Reddit mentions of Audioengine A2 Plus 60W Powered Desktop Speakers, Built in 16Bit DAC and Analog Amplifier (Black)

I own both the audioengine A2 and A5's. The A2's are probably the best speakers I've ever bought in terms of value ($250), and perfect for a computer desktop. They're incredible for music and very compact.

https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Powered-Speaker-System/dp/B00DQMJE7E

I know these are a bit out of your range but I have seen them go on sale for about 180 usd before. I have these and they are great. https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Powered-Speaker-System/dp/B00DQMJE7E

I too have a very long desk for a single monitor, so I’m biased, but I like the look of your setup.

They are actually the A2+ white, the 5's couldn't fit on my desk unfortunately =(

Edit

They have a built in AMP/DAC so I actually connect them to my computer via USB. The cool thing is they are traditional wired speakers, and you can opt to wire in any subwoofer you want!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DQMJE7E/ref=twister_B01K5LI1Y0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

These are what I would look at instead:

https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Powered-Speaker-System/dp/B00DQMJE7E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549211989&sr=8-3&keywords=audioengine+a2%2B

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-Studio-Monitor-5-inch-2046563-00/dp/B015U623MQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549212177&sr=8-3&keywords=mackie+cr5

https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R1850DB-Bookshelf-Speakers-Bluetooth/dp/B073W1R4XQ/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1549212416&sr=1-4&keywords=edifier

Given OP's limited amount of desk space, I would personally go with the A2+, they sound pretty damn good for a 2" speaker.

Here are the speakers: https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Powered-Speaker-System/dp/B00DQMJE7E#mobile-twister_color_name_1495904251313

But I don't know what beer sign you are referencing to sorry.

These are awesome.

Also, people recommended the Klipsch speakers, but I had really bad luck with them. Honestly though, the $200 range logitech speakers are awesome, and have a small subwoofer to go with them.

Hi there,

I'd like to upgrade my audio setup, which is OK, but not great. Here's what I currently have going on:

Turntable: Pro-Ject - Debut Carbon DC (Black)

Speakers: Audioengine A2+ Premium Powered Desktop Speakers - Pair (Black)

Preamp: BEHRINGER MICROPHONO PP400

I think the Pro-Ject is OK for me right now, but I'm thinking about upgrading my speakers, and potentially purchasing a receiver (as opposed to my preamp into speakers set up right now). I've started buying some cassettes, so would also love to buy a cassette deck at some point and also be able to plug it into my receiver.

Anyone have any tips? I am admittedly still a bit of a novice, so any advice much appreciated. :)

I also have a couple of these: Audio-Technica AT95E/HSB Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit (AT95E Cartridge and AT-HS10BK Headshell) lying around the apartment. Is it possible to replace my Pro-Ject needle with one of these bad boys / if so, anyone know of a good explainer for how to do it?

Thanks!

I'm looking to upgrade my setup and am looking into buying these items, how are these and will this setup work?

Turntable:Audio Technica LP-120

Amp:ART DJ II Phono

Speakers:Audioengine A2+

I actually wrote a blog on this recently.

Mirroring what others have said, the four I recommend are:

Nyne Bass - Best portable one

Marshall's Stanmore - Best looking (love the retro styling of this)

Grace CastDock Speaker - Best plug and play for Chromecast

Audio Engine A2 - Best Sound Quality

Purchasing out of Canada, I'm looking to get some new speakers for a college desk set up that I can use to listen to music day to day, as well as for small get togethers with friends. Was looking to invest in something a little higher end than the traditional UE Boom/bose portable speakers that most university students have, and was debating between:

https://www.amazon.ca/Audioengine-A2-Bookshelf-Powered-Speaker/dp/B00DQMJE7E/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1504217552&sr=1-4&th=1

http://www.klipsch.ca/products/reference-bookshelf-speakers?model=r-14m

I was wondering which one you guys would recommend/would be better for what I'm looking for. I'm out of my element with regards to this.

https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Powered-Speaker-System/dp/B00DQMJE7E

