New to the field, seeking recomendations.

[Lyric Suite]

This is regarding computer speakers, but i also have a couple of questions for a possible high range stereo system sometime in the future.

For the time being, i'm planning to update my current computer set (an old Creative SoundWorks 5.1 system) to some higher quality 2.0/1 replacement. After poking around the internet a bit, it seems that the current choice of midpriced computer speakers are the Audioengine models, is that correct?

The price is agreeable, and the reviews are favorable, but what i need to know is how much of a difference is there between those speakers and the average sets one can find on places like newegg?

One of the reasons why i'm planning to upgrade is that i have a problem with my hearing, which was damaged after a concert several years ago (yikes, what can you do). The actual loss isn't too bad, my main annoyance is hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound), which prevents me from bumping the volume too high. Because of this, i often have some difficulty making out details on quite passages. I mean, i ear it fine, not just to an enjoyable level. My main genre is classical music, which creates quite a few problems with this, as you can imagine.

Since i cannot blast the speakers to full volume anyway, i don't particularly care for "power". What i need is supreme detail, clarity and balance, and the difference between my current set (which already isn't entirely worthless) has to be considerable for me to spend this kind of money on equipment which grates over my own infirmity (i tried to give it all up but i couldn't ).

I'm also still undecided between the A2 version or the A5. Is it worth to pay 150$ extra for the bigger set?

As far as full a fledged system goes, this is going to be a very long term project, so you don't have to go too deep, all i need is a few pointers: most renowned brands, links to guides or tutorials (beyond those found on this web site), you know, just to get started.

Thanks.

 

[mazersteven]

http://www.axiomaudio.com/audiobytecomputerspeakers.html

 

[WmAx]

The price is agreeable, and the reviews are favorable, but what i need to know is how much of a difference is there between those speakers and the average sets one can find on places like newegg?

If you are to compare Audio Engine 2 to any regular computer speaker, it is not comparable. It is different class of sound reproduction by several orders of a magnitude. The A2 is verified by credible 3rd party measurements to be very linear, have super energy decay, and have very low resonance cabinets. This simply is not a common combination by any means.

I'm also still undecided between the A2 version or the A5. IS it worth to pay 150$ extra for the bigger set?

With the A2, the best solution is to use a low cost PCI sound card with bass management(has a built in crossover and seperate outputs for mains and sub). Buy a Dayton 10" powered subwoofer for about $100 from Parts Express. Low pass the subwoofer at about 90Hz, and high pass the A2 at about 90Hz.

You will want to place high quality acoustical absorbers behind the computer to remove the rear reflection. Now, place the A2s on some small stands to raise the tweeters near ear level, or at least set them to an angle that arrives at the ears. Use a soft foam for cushion between the A2 and stand/desk to prevent the desk from vibrating, thus preventing a potential source of substantial resonance.

This will provide a computer speaker system well beyond what you have experienced before.

-Chris

 

[Lyric Suite]

...

Are those preferable to the Audioengine?

BTW, i forgot to mention that i'd prefer to do without a sub, unless it's really a necessary asset.

 

[mazersteven]

Are those preferable to the Audioengine?

I was advised that the Audioengine speakers where better then the Axioms after I posted that link. So I guess disregard them.

 

[Lyric Suite]

Interesting infos WmAx. I'm really more of a notice then i first imagine. Heh.

Speaking of sound cards, i currently have a Creative X-Fi. Should i upgrade to make the most out of those speakers?

 

[WmAx]

Interesting infos WmAx. I'm really more of a notice then i first imagine. Heh.

Speaking of sound cards, i currently have a Creative X-Fi. Should i upgrade to make the most out of those speakers?

The Xi Fi should have bass management. Please verify that it does. If so, it will be a fine card to use with these speakers. Buy the subwoofer to go along with A2 speakers, and follow my instructions regarding the acoustic treatments and stands/angles. These are critical. For the cheapest treatments, please refer to GIK Acoustics. You should ideally place 2 of the 2' x 4' x 4" thick bass traps behind the computer desk in order to reduce mid-bass cancellation and/or emphasis issues. The subwoofer I recommended is the lowest price unit with the highest quality for the price. You can use a better sub optionally, but of course, cost will be much higher. I think the Dayton 10" unit will be more than satisfactory for this particular application.

-Chris

 

[WmAx]

I would like to point out that the recommendations I am making are in order to achieve highest possibly quality at a low price and small size package. If one wanted to spend considerably more, that being about 2x to 2.5x the amount, one could improve somewhat using very specific product selections. But not only would cost increase, the speakers would also increase in size. Just a note.

