AudioengineN22 100W Mini Desktop Home Stereo Power Amplifier Amp with Bluetooth AptX

Before I begin, do note that this review is on the earlier version of the N22. Audio Engine has recently released (finally) their Gen 2 version which "ups" the power output and adds blue tooth - plus some miscellaneous cosmetic improvements.As a matter of background information, I held off purchasing the N22 for a long time - for a number of reasons. The main reason being is that at the time of this initial writing, I already had a total of 8 other amplifiers (two Class AB and 6 Class D models). All of these are being used on a desktop, near-field arrangement.From time to time, for some odd reason, I kept coming across the N22 - whether on Amazon or on other sites. After all, the N22 has been around for well over 10-12 years now. My attraction to the N22 was its desktop design (small size plus it stands vertically). Since it is a Class AB amp, this design typically sounds warmer and fuller than many of the Chinese made class D models that you see permeating a variety of sites - unless you do some op-amp upgrades.So I finally decided to purchase the N22 and when it arrived, I was impressed right off the bat to see the packaging - a real work of art. Everything looks to be made of metal (I don't know where the wood is that reviewers keep talking about, unless the wood is the actual enclosure - who knows). All the accessories are an added bonus, but I made sure to use only upgraded World's Best (WBC) RCA cables, along with Blue Jeans 10-gauge audiophile level speaker cables and banana connectors. These were then connected to the KEF Q150 and Wharfedale D320 bookshelf speakers (switching between them to test the audio).For the purposes of this review, I also fed the N22 with a variety of DAC and Head Amp units - both Tube and transistor units from Schiit Audio, FX-Audio, Nobsound, xDuoo, iFi, Topping, and JDS Labs.What caught my ear right away was that upon immediately turning on the N22, it had a full and warmish sound signature. Usually, with many amps on the market, you'd have to leave them on for 12 - 48 hours (depending on model) before the sound begins to become warmer. Not so with the N22 - it was immediate. Of course, it is a class AB model so that explains some of those results. I should add that the N22 appears a bit warmer than the two class AB amplifiers that I currently own - now go figure? As an aside, this would be an excellent amp to pair with components that have a bright sound signature.Now let's talk sound qualities and overally impressions:1. Overall sound signature/tonality: Overly warm, especially in the bass regions. Actually sounds warmer than several of the tube amps I have - now go figure? For some, this warm tonality may be too warm and I would tend to agree. However, this is an amp that you can listen to for a long, long time without getting listening fatigue.2. Sound-Staging, Air, and Ambiance: All I can say is "exemplary" at this price-point. The sound is wide open and there is air and separation around the instruments that I previously didn't notice with some of my other amps (mostly the class D models). Instrumental placement was spot-on with sound-staging that extended beyond the left, right, and on top of the speakers I was using (both KEF and Wharfedale). With this amp, you seemingly can look right through to the performance at hand. I tend to listen to classical music and jazz only. It's as if an audio veil has been lifted and one more obstacle was removed between you and the performance at hand - uncanny really for a $200 small unit like this. Now do be aware, that the quality of the ancillary components and other accessories being used will contribute to the audio experience of the N22. Use cheap entry level cables, or less than stellar ancillary components and your sound may suffer a bit. Likewise, increase the quality of everything else in the music chain, and it winds up having a synergistic effect on the audio qualities (read "improvement" here) on the N22.3. Bass: Here again, the performance of bass instruments is unique in that there is separation among bass instruments, and that proverbial air around the bass instruments is exemplary for such an inexpensive and small amplifier. On the bottom end, there is plenty of wallop when needed. Bass is well-defined, a bit warm, and dynamic when called upon. So you won't be lacking in the bass department. However, again - I must stress that this amp leans unusually to the warm side of things, especially in the bass department. This warmth doesn't mean the bass is mushy - rather, it is tight where it needs to be, but the overall tonality will be even warmer than what you might get with various tube amps.4. Mids and highs: As I mentioned, I tend to listen to classical (mainly large orchestral stuff), along with jazz (prefer big band jazz). The highs among many of the classical music instruments were reproduced with a delicious silky quality, along with warm textures. Strings were silky smooth and warm - not edgy or grainy. It's not coloration, but again - it's like a veil had been lifted - truly musical. Brass instruments had that requisite bite, yet weren't harsh nor grating. Just listen to the brass chorale in Mahler's Symphony #2, and you'll be awe-struck to be sure, or Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man. Now do be aware that in some recordings/performances, instruments such as cymbals, may come off a bit rolled off in the upper registers (that shimmering sparkle lacking) due to the warmth that this amp projects.5. Dynamic Range capabilities: What I found exemplary with the N22 is that not only does it have a full, warm bodied sound signature, but it is also very dynamic. Dynamic range comes through superbly and things don't feel compressed (unless the music you are listening to has been compressed in the recording). Dynamics can be quite satisfying, and the musical clarity holds up, especially during full crescendos of an orchestra. Now do use some common sense here. Unless you are listening to speakers that have