• [Klipsch ProMedia 2.1] (https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-ProMedia-Certified-Computer-Speaker/dp/B000062VUO)
  
• [Audioengine A2+] (https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Premium-Powered-Speakers/dp/B00DQMJE7E)
  
• [Bose Companion 5] (https://www.amazon.com/Bose-Companion-Multimedia-Speaker-System/dp/B000IE8Z4Q)
  
• [Logitech Z323] (https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Speaker-System-Z323-Subwoofer/dp/B002FU5QM0)
  
• [Harman Kardon Soundsticks III] (https://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-Soundsticks-III-Multimedia/dp/B0042F3K9W)

Audioengine A5 - https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A5-Bookshelf-Resolution-Bluetooth-Wireless/dp/B079TB99K3/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=MZ7XJD5GXPB4&keywords=speakers%2Ba5&qid=1555701131&s=gateway&sprefix=speakers%2Ba5%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-1-spons&smid=AKR88PAWTQVN2&th=1

They are great and I love them but they are a little expensive and kinda big. My friend has Audioengine A2 and they are also great. I also feel like the A2 is great for PC speakers. The A5 feels like its more for a home studio or home theater.

Audioengine A2 - https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Powered-Speaker-System/dp/B00DQMJE7E/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=Audioengine&qid=1555701292&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Well I assume you already have an amp or receiver then? Those monitors are pretty common recommendations, but you could get some pretty insanely good passive speakers for $300.

Since you already have an amp, I'd take advantage of that if you want the most bang for your buck. For $300 you can get some REALLY nice passive speakers or some monitors that are simply solid. You are almost in Wharfedale diamond territory. Or some Boston Acoustics

And if you aren't producing I still think you wouldn't be taking full advantage of what monitors provide with xlr connections and whatnot. Even if you are producing, just use some neutral closed headphones..

Another common pair in that price range are the Audioengine A2 powered. Oh hey they even have a passive P4 version!

But you can get some kick ass passive speakers for under $175 even. Pioneer, Fluance, Yamaha, Infinity, etc. Then you will still have the budget for a subwoofer. Which is really what you need to make the whole system rock.

For computer speakers, I'd suggest these Definitive Technology's

Or perhaps, these Audioengines

At this price point, adding in a sub drastically decreases the quality of the speakers, and making the purchase a wash. Unless you can find something clearance or a crazy-awesome-christmas-deal, I'd forego the sub and just get a solid pair of speakers.

I have the same speakers (Audioengine A2+) except in white. I'm starting to wish I grabbed the black ones... Look awesome btw!

Edit: Damn OP, we have very similar taste. I have m1 case (silver) and HHKB 2 (white) as well.

Okay, here we go then. I'll give a few options for each component

Turntable:

• Rega Planar 2 £375
  
  
• Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Espirit £404
  
  Phono Preamplifier:
  
  
• Pro-Ject Phono Box Mk2 £88
  
  
• Musical Fidelity V90-LPS £159
  
  Speakers:
  
  
• Audioengine A2+B Powered Speakers £195
  
  
• Audioengine A5+ Powered Speakers £350
  
  
• Klipsch R-15PM £435
  
  Any left over money I'd recommend spending on the following accessories:
  
  
• Stylus Tracking Force Gauge £7.99
  
  
• Carbon Fiber Anti-Static Brush £16.95
  
  
• Mitchell Record Clamp for Rega Turntables £35.00
  
  
• Onzow Zerodust Stylus Cleaner £41.00
  
  
• Spin Clean Record Washer £89.00
  
  Any of this would be a good setup that would give you pretty nice sound. I've opted to suggest powered speakers to avoid the cost of a separate amp/receiver. This allows more of your budget to be spent on the table and speakers.

You would have to move your computer brain to the floor because it's taking up a lot of space and then you could put your speakers on the side of your monitors. That's the only thing I didn't like about having big speakers, they take up too much space, that's why I put my studio monitors in storage and got these.

https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Powered-Speaker-System/dp/B00DQMJE7E

They fit under my main monitor and sound great. It is a bit odd to buy such big speakers and not set them up to get the best sound, might as well get something smaller. But if you like it, then that's all that matters. Cool setup by the way.

