Audioengine A5+ hissing tweeters

[ctln.pgs]

Hello guys.

I have an issue with my Audioengine A5+ , that I would like some input on, because honestly I'm getting depressed at this point.

 

Intro : I'm from Europe, so shipping comes directly with what I need for the European 'charging' (made in China, V11..whatever)

I've ordered my first pair, tested the S... out of them and then decided to return them because of this problem.

All that you can think of, I've tried, short of actually opening the speakers up.

I've received my second pair yesterday, with the same issue. These speakers cost 560 euros (580 dollars I think) with shipping and I honestly hoped for 'perfection'

 

The Issue : The tweeters make a constant hissing noise as long as there is power and the speakers are not muted (via remote or volume knob). The hiss is only noticeable at less than 3 inches (12cm) from the tweeter.

I've tried changing power cords, changing electrical outlets, switching cables around, (like I said), everything short of voiding the warranty.

 

Current situation : I've looked around the 'net', and talked to a hardware savvy friend, and I/we (the internet included) think it's the amplifier within the main speaker that is causing this issue.

This was a prominent problem in the A5 series, but from what I've read the issue should have been fixed in the A5+ . It is not.

 

So here I am, after more than 2 months spent on trying different speakers (tried 3 logitech systems too), and putting all my chips on this, I'm 'left' with aprox. 600 dollar speakers that sound like angry little snakes.

 

I am really impressed with these speakers (look and performance), all the reviews I've seen spoke nothing but good (including Linus) but I just can't get to terms with the fact that, for a very VERY mid/high price range, you get excellent quality, with a annoying glitch; that makes you/me say to myself : 

 - Why don't I just buy 5W speakers and cry in my corner ..

 

Any help is therefore appreciated.

Thanks

[Guest]

What's the input you're using?

 

I've noticed that mine hiss when they're connected to my Scarllet audio interface which is USB through a Dell U2715H into my PC. But they'll only hiss when the monitor is turned off. Other than that, they're quiet unless I turn their gain up really high with no signal - amplifying line static/noise.

[ctln.pgs]

I'm using the cable that came with the speakers. I've connected them to my PC and my smartphone.

 

But the hissing is not dependent on the device connected, because at it most simplest configuration, main speaker(s) + power source, the hissing is still there.

As long as there is 'volume', there is hissing (constant, does not fluctuate with the increase in volume).

[Guest]

7 minutes ago, ctln.pgs said:

I'm using the cable that came with the speakers. I've connected them to my PC and my smartphone.

 

But the hissing is not dependent on the device connected, because at it most simplest configuration, main speaker(s) + power source, the hissing is still there.

As long as there is 'volume', there is hissing (constant, does not fluctuate with the increase in volume).

Then they're sadly definately faulty.

[ctln.pgs]

1 minute ago, Windspeed36 said:

Then they're sadly definately faulty.

This is my second pair. Should I just loose hope with this, and try something else ? There aren't many 2.1 quality speakers from what I've searched. Am I 'forced' to just go with a monster 5.1  (sad sobbing noises).

 

& thanks for your input.

[Pomfinator]

The hissing is normal. All A5+'s have it, its from the amp implementation.

 

It shouldnt bother you in any usecase unless you work 5 inches from the tweeter.

[ctln.pgs]

3 minutes ago, Pomfinator said:

The hissing is normal. All A5+'s have it, its from the amp implementation.

OK. Can I get/do you have an official statement or something from the 'mothership' ?

Please don't get mad, I'm not trying to insult you, I'm just trying to do my homework. Thanks.

Also : would a DAC or anything fix it ?!

[SSL]

If it's only audible 3 inches from the driver, why on earth would this be such a concern for you? Do you normally listen with your head resting lovingly against the baffle?

 

If you're a professional, I'd recommend different speakers anyway.

[Pomfinator]

7 minutes ago, ctln.pgs said:

OK. Can I get/do you have an official statement or something from the 'mothership' ?

Please don't get mad, I'm not trying to insult you, I'm just trying to do my homework. Thanks.

I can't sadly, all I can say is that my A5+ tweeters hiss too but any normal nearfield listening position is enough to make it inaudible.

 

We have at least two more owners I know of on this forum, maybe we can increase the sample size.

 

However you can try emailing support. They will prob give you the same answer as the A5, some white noise is normal.

[ctln.pgs]

3 minutes ago, SSL said:

If it's only audible 3 inches from the driver, why on earth would this be such a concern for you? Do you normally listen with your head resting lovingly against the baffle?

 

If you're a professional, I'd recommend different speakers anyway.

The principle of having 600 dollar speakers with hissing tweeters is something that I cannot (yet) be comfortable with. When you pay more, you expect more, shouldn't you ?!

[ctln.pgs]

3 minutes ago, Pomfinator said:

I can't sadly, all I can say is that my A5+ tweeters hiss too but any normal nearfield listening position is enough to make it inaudible.

 

We have at least two more owners I know of on this forum, maybe we can increase the sample size.

 

However you can try emailing support. They will prob give you the same answer as the A5, some white noise is normal.

OK, thanks. You can add my 2 pairs to that sample size..

I've contacted customer support, and they were baffled at the number of tests I did, and suggested a replacement (which I did, getting the current pair).

I think I could/should re-write them to confirm this..again..

[Pomfinator]

31 minutes ago, ctln.pgs said:

The principle of having 600 dollar speakers with hissing tweeters is something that I cannot (yet) be comfortable with. When you pay more, you expect more, shouldn't you ?!

Its literally inaudible when you're actually using it. It really shouldn't matter.

[SSL]

46 minutes ago, ctln.pgs said:

The principle of having 600 dollar speakers with hissing tweeters is something that I cannot (yet) be comfortable with. When you pay more, you expect more, shouldn't you ?!

 

News flash, Audioengine is kind of overpriced in general. They're even more expensive because you're in Europe, probably. $$$$$ =/= audio quality.