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desktop speaker recos

67.250.128.197
Posted on March 28, 2024 at 16:24:41
LennyF
Audiophile

Posts: 148
Location: NYC
Joined: May 13, 2001
 I used to be an audiophile. Had a 300b SET with a 6sn7 preamp driving ProAc R1SC with Cardas wiring and a Carver subwoofer. That's all gone. Now I sit at my computer and listen to an ifi zen dac powered by a Qinpu 2watt amp, driving cheapo fostex single driver 'kit' speakers.

It doesn't sound bad! But I wouldn't mind upgrading the speakers. Any suggestions are welcome, preferably something that's easily driven or self-powered. (I'm not terribly interested in a subwoofer.) I like soundstaging, articulation, and tone. TIA.
Lenny

 

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RE: desktop speaker recos, posted on March 28, 2024 at 16:44:29
6bq5
Audiophile

Posts: 4564
Location: SF Bay
Joined: August 16, 2001
 audioengine make some great products-
the 2 is on the small side, but sounds great!
the 5 can come w/ a built in DAC...
Happy Listening

 

RE: desktop speaker recos, posted on March 29, 2024 at 05:51:09
Doublej
Audiophile

Posts: 714
Location: Boston
Joined: January 11, 2009
 I would look at Genelec, Kali Audio, ADAM, JBL Pro Audio. Search for Studio Monitors and you'll find plenty to sort through starting at aroudn $300/pair.

There are a bajillion powered speakers as well. If you search for Powered Speakers on Crutchfield you'll see what I mean.

Happy searching.

 

What is your budget??? Or, your Threshold of Pain?, posted on March 29, 2024 at 05:59:59
John Marks
Manufacturer

Posts: 7997
Location: Peoples' Democratic Republic of R.I.
Joined: April 23, 2000
 My go-to recommendation for desktop monitors is Neumann.

Their 4-inch self-powered is $549 each. It has DSP for manual room correction.

The higher-tier Neumann monitors have the capability for automatic room correction if you buy the optional calibrated microphone.

B&H bundles the 5.25-inch powered monitor as a pair with the calibrated microphone for $2,297.00.

I think that's the sweet spot in a line that goes up over $20,000 for huge multichannel Atmos systems.

If your budget is very low, check out Philharmonic Audio, their desktop monitors have good OEM drivers, and start out at $380 the pair.

Of course, at $380 the pair, those are passive, non-self-powered speakers.

https://philharmonicaudio.com/products/true-mini

Also check out their Ceramic Mini.

john

 

+1 on that AND..., posted on March 29, 2024 at 12:24:12
musetap
Audiophile

Posts: 32277
Location: San Francisco
Joined: July 8, 2003
Contributor
  Since: January 28, 2004
 heard good things about these, though... haven't heard them.

"Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination"-Michael McClure



 

RE: +1 on that AND..., posted on March 29, 2024 at 12:55:27
mlsstl
Audiophile

Posts: 1145
Location: Midwest
Joined: September 1, 2015
 I have a pair of Audioengine's P4 desktop speakers (passive) and they are a great buy for the money. I use them with their N22 amp (older version) and an RPi3/Hifiberry HAT. I also have their B2 speaker (single unit with amp/bluetooth) that I use with a WiiM Mini as an office system.

Good stuff for the money with lots of options.

 

RE: +2 on the A5s (mt), posted on March 29, 2024 at 13:00:37
Rod M
Web Geek

Posts: 16537
Location: So. California
Joined: March 1, 1999
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 1999
 .
-Rod

 

RE: desktop speaker recos, posted on March 29, 2024 at 16:29:58
Atwood
Audiophile

Posts: 531
Joined: October 10, 2001
 I recently purchased a pair of JBL305 MKII powered speakers and can recommend them. They sound a lot more expensive than they cost.

 

RE: +1 on that AND..., posted on March 29, 2024 at 18:58:10
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23973
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 If you want the best, the Mini Maggie's would be my first choice. However, they're not powered and they require high quality amplifiers to sound their best. Nevertheless, if you're willing to spend the money, you will get some truly high-end sound quality.

Incidentally, I now use Mini Maggie's as my main speakers in a ultra near-field listening configuration. I added a second DWM woofer panel and a 12" Rythmik Servo Sub, but the servo sub is really not necessary for a desktop setup. Neither is the second woofer panel. However, I'd recommend some decent amplifiers if you want high-end sound.

