Review: Audio-Technica AT-SP3X Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Posted by Tech Jio 7 Mins Reading

Audio-Technica is well known for their audio products such as headphones, earbuds, and turntables. But they have never really had a serious speaker lineup of products, until now. Enter the Audio-Technica AT-SP3X bookshelf speakers which retails for S$279, has Bluetooth alongside multipoint connectivity with built-in DSP.

Unboxing

In the box, you’ll find the following:

  • Audio-Technica AT-SP3X Powered Bookshelf Speakers
  • User manual
  • AC adapter
  • AC adapter plugs
  • Speaker cable
  • Rubber foot x8

Build quality and design

The Audio-Technica AT-SP3X comes in only one colour option which is black. The design is classic and simple – with the tweeters located up at the top and the woofer at the bottom of the speaker. I like the overall minimalist matte black look of the Audio-Technica AT-SP3X with its one-piece build and rounded corners.

It’s really nice that Audio-Technica included the rubber feet as a separate add-on in the box instead of having it installed by default. I use a speaker stand so I don’t have to worry about the feet interfering with the speaker stand. If you don’t have a speaker stand you can easily paste on the rubber feet to help with grip and vibration.

Lastly, the main controls of the AT-SP3X on the right speaker unit on the right side so it isn’t visible from the front. There are only two controls – (1) button to on/off and switch between Bluetooth and AX inputs, and (2) a volume knob. The volume knob has a noticeable step at the 50% mark which is a nice touch. There is also a “Pair” button at the back for Bluetooth pairing.

Connectivity and ports

Audio-Technica AT-SP3X offers two options of connectivity options – (1) wired via RCA, or (2) wireless via Bluetooth (SBC codec only). For the best sound quality, I’d recommend the wired option. It’s great to see Bluetooth offered on the AT-SP3X for connectivity other devices such as laptop and phone. It is even better that there is multipoint connectivity. There is no need to manually switch between my two connected devices as the AT-SP3X will automatically play audio from the device that is playing media.

Audio-Technica supplied a standard 2 metre audio cable for connecting the left and right speaker units. As the cable is not fixed to the speaker body, it presents flexibility of changing it to a longer cable in the future. The AT-SP3X is being marketed as more of an output device so there isn’t a headphone jack on the speaker, which might be important for some that intends to use this as their desktop speakers.

Sound quality

Audio-Technica AT-SP3X is rated at 30W and I find that it is sufficiently loud to fill a room. In fact I find 50% volume to be loud enough for my personal consumption. Audio-Technica had released the AT-SP3X as a speaker companion for their AT-LP70XBT turntable. But as I don’t own one, I tested the AT-SP3X mainly as my PC speakers.

There are no onboard EQ controls on the speakers so you’re unable to change the tuning. The default tuning a rather balanced sound that has good clarity in its delivery. Even though I consider it to balanced, it isn’t too flat or one-dimensional. Bass is punchy and hits with impact. Sub-bass extension isn’t too deep so don’t expect boomy presence. Midrange is clean, smooth, and beaming with clarity. Vocals and instruments take the spotlight here and they really do shine. Treble sparkles with detail and doesn’t feel too sibilant.

Imaging is great on the Audio-Technica AT-SP3X and when placed about 80cm apart, I could really appreciate the wide stereo space. The soundstage is expansive and open. The only similar set of speakers I can compare with is the Edifier MR4, which is a more powerful speaker (combined 42W). The Edifier MR4 in its Monitor tuning offers a relatively flat sound and clean, but you do have to option of changing up the sound via its bass and treble knobs. I’d say the Edifier MR4’s treble is a little brighter while the Audio-Technica AT-SP3X has a smoother midrange and punchier bass.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a small bookshelf speaker that is able to deliver a wide and big sound, the Audio-Technica AT-SP3X is one to watch. There quite a number of bookshelf speakers around the S$200-$300 price point, but most aren’t equipped with Bluetooth and not to even mention multipoint connectivity. Having wireless connectivity makes the Audio-Technica AT-SP3X more versatile in its use, and perhaps the next step would be to add Wifi such as AirPlay.