Product: AudioEngine 5
Link: http://audioengineusa.com
Price: $349
Speaker systems are an essential part of any computer system, whether you’re a gamer, music enthusiast or just love answering your emails.
In 2002, Audionendinge was formed, combining 36 years of audio industry experience into one company whose goal was “to design and build high quality studio monitor speakers at affordable prices.” Undoubtedly, that goal as been achieved.
For two months I’ve been testing a pair of AudioEngine 5 speakers. These speakers deliver more than I could have expected, permanently replacing my old stereo speaker system.
The first sign of quality came while un-boxing the speaker set. Both speakers were elegantly packaged and secured in string-sealed cotton bags. The most surprising revelation came not from the speakers themselves, but with the included extras. Many companies these days opt-out of including extra accessories such as accompanying wires or cables. The AudioEngine 5 comes with everything you need: 1/8″ audio cable, 2 meters (~6.5ft), (2) 1/8″ audio cables, 20cm (~8″), 1/8″ to RCA “Y” cable, USB power extender cable, 1 meter (~3.28ft), and speaker wire (16AWG), 3.75 meters (~12.3ft). These additions were a nice welcome and strong sign of quality and care. The speaker set also comes with a 3-year transferrable warranty, another luxury which usually comes in the form of added cost with most products.
The speakers are extremely versatile, with a number connections along back allowing you to connect a multitude of devices. The back panel features just one input, a 1/4 inch stereo input as well as “outs” to the right speaker and stereo RCA Sub outputs. Conveniently added is an auxiliary output, a great addition to make up for the AC that the speaker system takes up itself, but even better for something like an iPod charger or AirPort Express for easy music streaming. Perhaps most unique and convenient about this speaker system are the additional connections located on top of the unit. A USB port allows for easy iPod charging, so if you want to use these speakers for iPod playback, you don’t have to worry about battery. The second is another 1/4 inch stereo audio input, for an additional source, such as the iPod you’ve got charging, or a laptop. One drawback with this system is that the USB port cannot play-through in itself, that is to say that you cannot for example plug-in a first generation Shuffle (or any other USB audio device) and play tracks from there. The USB acts simply as a charging station. As mentioned before, however, the speaker system does come with all the appropriate cables in order to utilize your iPod (or other device).
The speakers have really strong bass response, with built-in subwoofers, and delivers exceedingly well on the highs. The overall sound quality is extremely crisp with the AudioEngine 5 speakers. Even at high volumes (and these speakers can go LOUD!) the sound is still great and there is little hiss.
At front, the left speaker has a convenient volume knob so that you have more control over the sound from whatever devices you are using. A remote would be a nice addition in the future, especially if more iPod integration is built into the system.
After only a couple minutes with these speakers you’ll realize they’re great. They have a strong and elegant build, they sound great and they are extremely versatile. With a 3-year warranty and free shipping, if you’re still not convinced you can take the speakers for a “30-Day Free Audition”. At $39 a pair, you’ve gotta check out the AudioEngine 5 speakers for a look at what might be the best sounding powered speaker system in that price range.
