Elite A2-5: a contender for the ulimate in American portable PAs
A2-5 live portable PA speaker - left side view · Source: EAE
A2-5 live portable PA speaker - top view · Source: EAE
Street buskers and musicians on a decent budget have a new option for an integrated live PA. Los Angeles’ Elite Acoustics Engineering announced the A2-5 Mini Live Performance Amplifier. The speaker contains a rechargeable battery that’s good for more than eight hours of play time on a single charge. It’s also compact, at 22 x 22 x 36cm / 9 x 9 x 14.5-inches in size (Length x Width x Height) and 10kg / 22 lbs in weight.
With 1 mic and 4 line inputs, a 4-channel mixer, Bluetooth & aux inputs, a three-band master EQ, and 16 digital effects, the A2-5 is reasonably well-equipped for small-scale performances. Amplification is accomplished through a Class D amplifier, and the speaker has a 4-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter for low and high frequency reproduction. The cabinet is made of thick MDF and is covered in tolex with carbon fiber pattern.
While there are other options for portable speakers on the market, such as the Roland Cube Street, we like the A2-5’s price and features. It’s a good quality speaker that’s also very portable, with a long battery life. Unlike the Roland Cube Street, which we consider one of its closest competitors in terms of price and portability, the A2-5 doesn’t emphasize guitar options like amp modeling and doesn’t have switchable power. But it does all things a portable PA speaker should be doing correctly, and that’s what truly matters.
Price and availability
The EAE A2-5 is on sale now, priced 499 USD per unit. Those looking for a more affordable speaker or a set should check out Fender’s Fighter 10 and 12 portable PAs, or Behringer’s EuroLive range.
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