Audioengine or M-Audio for desktop speakers?

[EJ1]

I'm interested in purchasing a pair of small powered speakers for desktop use and was curious if anyone had any experience with the following or could offer any suggestions. I'd like to stay below $200. So far, I've found...

Audioengine A2 ($199)
www.audioengineusa.com/a2_home.php

M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 ($135)
www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/StudiophileAV40.html

Audioengine offers a 30-day trial, so I might audition them, but I'd like to hear others' thoughts first. Thanks in advance.

 

[monsterman]

I will be writing a review tomorrow of the Audioengine A5's. I picked them up from the factory B-Stock for $250 shipped and they came in absolutely perfect condition. I can tell you, from first impressions without a critical listen, they do the job very well and the build quality is fantastic.

http://www.krksys.com/product_rokit.php Also an option but have read they have more sweet spots. I wanted something with more honesty.

Keep an eye out for my review of the A5's. Here is the link from where I ordered them. http://cgi.ebay.com/Audioengine-5-Speakers-Black-B-Stock-Free-Shipping_W0QQitemZ260488570251QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSpeakers_Subwoofers?hash=item3ca654258b

 

[EJ1]

Those are a good deal. Thanks for the link and I look forward to your review.

 

[EJ1]

I found that someone locally is selling a pair of KRK Rokit 6's for $225. I wonder how they compare to the Audioengine A5's.

 

[EJ1]

Can powered monitors be connected directly to the PC or do I need something like the M-Audio Fast-Track USB interface?

 

[fightinkraut]

I will be writing a review tomorrow of the Audioengine A5's. I picked them up from the factory B-Stock for $250 shipped and they came in absolutely perfect condition. I can tell you, from first impressions without a critical listen, they do the job very well and the build quality is fantastic.

http://www.krksys.com/product_rokit.php Also an option but have read they have more sweet spots. I wanted something with more honesty.

Keep an eye out for my review of the A5's. Here is the link from where I ordered them. http://cgi.ebay.com/Audioengine-5-Speakers-Black-B-Stock-Free-Shipping_W0QQitemZ260488570251QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSpeakers_Subwoofers?hash=item3ca654258b

Thanks very much for the link on the audioengine's, I've been looking to pick up a pair and I don't mind b-stock!

I borrowed the KRK RP6SE from a buddy and used them for a few months, I thought they were very good, but I did have to turn the gain way down to avoid buzzing through the 3.5mm --> rca connection.

I will probably go with the A2's due to size concerns, the KRK's are big speakers!

 

[Matt34]

Can powered monitors be connected directly to the PC or do I need something like the M-Audio Fast-Track USB interface?

I connected my Audioengine A2 directly to my laptop.

 

[EJ1]

I connected my Audioengine A2 directly to my laptop.

How do you like them?

 

[monsterman]

I found that someone locally is selling a pair of KRK Rokit 6's for $225. I wonder how they compare to the Audioengine A5's.

The connectivity and build quality of the A5's is outstanding. I also read in a few places the Rokit's 'favor the sweet spots a little" the A5's are more honest for recording purposes. I had an opportunity to place them in my living room for Thanksgiving and they sounded great even at low volume levels. I would avoid the A2's only because in a few years you will want the upgraded model. The A5's have an excellent resale value as well.

 

[Zaluss]

I had a pair of the KRk Rokit 5 G2's and I didn't like them at all. Very harsh to my ears.

 

[MidnightSensi]

A2's make great little desktop speakers. I use them at work. They are fairly powerful, but obviously limited to nearfield use. They are extremely well made, much better than the KRKs or M-Audios. Night and day difference.