[kingpintps]

Okay I really did not want to post a thread on these..but I've really been scratching my head over the last few days and can't make up my mind between these two. I tried searching the forums a lot, but was unable to find direct impressions between these 2.

So here is what I require:

I listen to mostly electronic music (trance) and prefer a airy transparent treble rich sound with tight well defined bass. To give a fair idea I use q-Jays as my IEM, and I love their sound including the bass. I am not a bass-head, but I do want a satisfying bottom end to the music.

Space is no constraint
I can't stretch my budget to the A5
Swan speakers are not available in India
Good build quality is a must
Impossible to demo such expensive speakers in India (most of the dealers normally get a mild stroke if you ask them to even open the box)
Don't care about the headphone jack or controls.
Plan to buy a Asus XONAR DX for sound card.

I thought about M-Audio AV40, but not sure about their build quality and reliability. I would be open to suggestions though.

What I need help with: Direct sound only comparison between the T40 and A2. Both are available readily in India and at pretty much the same price point - about $210-$230 USD.

Things I am worried about - Tiny sound and poor bass from the A2 (they look really small) - Can the bass and sound of T40 be better than the A2s. I really can't say if the T40 are in the same league as the A2 at the same price, so I need help!

 

[Omega17TheTrue]

I believed the gigawork is better but you can't have quality sound with very small speaker and budget but nice for multimedia, you really need a sub-woofer for bass.

 

[kingpintps]

Thanks. Yeah I am pretty realistic about what to expect from $200, but I cannot afford to stretch my budget beyond this price point for now.  Have you heard both the T40 and the A2?

To give everyone an idea about my current setup - I am using a cheap Creative 2.1 Inspire speaker (about $30) with on-board audio. Crappy I know, but this is exactly why I am looking for an upgrade. Life was a lot simpler before becoming a member here. 

Also found a pair of M-Audio AV40 for the same price - $210, but I am seriously concerned about their build quality after reading a few incidents reported here.

 

[t1337Dude]

The AudioEngine A2's have quite some bass for being small speakers. It's a little goofy sounding to be honest, but it's there. I haven't heard the Gigaworks speakers, but if I were to take a guess, I'd assume the A2 kills them. They're actually damn good speakers, just don't expect a lot of bass. I wouldn't be surprised if they have more than the Gigaworks speakers.

 

[Armaegis]

I've heard both... the A2 is a bit better, but it's not a huge margin. Neither of them offers impressive bass.
 
Would it be cheaper to order online and have it shipped to you? In North America the T40 is about $150 while the A2 is closer to $200, and the AV40s can be found for $100-120.
 
Really though, if you're looking for something with more bass and space is no concern, ditch the whole computer speakers/monitor thing and get some used stereo equipment. An old receiver and bookshelf speakers can easily come in under $100.

 

[kingpintps]

Quote:

The AudioEngine A2's have quite some bass for being small speakers. It's a little goofy sounding to be honest, but it's there. I haven't heard the Gigaworks speakers, but if I were to take a guess, I'd assume the A2 kills them. They're actually damn good speakers, just don't expect a lot of bass. I wouldn't be surprised if they have more than the Gigaworks speakers.

 
So coming from my current creative inspire setup (which includes a sub) I would assume that the bass on the A2 should be sufficient for me. Currently the cheap sub I have produces very poor textured bass, and I would certainly be very happy with a system that outputs more controlled low end even if it is slightly less in quantity.
 
 
 
Quote:

I've heard both... the A2 is a bit better, but it's not a huge margin. Neither of them offers impressive bass.
 
Would it be cheaper to order online and have it shipped to you? In North America the T40 is about $150 while the A2 is closer to $200, and the AV40s can be found for $100-120.
 
Really though, if you're looking for something with more bass and space is no concern, ditch the whole computer speakers/monitor thing and get some used stereo equipment. An old receiver and bookshelf speakers can easily come in under $100.

 
Thanks, I think the general consensus is that A2 > T40 and even if it is slight, as they are going at the same price, A2 would be the better choice. 

 I am actually not too inclined towards used equipment, and I don't think a new separate receiver and passive speakers would fit in my budget ($200) or be available easily in India. Oh and something as bulky as speakers are very very expensive to buy from US and have shipped. I checked a couple of online stores and with shipping and duties the final cost is almost doubled! 

I did some more searching and the ADAM Audio A3X 2 X 25W Powered Studio Monitor is also available here at around $340. I've read some good things about ADAM Audio A5 and A7 - so what kind of a step up would the A3X be compared to A2 and T40. And would it be worth spending another $150? I am feeling that a 2.75 Inch drivers on A2 and T40, would have difficulty producing decent low end, but the 4.5 inch drivers on the A3X might be sufficient!

