Our take on the Audioengine N22
Conventional wisdom says audio components must measure 17" wide. Audioengine has a better idea. The narrow, vertically oriented N22 amplifier fits easily on your desk, bookshelf, or kitchen counter.
Don't let its compact dimensions or unusual shape fool you. This amp delivers 22 legitimate watts per channel, enough to drive most bookshelf speakers to very satisfying volume levels in a small room. If you're sitting at your computer, with your speakers an arm's length away, you'll have power to burn.
When the baby's asleep, and you just can't crank your speakers, plug in a set of hi-fi headphones. The N22's high-performance, low-noise headphone amplifier will make them sing.
The N22 is refreshingly simple to set up and operate. You get inputs for two analog audio sources and one knob for power and volume. That's it. If you're storing all of your music on a computer or an iPod®, what else do you need? A built-in USB power port lets you charge your iPod while you listen to your music. (The USB port is for power only, not USB audio or data transfer.)
The N22 includes a preamp output, so you can easily connect a powered subwoofer or Audioengine W3 wireless adapter.
Both audio inputs on the N22 are always on. There's no need for an input selection switch. The standby idle mode conserves power when you're not playing music.
Need speakers, too? The N22 is a perfect match with Audioengine's P4 passive bookshelf speakers.
From the review Audioengine N22 desktop amplifier
"If I were listening to a high-end audio system in my den, I'd expect to hear all of these tonal colors shine across a wide, deep soundstage. It was a pleasant surprise to hear it all while sitting in front of my computer, especially from a combination of amp and speakers that sells for around $450. For not much more than the cost of a good set of powered speakers, the N22/P4 system gives you a big step up in sound quality."
— Jim Richardson, Crutchfield Home Content Managing Editor
Highlights:
- 22 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (20-22,000 Hz) at 0.02% THD
- built-in high-performance headphone amplifier
- 1 pair RCA analog audio inputs
- 3.5mm stereo minijack audio input
- 1 pair RCA analog audio outputs
- USB charge/power port
- 5-way binding post speaker connectors (pair of 5.75-foot speaker wires included)
- power-saving idle mode
- detachable power cord
- 4-1/16"W x 7-1/4"H x 7-5/8"D
- weight: 3.5 lbs.
- warranty: 3 years
- Our 60-day money-back guarantee