The best small-footprint great-sounding speakers I know are these:

http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Premium-Powered-Speakers/dp/B00DQMJE7E

But they are more pricy. They go on sale for $195 though on massdrop from time-to-time however.

A fan is essential. I ended up switching from stand fan to a carpet dryer. The carpet dryer fan sits in front of the wheel and blows air up through the handlebars. It's the best fan solution I have found for spinning. There are multiple brands but I have the one below. https://www.amazon.com/XPOWER-P-230AT-Speeds-Outlets-2-3-Amp/dp/B00BY48UU8/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1511813128&sr=8-9&keywords=carpet+dryer+fan

Get a heart rate strap. The best one I have found is the Scosche. https://www.amazon.com/Scosche-RHYTHM-Heart-Monitor-Armband/dp/B00QSRQ1UM/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1511813531&sr=8-13&keywords=heart+rate+strap

I like decent sound while riding so I bought a set of Audio Engine speakers which I connect to the bike bluetooth using an audio engine B1 bluetooth receiver. I got thew small speakers due to available space but they work well with a subwoofer I already had. There are many brands of powered speakers that are cheaper. https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Powered-Speaker-System/dp/B00DQMJE7E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1511813734&sr=8-3&keywords=audioengine+a2

Finally, for mood lighting I bought a Phillips Hue Bloom light which I point at wall in front of bike.

I've been using the Audioengine A2+ and I love them. Sound great, well built, beautiful design and nice and small so they are great desk speakers.

The Klipsch must sound great and i have read a lots of good reviews about them, but unfortunately they are not available in EU / Germany i believe, at least last time i checked i didnt find any offers...

I went for the audioengine 2 + for my desktop
https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Powered-Speaker-System/dp/B00DQMJE7E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1518436343&sr=8-3&keywords=audioengine+2

Quite expensive though and no subwoofer, you can add one though.

I suggest the Pro-ject pre amp

For speakers I don't know, I have a pair of Audio Pro addon t8's but they seem to be way pricier in US. Basically anything that fits your budget and has gotten favorable review usually is enough to get a nice sound out of your TT.

If you want to save a bit on the pre amp then you might wanna take a look at TCC TC-750, that would also do the trick, it is now for a pretty reasonable reduced price so be quick.

Speakers that I can recommend without a reservation would be these audio engine A2+. They are solid small powered speakers that would do your vinyls justice.

All together the TCC 750 with the A2+ now add up just shy of 300. This would be setup that with your TT will go a long way before a need to upgrade although I would add a sub when you get the chance.

If you want to save more, you could go for these Mackie CR4 but you can't add a powered sub to these, use them for your PC trough USB and don't have an option to add wireless support later. So it comes with a lack of features.

Also if you do decide to go with the powered speakers route which I would recommend in this scenario, something like the Audioengine A2+ Speakers would work.

Honestly, I've got the Klipsch ProMedia, they're cheap, they're decent looking, and they sound pretty good.

I was bouncing around for awhile and was eyeing the Audioengine A2+ but opted for the cheap side.

I picked them up at Best Buy for like $100

$100 - Micca PB42X - http://www.amazon.com/Micca-PB42X-Powered-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00NXAEPDC

$250 - Audio Engine A2+ - http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Premium-Powered-Speakers/dp/B00DQMJE7E

$273 - JBL LSR305 - http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Professional-LSR305-Studio-Monitor/dp/B00DUKP37C/

If your just looking for a small setup simular to the MICCA's you may want to check out AudioEngine A2 or A5's They are powered and sound great. Again it all depends on budget and how much room you want to take up.

http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Premium-Powered-Speakers/dp/B00DQMJE7E/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1453828410&sr=8-4&keywords=audioengine+a5+plus

Interesting, that's two recommendations for the Micca PB42x's =). That might be how I'm going.

In terms of the input, I guess I'll use the normal 3.5mm audio jack.

