These Awesome Desktop Speakers Just Got a Significant Hi-Fi Upgrade

After four years, the Texas-based audio maker has finally updated one of its most popular desktop speaker systems.

Published May 1, 2025

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Earlier this year, Audioengine introduced new versions of its popular A2+ desktop speakers. They looked identical to their predecessors, but featured an improved DAC and the ability to play 24-bit audio, as well as a new USB-C input to handle more modern connections.

Now, the Texas-based audio company has done something similar with its standout HD4 desktop speakers, which, compared to the A2+, are larger, more powerful, and a little more capable … plus, they have real wooden cabinets.

Audioengine HD4 Next Gen

A powerful desktop system

Audioengine’s HD4 “Next Gen” is a compact powered speaker system that’s very similar to the brand’s original HD, which was released in 2021. The speakers look virtually identical and feature most of the same internals as well.

Like its predecessors, the HD4 Next Gen features one passive and one active speaker, the latter of which houses all the amplification and inputs. And each speaker has a two-way design with a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter and a 4-inch aramid fiber woofer.

In total, the system can output up to 120 watts.

Wired and wireless connections

Like the originals, the HD Next Gen is a super versatile speaker system. It features wired (via RCA or 3.5mm) and wireless (via Bluetooth) connectivity, which allows you to hook them up to your desktop or stream music straight from your smartphone.

If you want a more private listening session, the primary (active) speaker has a built-in headphone amplifier on the front, too, which the brand says can drive high-impedance headphones.

24-bit audio upgrade

The Next Gen models feature a few key updates.

First, they have a USB-C audio input — instead of USB-A on the originals — which gives you a more modern way to directly connect your smartphone, computer or even turntable to the speaker system.

Second, they support Bluetooth 5.3 and AptX Adaptive, allowing them to stream higher resolution audio — up to 24-bit — than before.

And finally, the HD4 Next Gen has a dedicated subwoofer output for those who want to add extra bass to the system. Audioengine recommends pairing it with either of their S6 or S8 powered subwoofers.

Price and availability

The Audioengine HD4 Next Gen speaker system comes in three different finishes: satin black, walnut or high-gloss piano white.

As is the norm these days, the HD4 Next Gen costs a little bit more than the original HD4. They are priced at $429, which is a $30 increase.

The speakers are available now on the company’s website.

Audioengine HD4 Next Gen

About the Author:

Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. As a Tech Staff Writer, he tracks everything in the consumer tech space, from headphones to smartphones, wearables to home theater systems. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.