Those of you who need a really big, loud stereo might be thinking about the Peachtree M24. But the little Audioengine HD3 could be just right for those of you who want something compact with high quality sound. Trying to predict which will be the best product is hard because there are so many good options.
We’ll have to do a lot of comparisons to find out which one is a better product. Keep reading if you want to know more.
What Makes These Speakers Great
So far, I’ve only done a single comparison between the M24 and other powerful speakers available on the market. In the process, I found that Peachtree is a force within the field of audiovisual equipment. I’ve reviewed some awesome Audioengine speakers and I feel that they should not be underestimated. They are quite the formidable opponent in any battle of powerful speakers.
I suppose this is a pretty even match because it’s hard to predict who will win. Peachtree and Audioengine both have a really good reputation. They’re both known for their high quality, which is why they try their best to only offer the best products on the market.
Be sure to read through this entire article as it provides a detailed overview of the most critical aspects regarding powered speakers. I’ll compare both of these models in detail, and will do a brief summary at the end so that you don’t miss out on anything important.
Peachtree M24 vs Audioengine HD3: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Peachtree M24 | Audioengine HD3 |
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Physical Design
Peachtree M24
The M24 has a lot of cool features, it’s smaller than the average cabinet and will make an awesome addition to your desk or living room table. The Peachtree M24 is available in gloss black or a beautiful real bamboo.
The bamboo version actually looks great with the grill off. It also gives you quick access to controls on the front. We’ve come to expect that when we see a product from Peachtree, it will have impeccable build quality.
These speakers have some powerful woofers and tweeters and the sound quality is one of the best you’ll hear. The M Speakers have a 1″ silk dome tweeter and use a special fiberglass instead of paper in their parts. This material is light, but still stiff enough to handle the midrange and bass frequencies in the M speakers. The rear-ported speaker design on these helps with bass response and gives these small-sized machines some decent punch.
Many of the speakers on the market provide excellent sound, but are lacking in certain areas. Peachtree found this to be a problem and wanted to provide a solution. Peachtree’s years of experience designing amps & speakers has been put to use with the M Speakers. You get top-notch sound quality and an in-built Bluetooth connection.
All of the components (the DAC, amplifier, and all that) are on the right speaker. Connect it to power and use the included wire to run it over to the left speaker. Plug in your device or select a source, and you’ll be all set! The right side of the speaker features a few controls – you can use the volume knob to adjust it or click on any of the input options with a push.
There is a little light on the left side of the speaker that turns green, blue, or red to tell you which input you’re on. There are some concerns here about the quality of the knob on this cooker – it feels a little less solid to us than we’d like. However, considering that it comes with a remote and is relatively cheap, we can let this one go!
Audioengine HD3
The HD3 is available in three gorgeous finishes: walnut, cherry, black. We tested the walnut and it was a great looking product. It comes with a robust grill that attaches magnetically to the front while you’re listening. The grill does not cover the speaker completely, leaving a spot for a brushed metal plate across the front. The left speaker has control knobs for volume/off, input for headphones and Bluetooth. The HD3 has a slot loading front firing port, which means you can place them almost anywhere.
Size-wise these speakers are just a bit bigger than the Audioengine A2+, which we’ve reviewed in the past. The height is 7 ¼”, while the A2+ has a height of 6”. They’re also roughly the same width (4 1/8″) and depth (5 ¾”).
The HD3 is a two-way powered speaker with a woofer made of Kevlar and tweeters that use silk membrane. The large basket of these drivers provides more rigidity than the stamped baskets in A2+.The HD3 has its amp built in, so you need to get a source. Actually that shouldn’t be an issue, because we don’t have any shortages of possibilities!
The HD3 are great for connecting left and right speakers. They come with a 2m speaker cable that’s much better than the one included with the A2+. This is a larger gauge and comes with gold plated banana plugs. That makes them easy to install & eliminates the chance of anything touching the speaker terminals. If you have your own cable, it’s no problem. The connection on the speaker is for banana plugs or bare wire and should be a lot sturdier than what you would find on speakers at this price range.
Keep in mind that the left speaker contains a variety of connection options. You can use a left/right set of RCA audio inputs, as well as a mini plug input (we’ve included an audio cable with gold connections). You can also input via micro USB connection from. Quickly add and edit your attachments, export to PDF with ease, and get more done with a more efficient Mac. Plus you can easily connect your subwoofer with this speaker. For Audioengine, the bass level is controllable via a switch. And we’ve included a power cord that locks securely onto an AC outlet.
Pairing for Bluetooth never was easy and the HD3 will actually remember 6 different Bluetooth connections.
Performance
Peachtree M24
The M Speakers are the best word we can think of to describe their sound. They allow music to flow through the speakers smoothly, without any part sticking out too much. The sound is absolutely beautiful. It starts at the top end of the scale and is clear and bright without going too high. The bottom end is well controlled but not overdone. There’s lots of detail which can be heard in, for example, Chicago’s “I”.