above a 90 db efficiency rating (like most of the Klipsch speakers), the N22 is not the amp to use in a large room with huge floor-standing speakers - let's be realistic here. But it is a superb amplifier for smaller settings such as desktop environments, bedrooms, etc.So how can this be? I'm an audiophile - have been one for over 55 years - but my audiophile endeavors are now confined to a desktop arrangement. Everything I listened to with the N22 was confined to a desktop scenario with higher end cables, great gear and excellent speaker cables. I came away gob-smacked, marveling at the sound qualities of the N22 - and for a $200 compact amp that has been around for a long while? You get many qualities of great tube amps with the N22 - keep that in mind.Well, how about some negatives you may ask? Well, there is one - and it's minor - however, it can become annoying. And that involves the volume knob. There are virtually no volume level indicators either on the knob, or around the knob on the amp body, and this can get frustrating as you try to determine where to set your volume. The body of the amp is all black, and the volume knob is silver/gray. The instruction manual suggests keeping the volume knob at around 3 o'clock position and then just control your volume with your input device. Well, "no-sh_t" Sherlock - how can you determine what the 3 PM indicator is without any markings whatsoever? You can't! So if there is one recommendation that I'd like to make, it would be to add a notch on the volume knob - either a red or black mark, so you know where you're at volume-wise.The knob scenario can easily be remedied as both Amazon and eBay have tons of different style audio volume knobs for sale - and all different colors. I purchased several packs of 2 (silver, red, and black) that had the indicator lines on them from Amazon. I just changed out the volume knob on my N22, now all is fine. Also, that grainy feel that some talked about in their personal reviews when turning the volume knob, is NOT present with my N22 - it was all smooth turning. If you do have a grainy feel with the N22 you are using, just gently pull out on the knob slightly to get the end (facing the amp) away slightly from rubbing metal on metal.So color me impressed. Now I realize that all reviews are subjective, and no two folks will hear things the same way. Keep in mind that depending on all the other equipment you are using, along with the quality of your interconnect cables, your mileage may vary. My evaluation/review was done as a result of having the N22 on a desktop environment. I just enjoyed sitting there with my eyes closed, imagining I was at a live performance and that is perhaps, the finest compliment one can advance with regard to audio components.EDIT #1 - 31 March 2023.Alright, it's been quite some time now and I felt I had to chime in after having used this amp for almost a year, along with comparing it with a wide variety of other class AB and Class D amplifiers.The one variable that stuck out from the moment I purchased the N22 was it's rendering of an overall warmth in the sound signature. Of course, initially this becomes very pleasant - after all, you won't experience high frequency distortion/shrills (unless it's present in the recording), and it reminds me more of a tube amplifier.I'm still listening to the N22 through my KEF Q150's and Wharfedale D320 bookshelf speakers, and to my ears - on a desktop, near-field arrangement and adding the Schiit components, the sound signature is just right - very pleasing, a bit of warmth, plenty of definition, and powerful transients.In the end - as of this first edit - I've now tried 22 different compact amplifiers - both class D and class AB, and all I can say is that the N22 shines compared to many of them. Granted, you are not going to use this lower powered amplifier with huge speakers in a large room (which would be unrealistic). But as a smaller room amplifier, or one to be used on a desk-top near-field scenario, this delightful audio component punches, far, far above its weight. Need I say more!FINAL EDIT/ADDITION - 11 August 2023Alright - those of you who've taken the time to read my review/comments about this remarkable N22 are probably sick of seeing additions to my earlier remarks. But sorry - I just can't help it with this amplifier.After 2-3 years of trying out and carefully listening to countless Chi-Fi (and US) branded Class D amps (some of which, admittedly, sound good to halfway good), every time I come back to the N22, I'm just stunned at how superior this Audio Engine design really is. The sound differences between this inexpensively priced and gorgeously designed N22 from the myriad of class D designs on the market, cannot be more pronounced. Coming back to the N22 is like a breath of fresh air - the warmth, the relaxing (and dynamic when called upon) qualities, just make you sigh with relief.I recently completed reviews on two highly anticipated US branded class D amps - the Rogersound Labs (RSL) ia255.1 (price: $110), and the Dayton Audio DTA-100ST (price: $139) - both designed in the US, but produced in China. They sound halfway decent, offering improved depth and sound-staging capabilities, however, both still exhibited that bright and thin sound that budget priced class D amps tend to exhibit. Returning to the Audio Engine N22 caused me to breathe a sigh of relief. There's no other way to explain this.Folks - if you haven't made up your minds yet, getting the N22 is a no-brainer, unless of course, you want to fill a large room with floor standing speakers, and want to blast them. For everything else, this N22 should do just fine!EDIT/ADDITION - 9 December 2023:Please note that the new N22 (version 2) is a class D amplifier, which changes the overall sound tonality when compared to the earlier warmer Class AB version (which is a shame). Why Audio Engine didn't keep the class AB design is beyond me. A friend of mine purchased the new version, and when I listened to it, I was struck by the cooler/thinner sound tonality of this new version - bummer.