Does it matter that I'm not using the TOS-Link/Optical out on the Chromecast Audio? As in, is there any noticeable difference, versus using an analogue out?

Also, I saw some good reviews for the AudioEngine A2+:

http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Premium-Powered-Speakers/dp/B00DQMJE7E

(It is a bit above budget though, at $249)

Any thoughts on how you think that compares to the PB42x, or the JBL305?

Get a pair of AudioEngines https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Powered-Speaker-System/dp/B00DQMJE7E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480995913&sr=8-1&keywords=audioengine and throw a CCA on the back of it.

If you want to keep it simple and don't want to bother with surround speakers or a subwoofer, I would recommend a simple pair of powered bookshelf speakers. These do not require a receiver and would plug directly into your Apple TV.

Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Powered-Speaker-System/dp/B00DQMJE7E

May I suggest the Audio Enging A2+?

https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Powered-Speaker-System/dp/B00DQMJE7E

I'm looking for a solid set of speakers (2.0 or 2.1 setup, I'm flexible) for my room at college. I'm in a single-person dorm room, so pretty small, hard surfaces if people factor that in. I like really neutral sound reproduction (I have Shure SRH 840s, and I love the way they sound), especially considering that my music tastes go all over the place. I listen to mostly rock and metal (everything from Zeppelin and Floyd to Dream Theater to Fear Factory to Animals as Leaders, etc. etc.), but also some punk, electronic, pop, rap, folk, and country. I also probably will end up watching TV or movies with these, so that's a factor. I'm gonna be driving these from my custom PC build (no discrete sound card, but I'm willing to add one if it's going to make a huge difference). Only having a wired connection works, but something with Bluetooth would be nice so I can stream music from my tablet or laptop, but it's not a necessity.

So far, thing's I've looked at are:

[Edifier Exclaim e10] (http://www.amazon.com/Edifier-Exclaim-Bi-Amped-Speaker-e10/dp/B009XGH2HG)

[Harman Kardon Soundsticks III] (http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Powered-Speakers-Previous/dp/B000MUXJCO)

[Audioengine A2+] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DQMJE7E/ref=twister_B00KVM3HNO?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)

[M-Audio Studiophile AV-40] (http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-Soundsticks-III-Multimedia/dp/B0042F3K9W)

Anything I'm missing, or is one of these a solid option?

Thanks all!

That's a pretty tight budget, but if you can stretch an extra $30, my top choice would be a pair of Edifier R1280DB's. If you want a step up in quality, I would recommend the Audioengine A2+.

You can also go the passive route and get something like the Dayton DTA-2.1BT2 amp and a pair of budget passive speakers like the Micca RB42's. That amp will also give you the ability to add a subwoofer later if you want.

The folks over at r/BudgetAudiophile can probably give you even more options.

This isn't what you want to hear, but I suggest trying to grow your budget a bit. If that means holding off a bit, do it. You can get a pair of budget speakers for $20 (no idea about conversion) and then try to set aside a bit more for something that will actually wow you in a few months. I used to work as a musician, so I'm generally a fan of powered monitors. I personally use the Audio Engine A5+ system (with an added subwoofer) and am a huge fan of them in general. Have a great sound signature, push enough air to handle decent bass without a subwoofer for most things, and have fantastic clarity in the sound.

You could save a bit more by downgrading from there to the A2+, and they may even do better on the wall (A5+ usually suggests about 6 inches of clearance from the wall to get proper air movement.)