Over the course of our listening, we tested out tunes from Jimi Hendrix, The Avett Brothers, Rolling Stones, Chicago, Led Zeppelin, Stephen Stills as well as The Beatles and Mark Ronson. No matter what was playing we found it really interesting with the M Speakers. They have a way of getting you so absorbed in the music. You want to just stop what you’re doing and turn them up LOUD. It’s as good a compliment as can be paid for any sound system.
On some remotes, you could adjust the bass and treble. I would get some music and then adjust the tone controls a bit. This made it seem less ‘sharp’ so I could listen to it more comfortably. When you compare the M24 to the M25, there’s a difference in sound. The M24 might have a bigger sound with more bass impact and detail.
These speakers are the perfect size for a home office setup, but the M25 speakers are also pretty large, so they sound good without distortion when you crank up the volume. Together they make a really small vinyl player.
We liked them set up in an equilateral triangle configuration. That way, there’s 6 feet in between each speaker (e.g., if they’re 6 feet apart, they sounded best 6-feet away from the listener). Setting them up this way creates a 3D soundscape with our favorite vocal coming out nicely and everything sounding clear.
There is one small thing you should know about, if you’re using Bluetooth. To keep the sound level at a similar volume level to when plugged in, turn up the knob on your speaker first and then use Bluetooth to send the audio signal. If you don’t, you might find that the volume still isn’t very high despite not having the phone’s screen turned on. The reason for this is that this is a common issue with all Bluetooth speakers. Of course, if you’re using any other source to plug in your mobile phone, such as music stored directly on it itself, there’s only one volume.
When it comes to powered speakers able to deliver optimal audio performance, there are models that outshine our M24 in terms of output capability. However, nothing we tested beat it based on what you can buy for the money – with better sound in small rooms, too. These speakers sound really good. Sure you won’t find these in the high-end range, but the lower end of their pricing is more than enough to satisfy a lot of people who want decent audio quality for a better price.
Audioengine HD3
Apart from our break in time, we tested the Bluetooth range to see if it works with clear audio even at a larger distance. This is no “you have to stay in the room” Bluetooth connection, and it’s actually pretty impressive! Using an iPhone we were able to stay connected up to about 50 feet away and through multiple walls.
We really like the design theory of a powered speaker. If the designer is choosing to build a powered speaker because they care about the sound quality (not to cut costs), the outcome can be fantastic. The amp will need to know about all of the electrical characteristics the speaker it is being connected to can handle – these are determined by what other components are paired with it. This lets them design the amp to perfectly match the speakers. It helps save a lot of money and if done right, can result in good sound quality.
Audioengine speakers come with a built-in amp, which means they don’t need to be hooked up to an external device. We were surprised by how good the sound has been and recommend them for intimate performances or home use. Though they can be used as a bookshelf speaker, they were likely designed to be best as desktop speakers. They sound great and are portable.
The experience we have with Audioengine means that we now have a good idea of what to expect from their speakers. They don’t create an unnatural emphasis on any particular part of the sound spectrum. It’s a very balanced and smooth sound all across the frequency range. Listening to these guys for hours at a time is never tiring since the quality of their sound is higher than most other speakers you’ll find.
The bass switch is a great feature. It cuts off the deep bass if you’re going to use them with a subwoofer. Turning on the bass cut means that your woofer will not be stressed. This opens up the midrange, making vocals sound much clearer. This is also easy to hear: try turning the bass cut on when you’re listening to some complex music and hear the difference it makes.
When using an AI assistant on a wooden desk, we highly recommend getting the DS1 speaker stands. When you place speakers on a flat, resonant surface like the floor or a shelf, the sound gets noticeably altered by those qualities. The DS1 prevents those modifications and positions the drivers closer to your ears so you can experience that rich sound.
The HD3 apparently has the same DAC (digital-to-audio converter) as it’s terrific D1 DAC. One of our favourite DACs for the money. We got our best sound using the USB output from computer and its built-in DAC – turning digital stream into music. When we ripped our CD’s and streamed Tidal in Hi-Fi, the audio sounded really good.
Why you Should Buy
Peachtree M24
If you’re on the lookout for a great desktop speaker or a solid pair of small speakers to team up with your turntable, the Peachtree M24 or M25 must be on your list! With their built-in phono stage, USB DAC, digital input, and Bluetooth streaming, you can listen to music any way you can imagine. They have a very musical sound and are a lot of fun to listen to.
Audioengine HD3
The HD3 is great for listening to music at your desk. They come with a stands, which we recommend, and an all-inclusive headphone amp. You can also control volume and skip tracks all by using the four buttons on the wireless remote.
They could also work well in a small room as a primary speaker coupled with your smartphone for Bluetooth streaming or even an entry-level turntable. The improved sound quality on this speaker is due to the bespoke basket for the woofer, it’s better engineering and the slightly bigger cabinet. A great touches is Bluetooth and a headphone jack.
Strengths
Peachtree M24
Musical Muscle
The best thing about the M24s is their sound quality: they’re hard to beat when it comes to delivering warm, rich, and silky sound. The built-in tone controls will help you get the most out of your music!
Phono Stage Included and More
Not only does the M24 have a built-in MM phono stage, but you also get digital, USB, and a built-in DAC capable of 24/96 Hi Res Audio. It’s great for audio purists who want CD quality sound without buying all their electronics separately!
