Thoughts on

imaheadcase

Diamond Member
May 9, 2005
3,850
7
76
Audioengine A5N

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846

Not sure how to format that link..copy and paste if not working.

Long story short.
I been using headphones for a long time, but I've got quite a bit of music saved up and want to listen to it in the open. These will be %95 for music rest for other things. I listen to all types of music. Need speakers that are good, and will last a long time.

Are these worth the price? I'm not to technical when it comes to audio, I just know my old Logitech PC speakers the cords started fraying.

1. Do i need anything besides these speakers? I'm assuming I can use old sub from logitech since it has plug (prob upgrade that later).
2."powered" does not mean i don't need a receiver? It will be mainly for music from computer.
 

Tiamat

Lifer
Nov 25, 2003
14,068
5
71
I believe you can save money by getting the black version instead of the bamboo version if that is a concern. Also, I don't think the logitech subwoofer will add anything of much worth to the A5s. You hook up your soundcard to them and they go. That's it! The logitech subwoofer lacks any kind of controls which would be necessary for your to blend them into the A5s in terms of crossing over and phase. It would just not be worth it to use the logitech subwoofer with them.

The black version is 350$

http://www.audioengineusa.com/a5_home.php

If your musical needs require more energy in the 20-40hz range, you would most likely best be served by an entry level subwoofer. This depends on the size of the room, how you set it up, and where you can place the subwoofer. Placement of the subwoofer, speakers, and your listening chair with respect to the walls nearby is paramount in obtaining the bass frequency response you desire.

Due to this challenge, I would fully recommend you to play with the speakers and listening position for a while before thinking about adding a subwoofer.
 
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imaheadcase

Diamond Member
May 9, 2005
3,850
7
76
Thanks for the tip.

Would any soundcard do, right not I just use onboard sound, but I do have a X-Fi Xtrememusic card in other computer I could use. Not sure how Creative drivers are for X-fI in Windows 7 64-bit though..
 

s44

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2006
9,427
16
81
The problem these days is no longer with the onboard audio codecs, but in the electrical interference any in-case analog output is going to have.

IOW: don't spend money on an internal soundcard -- get an external soundcard or DAC instead. Lots of cheap and good USB ones.

The Audioengine 5 is a pretty sweet speaker, btw.
 

Tiamat

Lifer
Nov 25, 2003
14,068
5
71
Thanks for the tip.

Would any soundcard do, right not I just use onboard sound, but I do have a X-Fi Xtrememusic card in other computer I could use. Not sure how Creative drivers are for X-fI in Windows 7 64-bit though..

As mentioned Codecs not an issue. However, I have not had an issue with internal sound cards in terms of noise on higher end motherboards (onboard) or entry level creative cards.

My laptop onboard sound is trash on the other hand. When my CPU blips due to usage, you can hear a noise feedback within the internal speakers and through headphones and, of course, the speakers if being used. The noise feedback is approximately 512 Hz representing a pitch of "c" on the piano. Horrifically annoying. For my laptop, I use a EMU0202 USB soundcard and it works wonderfully for inexpensive solution without any such noises.


Actually, I think Amazon has it for $325 for white/black version.
 
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Sep 7, 2009
12,960
3
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I have the bamboo and I like them a lot. FWIW I've had some QC issues with mine, I went through two sets before getting a 'good' set.

They sound fantastic (I have a decent Denon 5.1 setup in the living room and klipsch 2.1 elsewhere).

I use them for 75% music (all genres, from classical to current rock to local rap artists..) and 25% for games/movies.


IMO a sub is required. I spent hours one weekend reading reviews before purchasing and was convinced I'd be ok without a sub (esp after looking at the freq levels compared to klipsch and the logitech options). However, I really did need a sub for any type of rap or gaming, and it really helped with rock and even classical (large string instruments)


They'd be fine if only used as studio monitors, but a sub really does help for 'casual' listening.

They're fairly large. I have a big desk and was still somewhat unprepared for how far the 'should' be from the wall. I still need to buy some stands but I'm not in a huge hurry.

I ended up buying the audioengine sub and am very happy with it although the combined price was more than I wanted to pay.
 
Sep 7, 2009
12,960
3
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I almost forgot - my biggest complaint by far is the 'auto off' feature. It tends to auto shutoff at low (but listenable) volume levels. When they do shut off there's a loud POP that definitely wakes up anyone in the room.
 

imaheadcase

Diamond Member
May 9, 2005
3,850
7
76
Ok i got the speakers, hooked them up and it sounds awesome. However, my motherboard has only one connection on back for speaker or headphone. Not both. Ideally I want to use headphones for games, speakers for everything else.

I'm assuming USB soundcard would solve this problem? I can easily switch between them in win7 with keyboard short cut with program brother made for me.

I would guess it would be speakers plugged into onboard sound..then headphones in USB soundcard. Or should I do it other way around?
 
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