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The AudioEngine 5 definitely blew us away and exceeded our expectations in terms of its build, features, and even sound quality, breathing new life to the ever so-monotonous iPod speaker system.
Out of the box, the Audioengine 5 comes with an AC power cable, a 6.5-foot audio cable, two 20cm audio cables, a 3.5mm jack to RCA "Y" cable, a USB power extender cable, and a 12.3-foot speaker wire. The two speakers and the included accessories are all placed in separate drawstring bags, making it easy for users to pack the product away anytime.
Users can find a power LED and volume knob on the left speaker, while the Sub out and Audio in port, AUX AC outlet, and Power switch can be found at its rear. The Audioengine 5 also has a USB ‘charging' port and a 3.5mm audio jack located on top of the speakers.
The glossy white cabinets are well made despite the fact that it was ‘hand-built'. Setting up the unit entails hooking the right speakers to the left speaker using the provided speaker wire and by plugging the device to any available outlet. Hooking any iPod (or any audio device with a 3.5mm headphone jack for the matter) to the speakers is a snap, as there is an audio input port found on top of the unit. It could have been better though if AudioEngine placed the ports at the back of the unit to give it a ‘clean' look (with all the wires and cables located at the back of the speakers) as the whole setup looks a little shabby since the wires are scattered and the ports are connected on top.
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Performance:We have followed the recommended speaker setup found on the Audioengine 5 and have placed the speakers around 8-inches from the rear wall and have placed the tweeters at eye level. The AudioEngine 5 brought all our tracks to life, thanks to its 5-inch woofer and 20mm tweeters.
Even without an external subwoofer, the unit was able to provide us with the low-end bass that we often look for in our rap and bass albums. The midrange and highs sounded well, with vocals being clearly heard while accompanying instruments just sounding crisp and right.
The USB power port lets anyone charge their iPod (or other products that can charge via USB) while listening to their music. The unit also has the ability to stream music wirelessly with the help of Apple's Airport Express. All a user has to do is to plug the Airport Express at the unit's rear AC panel outlet, hook up the unit in its audio jack, and configure the unit. Users can also hook up the unit to their gaming console, TV, and even to their PCs if they want to, making it an all-around speaker system.
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Conclusion:The AudioEngine 5 is a product that will give users what they need and want - speakers that look good and sounds great. This set of speakers may not be everyone's cup of tea however, as users will have to shell out $599 for a speaker system mainly designed for the iPod. Overall, we are definitely recommending this product for its iPod and Airport Express features, audio quality, and unique form factor.
Product Specifications:
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 manually switchable
Weight: 6.4Kg/ 14lbs (left), 4Kg/ 9lbs (right)
Amplifier Type: Dual Class AB monolithic
Signal-to-noise: >95db (typical A-weighted)
THD: <0.05% at all power settings
Crosstalk: <50db
Freq. Response: 50Hz-22kHz ±1.5db
Input Impedance: 10K ohms unbalanced
Included Accessories:
- AC power cable
- 1/8" audio cable, 2 meters (~6.5 ft)
- 2 1/8" audio cables, 20 cm (~8")
- 1/8" to RCA "Y" cable
- USB power extender cable, 1 m (~3.3 ft)
- Speaker wire (16AWG), 3.75 meters (~12.3ft)
- Drawstring cable bag
- (2) High-density foam protectors/sonic pads
- Setup Guide
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AudioEngine 5 Bookshelf Speakers | $599 | 
| www.vistra.com.au
For: Build; Connectivity Options; Sound Quality
Against: Ports on top of the unit resulting to messy cords upfront; Steep price
Verdict: If you do not mind spending $699 dollars for an iPod speaker system, then the AudioEngine 5 is a speaker system worth purchasing for its superb audio quality and wireless connectivity (with an Airport Express).