Bluetooth Streaming
Watch anything on your phone or tablet using the M24.
Audioengine HD3
No Missed Connections
You can stream HD3 from your smartphone, laptop, and tablet, or stream music libraries, Spotify, YouTube and Tidal through the TV using a wired LAN connection. The sound quality is really impressive.
Setting up HD3 on your computer is a cinch. If you’re using your desktop, just connect it with a USB cable. The USB input bypasses your computer’s built-in low-quality headphone jack for a better listening experience. But if you don’t want to use a wire or wireless, any audio cable can do the job.
Your Go-To System
The HD3 is a music system that has super easy setup and useful features. You can also upgrade it to really deepen the bass with one of their subwoofers. Plus, you can use the HD3 in any way that you like!
Plug in Your Headphones
HD3 has a setup that lets you listen to music in the highest quality while still being considerate to the people around you. This can be done by switching on the high-performance headphone output, which also delivers high-quality sound for your headphones.
Retro-Forward Design
HD3 was designed with audio performance in mind, but as you can imagine they also look great. With care taken to every detail including furniture-grade wood veneers and marble trim, HD3 speakers are designed to fit any environment.
To further customize the look, detachable speaker grills are available that blend into any style of decor. Available in Satin Black, Walnut or Cherry. Head over to our Kickstarter page to see them in detail!
Small Speakers that Pack a Punch
There’s a built-in amp on the HD3 that you can plug in and connect to a power outlet. From there, wire the speakers and they’re good to go. All the parts of the HD3 system are designed and tuned to work together for Audioengine’s signature sound and a more efficient setup than traditional separate speakers and an amplifier.
What is in the Package
| Peachtree M24 | Audioengine HD3 |
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Final Verdict
The Peachtree M24 is the best we could find with bigger and better speakers, a great array of inputs, and more bass than other competitors. For their low cost, you won’t find better sounding computer speakers anywhere. Audioengine have been building great speakers for over 11 years now, so they’re one of the go-to brands in that area. You’ll be glad to know they provide. The Audioengine HD3 was way easier to set up than I expected, and the performance is outstanding. At well under $1000, this is an absolute steal of a deal. I’m really pleased.
At the end of the day, we’re looking for good quality and value for money. As it stands, I’m more interested in the Audioengine HD3. Although it is twice as expensive as the Peachtree M24, I get three times more use out of this device. So, I’ll be going with that one.
The loudest and most expensive speaker is Audioengine HD3. It’s for people who pride themselves on the specs and sound, but not much else. I recommend you buy it if you’re into that sort of thing – hope it was a helpful article! Do you think I made the correct verdict on this one? Please leave a comment below.
FAQ for Peachtree M24 vs Audioengine HD3
What are the key differences between Peachtree M24 and Audioengine HD3?
The Peachtree Audio M24 is a two-way system that consists of a 24” woofer and a 1” soft dome tweeter. It has a frequency response range of 45 Hz to 20 kHz. The Audioengine HD3 is an active monitor speaker system that has 3” Kevlar drivers and 1” silk dome tweeters. It has a frequency response range of 40 Hz to 20 kHz.
The Audioengine HD3 is a set of three speakers that are designed for high-end audio. They offer a wide frequency range and produce good sound quality. The Peachtree M24 is a set of two speakers that are designed for home theater and gaming. They offer a wide frequency range and produce good sound quality.
Both sets of speakers have the same size, but the Audioengine HD3 has more power than the M24 system. The M24 system offers more features than the HD3, such as Bluetooth connectivity and an integrated amplifier with remote control, but it’s also more expensive than the HD3 system.
Which is the Peachtree M24 or Audioengine HD3 speakers system would you recommend for a beginner?
If you are looking for a system that is more affordable and do not need to produce sound at a high volume, then the Peachtree M24 would be a great choice. It’s also perfect for those who want to listen to music on their computer or laptop.
The Audioengine HD3 is an excellent option for those who are looking for a speaker system that can produce high-quality sound with minimal distortion and background noise.
Is a subwoofer needed for the Peachtree M24 or Audioengine HD3?
The M24 and HD3 are both bookshelf speakers, which means they will have a limited bass response. A subwoofer is not needed for these speakers but can be added to enhance the low end.
Which is better the Peachtree M24 or Audioengine HD3 speakers system for gaming, music, or movies?
This is a question that many people ask themselves. The answer is that it depends on the person’s preferences and needs.
The Peachtree M24 speakers are great for gaming because of their low latency, which is important for gamers who need to respond quickly to in-game events. The HD3 speakers are great for music because they can produce clear sound with deep bass.
The HD3 also has a more even frequency response, which means that they can do better with different sounds and frequencies than other speaker systems. For movies, the HD3 speakers are better because they have a wider range so they can produce sounds from high to low frequencies, as well as being able to provide clear dialogue without being drowned out by background noise.
How much does the Peachtree M24 or Audioengine HD3 speakers system cost?
The Peachtree Audio M24 can be purchase for $499, while the Audioengine HD3’s price ranges from $399 to $500.