These things are insane for their size. I have a decent sized living room and I can't come close to turning these up all the way. Clarity is absolutely perfect at any level. Bass is impressive. Can't see any need for an external sub. So far I'm thrilled with my purchase.

(1 items) I've been a fan of Audioengine's A5 powered bookshelf speakers ( ) since I first laid ears on them in 2006. They provided plenty of enjoyable sound for their size and, at $350, they were a solid bargain.

Punchy sound; Dual inputs; Plenty of volume

Lacks predecessor's built-in AC port; Sound favors bass and lower-mids

Yes, we could quibble about there not being an integrated AC power outlet anymore, but the combination of the design improvements (USB port on back), feature tweaks (included remote), and the speakers' exceptional sound makes the Audioengine 5+ speakers worthy of an Editors' Choice Award.

The Audioengine 5+ powered speakers deliver phenomenal sound and offer simple, attractive styling; They feature two audio inputs and an integrated USB port for charging source devices (phones, iPods); The two speakers can be placed as far apart as needed to optimize stereo separation.

The speakers aren't cheap, and many will find them to be too large and bulky compared with standard PC speakers; The AC power port found in the earlier model is no longer present, and you can't switch between the two inputs--both are always active

Having been in the pro audio world for a long time (touring, recording, playing) I have been in many studios. I was looking for a pair of speakers to listen to a wide range of things... video production, music, recording, etc. I have used many brands of monitors but for this office I wanted simple.

I gave high marks to Audioengine's earlier PC speakers, the Audioengine 5 series ($300 now, formerly $350) and step-down Audioengine 2 series ($200), because they really are quite impressive.

The Audioengine 5+ powered speakers deliver excellent sound quality and provide a clutter-free way to listen to smartphones, iPods, or any other audio source.

The Audioengine 5+ powered speakers deliver phenomenal sound and offer simple, attractive styling; They feature two audio inputs and an integrated USB port for charging source devices (phones, iPods); The two speakers can be placed as far apart as needed to optimize stereo separation; A remote for controlling volume is included.

The speakers aren't cheap, and many will find them to be too large and bulky compared with standard PC speakers; The AC power port found in the earlier model is no longer present, and you can't switch between the two inputs--both are always active.

A while back, Audioengine introduced the Audioengine 2 ($199, 4 stars), powered desktop monitors that are the closest thing to flat response, audiophile-level speakers you'll find under $200.

Audiophile-quality performance; Flat response speakers that provide refined bass performance; Attractive design

Remote has very few controls on it; No ability to adjust treble or bass; Not for bass lovers

Wireless audio is convenient, but it isn't exactly smiled upon by audiophiles. Audioengine's A5+ Wireless system combines the capabilities of the company's Bluetooth receiver/transmitter, the B1, with the audio performance of its excellent wired 5+ speakers. The result is a wireless sound signature aimed at purists, but there's plenty of bass depth and clarity throughout the frequency range to make everyone happy. It isn't cheap at $499, but it should be the go-to speaker set for anyone seeking high-quality wireless stereo audio, and earns our Editors' Choice. Design Available in matte black, high-gloss white, or a natural bamboo finish (for $569 instead of $499), the A5+ Wireless speakers have rounded edges and a classic bookshelf look. They each measure 10.8 inches high and 7.0 inches wides. At 9.0 inches, the left speaker is a bit deeper than the right (7.8 inches) because it houses the controls and connections, as well as a heat sink that protrudes off the back panel. It's als...

Audioengine's A5+ Wireless speakers deliver a stellar sonic experience aimed at audiophiles with 24-bit upsampling to ensure high-quality Bluetooth audio.

Excellent audio performance with solid bass depth and clarity throughout the frequency range; High-quality Bluetooth streaming with 24-bit upsampling; Wired connectivity options; Can be used with a subwoofer

No source knob; Limited remote control

We first saw the original Audioengine A5 speakers back in 2007. Riding the wave of interest in digital music, those large powered speakers delivered impressive sound on a budget to play any music source via their 3.5mm inputs. A few years in the making, we now have an upgraded model.

Stereo and 3.5mm input; remote control; tight; well-marshalled bass; good sonic detail

No iPod dock

Most of the MP3 speakers that flood the Stuff office on a daily basis don't live and breathe hi-fi – they exist for convenience and music snacking. This is, of course, fine for many people, but now a few systems are appearing that could yet convince audiophiles to scope out the digital scene.

I have had the A5 + for two days now ... and it appears that the Audioengine has listened to customer requests. The updates are as remote control, volume control, contacts ... these are a couple of inches higher than the A5's.