if you want something closer in price to the soundsticks get the A2s. they are far superior even though they are the lesser cousins of the A5s. here is a clip of the A2s: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTS3BBTfgQY
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AudioEngine A5's or Harman Kardon SoundsticksII ?
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They're not 'far superior', the A5s are better speakers.
The A2s are superb though, might pick up a set myself.
I have heard both the A2s and the Soundsticks and IMO the A2s are indeed far superior to the Soundsticks.
I'm still in a lot of doubt of what to buy, my concern with the a2's and a5's; don't you miss a seperate subwoofer? What is the quality difference with the soundsticks and are the a5's to big next a 24'' Imac?
Ah misunderstood, I read it as you saying the A2s were better than the A5s
Then yes, I agree, A2s are indeed far superior to the Soundsticks.
With the A5s unless you are some audiophile who likes to hook stuff up through a separate DAC and amp the A5s will more than suffice. Actually I think they are even a bit much if you just listen to them while sitting at the computer. They are made to FILL the room and I mean the whole room. If it isn't enough a separate sub can be added to the A5s.
For most I think the A5s are overkill and the A2s are more than adequate. To get an idea of the bass reproduction check the youtube clip I have above. Granted it is not an accurate measure, but for a basic idea it will work.
My one caveat with the A2s is the volume knob in the back and I like that the A5s I can attach airport express and use them anywhere around the house and even in the backyard (well if I had a backyard).
For most I think the A5s are overkill and the A2s are more than adequate. To get an idea of the bass reproduction check the youtube clip I have above. Granted it is not an accurate measure, but for a basic idea it will work.
My one caveat with the A2s is the volume knob in the back and I like that the A5s I can attach airport express and use them anywhere around the house and even in the backyard (well if I had a backyard).
They'll probably be my main speaker system for the next couple of years, so I want to do it right, last thing i Really want to know. They will also serve as the speakers which I use for movies and games. I know the A5's are better in music than the soundsticks. But are they also better in gaming and movies than the soundsticks??
thanks
Yes but wouldn't you miss a subwoofer with the A5's when gaming and watching movies when used to having one
You get two Subs with the A5s, delivering very good bass for speakers of their size.
Of course it wont be the same as a full-on 5.1 system, but it would still be very good. Better than the Soundsticks certainly.
I think you are not fully realizing the awesomeness that is the A5s. Some cheap plastic sub from one of the so called 2.1 setups will cower in fear at the sound coming of the A5s. If for some reason it is not enough you can add the Audio Engine sub to the A5s.
A5s will fill a cafeteria, I doubt your room will be a problem.
Monitors tend to have a nice balance of bass and treble... there are plenty of reasons why you might feel the need to have a subwoofer. But really, you aren't going to miss it, you will notice a difference with one, but in all seriousness you are going to be fine. Buy the A5s and if you think you need a sub, you can buy one...but monitors are made to play music the way it is supposed to sound, not so we can shake the desk.
Thanks for all the help! I decided I'll deffinetly buy speakers from Audioengine. I can't decide what to buy though, a2's or a5's....? Doubting if the A5's are to big for my desk. If you want to know how big my desk is, I did an unboxing video on youtube of my Imac, so you can see it: www.youtube.com/music4all2
I have both the Soundsticks II and the AudioEngine A2s. The SoundSticks II have excellent highs and mid-range, and the sub produces good, tight bass. I hate muddy bass (like what the Logitechs produce) and the bass on the SoundSticks II is anything but muddy. The AudioEngine A2 has superior mid-range and highs, but it sorely lacks in the bass department. Others have mentioned raising them and that's true. You'll want to raise them off the desk so the sound doesn't bounce off the desktop. If bass doesn't matter to you, go with the A2. However, if you're like me and want decent bass, skip the A2s. On to the AudioEngine A5. The A5 is a great (actually fantastic) speaker. I would buy a set of these if I had the room on my desk. However, I'm no audio engineer and I can't spare the room on my desk that these monsters require, so the SoundSticks win in my situation. I hope this helps.