It was given as a presentFrom what I’ve heard it is a great sounding amp

Spartan elegance and high value in a small package!MY JOURNEY: I have a sound system for my back deck (hot tub / barbeque area) that is kept in a weather proof outdoor enclosure under the eave...like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E9DPDQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage* That sound system had a DIFFERENT BRAND of amp (which shall remain nameless), an awful amplifier designed for marine use. That "other" amp sucked, no high frequencies, flabby bass, etc. I was determined to get rid of it.* For my needs, I have primarily analog inputs (high quality separate FM tuner and a blu-ray / CD player. I was set on finding a 50 Watt per channel RMS into 8ohms high quality mini amp and a mini 4 channel mixer (occasionally relatives come over with their iPOD for parties). After going through 2 defective mini-mixers and trying a mini-PA amp, I started re thinking my needs. I only really needed 3 inputs. Much as I didn't want to give up tone controls and wanted more power, I took a chance on this amp.THE GOOD:> It's well built, looks cool.> Gold plated NICE, STURDY speaker posts that I believe accept banana plug aside from regular wire. The two inputs are "always on" (i.e. ready for input).> STEREO PRE-AMP OUTPUT that tracks the gain knob (for future expansion).> 22 Watt AB class amp (8 ohms) that sounds great> Headphone output which mutes the speakers (for if I want to read on our back deck at night using headphones without disturbing neighbors.THE "sorta" BAD> No tone controls> Only 22 watts per channel (8 ohms)> I have to run the volume at 80 - 90% to rock out, but it's fine for moderate/background levels at 1 o'clock position - WITH INEFFICIENT SPEAKERS!> Not recommended for people wanting CONTINUOUS UBER HIGH Sound Pressure Levels with visceral deep bass, i.e. certain metalheads and rap / electronica lovers. If you want it loud enough to feel in your gut all the time you'll probably want to look elsewhere. I'm guessing you would either be frustrated with this amp or you might roast it trying to drive large (12" or over) heavy magnet speakers that could drop into low impedance ranges. Now, with smart planning (and additional expense), you COULD use this as the front end for a beefier system using the speakers from this as your "fill" - just make sure that the downstream "Mack truck" system has it's own, separately manageable, gain controls and EQ so you can balance what takes the beating in your system.WELL GUESS WHAT?> This 22 watt per ch. amp produces ample volume for my purposes with inefficient 6.5" two-way (outdoor, made to look a "rock" cabinet) speakers (Sensitivity 86db).[Test music examples: Crowded House - "Farewell TTW" Live, Pink Floyd "Dark Side", ABWH - 1st album]> The amp has a "mellow", rounded audiophile sound with good soundstage - the highs are certainly there, every so slightly recessed but IT DOES NOT CUT MY EARS TO PIECES.> No hiss that I can find.I feel it will improve with "burn in" (most solid state electronics improve or settle into a final sound after 40 - 100 hours of use. I have repeatedly found this to be true over the years).OTHER GOOD NEWS:> My other worry was about quality control. AudioEngine must have seen the older forum complaints from various about the volume knob feeling unsmooth, scratchy/cheap because the unit I received DOES NOT have that problem. The travel of my volume knob rotation is very smooth and it's * NOT * "cockeyed" in any way.> For large get-togethers, I augment my system by sending the Line Out to a large boombox I have which doubles my bass radiating area - the sum total of the two systems is provides very satisfying coverage on an 18 X 22 foot deck.> The smoothness of this system is less likely to offend my neighbors. (Some of perceived annoyance is distortion - aside from unawareness and bad manners, which I do not practice. It amazes me how many people brag online about being able to offend their neighbors with their stereo. For the 3 or 4 parties a year I have, they are made aware of in advance and I encourage them to contact me - good relations).