Audioengine A5+ for Music/Gaming?

[VicM]

I am looking for a good setup for listening to music and gaming at my PC. I currently use Logitech z5400(or something). I was looking to get the Audioengine A5+ with a Xonar STX. Are the A5+ as great as I have read, or is there something better in my price range? I'd like to keep my budget to $600 tops(including Xonar, if speakers don't have a headphone jack).

 

[PurpleAngel]

Creative SB-Z (Sound Blaster Z, SB1500) sound card, $100, should improve the audio quality of your current Logitech speakers (Z-5400?), gives you the option of upgrading speakers at a later date.
Also the SB-Z comes with it's own dedicated headphone amplifier.
What are your current headphones?

 

[VicM]

  Creative SB-Z (Sound Blaster Z, SB1500) sound card, $100, should improve the audio quality of your current Logitech speakers (Z-5400?), gives you the option of upgrading speakers at a later date.
Also the SB-Z comes with it's own dedicated headphone amplifier.
What are your current headphones?

I've heard logitech speakers are a complete joke compared to some of these real speakers like Audioengine or KRK Rokit, which is why I want to upgrade. I have an Xonar DGX currently, and for headphones Sennheiser HD595.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  I've heard Logitech speakers are a complete joke compared to some of these real speakers like Audioengine or KRK Rokit, which is why I want to upgrade. I have an Xonar DGX currently, and for headphones Sennheiser HD595.

So I can assume you on longer have an interest in speaker surround sound gaming?
Just use the Audioengine A5+ for music and headphones for gaming (& music)?
I think someone else said the Audioengine A2 (or A2+) was a better value?
 
I would would say to sell off your Logitechs, DG and HD595s
Get the SB-Z (SB1500) and the A2+, leaves you lots cash for new headphones.

 

[VicM]

 
So I can assume you on longer have an interest in speaker surround sound gaming?
Just use the Audioengine A5+ for music and headphones for gaming (& music)?
I think someone else said the Audioengine A2 (or A2+) was a better value?
 
I would would say to sell off your Logitechs, DG and HD595s
Get the SB-Z (SB1500) and the A2+, leaves you lots cash for new headphones.

Yea, I have no interest in 5.1 speakers. I suppose I could just use the A5+ just for music... but why, do they not do game sounds well?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Yea, I have no interest in 5.1 speakers. I suppose I could just use the A5+ just for music... but why, do they not do game sounds well?

I have no reason to doubt the Audioengine A5+ for stereo gaming.
I'm just a person who favors headphones for everything, so I assume everyone thinks like I do.

 

[VicM]

 
I have no reason to doubt the Audioengine A5+ for stereo gaming.
I'm just a person who favors headphones for everything, so I assume everyone thinks like I do.

Ah, the hd595 have been working well. But, I can't game all day with headphones on. I only really like to use them in the evening.

 

[cel4145]

Are the A5+ as great as I have read, or is there something better in my price range?

Yes and no. They do tend to get overhyped as the greatest speakers ever for the money by people that have little or no other experience with comparable speakers in the same price range. But that's not saying that they aren't a solid buy. Just that speaker preference is like headphone preference: the individual listener preference is a big factor. You might find that there are studio monitors you like better (visit your local Guitar Center). Or passive speakers run off a t-amp.

I would look into the Emotiva Airmotiv 4. Very good speakers for $300. Get the Creative SB-Z sound card that was recommended, and then save up for a good sub for later on. Subs add something to gaming that no headphone can: tactile response from low frequency effects. You might enjoy it. And then if you like bass heavy music, a sub is a big plus.

 

[revolutionz]

A possible combo to look into is the A5+ and the Audioquest dragonfly.  I like how my A5+'s sound out of the dragonfly, a very noticeable improvement over the stock sound card in my laptop.  I do not know how the dragonfly compares to a good sound card like the xonar, but it has served me well while I wait for my dacmini to show up.
 
One reason I chose the A5+ over the Emotiv's is the connectivity options on the A5+'s.  Much easier connections, and I utilized the RCA out to run to a small sub to compliment the sub-bass.  For the money I spent on the setup, a very good alternative to listening to my headphones when I don't have to worry about the sound bothering others.