Author Topic: Audioengine 5 Computer Speakers  (Read 3860 times)

OldiesButGoodies

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Audioengine 5 Computer Speakers
« on: May 29, 2013, 09:26:05 PM »
Once I sell the excess inventory in the basement (including the 13 extra KT-120 tubes and possibly the 12 KT-88s they will displace),  I want to buy a pair of these little speakers for the iMac upstairs,  maybe with the matching D1 DAC.  Has anyone here tried them?  I remember auditioning a pair at a B&H Photo store in Cali, and it sounded very good in a near-field setup - but that was a long time back.  If you have experience with them please share.  Thanks!

Offline treos33

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Re: Audioengine 5 Computer Speakers
« Reply #1 on: May 30, 2013, 09:36:33 AM »
I've never heard them but I have thought about going with powered monitors before.

I think I would go with these:

http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/pro-series/products/airmotiv5

Desk:
ObjectiveDAC, Technics SL-1500 w/ Grado Black Cart -> NAD 1000 pre -> Emotiva Airmotiv 4
Bedroom:
Creek 4330R -> DefTech StudioMonitor 450
Home Theater:
Onkyo TX-NR809, Rotel RB-981 -> Boston Acoustics VR-40, VR-12 Center, Soundware surrounds, Velodyne VRP-1200

Offline Slim-Shaddy

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Re: Audioengine 5 Computer Speakers
« Reply #2 on: May 30, 2013, 10:25:44 AM »
My mom runs a pair of AudioEngine speakers in her kitchen. I'm not sure which model they are, but I think they sound really good.
I am confident that an SL-1200 is capable of outperforming turntables of much higher expense with minor modification.

bmwr75

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Re: Audioengine 5 Computer Speakers
« Reply #3 on: May 30, 2013, 04:55:06 PM »
I have a pair of A5s hooked up to my PC.  They sound good.  You should have gotten to the VHF yard sale earlier and bought that small pair of KRK Rokit powered speakers for $99.

I'd try the Emotiva @treos33 mentions if I was buying again.

bmwr75

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Re: Audioengine 5 Computer Speakers
« Reply #4 on: May 30, 2013, 05:56:26 PM »
Pepe,

That Emotiva statement is based on no data though.  Would just like to hear the ribbon tweeters.

Scott

Offline Kingman

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Re: Audioengine 5 Computer Speakers
« Reply #5 on: May 30, 2013, 06:23:32 PM »
Just buy a pair of crm-2's and add a sub and forget the rest... :laugh:
IN REALITY IT ONLY MATTERS WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE TO YOU!!!!!

OldiesButGoodies

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Re: Audioengine 5 Computer Speakers
« Reply #6 on: May 30, 2013, 09:33:33 PM »
Thanks all,  will evaluate the options. 

The Emotiva product is a couple of Cs more expensive...  that buys a lot of cassette decks!

 ;D

Offline treos33

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Re: Audioengine 5 Computer Speakers
« Reply #7 on: May 31, 2013, 08:34:03 AM »
Emotiva has sales sometimes, last time they only included the Airmotiv 4 but not the 5 or 6 models. I'd guess their next big sale will be around the 4th of July. I'm on their email list so I'll let you know if I see any deals pop up on these.
Desk:
ObjectiveDAC, Technics SL-1500 w/ Grado Black Cart -> NAD 1000 pre -> Emotiva Airmotiv 4
Bedroom:
Creek 4330R -> DefTech StudioMonitor 450
Home Theater:
Onkyo TX-NR809, Rotel RB-981 -> Boston Acoustics VR-40, VR-12 Center, Soundware surrounds, Velodyne VRP-1200

Offline treos33

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Re: Audioengine 5 Computer Speakers
« Reply #8 on: May 31, 2013, 08:50:08 AM »
I've also heard very good things about these Vanatoo speakers:

http://www.vanatoo.com/products/?slug=index.php&cPath=23_26

It is a relatively new brand and these are a little more expensive but they include digital inputs which would alleviate your need for a DAC.

Here is a review by someone I follow occasionally:

http://www.noaudiophile.com/Vanatoo_Transparent_One/
Desk:
ObjectiveDAC, Technics SL-1500 w/ Grado Black Cart -> NAD 1000 pre -> Emotiva Airmotiv 4
Bedroom:
Creek 4330R -> DefTech StudioMonitor 450
Home Theater:
Onkyo TX-NR809, Rotel RB-981 -> Boston Acoustics VR-40, VR-12 Center, Soundware surrounds, Velodyne VRP-1200

Offline wkhanna

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Re: Audioengine 5 Computer Speakers
« Reply #9 on: May 31, 2013, 01:13:37 PM »
I realize these look a bit pricey to start with, but for near field performance combined with SOTA digital convenience these are V nice, IMHO...

http://www.kef.com/html/us/showroom/digital_music_solutions/x300a/overview/ 
....just an "ON" switch, Please!

Offline Sir Thrift-a-Lot

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Re: Audioengine 5 Computer Speakers
« Reply #10 on: May 31, 2013, 10:21:22 PM »
I love coaxials.

Offline MasterBlaster

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Re: Audioengine 5 Computer Speakers
« Reply #11 on: May 31, 2013, 11:57:34 PM »
I'm a little put off by their deceptive specs. They claim 150 watts (75x2 peak) true spec is 50wpc.
HT: Audiocontrol Maestro M3, Sunfire 5*200,  Tannoy Mercury MX , SVS PB-12 Sub

Head-Fi: FUBAR IV Plus DAC, Grado SR225

Living Room: Dynaco ST-70 (R&R work done by NATOE), Dynaco PAS Preamp, Jamo C607 towers, MCS 6710 Turntable

Offline treos33

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Re: Audioengine 5 Computer Speakers
« Reply #12 on: June 07, 2013, 08:21:10 AM »
The emotiva sale came sooner then I expected:

http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/pro-series

I am really debating ordering a pair of the Airmotiv 4s for my desk. Those tweeter just look so sexy.

And Guttenberg loved them:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-57367525-47/emotivas-astonishing-desktop-speaker/
Desk:
ObjectiveDAC, Technics SL-1500 w/ Grado Black Cart -> NAD 1000 pre -> Emotiva Airmotiv 4
Bedroom:
Creek 4330R -> DefTech StudioMonitor 450
Home Theater:
Onkyo TX-NR809, Rotel RB-981 -> Boston Acoustics VR-40, VR-12 Center, Soundware surrounds, Velodyne VRP-1200