AIWA ASP-A200 active speakers – Affordable but capable active speaker for many uses

We tested the compact and very affordable (199 €) Aiwa ASP-A200 two-way active speakers. However, in this case, active means that only one speaker (“master”) has a built-in amplifier and the other speaker is passive (“slave”). Similarly, the crossover between the speaker elements is done with a standard passive crossover filter. In real active speakers, each element of a different sound range has its own amplifier channels in each speaker. But one way or another, Aiwa speakers have an amplifier in themselves and can be connected directly to various audio sources.

Behind the master speaker is a connector panel with almost “complete” connections: HDMI (ARC) input for the TV, RCA line input, digital coaxial and optical input, and USB input for a memory stick (no direct connection to a computer, i.e. no DAC input). And of course Bluetooth. The slave speaker is conveniently and easily connected to the master speaker with an RCA cable (supplied).

An insightful detail by the designers was to place all the selections and adjustments in a recess on the side of the master speaker. Often all the adjustments are behind the speaker, making them difficult to use. However, the easiest way to use them is with a very clear remote control, which has all the essential functions, bass and treble adjustments and, for once, surprisingly well-functioning Movie/Music/Dialog presets. Another fun detail is the confirmation of the sound source selection in English with a spoken voice. The cabinets are made of sturdy MDF and finished in black ash or brown cherry wood veneer imitation. The speakers also have removable front cloths. The appearance is traditional. The elements are of high quality. So a lot of features have been packed into a budget of a couple of hundred. It seems good.

The first impression is rich and bright, even loudness-like, meaning the bass and treble are emphasized. So there's plenty of bass and in some samples even too much, with an emphasis on the upper bass (of course, a little bit is also a matter of taste).

Fortunately, the speaker has adjustments for bass (and treble). You can therefore dampen the bass reproduction by adjusting the speaker's tone or by blocking the bass reflex pipes located at the back with, for example, foam plugs or just a suitable cloth hat. We recommend trying blocking the pipes.

On the other hand, a more bass-heavy setup may be suitable for movie use, as the bass effects in the movie will be better highlighted. Of course, the location of the speakers also affects the final result. The bass is always more emphasized near a wall.

The midrange reproduction is clean and distinctive in its kind, something that is emphasized both with music and especially when reproducing movie sound. However, here too, the bass reproduction has an effect. The emphasized bass overshadows the midrange reproduction.

The treble is quite “lively” for its kind, so not really stuffy. The treble could even sound a little more subdued. The high notes are hissing and the tone is unnecessarily harsh on some recordings. You can dampen the reproduction of high frequencies with the treble control, but a slightly hissing tone is still present. In any case, the Aiwa brings a huge improvement to the sound of the television and the sound is also excellent for listening to music.

The TV can be connected directly to the speakers with an HDMI cable. The so-called CEC feature of the speaker's HDMI input allows you to adjust the volume with the TV's own remote control. We also tried the HDMI connection to the Samsung TV that came with the delivery. The HDMI-ARC connection to the TV worked like a charm, which is still not self-evident. The devices still don't talk to each other seamlessly, as the volume is adjusted with a slight delay and stutter, and with a small "routine sound". This may of course be due to this combination. With another TV, the adjustment may work smoother.

The Aiwa ASP-A200 works great in many ways: as computer speakers, as a simple music center, and as a TV pair. Versatile connections – HDMI ARC, optical, coaxial, RCA, USB, and Bluetooth – allow you to use multiple audio sources. And it's easy to use. The sound is surprisingly convincing for its price range: the bass is powerful, the midrange is clear, and the treble is bright. The bass does play with an emphasis on the upper bass, but it is adjustable. The treble also plays with a slight emphasis and is even sharp in tone. Adjusting the volume of the HDMI ARC connection using the TV's control can be a bit tricky.

Overall, though, the Aiwa offers great value for money, and the speaker works great as a living room music center when connected to a TV. It's probably a much better sounding option than a similarly priced or even slightly more expensive soundbar.

Versatile connections
Good sound for the price
Good sound pressure levels in its class
Ease of use

Bass and treble boost
HDMI volume control (with reservations)

Link tip: Please also visit our website to see the previous for a comparison test of small active speakers.