After releasing new turntables for years, Audio-Technica now has the perfect companion speaker system for analogue audio lovers. The AT-SP3X is a pair of bookshelf speakers with both wireless and wired capabilities. Each unit has a 3-inch woofer and a 1.1-inch tweeter delivering a maximum output power of 30W. It retails at S$279 in Singapore, and it sounds better than it looks.
Speakers vs. Soundbar
Many homeowners are going for the convenient single-unit sound system like a soundbar, which can house multiple drivers for multi-channel effects. The disadvantage of a soundbar is that the stereo imaging is fixed, and they are more suited for home theatre setups.
Speakers have flexibility in positioning and so you can get better stereo imaging. The rule of thumb is that each speaker unit and your listening position have to form an equidistant triangle. The disadvantage is that it takes up space, and size does matter. Too small and the sound would be compromised, too big and it will take up space which does not bode well for the occasional listener.
In the market, there aren’t a lot of powered – so-called “active” – bookshelf speakers from established audio brands that are priced below S$300. I know, because for a while I have been trying to find one. So, this AT-SP3X is practically a shopper’s gem.
Design and Operations
The operating controls are located on the right side of the right speaker. One button toggles between the Bluetooth and AUX Input modes, as well as power, while the other volume knob controls the loudness. The Bluetooth only supports SBC codec but it can do multipoint pairing, which means two Bluetooth devices can connect simultaneously the speaker will switch to the active device automatically. After using it for a few weeks, I have to admit it is a bit of a hassle to power off the speakers because I have to hold for a few seconds until the LED turns red. I think it would be better to have a hardware power button to completely cut off electricity, rather than going on standby, since there is no remote power control option.
The speakers are connected through the standard speaker cable clips, providing flexibility in positioning the units to achieve the best spatial experience limited by the 2m cable length. Since they are detachable, owners can freely upgrade the cables to better and longer ones. The speaker body is made of MDF material weighing 1.5 and 1.6 kg.
Adhesive rubber foot pads are provided, so owners can also choose to attach their preferred speaker feet or stands.
The speaker design is pretty classic-looking. The tweeter has fins to improve directionality of the high frequency audio, the woofer is paired with the bass reflex ducts on the rear speaker for a higher impact on the lower frequencies. The amplification power is quite high, turning the volume dial at 30% is sufficient for background listening, and at 50% would be in a party mode. Anything higher is going to be overbearing.
Small Size, Big Sound
The SP3X has no problems filling up a living room. The tweeter provides clarity while not sounding brittle, the bass delivers depth and boom enough to be enjoyed and felt even when listening from 3m distance. Between the two audio spectrums, the speakers give more bass impact which is impressive for a pair of such small speakers. When I place them about 50cm apart in between the AT-LP70XBT turntable, the sound imaging fills my TV wall. But at the distance, the upper treble loses slightly in the detail.
When testing in my study room setting, however, the speakers turn out impressive. Positioned next to my 34-inch curved monitors, the speakers deliver a full range sound from the sub-bass to the upper treble. I am able to enjoy the musical details particularly instrumental genres. Perhaps the sub-bass might be a tad excessive especially on modern genres, but I’m sure young owners would be more than delighted to have them.
Equally rated at 30W power, I took out the Creative Pebble X to make a comparison. The Pebble X uses just a single full-range driver, so the tuning is very different. It has more midrange, warmer sounds, weaker in reproducing highs. The SP3X has better sonic separation between the lows and the highs, more spatial, while the Pebble X sounds more compact. At higher volumes, the SP3X sounds less pushy than Pebble X. In my study room, I was unable to replicate the expansive sound stage with the Pebble X that I could get from the SP3X.
I also looked back at my review article of the Audioengine A1 to make a comparison. It seems that the SP3X is better in the bass reproduction. Spec-wise, the SP3X uses larger woofer and tweeter, while A1 support more Bluetooth codec, has LFE connector for separate subwoofer, but it is not enough to fill the living room.
For the ultimate test, I compared side-by-side with the KEF LSX speakers, and while the SP3X is more enjoyable thanks to its more powerful bass and more sparkly treble, the LSX is more balanced overall, delivering more tangible mid-bass, more forthcoming midrange warmth, and a more open treble. I have to be honest that I actually enjoy the SP3X better than the “faithful” LSX, as the SP3X sounds clearer and its bass is more boomy. Nevertheless, the LSX is technically a better speaker.
Should you listen to your vinyl records over Bluetooth? Based on my comparison published on the LP70XBT review, Bluetooth connection is compressed, lossy, and limits the frequency production, so you will not be able to enjoy the higher frequency outputs. However, you might not be able to hear the difference casually. My advice is to go for wired connection where possible, and if that is not possible due to wiring limitations, then Bluetooth is still a viable option for social listening.
Verdict
The Audio-Technica AT-SP3X is high on my recommend list to anyone looking for powered bookshelf speakers that delivers big sounds for your living space. At S$279, it easily connects to your turntable, tape deck, CD player, computer, without separate amplifier. The audio quality impresses me with its generous bass and dedicated tweeter. The size is just right for the living room next to your turntable, the sound is big enough for the study room