple to set up and take down, making them perfect for this. Let us know if you have any other questions or concerns!
Question:
Do I need a separate receiver for Audioengine powered speakers?
Answer:
No. Audioengine powered speakers have amplifiers built-in. This means you don't need any extra equipment, other than a source to play music on (smartphone, / tablet, a computer, CD player, Turntable, Etc). Just plug your source directly into the inputs on the rear panel of the left speaker with the included cables, or connect to them via Bluetooth, and you're listening to music!
Question:
What's the difference between the HD6 and the A5+?
Answer:
The HD6 include some pretty significant upgrades over the A5+s. Among these are:
Larger redesigned woofer with die-cast aluminum frame for extended bass response with fast dynamics
New larger custom 1” tweeter for an open and realistic high end and an extraordinary soundstage
Thicker, low-resonance cabinet
Upgraded crossover components
In addition to the performance related upgrades, the HD6s also feature:
Bluetooth aptX and digital optical inputs
Real wood-veneer cabinet finish options
Removable magnetic grills
Solid aluminum remote control
Question:
Can I use a subwoofer with Audioengine powered speakers?
Answer:
Even though Audioengine speakers have big and tight low end which will easily fill a room and rival floor standing speakers many times their size, you can also connect an external sub if you wish (or connect Audioengine speakers to your sub's line-level output). You can even add our W3 wireless adapter for a wireless subwoofer!
Question:
If I have a subwoofer of my own, how would I use it with the HD6?
Answer:
All you would need to do is connect the variable output of the HD6 into the input of your sub using RCA cables.
Question:
If HD6 is paired and connected to my phone, do I need to do anything else to play music?
Answer:
Once your HD6 is paired and connected then any app (iTunes, Amarra, etc.) - or online players such as Youtube - it will automatically play your music through Bluetooth.
Question:
Do I need to install any special software apps or drivers for the HD6?
Answer:
No extra software or drivers are needed. The HD6 is compatible with any device that supports Bluetooth, and the A2DP profile for streaming stereo audio. This includes most smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Question:
Can I use a power inverter with Audioengine speakers?
Answer:
Sure! You will need about 100-120 watts.
Question:
Are these speakers designed for use only with computers or iPods? I would like to connect them to my Panasonic DVD player or TV or even my Denon stereo. Is this possible?
Answer:
Yes, absolutely. All your A/V gear with an RCA or mini-jack 1/8" connector (even a headphone jack) will work great with Audioengine powered speakers.
Question:
Can I take my Audioengine speakers to another country with a different voltage?
Answer:
Yes, just switch the voltage selector on the rear panel to match the AC power in your country before powering them on. We recommend changing the fuse when using a different voltage. For 220 volts, here's the value you would need:
5mm x 20mm - 1.6 amps @ 250 volts.
The power cable is detachable on our powered speakers which makes it convenient to replace the AC plug with a different type if you don't want to use an adapter plug.
Question:
Do higher power output ratings for audio gear mean louder or better sounding speakers?
Answer:
Not necessarily. Audioengine speakers and amplifiers are very efficient and designed together as a system so therefore we get more volume output than stereo receivers or amplifiers that might higher wattage or power numbers. Due to this tuning we achieve big sound outputs with a fraction of the power required by other systems.
Question:
Will the sound be affected if I place the left (active) speaker on the right side and the right speaker on the left?
Answer:
Swapping sides will not have any negative effect on the soundstage or quality/clarity of the speakers. This will simply give you the reverse of what the artist intended for you to hear.
Question:
Can Audioengine speakers be placed on their sides?
Answer:
Yes, and we recommend that you position each so the tweeters are facing outward.
Question:
If my speakers are "asleep" or in idle mode why can I still hear a faint hum or hiss if I put my ear very close to the speaker?
Answer:
Even though the final amp stage is shut down during sleep, the pre-amp stage is still powered up so a slight hiss is not uncommon. If you have an analog audio cable plugged in to the speakers but not into anything else, it's also possible this could be picking up some noise as well.
Question:
Will my current universal remote work with my HD6?
Answer:
The HD6 is not officially supported by any universal remotes. You can however use a learning remote to copy the signals being sent by the HD6's remote. Check with the manufacturer of your remote to find out if it supports learning IR codes.
Question:
How to replace the battery in your HD6 remote control
Answer:
To replace the battery in your HD Series remote, you'll need a paperclip or similar.
Insert the paperclip into the hole on the back of the remote and push. The battery/button assembly of the remote will pop out.
Use the paperclip to push the battery out of the battery clip. Note the orientation of the battery when removing it.
