Speakers: Audioengine A2+ or B&W M1

[monokakata]

OP, this isn't a complaint -- but you first asked about comparing two very specific sets, and you got some answers about them.

Then your thread shifted to something like "what are the best desktop speakers for me" which is a different question.

Can you say something about your price range and the uses to which you want to put them? For example, I think you want them for listening to music rather than audio production. Right?

I mean, you could look at the Genelec series, mostly used for production audio work and very expensive. But very good, for example these $400 (each) ones:

http://www.genelec.com/products/8010/

 

[coolerkid]

I know these can't match a full size system, but I only have so much desktop space. I've heard some really good 2.1 systems, and some good 2.0 systems before. My Audyssey speakers were an awesome 2.0 system, but they're a bit too overpowering and look kinda ugly. I know it's possible to get decent sound on a 2.0 set, but now that I'm venturing into the higher end market, my standards have gone up and a lot of these are falling short. Some of these would be a good set a 1/4 the price. Mostly none of them are versatile, they only sound good for some recordings. Anyone hear the Edifier Luna Eclipse? I may try those next.

Negative.

Don't keep auditioning tiny desktop speakers.

As Scotty said (a lot of times) "You canna break the laws of physics, Cap'n!"

You'll continue to be disappointed and feel like you're wasting your money and still not getting that wow feeling from your speakers.

----------

Yes, you are correct. I thought one of those two sets would meet my needs but I bought them both and didn't like either. So I guess this thread has changed to: what are the best (<$500, compact, stylish, 2.0) desktop speakers for me? I use them for day to day listening, not for production. They need to be versatile, I listen to a lot of different genres and different formats (i.e. streaming).
Thanks for all the feedback guys!

OP, this isn't a complaint -- but you first asked about comparing two very specific sets, and you got some answers about them.

Then your thread shifted to something like "what are the best desktop speakers for me" which is a different question.

Can you say something about your price range and the uses to which you want to put them? For example, I think you want them for listening to music rather than audio production. Right?

I mean, you could look at the Genelec series, mostly used for production audio work and very expensive. But very good, for example these $400 (each) ones:

http://www.genelec.com/products/8010/

 

[Irishman]

Coolerkid,

Can you put speakers the size of the A5's on floor stands? That's how i have my crowded corner of my media room set up. The desktop was two small for my speakers, like yours.

Look at it this way: you found speakers that you love, now it's time to figure out how to make them work for your office.

My two cents.

 

[Silvrbill]

http://hiviusa.com/products/detail.aspx?pid=100000007194562

Better than the A5's

 

[coolerkid]

Not really. But I want something more compact anyway. The A5's were really overkill for a close range, desktop system, I'd put those in a living room for sure though.

I got the Edifier Luna Eclipse now. These have the sleek looks and size I'm looking for. They sound really good, definitely the best of all the ones I've tried so far, with the exception of the A5s. I'm playing them side by side with the A2s and they blow them away IMHO, I really don't understand how the A2s are so highly rated. These don't have a truly balanced and natural sound though, somewhat exaggerated highs and lows, but after going track to track with each speaker, these overall sound the best on the most tracks than the others. They also sound good at close range and far and don't have as much of a sweet spot. The bass is a little odd though. Very full and room filling on some tracks, but muddy and almost distorting on others, but I think that has more to do with the source.

So far I think these may fit my needs. Not sure if I'll settle on these or continue my search.

Coolerkid,

Can you put speakers the size of the A5's on floor stands? That's how i have my crowded corner of my media room set up. The desktop was two small for my speakers, like yours.

Look at it this way: you found speakers that you love, now it's time to figure out how to make them work for your office.

My two cents.

 

[Irishman]

http://hiviusa.com/products/detail.aspx?pid=100000007194562

Better than the A5's

The OP doesn't want a bookshelf-sized speaker, I've learned.

 

[supercooled]

Have you considered anything else? Funnily enough, i have been thinking about a new setup as well. These popped up on my radar recently and at a fraction of the price of the M1s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muhBuy9rHBg

Review compares them to the M1s and they fair pretty well. Aesthetics is a little subjective but I concede the B&W is very prettier but not $350 prettier.

 

[mjfutures]

I have both sets and the MM1's are in a class of their own and sound amazing. If you go with the A2's I would recommend getting the USB DAC for them http://audioengineusa.com/Store/D1-24-Bit-DAC which will set you back another $169.00. Once you add that USB DAC the sound is very tight and powerful but if you are just going with either or I would get the MM1's unless you plan to buy the DAC then its a toss up for me.