Best Computer Speakers


I spend a lot of time at my computer for business purposes. I've started researching economical but satisfying speakers for my desktop through which I can enjoy streaming music. I've got Amarra sQ and HiFi. I'm thinking perhaps a pair of good powered speakers might be a perfectly good way to go.

I have read a little about Audioengine A2+ speakers. They look quite promising and may be perfect for my needs. Strictly nearfield listening.

Your thoughts and suggestions are most welcome.

Thank you.
ps

Showing 8 responses by ps

Thanks very much for all your helpful responses. There's a local Audioengine dealer which will make it easy for me to audition. I like the built-in amp and DAC. Keeping it simpleĀ….
Update:
Just got my brand new pair of Audioengine 2+'s and am breaking them in. I will report back, but after about 45 minutes of out-of-the-box play, I'm liking them a lot. Customer service so far has been stellar and the packaging/presentation when you open the shipping box is exemplary. Excellent owner's manual- set up is simple and easy.

Audioengine clearly understands that there is but one chance to make a first impression.
The Audioengine +2 has a built-in DAC and amplifier. I am not familiar with other powered computer speakers.

The Audioengine +2 left speaker has the power supply. This plugs into AC using an adapter which comes with the speakers.

Connecting the USB cord which is packaged with the speakers, from your computer to the left speaker, enables the music to run through the +2's built-in DAC.
Update:
The Audioengine +2's now have about 30 hours of break-in, playing everything from quiet single instrument acoustic, to heavy beat electronic material. The additional break in time made a significant improvement over "out of the box" sound. They flank a 30" monitor which makes for very near field listening. On a whim, and using the A2+ dedicated stands, I placed them on two foam yoga blocks. This improved soundstage and overall sound.

I am very happy with these speakers. Smooth, detailed, and to my ears, "neutral." Not at all harsh. My listening is through Spotify and Amarra SQ. At this point I don't feel the need for a subwoofer, but that could change. (hey, it's a hobby after all) :)

Next experiment will be to try an outboard DAC when budget permits.
Another Update:
After many more hours of listening and some additional experimentation with placement and Amarra sQ settings, I think I've got the A2+s sounding great. I'm so pleased with the A2+'s that I figured bigger must be better, so I will be auditioning a pair of Audioengine A5+'s soon. :)

I have no affiliation with Audioengine other than as a happy customer.
Hi Lak:
Thanks for your post. I liked the A2+ initially, and liked them even more after break-in and experimentation with positioning. As good as they sounded for such small speakers, I felt that I wanted a "fuller" sound and when I saw a pair of refurbished A5+ on the Audioengine website, I grabbed 'em.

I should have the A5+ by early next week. In the meantime, I'm looking for a basic DAC. Having wonderful-sounding music as I work at my computer is a joy.
Quick update:
I just received a pair of A5+'s which I've placed on my computer desk and after a few minutes of listening, I'm enjoying the "larger" sound as compared to the A2+, which are also fine speakers IMO.

I agree with Lak that the A5+ are definitely a few steps up from the fine A2+. They provide the "fullness" of sound that I was missing with the A2+. If I roll my chair back my computer "rig" now becomes a quite decent second audio system when my wife is watching movies downstairs. :)

Next I'll need to find a decent DAC but even connected to the headphone jack on my MacPro, so far so good.
After more than 30 days of listening to the Audioengine 5+ I'd like to report that I'm extremely pleased with them. My search for computer speakers has ended happily. They are much more than "good enough" for "serious listening" when my main system is not available if a family member is watching TV or a movie.