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

(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

How many powered loudspeakers are available for $399 a pair? Probably more than I can count on my fingers and toes. And if I were forced to listen to them all, back-to-back, I'd be ready for counseling or medication. Thank God for exceptions.

Product Audioengine A5+ speaker system & Wireless Audio Adapter W1 set Manufacturer Audioengine MSP $399 /pair; $99 set The first Audioengine product was the A5, released in 2005. This well-engineered, compact, powered speaker pair quickly earned many accolades from reviewers, and firmly established...

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

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.

I have a set of Audioengine A5+ speakers in my office at home. They are hooked up to my computer and run through an Audioengine D1 DAC. They have been performing flawlessly for 5 years. They bring out details in music you have listened to before, but not heard.

Several options for inputs; Plenty of bass; Sound great at low levels or turned up loud; With DAC, audiophile quality

5 years running and none

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.