[Saaki]

Hey all,
So I would like to upgrade my sound system. I will mostly use it with my MacBook Pro. I currently have  a $30 cheapo computer speaker + sub combo. I have done a bit of research and have landed on audioengine powered speakers. So I am debating between getting either the A2+ with a subwoofer or the A5+ without one. I am also considering getting the audioengine D3 DAC to go with either set. Is a DAC really necessary? Since audioengine offers a 30 trial run I thought it would be worth a try. I am moving into a room in an apartment in Brooklyn, NY in a week so I won't have a ton of space but I'd really like to have good computer audio. What are people's thoughts? I could also be open to options other than audioengines if there are better choices in the same price range ($350-$400 +$150 for USB DAC)
Thanks!

 

[PurpleAngel]

Check out the Monoprice 5" Studio monitors, $170.
They seem to be rebadged M-Audio BX5s.
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=115&cp_id=11504&cs_id=1150401&p_id=605500&seq=1&format=2
 
Apple products usually ship with decent audio hardware, so you can try the Macbook directly connected to the 5" Studio monitors.
And add a external DAC at a latter date (ODAC?). 

 

[Tablix]

Good advice on the DAC, in my experience playback on a mac is usually pretty good.
 
I would consider these if you got $300 to spend http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSR305/ and can have them 6" from a rear wall, plenty of other front ported options if you want to browse which would suit placement nearer a wall.  

 

[cel4145]

Good advice on the DAC, in my experience playback on a mac is usually pretty good.

I would consider these if you got $300 to spend http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSR305/ and can have them 6" from a rear wall, plenty of other front ported options if you want to browse which would suit placement nearer a wall.  

+1

I'd go for those over the Audioengines as well.

 

[Saaki]

Hmmmm... Those JBL's look great, and I like the price! How would I go about attaching a subwoofer to them? Say something like this:http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1000-10-100-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-628 . Also good to know about my Mac probably being okay without a DAC.

 

[cel4145]

You would split the audio signal coming from your mac and send it both the speakers and the sub separately.

 

[muad]

+1 JBL LSR305
 
I came from a set of audioengine a5s. Then I stepped up to the JBLs and I have to say, it is in a completely different league. 

 

[Saaki]

How do you setup the JBL's in a 2.0 stereo setup if they are both mono speakers? I see if you run them through the JBL sub you can run a R line and a L line, but otherwise do they need a preamp or something?

 

[cel4145]

Your computer is the volume control. Plug them into your computer using this cable: http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMP153-Cable-Inch-Dual/dp/B000068O3C/

 

[Saaki]

Your computer is the volume control. Plug them into your computer using this cable: http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMP153-Cable-Inch-Dual/dp/B000068O3C/

Awesome. Thanks! So I would use that cable if I go straight from my MacBook Pro to the speakers to create a 2.0 system. If I'd like to add a sub to create a 2.1 system I could either get one that has a pass through line out with Left and Right lines out to the monitors or if I get one without the pass through I would split the signal and run a L and R to the speakers and one to the sub? I imagine that a sub with a pass through line out would be the way to go but might be a bit more expensive? 
 
Would something like the Polk Audio PSW10 (http://www.polkaudio.com/products/psw10) work as a pass through line sub as an alternative to the JBL sub? Theoretically would that be wired from my Mac with a 3.5 to RCA into the sub then exposed wires into the output into TRS balanced plugs into each LSR305?
 
Sorry for all the questions. I have never set up anything like this so I want to make sure I understand what I would be doing before I order anything. Thanks everyone for all of your input and help it has been most valuable! 

 

[cel4145]

You need pass through line level inputs and outputs (RCA) if you want to hook it up that way. Speaker level inputs/outputs like the PSW10 has won't work for that.

 

[Saaki]

Do you know of other subs that have those pass through line RCA line level inputs and outputs? Is it even necessary to augment the LSR305's with a sub?

 

[muad]

Im using the jbls without a sub and they work wonderfully. Sufficient bass quantity and extension down to the low 40hz range, thats lower than most 5" or even 6" bookshelves will go. If you want those "hit me in the chest" explosions for movies you would need a sub. I suggest get the speakers first and decide after if you need a sub.

 

[goodvibes]

A2(+) is best sounding of the lot and have more bass than expected IMO. Can't say whether the woofer helps or hurts it. It's really difficult to gets the mids right with some tempo and res in this price range and the a2s do that.

 

[Hassles]

FWIW
 
I added a pair of Audioengine A2+ to my newly built Linux Box earlier this year for FLAC playback. The A2+ have a built in DAC, the speakers are a beautiful size (not occupying too much of my precious desk real-estate) and sound wonderful. I would sincerely suggest however that you also purchase the wedges that tilt the speakers up. I am "very" impressed with the A2+ and delighted with my choice ))
 
Glenn