Audioengine a5+, Kanto ORA4 and Kali LP-UCF

[awesome_sheeps]

Hello!

I'm currently rocking an old pair of Audioengine A5+ that I've picked up for <$100 USD but am experiencing issues with the balance (right speaker is much softer than then left). Thus, am looking to get a new pair of speakers.

Based on my desktop research (reading through the ASR forum/youtube/reddit), I've narrowed my options to the A5+ (new pair), Kanto ORA4 or the Kali LP-UCF.

Anyone has any thoughts on which would probably be the best option? The signature of the A5+ is nice but I'm concerned over spending so much for a new product that was first released a decade ago. I did consider ponying up further for the Kali LP-6 2W option, but realised that it would be enourmous. Kali's usage of a properity cable to connect between their speakers, would also mean that I need to purchase a separate longer cable as the default cable provided (1.5 meters) would be insufficient for my usecase (my table is 1.5meters long, and I would prefer cable management).

Appreciate your thoughts on this topic!

 

[Owl]

I too did not like the balance of the A5+ speakers, so I removed the amplifier and and sealed up the cabinet. If your handy with tools, this may be an option for you. There are plenty of low cost small amplifiers and DAC's with volume control out there to meet your budget.

 

[AnalogSteph]

I'm currently rocking an old pair of Audioengine A5+ that I've picked up for <$100 USD but am experiencing issues with the balance (right speaker is much softer than then left).

The right speaker is the passive one, right? Are you sure it isn't just poor contact at one of the speaker terminals (e.g. from tarnished cable ends)? I would ask a multimeter for the resistance between the right speaker + and - input terminals, first directly and then at the other end of the cable. While there is a chance that it may measure open (sometimes you find a large series capacitor in crossovers), I would normally expect about 3-7 ohms, certainly no more than 10. That should help pinpoint where the problem is.

 

[Carlos Santana]

Hello!

I'm currently rocking an old pair of Audioengine A5+ that I've picked up for <$100 USD but am experiencing issues with the balance (right speaker is much softer than then left). Thus, am looking to get a new pair of speakers.

Based on my desktop research (reading through the ASR forum/youtube/reddit), I've narrowed my options to the A5+ (new pair), Kanto ORA4 or the Kali LP-UCF.

Anyone has any thoughts on which would probably be the best option? The signature of the A5+ is nice but I'm concerned over spending so much for a new product that was first released a decade ago. I did consider ponying up further for the Kali LP-6 2W option, but realised that it would be enourmous. Kali's usage of a properity cable to connect between their speakers, would also mean that I need to purchase a separate longer cable as the default cable provided (1.5 meters) would be insufficient for my usecase (my table is 1.5meters long, and I would prefer cable management).

Appreciate your thoughts on this topic!

Well, I also have a pair of the A5+s, also picked up used, and they also have an issue with the balance (to equalize both, I have to set the active speaker to100% and the other to 65% (!), in Windows). Nevertheless they sound fine, and are in a mint state. So after have seen this post, seems to me this balance issue is more common than one might expect, and I would not risk my money on a new pair of A5+, unless this problem has been fixed.

 

[awesome_sheeps]

I see. Unfortunately, I'm not that handy with tools or have access to repair services that are affordable (both quotations received places the repairs at >$200 USD). Given that these speakers were already secondhand when I got them (bought >5 years ago easily), I'm more inclined to get new speakers but would refrain from going for the Audioengine a5+ again. Anyone has any thoughts comparing the ORA4 vs Kali LP UCF?

Are the Swans OS-10 a comparable option as well?

 

[Somafunk]

I bought the small kanto’s ora’s for a mates kid last Xmas, they absolutely sound amazing for the size so I expect the larger version to just as good.

 

[Homard]

Many years ago, I bought several pairs of the A2+ speakers. When the power connector became corrupted, I removed the amplifier and now use the speakers as passive ones. When paired with a low cost amplifier, these sound very good and are quite suitable for environments where proper and larger speakers would not be appropriate.