Acoustic Energy Aego BT2

This is a review of the Acoustic Energy Aego BT2. The Aego BT2 is a very aesthetic, minimalist, but substantial Bluetooth speaker.  It features an Aluminium chassis, it is pretty heavy and is very stylish with a simplistic boxy but functional look.  I like it. The Aego BT2 has a power rating of 40watts RMS, the bespoke twin 2.5 inch drivers and large side-firing bass radiators provide ample power and bandwidth to produce room-filling, full-bodied sound. Despite this, there is an option to pair two of these to create a true stereo image. Of course you’ll need to buy two, making this set up a very expensive proposition.

Design

The rectangular cuboid Acoustic Energy Aego BT2 looks good giving it an immediate plus point for me to start with. There are no funny angles or curves and I really like the look. On my desk, next to the iMAC, this looks just nice, silver aluminium to the fore. On the patio table it slips in the background anonymously with ketchup bottles and the like on top of it, after it was moved from the BBQ area.  There is a rubber pad on the base to ensure a solid contact with whichever surface it is on.  The same rubber feel is on the back, making it easy to pickup and set down as it is very portable.

It is 14cm high, 20 cm wide and 10 cm deep, the controls are on the top, power, volume up or down and Bluetooth.

The Aego BT2 has two inputs, Bluetooth 4.2 aptX and a rear facing stereo 3.5mm jack.   There is, rather usefully, a USB out charger for your favourite fruity phone or other android device.  The power lead for charging the speaker is at the back too.

Aego BT2 Quality

There is a defined brushed aluminium feel to the Aego BT2 and it has a confident quality feel.  The buttons on top are defined, illuminated, and easy to access, the soft feel rubber back makes it easy to carry about.  It has a good feel.

Technical Specifications

Inputs: 1 x Stereo Mini-jack, 1 x Bluetooth (wireless)
Power Ratings: I/P: 100-240Vac, 50/60Hz, 1.1A. O/P: 12Vdc, 3.8A
Dimensions (HxWxD): 140x200x100mm
Weight: 2kg
Finish: Aluminium, rubber, chrome and silver/black steel grilles

From the blurb:
●   Upto 36 hours battery life (Measured at 30% volume continuous music playback via aux input)
●   40watts RMS output with stereo 2.5 inch drivers and twin bass radiators
●   Bluetooth 4.2 apt-X Low Latency
●   USB phone charging
●   Microphone for hands-free calling

Performance

What do you want from a Bluetooth speaker?  Portability, a decent battery and some volume and I think that this speaker has all three

My Acoustic Energy Aego BT2 definitely needed running in as it was noticeably tight out of the box.  I used my comprehensive Ryan Adams playlist/catalogue (!) that includes the ‘Suicide Sessions’ collection (slightly niche and unnecessary). I just plugged in the iPod on repeat to the back of the Aego BT2 which was plugged into the wall and came back a day later.  Lovely.

Ideal performance is noted in the blurb as near a wall, 6″ or so away.  In a Bluetooth speaker environment this is unlikely to happen.  I have had it all over the place, on the desktop, garden table, picnic blanket etc. and it has been fine, easy to pair and the battery power is good.

Certainly, if you crank it up it is a really solid performer

What do you want from a Bluetooth speaker?  Portability, a decent battery and some volume and I think that this speaker has all three.  Certainly, if you crank it up it is a really solid performer.  The base tone is deep and powerful from the twin side firing drivers.  It is tight and certainly fit for purpose.

I’ve found the mid range to be tuneful and clear, with vocals coming through very pleasantly indeed.  The resolution I’ve found to be good.

I happened to have a phone call (on my Nexus 6P) when I was Bluetoothing into the BT2 and I seamlessly answered the call and chatted away with Mr RAC who was ‘rescuing’ my car!

Overall

I would certainly recommend giving this product a listen, particularly if you want portable power this summer

I have recently had the Monitor Audio S150 and the Ruark MR1 Mk2, both of which are powered so the battery freedom was very welcome and I suspect that is really what you are paying for here.  At this price, near £250, it sits in between the two.  I liked both of these, indeed I bought the Ruark MR1 and I have been very happy with it.  I think the key USP with this product is its portability, the look and the battery, all of which I consider to be very high indeed.  I would certainly recommend giving this product a listen, particularly if you want portable power this summer.

The new Acoustic Energy Aego BT2 is available from authorised retailers, selected high street stores and direct from the AE website with a UK SRP of £249 (June 2017).

Full Technical Specifications:
Available from the AE website: http://www.acoustic-energy.co.uk/aego-systems/bt2/