I have the audioengine A2 (smaller than the A5) at work to use with my ipod. They're okay. A bit too much mid-bass bloom for my taste. From what other folks have told me, the A5s are better in that regard, and if true, I would definitely recommend them. As far as ease of use with an ipod, I bought a dock, and it took me about 5 seconds to figure out how to hook them up, and if anyone here has experienced my lack of....er...talent in that area, that's pretty dang good.