Audioengine A5+ or Infinity Primus p163?

[SweetPantsDad]

I'm going back and forth on the Audioengine A5+ powered speakers and the Infinity Primus p163 speakers.  Please give me some insight because I'm stumped.
 
The features on the A5+ look nice and with built in amps and powered bass, that relieves a lot of room and money from other components. $400/pair ($460 if you want bamboo like me)
 
http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-5-Plus/Audioengine-5-plus-bamboo
 
The p163's do not include all the features listed in the above link, but are considerably cheaper at $170/pair.  I've heard the sound quality can almost be perfectly matched on the p163's to the A5+'s, but would that mean I would need a subwoofer and receiver just to get the same effect?
 
http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0045NCB32
 
So basically I need some help choosing desktop setups.  Would the Infinity setup be more worth it, but with a higher cost due to more components, or would the Audioengine setup be the way to go as far as convenience, and sound quality for the price?  Thanks!
 
*My setup now is: 
Foobar on HP dv7 ==> Headroom Micro DAC ==> Headroom Micro Amp ==> Norse Audio 8-conductor cable ==> Audez'e LCD-2.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

I'm going back and forth on the Audioengine A5+ powered speakers and the Infinity Primus p163 speakers.  Please give me some insight because I'm stumped.
 
The features on the A5+ look nice and with built in amps and powered bass, that relieves a lot of room and money from other components. $400/pair ($460 if you want bamboo like me)
 
http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-5-Plus/Audioengine-5-plus-bamboo
 
The p163's do not include all the features listed in the above link, but are considerably cheaper at $170/pair.  I've heard the sound quality can almost be perfectly matched on the p163's to the A5+'s, but would that mean I would need a subwoofer and receiver just to get the same effect?
 
http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0045NCB32
 
So basically I need some help choosing desktop setups.  Would the Infinity setup be more worth it, but with a higher cost due to more components, or would the Audioengine setup be the way to go as far as convenience, and sound quality for the price?  Thanks!
 
*My setup now is: 
Foobar on HP dv7 ==> Headroom Micro DAC ==> Headroom Micro Amp ==> Norse Audio 8-conductor cable ==> Audez'e LCD-2.

Used Polk Audio RTI6s ($139)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-RTi6-Main-Stereo-Speakers-/280927656706?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item416897db02
 
Velodyne VX-11 Sub-woofer ($170)
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/549356948/velodyne-vx-11?v_c=Nextag&gdftrk=gdfV22976_a_7c2123_a_7c6582_a_7c549356948
 
Then spend whatever cash you have leftover for a used receiver off Craigslist.

 

[Destroysall]

Why not go with the Audioengine P4+N22?
 
Or you could even go easy and grab a Dayton Audio system, like so:
 
- Dayton Audio DTA-100a
 
- Dayton Audio B652
 
- Dayton Audio Sub-1000 (I prefer 8" subs due to the space factor in a desktop setup, but 10" or 12" is always excellent!)
 
I think the above setup would be great for computer speakers (well actually better).  Plus it'll be a little easier on your wallet.

 

[tzjin]

Not a huge fan of Audioengine. 
 
A set of bookshelf speakers + an amplifier or receiver is ideal + a decent subwoofer is ideal. You can snag an Energy RC10 for about $200, and an amplifier from Dayton or Topping for around $80. A subwoofer is optional, but would help if you like a strong low end.

 

[GREQ]

Out of the two I'd go for the Infinity, just because they're front ported which should make it easier to place the speakers and get more controlled bass - although I have never listened to them 

 
Many have had big problems positioning the audioengines because of the rear ports and bloated bass.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Watch Craigslist for used Infinity Beta 10 or Beta 20 bookshelf speakers, better then the Infinity Primus.
 
Edit, Frys having a sale on the Infinity Primus P163 for $99 for a pair.