The aktimate Mini is alot better sounding than the AE5s and the AE5+.

The AE5s need a little room to 'breathe' in order to sound their best while the Aktimates can be used for nearfield or at a more relaxed distance.

They aktimates are deeper and taller than the AE5s however, makes things a little tricky to position, especially in a crowded deskspace.

The Aktimate Micro is my absolute favourite however. Smaller than the AE5s and bigger than the AE2. They are clearer and more detailed than the AE2s while their bass cannot match the Mini or AE5, they present bass in a more controlled and accurate manner, making the AE5s almost sound muddy. I've owned the AE5s and now the AE2 as well.

When I was in Melbourne I was a close friend of a retailer who stocked the Aktimates as well as some other speakers, and I visit his shop quite often for a chat and thus I'm exposed to his range of product as well. To me, the Aktimates are a pedigree above the Audioengines. But the Audioengines are no slouch as well, all highly recommended.

The focal XS book might be more expensive than that locally here given the price it already is overseas.

The XSbook looks kinda like the Creative T40 speakers which are very decent in their own right but nowhere near as good as a proper powered bookshelf speaker.

Focal however are a much more reputable audio brand that seems to be doing well as of late. Their Spirit One headphone is also getting alot of good rep.

1.8k is not too shabby considering the asking price in Aus is about 599 retail.

Aktimate has two great products in the Mini and Micro.

The Maxi is not.. very good IMHO :S

but apparently the Mini will get upgraded soon.

Aktimate might be putting a DAC into the Mini as well.

If they can fit a USB DAC into the much smaller micro, they definitely can put one into the Mini and therefore there are plans for that, AFAIK, talking to the Australian distributors. Shouldn't be long now, I was told about this a few months ago.

But again the DAC won't be the best DAC you'll ever find, just functional and decent, like the ones in the Maxi and Micro.

For desktop purposes I feel the micro is insanely good.

I prefer them compared to the AE5s or the AE2s. The AE5s are more powerful but the micros have control, and a touch more power than the AE2s.

But it all really depends on personal preference, space and setup.

*joins club*

User of the A5 and A2