Listening

The AP4s reminded me of a line from an old 7 Up commercial, “Crisp and clean, with no caffeine.” Bright highs and uncluttered midrange are two of the speaker's greatest strengths. They have a gracious soundstage belying their tiny size, and voices are well presented, too. Where the AP4s shine brightest is on vocal and instrumental music that isn't over driven by amplifiers – think very loud rock, metal and beyond. Feed the AP4s anything else and they'll reveal more than such a diminutive speaker has a right to.

One of my fondest musical discoveries was the superb songwriting featured in the 2007 movie Once. Like many others, it was my introduction to Glen Hansard and co-star Marketa Irglova. I recall watching the film and being blown away by the music. Now a soundtrack owner, I listened in rapture as Hansard and Irglova sang the powerfully sad “Lies.” There's a moment where the piano barely registers on any system I've heard, but the AP4s presented it without issue. The open-tuned guitars on the rollicking singalong “Gold” were also nicely in the mix, sounding like guitars.

Jack Johnson's vocals on 2008's Sleep Through The Static were excellent. The AP4s are capable of what I call “correcting the pace and space,” something that many good speakers do. Until you've heard a recording at its proper pace, made so by giving each voice and instrument in the mix its correct place in the sound stage. Tunes such as “Hope” and “Monsoon” sounded very good through the AP4s.

As well, I liked their handling of Richard Hawley's musings on Coles Corner. This recording is loaded with atmosphere, and Hawley's Englishman-meets-Leonard Cohen drawl is fascinating on tracks such as “Just Like The Rain” and “Born Under A Bad Sign.”

What can you expect on the low end from a 4-inch woofer? More than you'd think. One track I've been using lately to judge bass response and delivery is Bruce Cockburn's instrumental “Rise And Fall.” It's a mesmerizing piece of slow acoustic jazz that showcases the Canadian's dazzling guitar playing and some Jaco Pastorious-like bass from George Koller. The recording is intimate, and it feels like you're in the room as Cockburn's fingers slide across the strings and Koller glides across the bass.

There's a lot to like about the AP4s. These mighty mites excel at reproducing voices and instruments in space. The soundstage is open and there's a palpable sense of decay on certain recordings. Though the AP4s handled about everything I through at them, I would not recommend them if your tastes are primarily heavy metal or you plan on cranking hard rock for hours at a time. Motorhead and Metallica fans should look elsewhere, but if your musical diet is of the lighter variety, you'll have many delicious experiences with the AP4s – the little 'Engines that could and can and do.

Company Note

Audioengine offers a 30-day, no-risk audition on all their speakers, including the AP4s, and a 3-year warranty covers all online store purchases.

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Ramon  - Better heavy metal with sub-woofer?   |2012-03-31 11:51:04 This are the extac size a was looking for, i 'm a bit disapointed reading about heavy metal sound. Could be enhanced with a proper sub-woofer? I have read the low frequencies could be very much improved with a sub-woofer (may be audioengine s8). Regards 0   0

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