With the surge of desktop all-in-ones and ultra-light notebooks having average (to dismal) speakers, audio manufacturers also have been introducing high-end, entry-level performance speaker systems geared for computer desktops and home entertainment systems.
Audioengine released the A5+ as an upgrade to its predecessor, the A5, with changes such as improved thermal management, RCA and mini-jack inputs, advance tuned cabinet and inclusion of remote control.
Check out the next page for the full review. Click to enlarge the images.
Audioengine 5+ Tech Specs:
- Power Output: 150W peak power total (50W RMS / 75W peak per channel), AES
- Inputs: 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo mini-jack, RCA L/R
- Outputs: RCA L/R audio (full-range, adjustable), USB Type A (power/charging)
- Voltages: 115/240V, 50/60Hz manually switchable
- Amplifier: TypeDual Class AB monolithic
- Drivers: 5" Kevlar woofers, 20mm silk dome tweeters
- Signal-to-noise: >95dB (typical A-weighted)
- THD: <0.05% at all power settings
- Crosstalk: <50db
- Frequency response: 50Hz-22kHz +/-1.5dB
- Input impedance: 10K ohms unbalanced
What’s included?
The A5+ unit comes in a neatly wrapped sling bag inside a securely packed box. Also included were a mini jack audio cable, RCA to RCA cable and speaker wire along with the remote control. which has basic functions for volume control sleep and mute buttons. Power cord and manuals are also in the box.
Hardware + Performance:
Setting up the speakers is requires a simple connection of the left (powered, the heavy one) speaker to the right (passive) via the included silver speaker cable. If you’ve noticed my setup on the main photo of this article, I’ve mixed up the left and right positioning. Audioengine clears this up on their website:
Swapping speaker placement won't have any negative effect on the soundstage or quality/clarity of the speakers. This will simply give you the reverse of what the artist intended for you to hear (and if you want the correct L/R audio then swap the RCA L and R from the audio source to the speakers)
The front panel (powered) has the power lights, IR sensor and volume wheel. One thing to add was that turning the sleep mode on the remote will fade-in or out the music gradually. A very nice subtle detail worth mentioning.
The A5+ includes a 5V, 500mA USB slot that can power any USB devices while in use but it doesn’t support data so you’ll still have to use the Audio input slot to stream music off your device.
The speakers finish comes in Satin Black, Hi-Gloss White or Solid Carbonized Bamboo (my favorite since I like bamboo)
The speaker cables will go into these screw knobs.
The A5+ also has a voltage selector switch for 110v or 220v. Perfect for use everywhere without fear of plugging it into a wrong socket.
The 10.75” x 7” speaker box dwarfs the Macbook Air and nearly matches up the size of my 21” iMac (length-wise that is.) It’s really a large computer speaker for the average user but for the discerning audiophile movie-buff or gamer, it is a good choice.
The kevlar grill speakers produce crisp full sound with rich enough bass without any distortion. The 20mm silk tweeter domes also deliver great mid and treble. I don’t really know if A5+ require a break-in period that some speakers actually require to achieve optimal sound performance, but it did really sound great right out of the box.
I played a lot of 80’s tunes like Stevie Wonder’s Part-Time Lover, Phil Collins Sussudio and Starship’s We Built this City. Vocals were really crisp and tones were really balanced out between the instruments. Drum bass really hit the sweet spots and it felt like 80’s all over again for a while :)
Conclusion:
The A5+ is an amazingly powerful speaker. It could literally replace any home speaker system on either your computer desk or TV/home entertainment media setup. For the price of 18,000 pesos, this is actually one of the cheapest pair of quality speakers, at this product segment, you can buy. A good recommendation for those who really are looking for a good all-around home speaker system.
Thanks to Dexterton Corporation for providing this review unit. Check out the different Audioengine products on their website. You can also contact them at info@dexterton.com