Audioengine A5+ as computer speakers/bookshelf

[halladurg]

I am looking at buying the Audioengine A5+ speakers. I have a few questions though,
 
Right now I just want to use them as computer speakers, so would I need an extra power source or could I plug them directly into my laptop?
 
And also, I want to get a pair of speakers that I can use down the line for a 5.1 system for surround sound bookshelf speakers. I'd rather get something top of the line that I wouldn't have to replace when I do get a full system, and be able to just hook them up for surround sound. Are these compatible for that? Would I be able to hook them up to a receiver and use them with towers and a sub?
 
Finally, I'm willing to spend in the $400-500 range so are there any better options for that price?
 
Thanks!
Here's a link for specs: http://audioengineusa.com/Store/audioengine-A5plus-tech

 

[cel4145]

The A5+ are a powered multimedia speaker which means they have an amplifier built in.

If you are trying to eventually build a 5.1 home theater setup, you might be better going the separate amplifier and passive speaker route since you will most likely want an AVR. An AVR with external RCA hookups for powered speakers can be fairly pricey, whereas even a budget AVR can do a good job powering passive speakers. The Audioengines are sold in pairs and meant to be used that way, so you'd have a problem getting a matching center channel for your setup if you went with them. It's important for your center channel to timbre match in a 5.1 setup, so that generally means using the exact same speaker as the left and right, or the center channel designed by the manufacturer to go with them.

 

[cnhardwick]

Yes, the A5+ are self-powered so you connect them directly to your computer.
 
I tend to agree with cel4145 on this one. If you plan on going to a 5.1 system down the road, you are probably better off investing in an good set of passive bookshelf speakers and a inexpensive amp to power them. I do not know much about passive speakers or amps in your price range, but I am sure someone here could give you some suggestions if you want to go that route.
 
If you still want go powered/active speaker route (which if you go that route I would not plan on using them in a 5.1 system later) I would suggest looking at the Airmotiv speakers as alternative to the A5+. Another suggestion would be the Vanatoo Transparent One. Both are under $500 and generally accepted to better than the A5+ (sound of course is subjective and their are some who would prefer the A5+ I'm sure).

 

[whirlwind]

I have mine running out of my Asus Essence ST soundcard...they sound great.
 
Congrats on your purchase, you should be very happy/

 

[revolutionz]

I do like my A5+ also.  One thing to note, however, is mine (maybe everyone's?) seem to be very source dependent. If I would just run the A5+ straight out of my laptop, I probably would have returned them.  With better DAC's, they really open up IMO.

 

[144004]

  Right now I just want to use them as computer speakers, so would I need an extra power source or could I plug them directly into my laptop?

 
Hang on everybody, I'm not sure OP is asking whether he needs "an amp" for the speakers. I think he just means: "do these speakers need a power plug, or are they USB powered?"
 
The answer is: the A5+ has a power plug, that you'll need to connect to a wall socket.
 
http://audioengineusa.com/A5plus_whats_included.jpg

 

[cel4145]

Hang on everybody, I'm not sure OP is asking whether he needs "an amp" for the speakers. I think he just means: "do these speakers need a power plug, or are they USB powered?"

The answer is: the A5+ has a power plug, that you'll need to connect to a wall socket.

Ooppss. You are right. My bad for starting us down that path