[rmt5]

Hi! I'm looking for a new set of powered, 2.0 speakers to use with my Macbook Pro and Nuforce uDAC.  I've been using Creative T20s for years, and they've been great.  But I'm looking for something with an indisputably much nicer sound, and the ability to fill a room or two while still sounding great during house gatherings.  That is, something not *too* directional.  
 
I've been looking at the Audioengine A5 and the Swan D1080MKII 08. But I'd love some other suggestions too.
 
Priorities placed on:
 
1. Sheer sound quality
2. Ability to fill a room/non-directional listening
3. fairly compact size. 
 
I'm not a big bass head or anything, but it would be nice to hear "present" if not booming bass.   
 
My budget is $280 (what I can get the A5s for used), but I'd prefer to be in the circa 200 or less range if there's no noticeable decrease in sound quality.  Thanks so much!

 

[sizzlincok]

I own the A5's and I can tell you they should be more than enough to fill a room full of quality sound.
 
The bass is very good, it's not over powering bass, but very accurate.
At the back of my tiny room, with just the A5's, they sound like there's a subwoofer involved, but there really isn't.
 

 

[holychau]

A5 is good

 

[holychau]

A5 

 

[lordsegan]

A5.
 
I own the Swam M200MKIII.
 
They are great speakers, but they are not your best bet for filling a room.