Audioengine N22 Amplifier Review

[lordhumungous]

What garbage.

 

[GWolfman]

If the external surface is like their older black coating, the emulsifier [?] oozes out after a few years and gets all sticky to the touch...

This has happened to me before with other brands’ products. I had to remove the coating with orange oil or Goo Gone and rubbing alcohol, but it was never the same afterwards (for obvious reasons).

 

[prerich]

Ayyy, built-in Harman curve at no extra cost! What a bargain!

It does look like the Harman curve!!!

 

[sofrep811]

I’ve always wondered how well this desktop amp worked going at least ten years back. Almost bought it a couple times but only review I read was “sounds good” or whatever. I assumed better data than what you pulled from it.

 

[RandomEar]

Up until today, I mostly plotted the best of the best to see who came out ahead. But this one was so bad, that it called for its own little comparison:

And honestly: It's still better than what a certain mainstream manufacturer deemed "good enough" to sell in large quantities (looking at you, NAD). The N22 isn't a good amp, but for desktop use and as long as you stay below 10 W, I'd say this was acceptable 10 years ago.

Sources:

• Marantz PM-90
• NAD D3020
• Audioengine N22 -> This thread
• NAD 7050
• Aiyima A07
• Allo Volt+D

 

[warpdrive]

13 years ago I looked for amps that were small enough to place on a desk, and there were very few. There were lots of 5W Tripath units, expensive ones like the Parasound Z series (about $300), and some more expensive ones based around ICEPower 25W modules. This was kind of unique amongst the amps in that it was vertical, and promised better than average power (22W), two inputs, variable line out, and auto standby. It's too bad it doesn't meet the power spec, because if it did, it might be still be ok to buy. The FR bump is a bit unfortunate but pared with the typical small bookshelf, it might actually work out.

but for desktop use and as long as you stay below 10 W, I'd say this was acceptable 10 years ago.

 

[Fosi Audio]

We can be pretty sure this was done on purpose.

Which speaks badly of the trust we can give to this company.
Exclusion factor, in my view.

Many people love punch bass, so ~