Slide the new battery into the battery clip. The positive (+) side of the battery should face away from the PCB.
The battery/button assembly is held in place with magnets, so once you've replaced the battery, slide it back into place.
Question:
Can you stream music wirelessly to the HD6 with the Audioengine wireless adapters like you can with the A5+ Classic?
Answer:
Yep, an AC wall outlet near the HD6 is all you need to power the AW3 wireless Receiver. Simple.
Question:
Connecting the Active and Passive Speakers with the Included Speaker Wire (HD6)
Answer:
The HD6 includes a speaker wire with banana plugs on either end, so using them with the speakers should be a simple set up. The binding posts on the back of each speaker would need to be screwed down and the plugs would need to be inserted into the center hole (please refer to the picture for reference). You would need to make sure that each end matches with the corresponding binding post; for example, if you inserted the red banana plug into the red binding post on one speaker, the same would follow suit for the other speaker. Do keep in mind the plugs on the HD6's speaker wires can be snug fitting into the speaker posts, so you may have to try a little bit more force to fit them in.
Question:
Will Audioengine speakers work with a PC or Mac?
Answer:
Absolutely! Use the computer's headphone output, soundcard, or DAC audio output from your Mac or PC directly into Audioengine speakers and you're good to go. PC, Mac, laptop or any computer.
Question:
I'd like to connect an Apple Airport Express to my HD6 speakers to stream music from my Mac. I also wish to connect the speakers to my Samsung LCD TV. Is it possible to have simultaneous connections to the HD6?
Answer:
Yes, there are 2 audio inputs on Audioengine powered speakers so connect the Airport Express to one input and the variable output from your TV into the other. Both inputs are "open" or active so you can leave 2 audio sources plugged in at the same time with no need to flip any switches.
Question:
How does the HD6 handle multiple inputs? Can I use Bluetooth and the optical input at the same time?
Answer:
Both analog inputs are "open" or active, so you can leave 2 audio sources plugged in at the same time with no need to flip any switches! Both the optical input and the bluetooth module share the same DAC so using the optical input on the HD6 as well as streaming to the speakers via bluetooth would utilize the built-in DAC. This means that the HD6's bluetooth receiver takes priority, so if you start playing audio over Bluetooth the optical input will mute; optical will resume automatically a few seconds after Bluetooth is paused or disconnected.
Question:
Why do digital music files sound better with Audioengine speakers?
Answer:
Audioengine speakers were specially designed and tuned to make MP3 and other digital music files sound great. We spent many months tuning each speaker and almost exclusively used various compresses and lossless files types encoded at different bitrates during this process. Even though we are big fans of digital music your turntable or reel-to-reel tape player will sound equally as good.
Question:
The headphone jack on my computer is noisy but I want to connect my Audioengine speakers to my Mac. What do I do?
Answer:
Some computer headphone outputs are noisy and have poor audio quality. If this is your computer, try streaming wirelessly to your A5+ Wireless. Or, check out our D1 or D3 wired DACs for 24-bit playback.
Question:
What speaker stands work well with the HD6?
Answer:
The HD6s are slightly too big for our DS1 desktop stand, so we wouldn't really recommend them with the speakers. We've been using the IsoAcoustics as desktop stands for the HD6 and they've been working pretty well. Here's some information about them:
My computer doesn't have an optical output; how can I connect my computer to the optical input of the HD6?
Answer:
There do exist USB-to-optical converters that should work in a setup like this, though a product like this isn't very widespread. We don't really have any recommendations on a specific brand or model to use, but a quick Google/Amazon search should yield results.
Another solution is to use an external DAC, like our D1 24-bit DAC, connected to the USB port on your computer and plug it into either of the analog inputs of your HD6s.
Question:
Is it OK to connect Audioengine active speakers to my stereo receiver or integrated amplifier?
Answer:
We’ve built amplifiers into our powered speakers but if you wish to use Audioengine speakers with an existing receiver take the “preamp out” from your receiver and connect it to one of the Audioengine inputs (if you need to, use the included RCA stereo “Y” connector to 1/8” mini plug cable). We also make passive speakers (the HDP6 and P4), so check those out as well!
Question:
What if my source doesn't support aptX? Can I still use HD6 and if so, how will it sound?
Answer:
You can absolutely still use the HD6 and it will sound great. AptX is a high-quality Bluetooth audio codec that works really well. In addition to mandatory support for SBC, Bluetooth also includes optional support for many other codecs, like MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and AAC, all of which have their own advantages, and some of which sound very close to AptX.
Question:
Why do I have to plug one speaker into the wall?
