- Anthony
Audioengine may be known for high-quality audio equipment that is both powerful and affordable. From top to bottom, they are true audiophiles. Their newest release may be their most ambitious yet, with the Audioengine S8.
In this Audioengine S8 Subwoofer Review, Hooke Audio will look at the outstanding features as well as the drawbacks of this product for you. Let’s get started.
Contents
Audioengine S8 Subwoofer Review
Audioengine’s subwoofer is unique in that it offers a wide range of options and features. Learn more about them here.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Audioengine S8 Powered Subwoofer
- RCA audio cable
- Mini-jack audio cable
- AC power cord
- Microfiber cloth bag
- Quick start guide
Versatility
The S8 is an adaptable piece of kit, much like the brand’s home speakers range. It will fit seamlessly into any home setup.
Audioengine was extremely careful in designing the S8 subwoofer. This makes sure it works well when listening to music and watching movies, as well as playing video games.
Connectivity
Audioengine’s product range is also characterized by connectivity.
The S8 powered subwoofer doesn’t come with wireless capability by default, so you can buy as an extra. Although this might seem negative, subs don’t require wireless connectivity in most cases.
Subs are often placed on the ground and out of view. A wired sub is not necessary if you have Bluetooth speakers.
Audioengine speakers can connect to other devices like AV receivers, preamps, and other speakers using a special cord. This makes it easy to use them with different types of equipment.
The S8 speaker has some buttons on the back that you can use to make it sound better. You can adjust the Crossover, Phase, and Subwoofer Volume to make it work well with your other speakers.
An auto-sleep standby feature turns the S8 amplifier off when you’re not playing music.
The rear panel includes dual line-level inputs (1/8 inch mini-jack and RCA connectors), so you can connect S8 to your gear easily. All the cables you will need are included.
Sound Quality
The S8’s sound quality is perhaps its most striking feature. It has a great low-end performance and a tight and smooth bass.
The 8-inch subwoofer is sufficient for the most home audio system.
The custom woofer makes really cool sounds without getting messed up, even when it’s turned up really loud. It has a special opening on the front and it points down towards the ground. This makes it easier to hear the bass.
The S8 delivers great bass performance and its low, tight, and smooth bass will blend well with the other speakers in your system. Although a bit on the “pricey” side for computer speakers, they sound great and not too bright.
Qualitative Construction
The S8 was built with great care. We loved the S8’s feel, from the 3/4″ thick cabinet to its engineered isolation elastomer feet. The quality is evident at 30 lbs.
It also features an anti-resonant steel frame and a heavy-duty rubber speaker. This is evident in the high quality sound and the robustness of this unit.
Ease To Use
The product was easy to use and set up. This is a great bonus for anyone who has never used a sub. The unit has dual audio inputs on the back, making setup easy. The sub also has an auto-off function that will automatically turn off the unit when it is not in use.
Warranty
Audioengine S8 comes with a 3-year warranty as standard. This is an excellent feature that you should consider when selecting your sub. An industry-standard warranty is 2 years. Having a longer warranty is an advantage.
Audioengine is known for providing excellent service and support. This can be seen in the detail they provide on their website as well as their extensive array of setup guides.
The S8 comes with a 30-day audition period. You can return the product if you aren’t satisfied. This is only available if you purchase directly from Audioengine.
Performance
We expected the S8 to be as good as other Audioengine products we reviewed. It did not disappoint, thankfully.
The S8 provides the perfect bass extension for Audioengine-powered speakers or as an upgrade to existing music sytems. It delivers excellent sound quality for music, movies, and gaming. It’s also extremely compact and wireless-ready.
We were pleased with the overall excellent sound quality. The deep rumble from the low end really elevates the listening experience. You will be surprised at the variety of sounds and tones that you are now aware of.
The real beauty of this unit was discovered when we experimented with the two adjustable dials at the back. You can adjust the overall volume or the crossover level to suit your needs. This allows you to create loud, blaring bass, or a subtle, delicate balance between the highs and the lows.
The sub’s presence can make music listening more enjoyable. It can even cause you to stop listening and start listening again with your speakers.
The overall volume is another important aspect of performance. When we tested the S8, it exceeded our expectations. The S8 speaker was really loud, but it didn’t sound bad or fuzzy even when it was turned up really high.
It was able to handle the loudness without any problems. It doesn’t have any effect on day-to-day useability but it is good to know that the S8 can handle the challenge.
This sub should be placed on the floor, ideally in a corner, to get the most out of it. This allows the woofer to release its bass notes in a more efficient manner. Isolation feet are a great help as the sub can then release its bass notes optimally when it is facing downward.
We could only find one negative: the bass can get a bit ‘flabby’ when it is turned up. This is a minor issue, but it shouldn’t be a problem with regular listening.
The S8 subwoofer also ideal for fast audio and home theater performance, with low frequencies and precise bass.