If you really don't want to wait or don't want to spend the extra to get into the world of audiophile quality, the CA-3602a (couldn't find a UK link) is a pretty solid budget option.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type|Item|Price

----|:----|:----
CPU | Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor | $219.99 @ SuperBiiz
CPU Cooler | Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler | $89.99 @ Amazon
Motherboard | ASRock Z97 EXTREME4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard | $132.99 @ SuperBiiz
Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory | $79.98 @ OutletPC
Storage | Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | $124.95 @ OutletPC
Storage | Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $52.99 @ Amazon
Video Card | MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card | $348.99 @ NCIX US
Case | Corsair Air 540 ATX Mid Tower Case | $129.99 @ Amazon
Power Supply | EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply | $103.49 @ NCIX US
Optical Drive | Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer | $16.98 @ OutletPC
Operating System | Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) | $90.26 @ OutletPC
Monitor | Acer H236HLbid 60Hz 23.0" Monitor | $139.99 @ Best Buy
Keyboard | Corsair Vengeance K70 Wired Gaming Keyboard | $129.95 @ NCIX US
Headphones | Kingston HyperX Cloud Pro Headset | $79.99 @ Newegg
| | Total
| Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available | $1740.53
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-11 14:46 EST-0500 |

Things I changed:

Processor cooler:

Added one as I do recommend one if you want to overclock your system. The H100i does very well on the cooling part!

Motherboard:

I'm not much of a fan of MSI boards because of their software. Their Killer Lan drivers broke my Wi-Fi's card drives and the Sound blaster Cinema drivers said I didn't even own an MSI board :/

So I'd recommend going with the Asrock Z97 Extreme4 as it offers better overclockability because of the higher power phase count and extra ports like the Sata-Express one.

Case:

While this one is a great case, you should check out these:

- Phanteks Enthoo Pro. It's a lot bigger case, but it offers a lot more upgrade options later on. It's just an fantastic case that looks great for a decent price!

- Corsair Obsidian 750D. It's another big case, but just like the Enthoo Pro a great alternative!

- Be Quiet! Silent Base 800. This is Be Quiet!'s first take at a case and I have high hopes for this one. It looks amazing and offers a lot of options. I expect to find the well popular Silent wing fans and sound dampening material in there!

- Fractal Design Node 605. This is an excellent, but quite expensive alternative! It's a small "HTPC" like case that supports ATX motherboards and long graphics cards!

Power supply:
The G1 series of EVGA are not that great. You should go with the G2 series. You could also go with something cheaper from Rosewill, that still is a great quality power supply.

Speakers:

About speaker setups. I'd recommend one with an amplifier with it. As onboard audio is not gonna do very well for a decent setup. Or go with something a little cheaper.

From cheaper to most expensive:

- Creative Labs Gigawork T40 Series II. A great 2.0 setup that doesn't really need a good amplifier to create some nice sounds.

- Creative Labs Inspire T6160 is another great setup that is fine without dedicated amplifier. This setup is fairly cheap and it'll most likely have some sharp high tones, which are certainly annoying.

- Logitech Z506. A great and popular setup. I do highly recommend going with an external (DAC and) amplifier for the best audio quality.

- AudioEngine A2+. these are more professional boxes and thus provide you with excellent clear sounds! It has a DAC integrated for even better audio quality than all above mentioned speaker setups.

I don't have much experience with active speakers, but I hear good things about [Audioengine A2] (http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Premium-Powered-Speakers/dp/B00DQMJE7E/ref=dp_ob_title_ce). I think they usually go on sale on Massdrop fairly often. Maybe someone else that has more experience could give more ideas. There are other options like the micca b42x speakers or dayton speakers with a cheaper amp would bring you around $200. Check out the sidebar for more info.

Small:

http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Premium-Powered-Speakers/dp/B00DQMJE7E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418962377&sr=8-1&keywords=audioengine+a2%2B

Large (buy two):

http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Professional-LSR305-Studio-Monitor/dp/B00DUKP37C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418962403&sr=8-1&keywords=jbl+lsr305

Hey guys, my new TT shipped today (U-Turn Orbit) so I wanna order some new speakers and an phono preamp. I've been looking at the Audioengine A2+ and the M-Audio BX5 D2. have about 300 to spend on everything, and I wanted to know if there were any other speakers in my price range (100 to 250) and also what cords and cables I will need that aren't included with the TT or speakers.

Thanks!

Audioengine A2+

Kanto YU2

Vanatoo Transparent Zero ($360)

Peachtree Audio M24

DAC/AMP from Zeos Guide + bookshelf speakers.