Here are some pictures of my Mini Maggie speaker system:


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Genelec is a good one (nt), posted on March 31, 2024 at 03:54:30
Bill the K
Audiophile

Posts: 8448
Joined: June 3, 2006
 nt

Bill

 

I second the JBL's, posted on March 31, 2024 at 07:11:26
mgbpuff
Audiophile

Posts: 328
Location: Georgia
Joined: June 13, 2009



My computer setup is an 8 channel Topping DM7 running 5 - JBL 305P MKII powered speakers. They sound great running multichannel music from Foobar. No need for any pre-amp or amp. Just run USB from computer to Toppping DM7. Near field listening!

 

Yamaha HS8..., posted on March 31, 2024 at 08:18:44
Vinyl Valet
Audiophile

Posts: 1360
Location: Tempe, Arizona
Joined: November 13, 2003
 We use these in two of our three studios. The other uses ATC SCM 20ASL Pro MkII powered monitors. The Yamahas hold their own at 1/8 the cost.

Open up your mind, in pours the trash. - Meat Puppets, 1987

 

RE: desktop speaker recos, posted on April 1, 2024 at 21:56:17
tube Tom
Audiophile

Posts: 506
Location: Las Vegas
Joined: September 5, 2002
 A couple months ago i decided to upgrade my desktop speakers, from the full range 6x4" full range computer speakers i was using. I wanted speakers that would show me what a recording would sound like in my car/on my stereo when i made a playlist. I got the Rockville HD5 powered monitors & couldn't be happier! They have a 150 watt RMS power supply ( maybe for both speakers?), a 5" woofer & 3/4" inch silk dome tweeter ( looks closer to 1" ) They produce plenty of bass & non fatigueing trebble. And they only cost $120 a pair, shipping included on ebay ( no afilliation ).

 

RE: desktop speaker recos, posted on April 8, 2024 at 16:22:35
LennyF
Audiophile

Posts: 148
Location: NYC
Joined: May 13, 2001
 I had an Audioengine a few years back. Regardless of reviews, I was not impressed -- it sounded muffled and bass heavy. But that was then...
Lenny

 

purchased Tozzi One kit, posted on April 13, 2024 at 08:06:05
LennyF
Audiophile

Posts: 148
Location: NYC
Joined: May 13, 2001
 Went to Madisound and realized the speakers I want to replace are Fostex P1000E Kanspea which have served me faithfully for probably 10 years now.
Saw the Tozzi, read a few reviews, and decided why not? FYI, Madisound is MUCH cheaper than some of the alternatives -- I paid 175 for the cabs and drivers.
Assembly is not too hard, although it is necessary to have a nut driver and a phillips head screwdriver. Small fingers help also.

And the sound? Very clear, impactful. Engaging. A few weeks of run-in and we'll see. So far. glad got 'em.

Lenny

 

RE: purchased Tozzi One kit, posted on May 26, 2024 at 10:44:30
sisterray
Audiophile

Posts: 964
Location: Northern Illinois
Joined: October 3, 2007
Contributor
  Since: April 28, 2012
 I just ordered a pair & will put them together on Father's Day. Did you choose the metal or paper cone drivers? I chose metal. How do you like them now? Do you use a sub?


"'Cause when love is gone, there's always justice./And when justice is gone, there's always force./And when force is gone, there's always Mom. Hi Mom!" Laurie Anderson, "O Superman (For Massenet)"

 

RE: purchased Tozzi One kit, posted on May 30, 2024 at 07:21:06
LennyF
Audiophile

Posts: 148
Location: NYC
Joined: May 13, 2001
 How do you like them? I got paper, for no real reason. No subwoofer.
I find them musically engaging and am happy with the purchase. Someday I may move them to the main system and see how they sound with a sub.
Lenny

 

RE: purchased Tozzi One kit, posted on May 30, 2024 at 07:54:18
sisterray
Audiophile

Posts: 964
Location: Northern Illinois
Joined: October 3, 2007
Contributor
  Since: April 28, 2012
 I haven't received mine yet. Ordered the metal cones. I intend to swap out for paper after break-in & some run time. How do you have yours set up? Mine will be in an apartment living room. The sub will come later. I do have some reservations about build quality.