Answer:
Audioengine powered speaker models have a built-in power amplifier in the left speaker so you won’t need a stereo receiver or other extra components for power.
Question:
If I connect my Audioengine speakers to a computer, smartphone, or other music player, what volume level should I set on the player and speakers? What is the ideal overall volume level on the music source to get the cleanest distortion-free sound?
Answer:
Every setup is different, so some experimentation will be necessary to find your prefered settings, but around 11 or 12 o'clock is a good starting place if you plan on using your music source (smartphone, computer, TV, etc.) as the master volume control.
Question:
What does the indicator light on the HD6 rear panel mean?
Answer:
If it's on and solid, this means the HD6 is powered on, and currently connected to a Bluetooth-enabled device.
If your source is currently sending the HD6 an aptX signal, the LED indicator on the front panel will illuminate orange instead of white.
If it's on and blinking, this means the HD6 is powered on but not currently connected to a device.
If it's off (and HD6 is powered on), this means Bluetooth is in standby and not connected to a device.
The HD6, however, is still visible to your device, so simply connect using your device and it will automatically wake up.
Question:
What is the difference between powered and active speakers?
Answer:
There are a few notable differences but both designs function basically the same. “Active” and “powered” speakers refer to speakers with power amplifiers built into either one speaker or both. Audioengine speakers were designed with the power amps in the left speaker to make connections easier as they only require one power cord and all connections are on the same speaker.
Question:
I have an Android phone that includes an IR transmitter. Can I use my phone to control the them?
Answer:
Yes! We've been notified that several Android IR Remote Apps support Audioengine remote commands. So if you have a phone with an IR blaster like the HTC One or the Samsung Galaxy S4 you can use the App to raise or lower the volume of your speakers with your phone! Simply download one of the many IR Remote Apps on Google Play, and test them out.
Question:
Can I use my computer speakers and the HD6 at the same time?
Answer:
If you have a Mac running Snow Leopard or later, you can create a multiple output device to accomplish this. See the link below for how-to instructions on Apple’s site:
What is the AC power cable type for Audioengine powered speakers?
Answer:
We use non-polarized 2-Pin IEC 320-C7 cables. These are fairly standard cables, and you should be able to find them locally if needed. You can also find them in the Accessories section in our store.
Question:
How can I stream music from my computer to multiple Audioengine speakers or other stereo systems?
Answer:
Check out our W3 Wireless Adapter set. These adapters allow you to stream wireless audio from any program/website/player to our speakers and subwoofer.
Apple's AirPort Express, the SONOS Connect, and Google's Chromecast Audio are other options that can be added to Audioengine speakers. Where the W3 is a self-contained solution, these products instead rely on your existing home network to send music to multiple speakers at once.
Question:
Is the HD6 compatible with TIDAL music streaming service?
Answer:
The short answer is yes! You can use TIDAL on any compatible source device (PC, Mac, iPhone Android, etc.). The HD6 is compatible with most all of these devices as well since they almost universally also include Bluetooth.
Question:
OK, so If I can use the HD6 with TIDAL, how come you're not listed on TIDALs website?
Answer:
From what we understand the devices listed on TIDAL’s website are network media servers with the TIDAL app already installed on their operating systems, that’s all. No difference in audio quality or anything else as compared to their downloadable app, just that TIDAL comes pre-installed on those devices. The only notable exception is that if you're listening to TIDAL on a computer, the only web browser that supports the full audio quality is Google Chrome.
Question:
Some people want to upgrade the audio on their TV's but aren't necessarily interested in surround sound. Can I hook up some Audioengine speakers to my TV instead of buying a surround sound system or soundbar?
Answer:
Audioengine speakers can be easily connected to the audio output on your TV set. Any of our speakers will provide an easy setup and a greatly enhanced TV audio experience with a wider soundstage and better imaging than most sound bars!
Question:
If I connect my turntable to the HD6 will it be necessary to purchase a phono preamp or can I simply connect the turntable directly to the HD6 input?
Answer:
Some turntables will need a preamp before being connected and others may have one built-in. With that in mind, it is best to check the turntable manufacturer’s website, the turntable’s user manual, or you can even try your turntable without the preamp first to see how it operates.
Question:
Is it true that speaker placement really can make a difference in sound quality?
Answer:
There are different theories but rooms and tastes are different so it's tough to specify a correct placement. We suggest you experiment with different locations to see what works for you. As a general rule of thumb for the best sound stage balance, the speakers should be equidistant from side walls and a different distance from rear walls. Our rear-ported speakers (such as the A5+, HD6, and HDP6) pretty forgiving when it come to being placed near walls, but we do recommend keeping them at least a few inches from the rear wall for adequate ventilation.
