SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS
    • By Type
      Passive Bookshelf Speakers Passive Floor-standing Speakers Passive Center Channel Speakers Passive In-wall Speakers All Passive Speakers Powered Subwoofers Powered Stereo Speakers
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Front Firing Port Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      By Brand
      Acoustic Energy Aperion ATC Audio-Technica Audioengine Bluesound Bowers Wilkins Buchardt Cambridge Audio Canton DALI Definitive Technology Dynaudio ELAC Emotiva Fluance Focal Fyne Audio Genelec GoldenEar Harbeth Jamo JBL Kanto KEF KLH Klipsch Leak Mackie Magnepan MartinLogan McIntosh Mission MoFi Monitor Audio Nuvo Onkyo OSD Paradigm Perlisten Polk Audio PS Audio PSB Q Acoustics REL Revel Russound Sennheiser Sonos Sonus faber Sony Spendor SVS Tannoy Technics Triangle Velodyne Victrola Wharfedale Wilson Audio Yamaha
  • AMPLIFIERS
    • By Type
      All Amplifiers Integrated Amplifiers Stereo Receivers Streaming Amplifiers Power Amplifiers Compact Amplifiers
      Home Theater
      All Home Theater Receivers AnthemARCAMDenonIntegraJBLMarantzMcIntoshNADOnkyoSonyYamaha
      By Power
      Up to 60 watts 61 to 90 watts 91 to 120 watts 121 to 180 watts Over 180 watts
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      By Brand
      Accuphase Advance Paris Anthem Arcam Audio Research AudioControl Audioengine Audiolab Bluesound Bose Buchardt Cambridge Audio Denon Devialet ELAC Emotiva Eversolo FiiO Fosi Audio Hegel HiFi Rose Integra JBL LEAK Luxman Marantz Mark Levinson McIntosh Michi MISSION MOON Musical Fidelity NAD Naim Onkyo OSD Parasound Pass Labs Peachtree PrimaLuna Primare PS Audio Rega Rogue Audio Roksan Rotel Schiit Audio Sonos Sony SVS T+A TEAC Technics Vincent WiiM Yamaha
  • SMART FIND
  • TOOLS
  • BLOG
  1. Home
  2. Powered Stereo Speakers
  3. Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 vs Audioengine A2+ Wireless

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 vs Audioengine A2+ Wireless Comparison

x
Speaker to replace
Change

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1

Powered Bookshelf | 51-100k Hz

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1
Check price atAmazon›
Change
    
Audioengine A2+ Wireless

Powered Bookshelf | 65-22k Hz

Audioengine A2+ Wireless
Check price atAmazon›
Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 Sony Signature Serie...
Check price atAmazon›
Audioengine A2+ Wireless Audioengine A2+ Wire...
Check price atAmazon›
Sony Signature Serie...
See at AMAZON
Audioengine A2+ Wire...
See at AMAZON

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 vs Audioengine A2+ Wireless Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Signature Series SA-Z1 and A2+ Wireless, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Sony and Audioengine. Being Powered speakers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and Audioengine A2+ Wireless first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Key SpecsSony Signature Series SA-Z1Audioengine A2+ Wireless
BrandSony
Japan · founded 1946
Audioengine
United States · founded 2005
Design2-way2-way
Built-in amplifier212-watt RMS30-watt RMS
Tweeter0.75, 0.5 (2)" Hard-Dome0.75" Soft-Dome
Woofer2 x 4"2.75" Kevlar
Frequency response51-100k Hz65-22k Hz
Max depth / sample rate32-bit / 768 Hz16-bit / 48 kHz
BluetoothNoBuilt-in 5.0
Weight10.49kg / 23.1lbs1.40kg / 3.1lbs
Dimensions (H x W x D)8.25" x 7.875" x 12.875"
209.5 x 200.0 x 327.0mm
6.25" x 4.1875" x 6.625"
158.8 x 106.4 x 168.3mm

The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Drivers

Both Signature Series SA-Z1 and A2+ Wireless are 2-way speakers.

