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  1. Home
  2. Audioengine Speakers
  3. Powered Stereo Speakers
  4. Audioengine HD3
Audioengine HD3 Review
Audioengine HD3 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 0.75" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 2.75" Kevlar/Glass-Aramid Composite Woofer
  • 65-22k Hz Frequency Response
  • 30-watt RMS( 60-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
  • 24-bit Max Depth / 48 kHz Max Sample Rate
  • Built-in 5.0 Bluetooth
  • Weight: 3.41 lbs / 1.55 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7"x4.25"x5-1/2" / 177.8 x 108.0 x 139.7mm
MSRP: $349 (list price)
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Audioengine HD3 Review
Audioengine HD3 Audioengine HD3
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Audioengine · United States · since 2005 · direct and retail

Audioengine HD3 is a 2-way Powered Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Audioengine. It was released in 2016. HD3's built-in amplifier provides 30-watt RMS( 60-watt Peak). The built-in power amplifier saves space & eliminates the need to connect Audioengine HD3 to a stereo receiver or external power amp. It features a 0.75" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 2.75" Kevlar/Glass-Aramid Composite Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 65-22k Hz. Audioengine HD3 has an MSRP of 349$ per pair.

Audioengine's HD Series of Loudspeakers

HD3 is a member of Audioengine's HD series of Powered speakers. The HD range is Audioengine's premium powered speaker line, adding Bluetooth aptX and upgraded cabinets and drivers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 4 Audioengine HD models compared »

Audioengine HD Series Speakers
Model Frequency Watts RMSMax Depth / Sample Rate Woofer
Audioengine HD4
Compare
60-22k Hz 60-watt24-bit/48 kHz 1 x 4"
Audioengine HD5
Compare
55-22k Hz 100-watt24-bit/192 kHz 1 x 5"
Audioengine HD3
65-22k Hz 30-watt24-bit/48 kHz 1 x 2.75"
Audioengine HD6
Compare
50-22k Hz 100-watt24-bit/192 kHz 1 x 5.5"

Frequency Response of the Audioengine HD3 Speaker

Audioengine HD3 has a Frequency response range of 65-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 65 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from HD3 so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

Here we have a comparison of how HD3's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Audioengine HD3
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Audioengine HD3?
  • Powered subwoofers under $500 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Audioengine HD3 Back View
Audioengine HD3 Back View

Handheld Remote

Audioengine HD3 comes with a handheld remote which is obviously very useful to control your powered speakers from a distance.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Audioengine HD3 employs Built-in 5.0 Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops. HD3 can playback up to 24-bit / 48 kHz with compatible devices.

Audioengine HD3 supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:

  • aptX HD
  • aptX
  • AAC
  • SBC

Inputs and Outputs

  • 3.5mm Minijack Input
  • RCA Input
  • USB Port: microUSB
  • Wired Subwoofer Output
  • Headphone Jack: 3.5mm

Audioengine HD3 Connections
Audioengine HD3 Connections

Audioengine HD3 External Dimensions and Weight

Audioengine HD3 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 9.125 x 4.25 x 7.25inch (177.8 x 108.0 x 139.7mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Audioengine HD3 is approximately 150.9cm2 / 23.4inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Audioengine HD3, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Audioengine HD3 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Audioengine HD3 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Audioengine HD3 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

Audioengine HD3 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
Audioengine HD3 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The speaker with the built-in amplifier weighs 1.80kg / 4lbs whereas the other speaker weighs 1.55kg/ 3.4lbs. Here is a comparison of how HD3's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Audioengine HD3
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $500
Audioengine HD3
Min
Average
Max

How does the Audioengine HD3 compare to the Audioengine HD4?

One of the natural alternative to the Audioengine HD3 is the HD4 which is located one step higher in Audioengine's Powered Bookshelf selection.

Check the Detailed Comparison of Audioengine HD3 vs HD4 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Audioengine HD3 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Port Position

Audioengine HD3 is a front-firing port speaker, which gives you more flexibility compared to rear firing speakers when you need to place it close against a wall or other surfaces.

Available colors

Audioengine HD3 is available in Black, Walnut and White.

Wall Mounting

HD3 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the Audioengine HD3 come with a Grille?