That's not a terrible system but usually the problem with 2.1 setups under $200 is the sub is really not very good. I'm not too knowledgeable on what active speakers are out there but I would get a pair of nice powered monitors for $120 or more and then get a sub later once you could afford it, rather than buying it all at once.

I do know the Audioengine A2+ is a very popular choice though it's usually in the $230-$250 range. Maybe could catch it on sale if you're willing to wait.

Super cheap is super subjective, but for decent and cheap I would go along this line...


Swans D1010Mk2 for $99

Micca ON3's for $79 (smaller than the D1010's but not as nice sounding)

Audioengine A2+ if she wants to splurge a little for $249

You're making it complicated. What's your reason for wanting to use USB rather than just the normal 3.5 stereo jack/RCA audio out of your PC?

The interface you've linked is designed for recording from a mic or instrument into some recording software like Ableton, it's not for using the USB out of your PC to hook up a pair of speakers.

Why do you specifically want studio monitors? Again these are designed to be used in a recording environment and from what I can tell you just want to use them to play music. You'd be better served with a decent pair of PC speakers. I'll link some suggestions that I think will work well for you for around $200.

https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/speakers/stereo_speakers/companion-20-multimedia-speaker-system.html

The Bose Companion 20 speakers are excellent for the price and you will not be disappointed, I've used a pair for a long time.

https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Powered-Speaker-System/dp/B00DQMJE7E/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1542107270&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=audioengine+a2%2B&psc=1&smid=A2XGE4CX5AV74X

I didn't know this but the Audioengine A2+ can actually be used via USB and comes with the relevant USB A to USB B cable, I haven't heard a pair but they get excellent reviews. This might be the pair to go for if you absolutely want to use USB.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/klipsch-promedia-2-1-bluetooth-speaker-system-3-piece-black/4924200.p??ref=199&loc=kXQk6*ivFEQ&acampID=1&siteID=kXQk6.ivFEQ-KGYWgul6M.uSaxcjDXrsYQ&intl=nosplash

Another system that gets excellent reviews is the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 and has the added benefit of including bluetooth so you could play music from your phone etc. as well if you wanted.

The other way to do it would be with a small stereo amplifier and a pair of bookshelf speakers, this will definitely cost quite a bit more than $200 for a decent set up though and I think using a pair of powered PC speakers will just be easier for you so I won't bother with any suggestions of amps and bookshelf speakers.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the info.

​

There are a few decent active speakers in your price range, but not many with an optical input. So far for $200 and under I have only found the Edifier R1850DB. This is a great starting set of speakers. You can find them here:

https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R1850DB-Bookshelf-Speakers-Bluetooth/dp/B073W1R4XQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1541451470&sr=1-1&keywords=r1850db

​

Most active speakers in this price range will have RCA inputs instead and a lot of TV's will have RCA outputs to connect to them. If you have the option of connecting through RCA, other great options include the Edifier R1700BT and the Fluance Ai40. If you can spend over $200, some other good options would be the Edifier R2000DB for $250, the Audioengine A2+ for $250, the Kanto YU4 for $330, the Vanatoo Transparent Zero for $360(best on this list, IMO), the Kanto YU6 for $400, or the Audioengine A5+ for 400.

​

If you want to get a record player down the road, it is important to know whether or not you will want a turntable that has a phono preamp built in(this will limit your selection greatly) or if you want a turntable that requires and external phono preamp(this is most turntables and you will need an amp or receiver that has a phono preamp included). The reason I say this is because the Kanto YU4 and YU6 listed above already has a phono preamp built in, so that's one less thing you need to get down the road. The other speakers do not have this.

​

The Vanatoo's are probably the best sounding in the list above and have the most inputs if needed.