Woofer - 4 inchWoofer - 4 inch
Sony Signature Series SA-Z1
Tweeter - 0.75 inchWoofer - 2.75 inch
Audioengine A2+ Wireless

TweeterWoofer

Drivers drawn to scale and directly comparable. Cabinet outlines are indicative: full dimensions are not published for both. Hover a driver for its size.

Driver Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 Audioengine A2+ Wireless
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 0.75, 0.5 (2)-inch 0.75-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 2 x 4-inch 1 x 2.75-inch

Signature Series SA-Z1 features a 0.75, 0.5 (2)" Titanium Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" Woofer. On the other hand, the A2+ Wireless features a 0.75" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 2.75" Kevlar Woofer.

Frequency Response

Signature Series SA-Z1 has a frequency range of 51-100k Hz whereas A2+ Wireless has a frequency range of 65-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 51Hz, the Signature Series SA-Z1 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the A2+ Wireless's min frequency of 65Hz.

The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.

Low Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Signature Series SA-Z1
A2+ Wireless
Min
Average
Median

Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.

Physical Specs

The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Sony Signature Series SA-Z1's and Audioengine A2+ Wireless's external dimensions. Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 has external dimensions of 209.5 x 200.0 x 327.0mm (8.25 x 7.875 x 12.875inch) whereas Audioengine A2+ Wireless has external dimensions of 158.8 x 106.4 x 168.3mm (6.25 x 4.1875 x 6.625inch).

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 93.6mm wider, 50.7mm taller and 158.7mm deeper than Audioengine A2+ Wireless.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and Audioengine A2+ Wireless in scale.

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 vs Audioengine A2+ Wireless Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and Audioengine A2+ Wireless Size and External Dimensions

Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base surface area of the Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 is approximately 654.0cm2 / 101.4inch2 and base area of the Audioengine A2+ Wireless is approximately 179.1cm2 / 27.8inch2. The Signature Series SA-Z1 requires 265% more surface area than the A2+ Wireless which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.

Here is another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 vs Audioengine A2+ Wireless Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 and Audioengine A2+ Wireless on a Media Console
Weight Comparison

The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 weighs 10.49kg / 23.1lbs and the Audioengine A2+ Wireless weighs 1.40kg / 3.1lbs. This makes the Signature Series SA-Z1 649% heavier than the A2+ Wireless.

Here is a comparison of how Signature Series SA-Z1 and A2+ Wireless's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Sony Signature Series SA-Z1
Audioengine A2+ Wireless
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Sony Signature Series SA-Z1?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Signature Series SA-Z1:
  • 2 Desktop monitor speakers
  • 2 AC power cords
  • Digital sync cable
  • Walkman cable
  • USB-C to USB-B cable
  • Remote control
  • 2 AAA batteries
  • Instruction Manual

What's in the Box of Audioengine A2+ Wireless?

Here are the items that come with the A2+ Wireless:
  • Wireless powered left speaker
  • Passive right speaker
  • AC power supply (w/ attached 6-feet DC cord)
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • 6.5-feet Length of 16 gauge speaker wire
  • 5-feet microUSB-to-USB cable
  • 6-feet Stereo minijack cable
  • 2 Cloth drawstring speaker pouches
  • 2 Cloth drawstring accessory pouches
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Audioengine product brochure


Reasons to choose Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 over Audioengine A2+ Wireless

Woofer Size 4 inches vs 2.75 inches Larger woofer
Number of Woofers 2 vs 1 More woofers
Low Frequency Response 51 Hz vs 65 Hz Generates deeper bass
High Frequency Response 100k Hz vs 22k Hz Generates higher frequency
Handheld Remote Yes vs No Control the speaker by the included RC
USB Port USB-B vs No USB port adds flexibility
XLR Connection Yes vs No Connection via XLR input
Digital Input Optical, Walkman vs No Connect digital inputs directly

