|
|
Audioengine 5 Speaker System Review
|
 |
|
2006-03-27 08:09:17
A few weeks back, we wrote a small piece in response to the new Audioengine 5 speaker system for the iPod. Just looking at the specs, this two-speaker, bookshelf-sized set seemed an attractive alternative to other iPod-oriented speaker systems, most of which are all-in-one units, such as Apple's new iPod Hi-Fi and the Bose SoundDock. This weekend, we had a chance to put Audioengine's iPod sound solution to the test.
The first thing that sets the Audioengine 5 system apart from most other iPod solutions is the fact that it is comprised of separate speakers, offering true left / right stereo separation. While some view this as less tidy and convenient than all-in-one alternatives, the careful listener will appreciate the fact that, while the all-in-ones can only provide true stereo reproduction within a short listening range from the speakers, the Audioengine 5 can project its left / right separation all the way across the room.
Each of the Audioengine 5's speakers is magnetically shielded, allowing it to be placed in close proximity to a CRT without causing visual distortion. Each hand-built and tuned cabinet contains a 5" Kevlar woofer (with rear subwoofer ports) and a 1" silk dome tweeter. The cabinets are rendered in a white, high-gloss, furniture-grade finish that makes for a stylish match with any iPod. The left speaker cabinet contains the system's AC-powered amplifier and volume control, dual 1/8" audio inputs, USB power charging port, and a spare AC adapter for easy use with an Airport Express unit - very convenient.
The set comes with a handy, black drawstring carrying bag for each speaker and one for the generous bundle of audio cables that is included with the system. While the Audioengine 5 is a portable speaker system, they are not a light set of speakers. In fact, each speaker is surprisingly heavy. The uninitiated user might lament this fact, but the keen listener knows that this weight indicates the presence of substantial driver magnets, which are the hallmark of powerful, high-quality speakers.
So how do they sound? Read on to follow our test....
<< Previous story: TrailRunner v0.9.83 Released
>> Next story: Apple Meets Apple In British Court
We tested the system with several AAC tracks covering a wide range of music types, played from a connected 4G iPod. We started with a lively pop song featuring notable bass as well as sharp, synthesized highs: Pop Goes The World by Men Without Hats. The speakers performed admirably, laying down a proper, thumping background bassline while the tweeters delivered the ringing highs of the bouncing front field synth. As the volume was cranked to a level bordering on the unpleasant, there was no distortion to speak of.
Switching gears a bit, we next sought to test primarily the higher frequency performance of the system with Loreen McKennitt's Santiago [iTMS link], a world-music track featuring high, soaring vocals with a healthy portion of bell and cymbal imagery. The tweeters delivered admirably, providing highs that neither our in-house Tivoli RadioWorks or Bose WaveRadio could match.
Next on the playlist were two tracks delivering a delicate, focused, pure sound and an ambient, resonating audio demonstration. The tracks chosen were a traditional rendering of Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata [iTMS link] and Enya's Caribbean Blue [iTMS link]. The piano, from soft and delicate to wild and furious, of the first piece was clear and distinct from low volume to dramatically high. As well, Enya's overlaid voice tracks, as played through the system, filled the room with an enveloping audio presence with a true thickness and substance. The louder we pushed it, the more dramatic the effect.
And finally, we wrapped up with a soft, pop song with vocals that range from solitary against a sparse field to charged and rythmic with a heavy synth background bass as well as a straight up rock tune that craved maximum volume. The selected tracks were Cyndi Lauper's All Through The Night [iTMS link] and Guns 'n' Roses' Rocket Queen [iTMS link], respectively. The purity of Cyndi Lauper's vocals and the accompanying synth ring at the beginning of the first track were delivered by the system's 5" woofers and 1" tweeters in away that our in-house Tivoli and Bose units simply could not match with their mid-range drivers. As the song progressed into the more traditionally pop melody, the clarity was maintained from low volume and high. When it came time to put the true power of these units to the test with one of Guns 'n' Roses' finest rock examples, we settled in for the loudest listening of the day. We heard the first blasts of percussion, slapping bass, and rhythm guitar meet us at a rather dramatic volume. From there, the knob was only turned clockwise. From beginning to mid-song crescendo and transformation to the second-half's good ole' rock breakdown and solo, the volume we squeezed out of the Audioengine 5 likely alerted the neighbors to our little afternoon test. And no distortion plagued the sound at any point. (We couldn't help but give that one a second listen, we confess.) From Axl's shrieking vocals to the heavy twang of the bass, it was great sound.
At a retail price of $349, the Audioengine 5 matches Apple's iPod Hi-Fi in price. Though we confess that our in-store examination of the iPod Hi-Fi was, for obvious reasons, less extensive, we feel that Audioengine's system more than matches it in performance. Are these the best speakers in the world? Certainly not. Is this the best loudspeaker system specifically targeting the iPod? It's the best we've heard, yes. Not only do they make for a great iPod companion system, they also serve well as a remote, Airport Express-driven system and even work great as laptop/desktop PC speakers, as we noted with our MacBook Pro.
And the bad? Well, there's really not much to report in the way of flaws, here. As for things we might wish for, an integrated iPod docking cradle would make for simpler iPod mating. As well, integrated remote functionality (IR or RF) would make across the room iPod control a snap for those who don't already have a remote-enabled dock. But beyond that, we don't see many opportunities for real improvement.
Audioengine was formed in 2002 by a team of three with a total of 36 years working in the industry for companies such as Harman/Kardon, Gibson Guitars, Alesis Studio Electronics, and Apple Computer. Listening to these speakers, their impressive credentials come as no surprise. When it comes to getting a bit more "oomph" out of the iPod than those little, white earbuds can deliver, Audioengine's got our vote.
Technical specifications:- Type: 2.0 bookshelf-style, powered speaker system
- Power output: 45W RMS/ 70W peak per channel (AES)
- Inputs: 2 X 1/8" stereo mini-jack
- Outputs: USB Type A (power charging only)
- Main voltages: 115/230V 50/60Hz switchable
- Size (each): 10.0" (H) x 7.0" (W) x 7.75" (D)
- Weight: 6.4Kg/14lbs (left), 4Kg/9lbs (right)
- Shipping weight: 12.6Kg/27.75lbs per pair
- Shipping box dims: 11.5" (W) x 14.5" (H) x 21.75" (L)
- Amplifier type: Dual Class AB monolithic
- Signal-to-noise: >95dB (typical A-weighted)
- THD: <0.05% at all power settings
- Crosstalk: <50db
- Frequency response: 60Hz-22kHz +/-1.5dB
- Input impedance: 10K ohms unbalanced
- Protection: Output current limiting, thermal over-temperature, power on/off transient protection, replaceable external main fuse
- Materials and construction:
- 1" thick MDF cabinet
- 5" Kevlar woofers with advanced voice coils
- 20mm silk dome tweeters with neodymium magnets
- Torroidal power transformers
- Included accessories:
- AC power cable
- 1/8" audio cable, 2 meters (~6.5ft)
- (2) 1/8" audio cables, 20cm (~8")
- 1/8" to RCA "Y" cable
- USB power extender cable, 1 meter (~3.28ft)
- Speaker wire (16AWG), 3.75 meters (~12.3ft)
- Drawstring cable bag
- (2) High-density foam protectors/sonic isolation pads
- Setup Guide
For more detailed specs, see the Audioengine 5 tech specs page.
[ digg this ]
| |
more
iPod General
stories...
|