-Chris

 

[MDS]

I would like to point out that the recommendations I am making are in order to achieve highest possibly quality at a low price and small size package. -Chris

As per usual with your posts. What I would like to know however is whether the absolute supreme best fidelity is the goal or not. I kind of interpreteted the post to say that he just wants 'pretty good' (however one would quantify that).

I don't have hearing loss but my 'requirements' have changed over the years. I now consider just a decent 2.0 computer speaker system to be all that I need. Now keep in my mind that I mostly work from home and my music plays all day non-stop so I want decent but will not spend even a fraction of what I would be willing to spend for the main theater. If you are not necessarily looking for the absolute best fidelity, just pretty good for a low price, I have had both the Klipsch ProMedia 2.0 and my current Creative T20 gigaworks and for what they are ($100 computer speakers) they fit the bill quite adequately.

If you are looking for absolute fidelity even from a simple 2.0 computer type speaker setup then WmAx is the one to listen to, but maybe consider the low cost alternatives as good enough, especially if you may not appreciate all the subtleties you'd get from a higher-end solution (given some hearing loss).

 

[Lyric Suite]

As per usual with your posts. What I would like to know however is whether the absolute supreme best fidelity is the goal or not. I kind of interpreteted the post to say that he just wants 'pretty good' (however one would quantify that).

Well, what i was trying to convey is that "pretty good" (which i believe is where i'm at right now) is not sufficient anymore because of the loss, which is why i'm looking for "better" in order to compensate. At the same time, i'm not ready to plunge into thousands of dollars worth of equipment, not for a long while.

Right now i'm ready to go by WmAx's recommendations, though i'm still undecided between the A2 or the A5 set. In the meantime, i'll check if the X-fi has bass management.

 

[WmAx]

though i'm still undecided between the A2 or the A5 set. In the meantime, i'll check if the X-fi has bass management.

While one usually assumes the 'higher model number is better', this may not be the case. The A2 is the only one of the two units at subject herethat has been verified by a 3rd party by proper measurements. As such, I can not confidently suggest the A5. One of the main considerations is that the A5 may have substantially more cabinet resonance.

-Chris

 

[cbraver]

Just for reference:

http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/1207ae/

I'd like a pair of these for my office. For 200 bucks MSRP, that's a great value.

I agree with the Dayton suggestion, also, by the way. That's a great subwoofer for the money.

 

[furrycute]

Stereophile's review peaked my interest. Thanks for the link. Where can you purchase these AudioEgnine speakers?

 

[cbraver]

Stereophile's review peaked my interest. Thanks for the link. Where can you purchase these AudioEgnine speakers?

No problem.

http://audioengineusa.com/

Directly. Although, they are out of stock now on black ones.

Also, through resellers:

http://audioengineusa.com/resellers.htm#onlineusa

 

[furrycute]

So does the A5 have the same linear frequency response as the A2?

 

[cbraver]

So does the A5 have the same linear frequency response as the A2?

Not sure, I can't find decent third party measurements either. Still searching though, I'll post if I find anything.

 

[furrycute]

Thanks. Appreciate it.

Not sure, I can't find decent third party measurements either. Still searching though, I'll post if I find anything.

 

[furrycute]

Look here, our own very Audioholics did a review on the A5!

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/audioengine-a5

 

[Lyric Suite]

^ Well timed addeum, but i think i'm going to settle for the A2 since i'll probably won't be able to enjoy the bigger set due volume range restrictions. Sometimes i tend to forget the hurdle of my limitations.

Much obliged for the help and the useful slate of informations.

 

[furrycute]

Well, A2 seems like a good choice. But from personal experience (no, I haven't heard the A2 in particular, but I have auditioned many small bookshelves) I don't think those 2.5inch woofers are going to be sufficient for bass. There is also a sub on that site, it seems it would complement nicely with the A2. A5 has larger 5 inch woofers. The larger woofers may give you sufficient amount of bass without the addition of a separate sub. Anyways, just something to think about.

Damned, now I am itching to get a pair of A5 and that sub. The nice thing about the A5 is that they are active monitors, which means I don't need outboard amplification. $350+$399 = $750. Seem like a nice deal for a 2.1 system. Now I am really tempted. I am thinking about using the A5 plus that sub as my new 2.1 stereo system. What do you guys think?

What kind of listening is the A5/A2 designed for? Nearfield or farfield listening? Nearfield monitors usually sound good nearfield listening (like right in front of you on your desk), but the soundstage isn't very good for farfield listening (like when you are sitting on a couch). Opinions?