Reasons to choose Audioengine A2+ Wireless over Sony Signature Series SA-Z1

Height 158mm vs 209mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Base Surface Area 179cm2 vs 654cm2 Takes less floor space
Price per pair* 269USD vs 8000USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
USB Port microUSB vs No USB port adds flexibility
Subwoofer Output Wired vs No Pair your speakers with external subwoofer

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 vs Audioengine A2+ Wireless Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 Audioengine A2+ Wireless
Brand Sony Audioengine
Speaker Type Powered Stereo Speakers Powered Stereo Speakers
Frequency Response 51-100k Hz 65-22k Hz
Amplifier
Watts RMS (Continuous) 212-watt RMS 30-watt RMS
Max Bit Depth 32-bit 16-bit
Max Sample Rate 768 Hz 48 kHz
Drivers
Woofer Quantity 2 1
Woofer Size 4" 2.75"
Woofer Composition Kevlar
Tweeter Size 0.75, 0.5 (2)" 0.75"
Tweeter Type Hard-Dome Soft-Dome
Aimable Tweeter No No
Midrange Driver No No
Firing Direction n/a front
Physical Specs
Height 209.5mm (8.2") 158.8mm (6.3")
Width 200.0mm (7.9") 106.4mm (4.2")
Depth 327.0mm (12.9") 168.3mm (6.6")
Weight 10.49kg (23.1lbs) 1.40kg (3.1lbs)
Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
Mounting Bracket No No
Moisture Resistancy No No
Connections
Aux Inputs 3.5mm, RCA, XLR 3.5mm, RCA
USB Port USB-B microUSB
Phone Input No No
Subwoofer Output No Wired
Digital Input Optical, Walkman No
HDMI Input No No
Headphone Jack No No
Ethernet Port No No
Other
Parts Warranty 2 Years 3 Years
Labor Warranty 2 Years 3 Years

Verdict

These sit in different price classes - Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 costs roughly 29.7x what Audioengine A2+ Wireless does. Expect it to lead on paper; the question is whether the gap is audible enough in your room to be worth it.

AreaBetterWhy
BassASony Signature Series SA-Z1 digs deeper - 51Hz against 65Hz.
Built-in powerASony Signature Series SA-Z1 has the bigger amplifier (212W vs 30W RMS).
ConnectionsdependsSony Signature Series SA-Z1 adds digital inputs; Audioengine A2+ Wireless adds Bluetooth.
SizedependsAudioengine A2+ Wireless is easier to place; Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides.
ExpandabilityBAudioengine A2+ Wireless: a sub output.
PriceBAudioengine A2+ Wireless is cheaper - $269 against $8,000, about 97% less; arguably a different class.

A Sony Signature Series SA-Z1  B Audioengine A2+ Wireless
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.

Which should you choose?

Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 is ahead, but only on 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 29.7x the price. That is a lot of money for a narrow margin on paper - Audioengine A2+ Wireless looks like the sensible buy unless something else about the Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 appeals to you. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 65Hz anyway, which makes the cheaper Audioengine A2+ Wireless much easier to justify. In a large or open-plan room, Sony Signature Series SA-Z1 has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Audioengine A2+ Wireless is the easier speaker to get right.

And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.


Most Popular Speakers
Klipsch Reference R-51M
Klipsch R-51M
2-way | 93 dB | 8 ohms
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
2-way | 87 dB | 6 ohms
Wharfedale Elysian 2
Wharfedale Elysian 2
3-way | 89 dB | 4 ohms
KEF Q150
KEF Q150
2-way | 86 dB | 8 ohms
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition
B&W 606 S2
2-way | 88 dB | 8 ohms
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M
Klipsch RP-500M
2-way | 93 dB | 8 ohms
Wharfedale EVO5.1
Wharfedale EVO5.1
2-way | 87 dB | 4 ohms
Wharfedale EVO4.1
Wharfedale EVO4.1
2-way | 87 dB | 8 ohms
Copyright © 2026 by SpeakerDecision
About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision

Report a Correction