I own both the AE and the Aktimate. I think the Audioengine has better sound quality as well as a better fit and finish. I should say that I have the Audioengines in a 12'x15' office, while the Aktimates are in a larger room, essentially a living room. It may be that the Aktimates would sound better if I had them in the smaller room. In any event I recommend the Audioengine. In fact you could buy the Audioengine A5+ and the Audiengine subwoofer for not much more that the price of the Aktimates.