Audioengine P4 vs Wharfedale Diamond 9.1

[lohita]

Hi All,

I'm considering putting together a new surround sound system (Probably 6.1) for my PC consisting of budget audiophile components. My aim here is to get as high a possible quality on my budget.

My main uses for these speakers would be to play games, listen to house / dance / disco / alternative rock / trance music, and watch movies.

My listening area would be right by the PC. The front / centre speakers would be on either side of the monitor, about 2.5 - 3 ft from me. The rear speakers would be roughly 3 - 4 ft behind me. The sub-woofer would be on the floor under the desk.

Here's what I've got planned so far. I'm open to suggestions on all the components.

• Receiver - Yamaha RX-V671
• Front speakers - AudioEngine P4
• Rear speakers - AudioEngine P4
• Center speaker - AudioEngine P4
• Sub - Velodyne Impact 10

I was considering swapping out the P4s for Wharfedale Diamond 9.1s instead, but would you recommend that for my setup? Or should I stick with what I've got planned out instead?

 

[agarwalro]

For bookshelf speakers also look into, Ascend CBM-170 or Emp Tek E-41B or Behringer 2030P.

 

[j_garcia]

For that price range, I'd say the Infinity P163 or P153 also. I have not heard the Audioengines, but I've heard the Diamond 9.1 and liked it a lot, so it probably would be a good choice, but aren't they more expensive than the P4?

 

[lohita]

Actually, the Diamond 9.1 and the P4 are about the same on Amazon now

 

[lohita]

So does that mean I should go for the Diamond 9.1s instead of the Audioengine P4s?

 

[agarwalro]

My listening area would be right by the PC. The front / centre speakers would be on either side of the monitor, about 2.5 - 3 ft from me. The rear speakers would be roughly 3 - 4 ft behind me. The sub-woofer would be on the floor under the desk.

In that budget, you should seriously consider active monitors since you won't need the receiver and what not.

I'm using the Behringer B1030A direct to a CD player and listening about 4 ft away. They are absolutely worth checking out. The frequency response adjustment is priceless. You'll still need a sub for sure.

 

[j_garcia]

Audioengine also offers powered versions of the ones he was already considering (A2 and A5), so that could be an option as well. That's a good price on the Diamonds though.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Wharfedale Diamond 9.1

Are they really made of diamond like the B&W 800 Diamond?

 

[j_garcia]

Are they really made of diamond like the B&W 800 Diamond?

I'm guessing not at $250/pr. Maybe Cubic Zirconia

 

[Crackerballer]

I would stick with passive monitors since a good 5.1 receiver is going to be the easiest way to get 5.1 decoding/processing and you might as well use the built in amp! If you went with active monitors, not sure what the source would be.

I'd say since you will be so close to all the speakers focus your budget on smaller, more accurate speakers. I just ordered Audioengine A5+s, so the P4s or maybe even just the 2s would be good. Why not do a full 5 of the AE2s plus some nice stands and mounts for positioning? Whichever ones you go with, I think you have made good decisions on the brands and will really sound good for your purposes.

Edit* Just saw the A2s are active only. I thought they could be run as passive. So then the P4s should serve you really well.

 

[Lulimet]

I don't recommend the Velodyne Impact subs. I had an Impact 12 and it was a poor sub. Sold it after one month.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I'm guessing not at $250/pr. Maybe Cubic Zirconia

Some of the names they come up with just cracks me up.

Hey, lets just call our speakers the 9.2 Beryllium, even though it has absolutely nothing to do with it.

 

[Crackerballer]

Audioengine AP4B Semi-Matte Black (Pr) - Open Box Passive Speaker, In Stock at OneCall.com

I'd buy 6 of those and just keep one for reserve instead of the 6th channel, or do a phantom center and only buy 4. Buying 4 will give you more money for the sub and receiver.

 

[agarwalro]

A slight correction in terminology though. Even though Audioengine calls them, "Active Speakers",

A5+ = Powered (On/Off, One amp per side, Passive crossover, Volume control for user)
1030A = Active (On/Off, One amp per driver, Active crossover, Set and forget gain control, Baffle Step gain trim, Adjustable High Pass filter, Adjustable low frequency Roll-off, Adjustable High Frequency trim)

Powered != Active .

Cost of a good a internal audio DAC like the Xonar and 5x Active speakers will give a receiver and passive speakers a run for the money. I dare say, the active option may have better dynamics.

 

[lohita]

Thanks guys. The only problem with buying active speakers is that I'd have to have 3 power points for only the speakers, hehe. Thanks though