Need help with planned audio setup

[TheHandsomeRed]

Hey guys, recently my $30.00 speakers crapped out on me and since I no longer have speakers, I've been eyeing the Audioengine a5+'s. I knew just enough about this stuff to get my Audio-Technica M50x and stand-alone mic to replace my g930 headset from Logitech several months ago, but other than that...
 

I have a few questions though:

 

1. Do I need to also get an AMP/DAC to take advantage of the speakers? (My current motherboard is a Rampage IV Extreme)

 

2. Can I add in a subwoofer that'll shake the foundations of the house?

 

2a. How would I go about adding in said subwoofer?

 

Like I said I really don't know much about this, but i do hope to learn! 

[kuhchuk]

1.)  You definitely do not need an amp.  These are powered speakers, meaning the amp is already built into one of them.

2.)  Yes, you can easily add a subwoofer.

2a.)  Since most subs use RCA inputs, all you need to do is connect the RCA output from the speakers to the inputs of your sub.  If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

[Cheesebaron]

I have the AudioEngine A5 (not +) and you won't need an amp for those. A DAC could maybe do, but if you have a decent sound card in your PC, which you most likely have you won't hear the difference anyways. The A5 have RCA outputs, just like @kuchuck says, for the a Subwoofer, so it is very easy to set that up.

 

If you plan on putting the speakers on a table, and the table itself is not super heavy. I recommend some foam stands for the speakers. I have some cheap Sinn7 audio foam stands which absorb most of the vibrations. You'll probably be able to find something similar at a very low price.

 

In order to get more bass out of the A5, you can play around positioning them close or far away from the wall, as they have bass ports in the back, the closer they get to the wall the more reflections, which can make a rumbly sound if you like that, position them farther away and the bass will be more precise but not as full. Also these are monitors, so make sure they are in an angle that plays towards your ears and at a height that will target your ears.

[TheHandsomeRed]

1.)  You definitely do not need an amp.  These are powered speakers, meaning the amp is already built into one of them.

2.)  Yes, you can easily add a subwoofer.

2a.)  Since most subs use RCA inputs, all you need to do is connect the RCA output from the speakers to the inputs of your sub.  If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

 

 

I have the AudioEngine A5 (not +) and you won't need an amp for those. A DAC could maybe do, but if you have a decent sound card in your PC, which you most likely have you won't hear the difference anyways. The A5 have RCA outputs, just like @kuchuck says, for the a Subwoofer, so it is very easy to set that up.

 

If you plan on putting the speakers on a table, and the table itself is not super heavy. I recommend some foam stands for the speakers. I have some cheap Sinn7 audio foam stands which absorb most of the vibrations. You'll probably be able to find something similar at a very low price.

 

In order to get more bass out of the A5, you can play around positioning them close or far away from the wall, as they have bass ports in the back, the closer they get to the wall the more reflections, which can make a rumbly sound if you like that, position them farther away and the bass will be more precise but not as full. Also these are monitors, so make sure they are in an angle that plays towards your ears and at a height that will target your ears.

Thanks answering my questions guys!