Just got some AudioEngine A5+ speaker and they blow my mind


Ive been listening to headphones, DT 880's and IEM's shure 846's with either the Fiio 17 or the Cambridge Music DacMagic + ( dacmagic wins ). I just got the audioengine bookshelf speakers and running them through the fiio has blown my mind compared to the headphones. Closing your eyes you can point to where every instrument is being player on the stage in front. My mind was and is still being blown. I am now a speaker person 

onkey89

Showing 2 responses by soix

I went the opposite direction. I have a $25k “big rig” and, due to family/life situations ramped up a good HeadFi system featuring Hifiman Arya Stealths ‘phones, Singxer SA1 amp, Musician Pegasus DAC, Lavri and Acoustic Zen Silver Ref cables, and an Audience AR1p power conditioner. While it cost a helluva lot less than my big rig and captures many of that system’s qualities, it pales in comparison to listening to to my home system. I think you’re now finding the same in reverse. Headphones just can’t reproduce the scale and 3D soundstage of a decent home system. Not that a headphone system can’t sound great, but it’s just a different experience. It really just comes down to physics. Now, I have to tell you, if the A5+ are blowing your mind then you should consider upgrading everything because there’s MUCH more performance to be had that will blow your mind WAY further. If you have any decent high-end audio dealers nearby I’d highly suggest taking some of your music to them, even if you have to travel a bit, and I think you’ll be amazed at what’s possible. Bad news is you’ve apparently caught the audiophile sickness, and it never goes away or costs less. FWIW.

I agree.  I’ve seen more Audio Engine posts over the past week than I’ve seen in ten years.  Hmmm.