Another set of powered bookshelf speakers that are strongly recommended is the AudioEngine A5+ ($399.00 to $549.00 at AudioEngine’s Amazon store, depending on if you want fully wired, Bluetooth-capable, or hi-res Bluetooth-capable). In ZDNet’s roundup of the best speakers for vinyl, they named the A5+ the best overall speaker set for vinyl playback, singling out the “crisp” sound, volume levels, build quality, and powered USB ports for attached devices. They also made Vinyl Record Day’s list, with that site saying that “[i]f you prioritize power, sound quality, and overall convenience, you’ll definitely find Audioengine A5+ to be the best powered speakers for your turntable!”
As for other professional reviews, PC Mag gave the A5+ a 4.5 out of five stars rating, an Editors’ Choice award, and a spot on their 2018 Best of the Year list. “It’s a pleasure to review gear that advances convenience without sacrificing sound quality, and the Audioengine 5+ Wireless easily snags an Editors’ Choice,” reads the review, which also singled out how strong the hi-res Bluetooth performance was. CNET gave the speakers an 8.3 out of 10 rating and an Editors’ Choice recommendation in 2012 — old standbys often keep being made for a reason — and praised the speakers’ “phenomenal sound and […] simple, attractive styling.” Audio Science Review also praised the A5+ in their review, backed up by actual performance measurements, writing that the pair “produces truly high fidelity experience on your desktop.”