Auto-Sleep Energy Saving Mode
We love the auto-sleep energy-saving mode. This feature, as implied, will stop the unit from operating automatically if it is not used for a prolonged period of time.
This will ultimately help to conserve power since the unit isn’t being used unnecessarily.
The Audioengine S8: Pros
The S8 has many good points. These are just a few of the many good points we have highlighted and gathered them together here.
Wireless Ready
Although this sub does not have wireless connectivity, Audioengine made sure it was available for those who wanted it. The premium wireless adaptor by W3, Audioengine is available for an additional fee.
This adaptor allows you to connect your S8 speakers wirelessly. The adaptor plugs into the mains or the RCA inputs.
This is a great choice for people who don’t want cables running from speaker to speaker.
Size
The sub weighs in at 30lbs. This is heavy even by our standards. Subs don’t have to be lightweight. However, they must be invisible when plugged in. Although the S8 feels and performs like a larger unit, it is housed in a smaller, more compact unit. This results in a sub-that can be easily hidden away.
Despite being small, the sound-produced quality and performance are not compromised.
Sound Quality
The S8 subwoofer is high-quality. Its components are made using premium materials. It produces excellent sound, whether you are listening to music or watching movies.
You can also see the S8’s outstanding qualities by turning up the volume. The sub must be pushed hard before you notice any distortion. It also allows you to create a real bass-shaking experience if you prefer that way of listening.
The S8 is a great value at a price of less than $1,000 and is widely considered to be the best option in this price range.
Design
This is a common feature of Audioengine powered speakers or surround sound AV receiver that is often overlooked. This engineering is well-suited to the S8’s downward-facing woofer, front-facing ports and allows it to make efficient use of its size. The S8’s small size allows it to be easily tucked away without sacrificing performance.
Warranty
Audioengine is a big favorite of AllsoundLab. We love Audioengine’s superior products, but we also love their 3-year warranty.
The S8 is covered by the Audioengine 3 year warranty. The warranty covers the S8 for 3 years, and you can get a replacement or full refund if your sub fails.
Audioengine has a good reputation for customer service. You can view various configuration guides and instruction manuals on their website.
The Cons of the Audioengine – S8
‘Flabby Bass’
This refers to the sub’s tendency to produce slow bass, which sometimes lasts longer than it should. We are not trying to split hairs here. The issue can be resolved by setting the lows at the right level. It just takes some time to do it 100% correctly.
Price Point
The Audioengine S8 subwoofer is not the most expensive on the market. The price range is reasonable and consumers can expect high quality. Although the S8 delivers, there are many cheaper options that perform nearly as well.
Wireless connectivity is not a standard feature
Audioengine products have a wide range of connections options, which is one of their most distinctive features. Although the S8 comes with the option to add a wireless adaptor, it would be even more useful if this was included as standard.
What are the best alternatives to the Audioengine S8?
When you buy a high-end item like a new subwoofer, you want to make sure you get the best one at the best price. We’ll be discussing four options for the S8 we believe you should consider.
Klipsch R-12SW
Klipsch has a long history in the audio market. The speaker line has a great reputation for high-end quality. Klipsch R-12SW is no different. The R-12SW delivers 400 watts and has a 12″ front-facing subwoofer. The Klipsch is worth looking at if you want your bass to rumble loudly.
The sub is constructed to a high standard and the use of premium materials is evident throughout. The sub is a strong competitor to the S8 thanks to its satin-painted plinth and brushed black polymer veneer cabinet. The price of this sub is a bit lower than the S8’s.
Read more: Klipsch R12Sw Subwoofer Review: Best Choice For You
Monoprice 60-Watt Powered Subwoofer
Monoprice 60-Watt Subwoofer represents great value for money. This budget-friendly option is great for those who aren’t looking to buy the S8.
The power output of the S8 is 60 watts. But don’t let that fool you. The Monoprice is a good choice for most of its higher-priced counterparts.
If you only use a sub to increase your low end while listening to music or watching movies with the family, then you won’t notice much of a difference. However, if you crank it up and compare it with the S8, then the differences will be obvious.
Sonos Sub
Sonos is a well-known brand of industry-leading hardware. If you already have Sonos, chances are that you won’t be thinking about anything else. Sonos Sub Wireless Subwoofer is a welcome addition to the family.
Although the product works as expected from a well-respected brand, it is not cheap. You will need to replace your existing speaker system with Sonos if you don’t have them.
Read more: Sonos Subwoofer Review: Best Choice For You
Conclusion
The Audioengine S8 Subwoofer is a unique product on the market. Being a powered subwoofer, it can be connected to either a DAC or a pre-amp on a stereo amplifier. People aren’t at home as much as they used to be, which is why a S8 Subwoofer is a great choice for those who can’t afford a traditional subwoofer.
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