​

​

Hey guys! I'm currently shopping around for some speakers for my new PC (I spent waaayy more than I should have on it). I would be using the speakers on the computer mostly for watching movies, by the way. From the research I did, I narrowed it down to 3:

1. Edifier e25HD Luna Eclipse: These just look so wonderful, they're hard to resist. From what I've read, the sound isn't as good as the Audioengines though. Is that very noticeable to the average guy? I'm having a hard time trading sound quality for looks, but I'm not able to test either speakers so I'm not sure how much of a difference there is.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-USA-Bluetooth-Speakers-Black/dp/B00WKIY74U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498091506&sr=8-1&keywords=e25hd
   
   
2. Audioengine A2+: These seem like the best sound-wise out of the 3, but since only the black matches my setup, they would be pretty ugly. Are the sound on these clearly superior to the others?
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Powered-Speaker-System/dp/B00DQMJE7E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1498091258&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=audioengine&psc=1&smid=AKR88PAWTQVN2
   
   
3. Bower & Wilkins MM-1: These look beautiful, but stretch a little outside my price range. I've heard the sound is only ok and very dependent on sitting 3 feet away from the speakers, which I probably wouldn't. Anyone know if this might be true?
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Bowers-Wilkins-MM-1-Hi-Fi-Speakers/dp/B003R6U6HG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498091292&sr=8-1&keywords=bower+and+wilkins+mm1
   

Speakers around $250.... hmm...

Your best option is probably the Audioengine A2 powered speakers. https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Powered-Speaker-System/dp/B00DQMJE7E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1497648870&sr=8-3&keywords=Audioengine+A

AudioEngine A2+ fits your budget and will plug directly into your computer. They are powered (have their own amp) and sound quite nice for the money. Or if you can push the budget someone else mentioned the JBL LSR305, and I second that!

Edit to add: The A2+ is not a "studio monitor" just to be clear. It's designed for desktop computer use though.

Audioengine A2+

You will thank me (and this is mostly my set up)

for passive speakers

http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-N22-Premium-Desktop-Amplifier/dp/B0049OI08W/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411009349&sr=1-10&keywords=audioengine

http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-2-Way-Passive-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002FJVTGI/ref=sr_1_11?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411009349&sr=1-11&keywords=audioengine

450 total

for passive



http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Premium-Powered-Speaker-Black/dp/B005OA3BSY/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411009349&sr=1-2&keywords=audioengine

400 bucks

http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Premium-Powered-Speakers/dp/B00DQMJE7E/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411009349&sr=1-1&keywords=audioengine

250


If you're looking for home theater inputs, I would forgo the stereo amp and look for a budget receiver for around 150-200 bucks.

Under $150 is a hard area to recommend. Most people will tell you here that you'd be much better off saving a bit more. These speakers are a very good value for money. You can even use a usb input in case your computer is noisy. They also have 3.5mm input so no adapter needed. If you can save a bit more, the bigger brothers to these speakers, the A5+ offer a very big step up in performance. Overall though I don't think I personally would recommend anything less than these speakers.

If you are dead set on new stuff, the AT-LP120 paired with the Audioengine A2+ set

You could definitely pick up a killer vintage system with a $500 budget, but it all depends on the amount of time and space you have to invest.

Hey,
Looking for some advice :)

My setup at the moment is a bit pieced together, I have;
Objective2 +ODAC Headphone Amplifier / DAC combo -> y splitter -> M-Audio Av-40 & seperate old Creative subwoofer.
I also use the o2 for my headphones, unplugging the speakers.

The AV-40's have died and I'm not sure which direction to take.
I've been looking at these different speakers, my budget is around £200 - £300 ($275 - $425ish)

KRK RP5 G3 Black| Active Studio Monitor Speakers Pair

Audioengine A5+ Powered Multimedia Speakers Pair

Audioengine A2+R Powered Desktop Speakers

I only use the speakers for music via my computer using .flac files & foobar.
I listen to a wide range of music, mostly modern, indie, electronic, folk, hip hop etc

Does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions re: my setup?

Thanks for any help

Audioengine A2+
It's right on budget and they're desktop / manager friendly.


As an alternative, you can do what I did. T-class amp connected to a couple old surround satellites (Total cost $40). They sound decent enough but lack low-end. That's not a problem in my office though since I still need to hear my surroundings.