 

 

[thuantran]

The Adam is studio monitor and is sold as single unit. At that price I guess you'll get one speaker, if you're willing to double that. That system will be killer. I love to buy those but money and availability constraint made me go with a pair of Yamaha HS50M.

 

[kingpintps]

Yeah, you're right. I missed that - it is indeed the price per piece. Definitely out of range then, I can't spend so much right now.
http://www.bajaao.com/adam-audio-powered-studio-monitor-made-germany-p-6498.html

Even the Yamaha are too expensive for me (Almost $480USD)
http://www.bajaao.com/yamaha-hs50m-powered-studio-monitor-pair-p-6511.html

Quote:

The Adam is studio monitor and is sold as single unit. At that price I guess you'll get one speaker, if you're willing to double that. That system will be killer. I love to buy those but money and availability constraint made me go with a pair of Yamaha HS50M.

I think I'm loosing track here by reading up on other options. I should spend max about $200 USD for now and wait another year or two before upgrading to studio monitors. So back to the 3 options:

1. Audioengine A2 - 
2. Creative Gigaworks T40 Series II  - Inferior sound to A2 ?
3. M-Audio AV40 - Inferior build quality compared to A2 and T40?

All 3 are same price. Need help or any other suggestions please.

 

[JRG1990]

What about edifiers 2.0 range, the Edifier R1900TII has a 5-inch low-freq driver and is around $200, or the Edifier Studio R1600T Plus also has a 5 inch low freq driver and is around $180, no idea what they sound like though, but i have the edifier s730 and its a very nice sounding 2.1 system for the money and very well made aswell.
Or the Swan D1080MkII is also aorund $200.
 

 

[Armaegis]

Honestly, most of them in that price range will kind of sound the same. Get whichever is cheapest for you.

 

[kingpintps]

^ Thanks, I've decided to go with Audioengine A2. Don't have confidence in build quality of AV40 and as you said the sound is better than T40.

Thanks everyone for their input.

 

[thuantran]

Want me to confuse you, then read on. I had the T20, they was very well built and I had used them for 2 years before selling them off to my friend recently after buying the Yamaha pair. I do agree with Armaegis' assessment though, get whichever you feel safer with, they're going to be better than your current stuffs, anyway.
 
EDIT: you meant the bad cap in AV40, I read your post too quick then, still the T20 sounds was very good for its price hehe.

 

[kingpintps]

Thanks. I like Edifier stuff and already own a couple of their portable speakers for my laptop. But again the problem is availability in India. I have not seen the Edifier Studio range here - they only have the multimedia and signature series...which I'm not too keen on.  S730 is nice, but if I would be spending that kind of money, I would be looking at something more refined.

Also as I wrote earlier the Swans are unfortunately not available in India..if they were I would have had no problem going for the 200MKII or MKIII - their sound quality might have been worth the extra investment.
 
Quote:

What about edifiers 2.0 range, the Edifier R1900TII has a 5-inch low-freq driver and is around $200, or the Edifier Studio R1600T Plus also has a 5 inch low freq driver and is around $180, no idea what they sound like though, but i have the edifier s730 and its a very nice sounding 2.1 system for the money and very well made aswell.
Or the Swan D1080MkII is also aorund $200.
 

 

[kingpintps]

Wow, I was considering the T20 because of a lower price point meaning that I can save up for those ADAMs or Rockets a year down the line.

Quick question - When you purchased the T20 were you coming from a 2.1 or a similar cheap setup? and if yes, did the upgrade seem worth it? 
This will help put my current situation in perspective. I would rather save the extra $100 off the T40 or A2 right now and hopefully get a pair of A3X next December.
 
Quote:

Want me to confuse you, then read on. I had the T20, they was very well built and I had used them for 2 years before selling them off to my friend recently after buying the Yamaha pair. I do agree with Armaegis' assessment though, get whichever you feel safer with, they're going to be better than your current stuffs, anyway.
 
EDIT: you meant the bad cap in AV40, I read your post too quick then, still the T20 sounds was very good for its price hehe.

 

[thuantran]

I was coming from a 5.1 setup of Logitech X530, they were horrible compared to the T20, muddy bass (someone here called it single note bass and I agree with him), unclear but thick mid and a recessed, unclear treble. I was very happy with the T20 when I started using it (before burning in they sound kinda stiff, though). If you plan to save up for an upgrade for next year, go for it. I don't think you would be disappointed considering the T40 only add a little more bass and partitially fix the low volume problem of the T20 (I tend to listen at low level and at the level I like, it does not provide a very clear image of the music, not muddy, just some cue is too subtle to hear).