Audioengine - N22 - Desktop Amplifier

As a matter of background information, I held off purchasing the N22 for a long time - for a number of reasons. The main reason being is that I already have a total of 6 other amplifiers (two Class AB and 4 Class D models). All of these are being used on a desktop, near-field arrangement.From time to time, for some odd reason, I kept coming across the N22 - whether on Amazon or on other sites. After all, the N22 has been around for well over 10-12 years now. My attraction to the N22 was its desktop design and signature - standing vertically. Plus it was a Class AB amp - the class of which typically sounds warmer and fuller than the Chinese made class D models that you see permeating a variety of sites.So I finally decided to get one and when the N22 arrived, I was ... MoreAs a matter of background information, I held off purchasing the N22 for a long time - for a number of reasons. The main reason being is that I already have a total of 6 other amplifiers (two Class AB and 4 Class D models). All of these are being used on a desktop, near-field arrangement.From time to time, for some odd reason, I kept coming across the N22 - whether on Amazon or on other sites. After all, the N22 has been around for well over 10-12 years now. My attraction to the N22 was its desktop design and signature - standing vertically. Plus it was a Class AB amp - the class of which typically sounds warmer and fuller than the Chinese made class D models that you see permeating a variety of sites.So I finally decided to get one and when the N22 arrived, I was impressed to see the packaging - a real work of art. Everything looks to be made of metal (I don't know where the wood is that reviewers keep talking about, unless the wood is the actual enclosure - who knows). All the accessories are an added bonus, but I made sure to use only upgraded World's Best (WBC) RCA cables, along with Blue Jeans 10-gauge audiophile level speaker cables and banana connectors. These were then connected to the KEF Q150 and Wharfedale D320 bookshelf speakers (switching between them to test the audio).For the purposes of this review, I also fed the N22 with a variety of DAC and Head Amp units - both Tube and transistor units from Schiit Audio, xDuoo, iFi, Topping, and JDS Labs.What caught my ear right away was that upon immediately turning on the N22, it had an immediate full and warmish sound signature. Usually, with many amps on the market, you'd have to leave them on for a few days before the sound begins to become warmer. Not so with the N22 - it was immediate. Of course, it is a class AB model so that explains some of those results. But I will add that the N22 is a bit warmer than you'd expect, and in fact, it is much warmer than the two class AB amplifiers that I currently own - now go figure? For some listeners, it may be a bit warmer than they might prefer - from the bass all the way through the treble regions. As an aside, this would be an excellent amp to pair with components that have a bright sound signature.Now let's talk sound qualities and overally impressions:1. Sound-staging, Air, and Ambiance: All I can say is "unbelievable" at this price-point. The sound is wide open and there is air and separation around the instruments that I previously didn't notice with some of my other amps. Instrumental placement was reference quality with sound-staging that extended beyond the left, right, and on top of the speakers I was using (both KEF and Wharfedale). With this amp, you seemingly can look right through to the performance at hand. I tend to listen to classical music and jazz only. It's as if an audio veil has been lifted and one more obstacle was removed between you and the performance at hand - uncanny really for a $200 small unit like this. Now do be aware, that the quality of the ancillary components and other accessories being used will contribute to the audio experience of the N22. Use cheap entry level cables, or less than stellar ancillary components and your sound may suffer a bit. Likewise, increase the quality of everything else in the music chain, and it winds up having a synergistic effect on the audio qualities (read "improvement" here) on the N22.2. Bass: Here again, the performance of bass instruments is unique in that there is separation among bass instruments, and that proverbial air around the bass instruments is exemplary for such an inexpensive and small amplifier. On the bottom end, there is plenty of wallop when needed. Bass is well-defined and dynamic when called upon. So you won't be lacking in the bass department.2. Mids and highs: As I mentioned, I tend to listen to classical (mainly large orchestral stuff), along with jazz (prefer big band jazz). The highs among many of the classical music instruments came with a delicious silky quality, along with warm textures. Strings were silky smooth and warm - not edgy or grainy. It's not coloration, but again - it's like a veil had been lifted. Brass instruments had that requisite bite, yet weren't harsh nor grating. Just listen to the brass chorale in Mahler's Symphony #2, and you'll be awe-struck to be sure, or Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man.3. Dynamic Range capabilities: What I found exemplary with the N22 is that not only does it have a full, warm bodied sound signature, but it is also very dynamic. Dynamic range comes through superbly and things don't feel compressed (unless the music you are listening to has been compressed in the recording). Dynamics can be quite satisfying, and the musical clarity holds up, especially during full crescendos of an orchestra. Now do use some common sense here. Unless you are listening to speakers that have above a 90 db efficiency rating, the N22 is not the amp to use in a large room with huge floor-standing speakers - let's be realistic here. But it is a superb amplifier for smaller settings such as desktop environments, bedrooms, etc.So how can this be? I'm an audiophile - have been one for over 55 years - but my audiophile endeavors are now confined to a desktop arrangement. Everything I listened to with the N22 was confined to a desktop scenario with higher end cables, great gear and excellent speaker cables. I came away gob-smacked, marveling at the sound qualities of the N22 - and for a $200 compact amp that has been around for a long while?Well, how about some negatives you may ask? Well, there is one - and it's minor - however, it can become annoying. And that involves the volume knob. There are virtually no volume level indicators either on the knob, or around the knob on the amp body, and this can get frustrating as you try to determine where to set your volume. The body of the amp is all black, and volume know is silver/gray. The instruction manual suggests keeping the volume knob on the N22 at around 3 o'clock position and then just control your volume with your input device. Well, "no-sh_t" Sherlock - how can you determine what is 3 PM? You can't. So if there is one recommendation that I'd like to make and that is to just add a notch on the volume knob - either a red or black mark, so you know where you're at volume-wise. That's all - a simple addition. Also, that grainy feel that some talked about in their personal reviews when turning the volume knob, was NOT present with my N22 - it was all smooth turning.So color me impressed. Now I realize that all reviews are subjective, and no two folks will hear things the same way. My evaluation/review was done as a result of having the N22 on a desktop environment. KEF Q150 speakers are not necessarily high efficiency - but dynamics, volume, and dynamic range were not an issue at all. I just enjoyed sitting there with my eyes closed, imagining I was at a live performance and that is perhaps, the finest compliment one can advance with regard to audio components.I say very enthusiastically, "go get one - for most of you, you will not be disappointed!"

I've had my eye on the N22 for what feels like 3-4 years. I also have the D1 and have enjoyed it thoroughly to drive my Sennheiser HD 650 and 660 S headphones.I was always desirous of trying to capture something resembling an 'analog' sound in my all digital desktop setup (which includes an iMac, Apple Music + Lossless audio locally stored).The N22 is everything I had hoped it would be. It's stylish looking, as all AudioEngine products are. But it's also about function – not just fashion. It provides an inviting analog (e.g. warm" sound to my Sennheiser's and also beautifully drives the sibling Audioengine P4 passive speakers.Overall, this is the setup I dreamed of having for quite some time – I'm glad I finally have it.Kudos to AudioEngine!

This amp is perfect for me as (despite trying) i just wanted a simple amp to connect up some passive Q Acoustic speakers to my home desktop setup. I really don't need an amp for my PC with tons of features like bluetooth, streaming and audiophile sound as let's be honest you're only sat 3 feet away from the speakers. I just wanted an amp that is hard wired and works, and this does exactly that (and very well). Sonically brilliant too for such an affordable and compact unit. Five stars all day long.