Short answer: Yes. Worth every centime more.
Longer answer: The scope of use is not the same for me. I own both the A5 and A2 and use both regularly (for over 5 years, hold up great). In my previous flat I had more desk space and used the A5 as computer speakers. The A2s were my backup solution for times when I had to take them with me. On the terrace, at work, etc. They are small, light and handy. Of course, a Bluetooth battery speaker is more practical, but I think if you are interested in Audioengine products, your own audiophile standards have left these noise generators behind ;-).
Now I have the A2 on the PC, in the same room as "big" Piega floor-standing speakers, when I want to listen to some real music. The A2 sound excellent, crystal-clear sound up to the maximum volume, nothing is too loud. And they are loud too. For working on the computer, playing background music or even for the occasional living room party, they are unbeatable value for money.
But if you want to sit down and actively listen to your favourite songs in a complex arrangement (assuming you have the right taste in music), the A2s have their limits. The A5's spaciousness alone is an aha experience in direct comparison. The A5's bass is quite light-hearted, but by no means overweighted. And finally, the resolution is also in a different league when listening closely. With my "dilettantish" music setup - I actually only listen via Spotify - the A5 get everything out. Unless you drift into further audiophile abysses, get a record player and amplifier for thousands of francs or listen exclusively to Lossless files, I don't think you'll ever need better speakers than the A5. I compared it directly with my big floor-standing speakers, and to be honest, my ears don't hear any difference in this setup.
So: I think the A5 are great, they are clearly superior to the A2 in terms of sound. Size does matter... But the A2s are by no means bad. An insane price-performance ratio in terms of desktop speakers.
2 big "problems" at the moment: I wanted to order something from Audioengine at the end of February. There is NOTHING available in Switzerland. Digitec keeps putting off for weeks on new "safe" delivery dates, other suppliers are honest enough and call a spade a spade: the CH (or even Europe) Audioengine representative gets nothing delivered from the USA.
And: should you tend to the A2 - wait for the new HD3 (that's what I wanted to do :-)):
Audioengine HD3 (1 pair, 60W)
In between size-wise, whs. the best of both worlds. A bit more expensive than the standard A5, but more versatile connectivity incl. Bluetooth connection.