> TIP: YOU COULD INCREASE "OOMPH" (VOLUME OUTPUT) BY CHOOSING SPEAKERS with 92 db or higher sensitivity.> With my Sony dynamic headphones, it blasts my ears off. No problems there.WHY I CHOSE THIS:SIMPLICITY:> It seems odd, but you'd be surprised at how the simplicity of the "one knob" (and no input switch choice decision to make) is appreciated on a visceral level. It's like my old Corolla: I JUST TURN THE DAMN THING ON AND IT WORKS! No Decisions. High Quality sound. In this complicated world, I love it.I have 3 other stereos that all involve choosing settings (Dolby or DTS, surround ambience, crossover cutoff, input choices.) None of that here. Whew. What an oddly freeing experience! Especially for my back deck chill-out system.BUYING A NAME WITH A REAL SUPPORT NETWORK:I seriously considered buying one of the TriPath 80 watt per ch. amplifiers for $200.00. I think they are probably great in most cases. What swayed my decision: After problems with 3 different previous attempted hardware solutions, (new Rolls or used eBay purchase Furman mixer, used mini-PA amp), support became a crucial issue for me rather than an afterthought.I CAN ACTUALLY --> FIND <-- THIS VENDOR AND GET SUPPORT IF THERE'S A PROBLEM. I don't have to ship this to China or try and hunt down a support network. And yes this is probably made in China like everything else these days. Once you experience aggravation, the idea of a support network and customer service moves up to become 30% of one’s purchase decision.Now, down the road, I may buy 2 more speakers and take a chance and try purchasing a Lepai type amp to drive a 2nd set of speakers off the Line Out. For now, this is the "anchor" of my future system and I am quite happy with what I have.--> THE MORAL HERE:> Once I let go of my obsession with wanting a tone controls and high wattage, I found this exactly fills the bill for this purpose: high quality casual listening system.> The amp itself sounds so good YOU DON'T NEED TONE CONTROLS if your source is high quality. iPod users can use their internal software EQ to tweak things as a workaround.--> SUMMARY: VERY PLEASED! Sage advice: Just accept the simplicity my son! Accept that you can simply turn something on without fiddling and it will fulfill your needs! ahahaha.I will report back on how it sounds after full burn-in later.**************************************************************************************************************ADDENDUM - HIGH QUALITY (Name Brand) ALTERNATIVES TO CONSIDER:Emotiva Mini-X - nearly same price, 1 less inputNAD D 3020 Rave reviews, over 2X as much money, 1 less inputPS Audio "Sprout" Rave reviews, 4X as much money 4 inputs_____________________________________________________________________________GENERIC SAFETY NOTE RE ** ANY ** OUTDOOR SYSTEM: When in the hot tub, I manage my input devices (i.e. make radio station or CD track number choices) with their own, respective wireless remote controls. It should be obvious: Don't manage this or ANY powered audio system DIRECTLY from a hot tub or while you are wet. That would be unsafe. Just sayin'. Also, give your components adequate ventilation. I bring my audio components in for the winter come late October as my component case is unheated and I don't want capacitors and circuit board solder connections to freeze, but that's just me.UPDATE 10/18/2015: My external power supply for my N22 unit died after only 2 months. I contacted Audioengine support and explained symptoms and all the various ways I had tested it. They sent me out a new power supply at no cost. Sent it regular shipping speed (took like 6 days). I plugged it in and the blue power light went came on in the main unit. I will have to fully test it later, haven't had time to hook it all back up. I love this unit enough that I am going to chaulk it up to one bad part. Audioengine sells the power supply on their site for (if memory serves like $19.00 + shipping). I am pleased that they made things right at no cost to me (except doing without it for a week). I'm also pleased that they make the replacement power available on their website at a reasonable cost.