Laptop as music centre

The audioengines are fabulous, or at least the A2s are, haven't heard the larger ones. And the macbook will be fine - obviously you can use an airport express into the back of the audioengines if you want to untether music from the laptop, otherwise a 3.5mm jack to either 3.5mm jack or 2 x RCA (I think the audioengine has both types) is all you need.

Great thanks. It's always difficult to decide because they're never in the same shop together to try out! I've heard great things about the Acoustic Energy Aego M's but was worried they might be a little too much of a PC speaker setup and lack a bit of oomph and detail to replace a living room mini hi-fi...

Yes, the audioengines sound like a proper stereo, which is more than can be said for any sub-sat I've heard.

The Audio Engine A5's actually have a power output for the Airport Express.....



But you will have to slip the USA style power adaptor on the Express and make sure the Express will switch voltage automatically.

(John can look at his AX and confirm this)

How? I don't remember a voltage selector?

That is so cool by the way - I suggested to Ashley months back that he should make a new pair of floorstanding ADM that incorporate a slot for AX.......

Not that doing that will make the audioengines very deep, the AX is quit deep itself.....

Ok I checked for you.

The Airport Express 802.11n is rated as.. 100-240V AC, 50-60Hz; input current: 0.2 amps

So it will be fine plugged into the back of the A5's (Although you will need the right slide on adaptor.)

Amazing - thanks so much for all your help. One more question, are the A5's significantly better than the A2's?

I like the size of the A2's but can happily afford to buy the A5's if anyone thinks they're worth it. Remember, I'm using them with a laptop but will keep the setup in my living room, it's not designed to be a desktop system but is meant to replace my hi-fi.

ÿ

Thanks again.ÿ

chebby:

you will need the right slide on adaptor

Which I can't find anywhere, apart from as part of an expensive "travel" kit. Hang on.....

[Edit] Nope, still can't find one. There'll be one out there somewhere, and obv you don't need it to get started.

Hi -Anyone know whether the A5's are worth the extra money over the A2's?

ÿ

Thanksÿ

I haven't heard them so can't say, sorry. I would expect them to have greater scale and depth, given their much bigger size. The bigger one doesn't appear to have the AC outlet for Airport Express though, bizarrely...

What Hifi have heard them....

http://whathifi.com/Review/Audioengine-A5/

The A5's? Yes, take a look at the images here -ÿhttp://www.audioengineusa.com/a5_images.php

Think I'll go ahead and order them as they seem to be the best over all.

Thanks again for all your help..ÿ

I think those look smart.

The analogue output of the Mac and Airport is okay; better than the headphone socket of the Windows PCs I've tried anyway.

 

Nice one, thanks all. Just need to find the best place to buy them, online preferably. Anyone got any ideas?

Can be found through Amazon, though not direct from them....

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_w_h_?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=audioengine&x=0&y=0