HD3 comes with magnetic grilles in Black color choices. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the HD3 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

What's in the Box of Audioengine HD3?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of HD3:
  • Powered speaker
  • Passive speaker
  • 2 Grilles (pre-installed)
  • AC power supply (attached 6-feet DC cord)
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • Bluetooth antenna
  • 5-feet microUSB-to-USB cable
  • 6.5-feet Speaker cable (banana connectors on each end)
  • 5-feet Stereo minijack cable
  • 2 Microfiber speaker bags
  • MIcrofiber cable bag
  • Quickstart Guide
  • Product Line Brochure

Audioengine HD3  - What's in the Box
Audioengine HD3 - What's in the Box

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Audioengine HD3.

  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
  • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Audioengine HD3, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Audioengine HD3

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Audioengine HD3 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Audioengine HD3

Warranty

3 Years of parts warranty and 3 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Audioengine HD3 Alternatives in Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Watts RMS Bluetooth Frequency
Audioengine HD4
Compare
2-way 60w Built-in 5.0 60-22k Hz
Kanto YU4
Compare
2-way 70w Built-in 4.0 60-20k Hz
Audioengine HD6
Compare
2-way 100w Built-in 5.0 50-22k Hz
Kanto YU2
Compare
2-way 50w No 80-20k Hz
Audioengine A5+
Compare
2-way 50w No 50-22k Hz
KEF LSX II
Compare
2-way 200w Built-in 4.2 54-28k Hz
Audioengine HD5
Compare
2-way 100w Built-in 5.0 55-22k Hz
Klipsch R-41PM
Compare
2-way 70w Built-in 3.0 76-21k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Audioengine HD3

Does the Audioengine HD3 need an amplifier?

The Audioengine HD3 is an active speaker with a 30-watt RMS built-in amplifier (60-watt peak). You do not need a separate amplifier or receiver - just a source.

Does the Audioengine HD3 need a subwoofer?

The Audioengine HD3 reaches down to 65Hz (full range 65-22k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the Audioengine HD3 use?

The Audioengine HD3 is a 2-way design using a 0.75" Soft-Dome tweeter and a 2.75" Kevlar/Glass-Aramid Composite woofer.

Is the Audioengine HD3 sealed or ported?

The Audioengine HD3 uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Does the Audioengine HD3 have Bluetooth or wireless streaming?

Yes. The Audioengine HD3 supports Bluetooth 5.0.

Can the Audioengine HD3 be wall mounted?

The Audioengine HD3 does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the Audioengine HD3 come with grilles?

Yes. The Audioengine HD3 comes with removable grilles (Black).

How big and heavy is the Audioengine HD3?

The Audioengine HD3 weighs 1.55kg / 3.4lbs each and measures 9.125 x 4.25 x 7.25inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Audioengine HD3 cost?

The Audioengine HD3 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $349 per pair.


Audioengine HD3 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandAudioengine
Full Model NameAudioengine HD3
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Frequency Response65-22k Hz
Release Date2016
Amplifier Specs
Watts RMS30 watts
Watts Max60 watts
TypeClass D
Watts by Driver2 x 15-watt built into the left speaker
DAC Specs
Max Digital Audio Bit Depth24-bit
Max Digital Audio Sample Rate48 kHz
DRIVERS
Woofer Size2.75-inch
Woofer CompositionKevlar/Glass-Aramid Composite
Tweeter Size0.75-inch
Tweeter TypeSoft-Dome
Port Positionfront
DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM
Amazon AlexaNo
Google AssistantNo
Subwoofer OutputWired

CONNECTIONS
Ethernet PortNo
USB PortmicroUSB
Aux Input3.5mm, RCA
Phono InputNo
Digital InputNo
HDMI InputNo
Headphone Jack3.5mm
BluetoothBuilt-in 5.0
Bluetooth CodecaptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC
Wi-FiNo
Wi-Fi BandsNo
Wi-Fi BandsNo
Port Positionfront
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height177.8mm ( 7-inch)
Width108.0mm ( 4.25-inch)
Depth139.7mm ( 5-1/2-inch)
Height177.8mm ( 7-inch)
Weight1.55 kg (3.4 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Available ColorsBlack, Walnut, White
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteYes
Parts Warranty3 Years
Labor Warranty3 Years
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