Podcast #1041: QLED vs OLED and Audioengine S6 Mini Sub Review

This week we look at an article that claims a QLED TV is finally on par with OLED. We are not as convinced. We also review the Audioengine S6 Powered Desktop Subwoofer. And as usual we read your email and cover some of the week's news.

News:

• Eve Water Guard leak monitor integrates with Thread
• LG Launches First 2022 4K LG CineBeam Projectors
• Average Broadband Usage Hits A Record Half a Terabyte In 4Q21

Other:

• Join the Neat Exchange - Social Media for Whiskey Drinkers
• Ara's Woodworking
• Join the Flaviar Whisky Club and get a free bottle

HT Tours #1 John's 5.1.4 Soundbar Theater

Why 2021 was the year QLED finally beat OLED

When it comes to grading the best TVs, Tom's Guide takes a two-pronged approach. We arrive at a verdict after first analyzing lab test results, then reporting anecdotal viewing experience. In both assessments, QLED beat OLED this year. Full article here…

Audioengine S6 Powered Subwoofer Review

The HT Guys have been using Audioengine products pretty much since there was an HT Guys! From their powered desktop speakers, wireless audio adapters and now to the new S6 desktop subwoofer. The S6 (MSRP $299) is a small subwoofer that packs a huge punch. Measuring a mere 10″ (25.2 cm) x 8.7″ (22.2 cm) x 10″ (25.3 cm) and weighing a paltry 15.4 lb (6.98 kg), the S6 is the smallest subwoofer we have reviewed to date.

Specifications:

• Amplifier Type - Class D
• Power Output - 210 W peak power total (140 W RMS), AES
• Drivers - 6″ long throw front-firing woofer
• Inputs - 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, RCA L/R
• Input Voltages - 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz auto-switching
• SNR - >100 dB (typical A-weighted)
• Frequency Response - 33Hz – 132Hz ±1.5dB
• Input Impedance - 10K ohms unbalanced
• Crossover Frequency - 40Hz – 130Hz
• Protection - Output current limiting, thermal over-temperature, power on/off transient protection
• Standby Consumption - <1W
• Phase - 0 / 180 degrees

The S6 is designed to fit on a desktop but it is certainly capable of being part of a typical family room entertainment center. The S6 produces a clean tight bass right out of the box. Which is a good thing since there aren't many adjustments on the subwoofer rear panel.

The rear panel has volume, crossover, phase (0 or 180), auto sensing standby toggle, inputs, and a USB Port that can charge a device or better yet, power a wireless adapter (not included) that frees the subwoofer to be placed anywhere in the room. You can use RCA or a 3.5mm cable to connect your sub to your source. For our testing we set the crossover frequency to 100Hz, the low end of some full range speaker that I built a few months ago. The S6 comes in any color you want as long as it's matte black, and is solidly built.

Performance

We ran through our typical subwoofer test tone sweeps and verified that the subwoofer does go down to the low 30hz range producing sound. We did have to crank up the volume on the subwoofer to "feel" it at the lower frequencies. But in typical listening to music, the S6 brought the low end that my speakers couldn't produce. It turned a simple homemade desktop speaker using a three inch driver into something that sounded big and full. The transformation was quite remarkable.

After doing frequency sweeps we listened to our standard music playlist for speaker evaluation, Tin Pan Alley by Stevie Ray Vaughn and California Roll by Snoop Dog and Fly Me to the Moon by Diana Krall. The bass was prominent and blended with the higher frequencies beautifully. The sub added a pleasant texture especially with the bass in Fly Me to the Moon. The output of this subwoofer feels natural and enhances what you are listening to.

We did watch some movies with it and found the sub did a decent job but don't think it will replace a full sized subwoofer even in a modest sized room. The 50 cal in Act of Valor did exercise the sub and provided a good amount of effect. Just not the visceral experience of our 15" HSU subwoofer. For a family room your approach should be that if there isn't room for a full sized sub this will add some LFE. But you will probably have to run it at max volume.

Where does this S6 Shine?

The S6 is a must for the desktop! If you spend a lot of time working on your computer and listen to music you can now buy small speakers that do well with mid and higher frequencies and let the S6 handle the low end. If you game on a PC the S6 will take your experience to the next level.

Conclusion

At $299 the Audioengine S6 is an exceptional value. Especially when you consider that it fits in less than a cubic foot and produces sound well above its size. Audioengine includes a 30 day free in-home audition with free shipping both ways. This is a no lose proposition if you are in the market for a desktop subwoofer.