Question:
Can I control Audioengine speakers with my TV remote control? What if my TV only has one audio output that cannot be controlled with the TV remote?
Answer:
Although many TVs have only one L/R audio output, which typically defaults to fixed, this setting can be sometimes be changed via the on-screen menu so please check your manual to see which outputs are variable. If your TV has multiple audio outputs, the most commonly variable output would be the headphone output. If your TV doesn't have a variable output at all, no worries; for larger speakers like the A5+ and HD6 we include a remote control that can adjust the volume of the speakers directly for just such a purpose.
Question:
Can I increase the length or change the speaker wire between each speaker?
Answer:
Sure. For the best audio performance we’ve included 6.5 feet of 16 gauge wire with each powered speaker system but any "stranded" speaker wire will work. The speaker binding posts on the back of each cabinet will accept bare stranded wire, however you can also use wires terminated with spade lugs, banana plugs, or pins.
Question:
How does the HD6 switch between audio sources?
Answer:
Both analog inputs are "open" or active, so you can leave 2 audio sources plugged in at the same time with no need to flip any switches! Both the optical input and the bluetooth module share the same DAC so using the optical input on the HD6 as well as streaming to the speakers via bluetooth would utilize the built-in DAC. This means that the HD6's bluetooth receiver takes priority, so if you start playing audio over Bluetooth the optical input will mute; optical will resume automatically a few seconds after Bluetooth is paused or disconnected.
Question:
Can I drill holes in my powered Audioengine speakers and mount them to a wall?
Answer:
Due to the electronics, cabinet materials, and high-end finish it's not a good idea to drill into your speakers; however, we have provided a 1/4" threaded insert to use with wall mounts. Please note that this insert is only meant to be used for stability with platformed stands that have this feature; the insert is not meant to hold the total weight of the speaker. We don't endorse any specific models of stands.
Question:
Should I use the volume control on the front of the HD6 or can I adjust from system volume on my computer?
Answer:
If the left speaker is in an easy to reach location, you can certainly use the physical knob to set volume. If not though, we generally recommend setting the HD6 at around 50% and adjusting from source.
Question:
Will my music have a delay through the HD6 if I’m watching a movie or music video?
Answer:
Bluetooth has a delay of about 30ms (milliseconds) so you can watch videos from Youtube, for example, and stream out the audio through your HD6 without any noticeable lag between the video and audio.
Question:
When I connect a turntable to my HD6, why is the volume is extremely low?
Answer:
Some turntables do not have a built-in preamps and as a result you will need to add an external phono preamp between your turntable and the HD6. Many turntables, however, (such as the Music Hall USB-1 or Audio Technica AT-LP120) have a built-in preamp and include a switch on the back for "line" or “phono”. For Audioengine powered speakers select "line".
Question:
What if my speakers or subwoofer have a hum or buzzing sound?
Answer:
Hum or buzz in the speakers is usually caused by something external to the speakers which is coupling noise into the speaker system (either through the AC lines, cordless phone, wireless router, or directly from the source input). A common reason is that the entire system is set up such that a "ground loop" results. Basically, a ground loop occurs when the AC power grounds and the system signal grounds are not at the same electrical potential. Refer to our online Setup Guides for a list of things to try.
Question:
Will I get buzz from the speakers if I place my iPhone near them?
Answer:
All Audioengine speakers are video and magnetically-shielded, however "GSM buzz" cannot be blocked by magnetic shielding. What actually causes this is your phone being in 2G or "EDGE" instead of 3G or 4G. For best results when using your phone as a music source, ensure that it's operating on 3G (or 4G).
"Audioengine’s brilliant HD6 speaker: Stereo imaging was remarkably broad… (and) the HD6’s dynamic punch was awfully good…."
"I love these speakers! Deep precise bass and clear highs. Audiophile quality sound from your computer when teamed up with Audioengine D3 DAC. Hands down the system sounds as good as my big audiophile stereo!"
The HD6 includes a speaker wire with banana plugs on either end, so using them with the speakers should be a simple set up. The binding posts on the back of each speaker would need to be screwed down and the plugs would need to be inserted into the center hole (please refer to the picture for reference). You would need to make sure that each end matches with the corresponding binding post; for example, if you inserted the red banana plug into the red binding post on one speaker, the same would follow suit for the other speaker. Do keep in mind the plugs on the HD6's speaker wires can be snug fitting into the speaker posts, so you may have to try a little bit more force to fit them in.
