AIRPULSE A100 Active Speaker System
Overview
The AIRPULSE A100 is a Hi-Res active speaker system with the amplifier built in, so there is no separate receiver to buy. It looks great, it is loaded with inputs, and it has a reputation among people who care about how their music sounds. It is also relatively expensive, which raises a fair question: why is it a logical purchase for audiophiles?
I got the A100 to find out whether these speakers justify all the hype around the brand and the model. I chose the red version, and it really is an astonishing Ferrari Red.
In this review I go over the sound, the design, the connections, everything that comes in the box, and the things I did not like.
Product details
The AIRPULSE A100 is a pair of compact active speakers: one active speaker with the amplifier and connections built in, and one passive speaker that connects to it with a speaker cable. Each cabinet has a horn-loaded ribbon tweeter and a 5-inch aluminum cone mid-woofer. According to the manufacturer, the output is 10W + 10W for the treble and 40W + 40W for the woofers, with a frequency range of 52Hz to 40kHz.
The cabinets are made of 18 mm MDF with a piano lacquer finish and come in red, black and white. The unit I reviewed is the red one. The built-in Class-D amplifier uses dual TAS5754 chipsets from Texas Instruments, and the A100 is Hi-Res Audio certified.
The active speaker has the inputs you would expect from a desktop or living room system: AUX, PC, USB, optical and Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX support. There is also a sub out for anyone who wants to add a subwoofer, and a small remote control for switching inputs and adjusting the volume.
Specifications
Speakers & Audio
| Drivers | |
| Tweeter | Horn Loaded Ribbon TweeterA thin ribbon produces the high notes, and a horn shapes and focuses the sound for more detail. |
| Mid-Woofer | 5-inch Aluminum Cone, Underhung DesignA short voice coil moving inside a longer magnet, a design used to keep distortion low. |
| Amplification & Performance | |
| Power Output, Treble (L/R) | 10W + 10W |
| Power Output, Woofer (L/R) | 40W + 40W |
| Amplifier | Class-D, Dual TAS5754 Chipsets (Texas Instruments)Class-D is an efficient type of amplifier that runs cool and is small enough to fit inside the speaker. |
| Frequency Range | 52Hz - 40kHzThe range from the lowest to the highest notes the speakers can play. |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (L/R) | ≥ 90 dB(A)How far the music rises above background hiss. Higher means cleaner sound. |
Connectivity
| Inputs & Outputs | |
| Input Modes | AUX, PC, USB, Optical, Bluetooth |
| Max Input Sampling (USB / Optical) | 192kHzHow many times per second digital audio is measured. Higher numbers are needed for Hi-Res files. |
| Sub Out | 800mV (max)The strength of the signal sent to a subwoofer. A sub out is where you plug in a powered subwoofer. |
| Wireless | |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Supported Audio Codec | aptXA Bluetooth audio technology that aims for better sound quality than standard Bluetooth. |
Design & Dimensions
| Cabinet | |
| Cabinet Size (WxHxD) | 160 x 283 x 255 mm (6.3 x 11.1 x 10.0 in) |
| Material & Finish | 18 mm MDF, Piano Lacquer |
| Available Colors | Red, Black, White |
| Weight & Power | |
| Net Weight | 11 kg (24.2 lbs) |
| Voltage | 100-240V AC, 50-60Hz |
Inside the box
Pros
Sound Quality Detailed and clear across the whole range. I tested the A100 with different music genres, and the highs and mids sound remarkable. They sound so good that it is hard for me to go back to other speakers.
Bass Out of the Box The bass is flawless and powerful without any extra gear. The A100 has a sub out if you want to add a subwoofer, but I did not feel I needed one.
Design The piano lacquer cabinets look great on a desk. I got the red version, and it is an astonishing Ferrari Red.
Plenty of Connections AUX, USB, optical and Bluetooth with aptX, plus a sub out. The A100 connects to almost any device, wired or wireless.
Hi-Res Audio Support The A100 is Hi-Res Audio certified, and the manufacturer lists USB and optical inputs with up to 192kHz sampling. The difference is easiest to hear with high-quality or remastered tracks.
Easy Setup and Accessories The box includes the cables for every input, so setup is simple. The foam desk stands angle the sound upward, which in my opinion adds to the listening experience.
Cons
Bluetooth 4.1 The A100 supports aptX, but the Bluetooth version is 4.1, which is outdated. I would like to see a Bluetooth 5.0 version.
Basic Remote Control The remote controls power, inputs and volume, but not bass or treble, and it needs a clear line of sight to the active speaker.
Wireless Interference In a small room packed with wireless devices, I occasionally noticed interference in the wireless sound.
Price The A100 is relatively expensive, so it is not for everyone. It is aimed at people who want HiFi sound, good design, wireless connectivity and a premium feel.
Overall Verdict
The AIRPULSE A100 is among the best speakers I have tested. The sound is what stands out: detailed and clear, with bass that I would call flawless and highs and mids that sound remarkable. After spending time with them, it is hard for me to go back to my other speakers.
The design is just as impressive, especially in red. Setup is easy, the connection options cover almost any source, and the box includes the cables and accessories you need to get started.
On the downside, the Bluetooth version is 4.1, the remote control is basic and needs a clear line of sight, and in my small, wireless-heavy room I occasionally noticed interference in the wireless sound. The A100 is also relatively expensive.
The AIRPULSE A100 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants top-tier sound and a striking design and does not mind paying a premium. If price is your main concern, look elsewhere. If sound quality is your priority, these speakers deliver.
Where to buy
Below are links to purchase the AIRPULSE A100 Active Speaker System:
Photos
Additional links
AIRPULSE A100 Official Product Page
airpulse.com
FAQ
Does the AIRPULSE A100 support Hi-Res audio over Bluetooth?
What battery does the AIRPULSE A100 remote control use?
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