Audioengine 5+ Powered Loudspeaker (Playback 55)

Desktop Delight

On my own classical recordings I could hear and admire the 5+’s superior imaging capabilities. When set up optimally, the 5+ speakers created a convincing and articulate three-dimensional soundstage. Overall soundstage size was excellent and practically on a par with my reference speakers. The 5+’s extra dollop of energy in the upper and mid-bass gave my recordings more weight and heft at the expense of some transparency. Anyone looking for a small powered monitor with a neutral harmonic balance would be better served by other options, such as the similarly sized, but twice as expensive, ADAM ARTist 5 powered monitors.

CONCLUSION

For $399 the AudioEngine 5+ powered speaker delivers more than enough music to be satisfying, even if you’re used to listening to far more expensive gear. Dynamic, well designed, and well made, the 5+ offers an elegant solution to the problem of choosing a high-value desktop/nearfield monitor.

Consider this powered speaker if:

• You need a speaker with one volume control for both speakers.
• You want a powered speaker with a remote control.
• You like to play music loudly on occasion.
• You favor a speaker that images well and offers mostly neutral voicing, but that adds a touch of euphonic warmth.

Look further if:

• You prefer less boxy looking transducers.
• You must put your speakers where there is no AC power.
• You don’t need a speaker that can play loudly.
• Your want a self-powered speaker with digital audio inputs (but note: the combination of the 5+ with Audioengine’s superb D1 DAC should address this requirement quite nicely).

Ratings (relative to comparably-priced self-powered speaker systems)

• Transparency and Focus: 8
• Imaging and Soundstaging: 9
• Tonal Balance: 8
• Dynamics: 8
• Bass Extension: 8
• Bass Pitch Definition: 8
• Bass Dynamics 8
• Value: 9

BOTTOM LINE:

If my brother-in-law came to me and asked what to buy for his computer audio system with a budget of $399 for powered speakers I’d recommend the AudioEngine 5+ speakers in a heartbeat. Their performance in a desktop environment leaves little to criticize. Sure, the overall harmonic balance is a bit warm, but for most people, that’s just one more reason they’re going to enjoy listening to music through them.

SPECS & PRICING

Type: 2-way powered (active) bookshelf-style speaker system

Accessories (what’s in the box)

• A5+ powered (left) speaker
• A5+ passive (right) speaker
• Remote control
• Speaker wire (16AWG), 3.75 meters (~12.3ft)
• Detachable power cord
• Mini-jack audio cable, 2 meters (~6.5ft)
• RCA to RCA audio cable, 2 meters (~6.5ft)
• Cloth speaker bags (2)
• Cloth cable bag
• Setup Guide
• Product line brochure

Amplifier Section

Power Output: 150W peak power total (50W RMS/75W peak per channel), AES.
Inputs: Two stereo analog audio inputs (one via 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, one via a stereo pair of RCA jacks).
Input impedance: 10K ohms unbalanced.
Outputs: One stereo analog audio via RCA jacks (full-range, adjustable level),; one USB Type A (power/charging).
Voltages: 115/240V, 50/60Hz manually switchable.
Protection: Protection: Output current limiting, thermal over-temperature, power on/off transient protection, and replaceable external main fuse.
Amplifier Type: Dual Class AB monolithic.
Signal-to-noise: >95dB (typical A-weighted).
THD: <0.05% at all power settings.
Crosstalk: <50db

Speaker Section

Driver complement: 5" Kevlar mid/bass driver with advanced voice coils, 20mm silk dome tweeter with neodymium magnets.
Frequency response: 50Hz-22kHz +/-1.5dB
Finish options: Satin Black, Hi-Gloss White, Solid Carbonized Bamboo
Materials and Construction: 25mm thick MDF cabinets.
Frequency response: 50Hz-22kHz +/-1.5dB
Dimensions (each speaker H x W x D): 10.75" x 7" x 7.75"
Shipping Box Dimensions (H x W x D): 15” x 22” x 11.5”
Weight:
• Left speaker: 15.4 lbs.
• Right speaker: 9.6 lbs.
• Shipping weight: 31 lbs.
Warranty: 3-year warranty, 30 day audition period
Price: $399/pair