"'Cause when love is gone, there's always justice./And when justice is gone, there's always force./And when force is gone, there's always Mom. Hi Mom!" Laurie Anderson, "O Superman (For Massenet)"

 

RE: purchased Tozzi One kit, posted on June 18, 2024 at 16:56:22
LennyF
Audiophile

Posts: 148
Location: NYC
Joined: May 13, 2001
 I have mine setup on small tripods, about 2-3" off the desk, angled in to me, about 3 feet away from my ears. I'm enjoying them. Plastic box and paper cone! Compared to my previous fostex kit speakers, these are a bit more articulate. Dialogue is good and music is satisfying. And they look sorta cool.
Lenny

 

RE: purchased Tozzi One kit, posted on June 18, 2024 at 17:20:44
sisterray
Audiophile

Posts: 964
Location: Northern Illinois
Joined: October 3, 2007
Contributor
  Since: April 28, 2012
 Are you using a sub? I'm thinking of a REL T/Zero MkIII.


"'Cause when love is gone, there's always justice./And when justice is gone, there's always force./And when force is gone, there's always Mom. Hi Mom!" Laurie Anderson, "O Superman (For Massenet)"

 

RE: desktop speaker recos, posted on June 20, 2024 at 23:26:26
Leo loves music
Audiophile

Posts: 217
Joined: October 14, 2021
 Get a second hand Dynaudio. There should be plenty around NYC.

 

RE: desktop speaker recos, posted on June 22, 2024 at 07:09:39
Leo loves music
Audiophile

Posts: 217
Joined: October 14, 2021
 There is a ProAc for $250.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650115647-proac-studio-1-speaker/

 

RE: desktop speaker recos, posted on June 25, 2024 at 03:22:27
Leo loves music
Audiophile

Posts: 217
Joined: October 14, 2021
 JBL control 5?

 

RE: desktop speaker recos, posted on June 25, 2024 at 03:54:19
Leo loves music
Audiophile

Posts: 217
Joined: October 14, 2021
 or a JBL 4208?

 

JBL 4208, posted on June 25, 2024 at 04:14:36
Leo loves music
Audiophile

Posts: 217
Joined: October 14, 2021
 I used to have a pair driven by a DIY KT88. Not much resolution but can listen for very long time.

 

RE: JBL 4208, posted on June 25, 2024 at 08:03:47
Don Reid
Audiophile

Posts: 911
Location: Rural NW Georgia
Joined: February 2, 2001
Contributor
  Since: April 1, 2010
 I briefly had a pair of Audience 1+1 V5 on my desktop and I loved them with the exception of the absent low bass. Before I got around to adding a subwoofer My son admired them, and I gave them to him. He put them on stands and added a Martin Logan Balanced Force 10 sub. They now make a pretty outstanding near field listening system in a fairly small room.

I dream of an America where a chicken can cross the road without having it's motives questioned.

 

RE: desktop speaker recos, posted on June 29, 2024 at 09:48:06
svisner
Audiophile

Posts: 1218
Joined: March 30, 2002
Contributor
  Since: March 30, 2002
 I purchased recently a set of Elac Carina speakers. I like them. Not sure they measure up to my Magnepan and MartinLogan planars, but good imaging, definition, and dynamic range. They fit (pretty much) on my desktop. One warning - they're somewhat less sensitive than some other desktop speakers. I am using a QSC GX3 amplifier, and I would recommend something beefy (perhaps an Aiyima A07. That's a nice little amp and I use one in our bedroom upgraded with Sparkos opamps. (It's fine unmodified, I'm sure.) BTW, the price listed at the link is not what you should expect to pay, which is somewhat less.

 

I love these Japanese speakers!, posted on August 4, 2024 at 15:55:39
greenpig
Audiophile

Posts: 130
Location: NYC
Joined: January 25, 2005




I had Audioengine A2s and A2+s for a long long time, and finally got really sick of their energetic but unrefined sound. Replacing them wasn't easy, because my desk is smallish and cluttered, but eventually I settled on the little-known Eclipse TD307MK3 from Japan. There was nowhere to listen in person, so I bought a pair from a distributor on eBay. Wow -- they sound amazing, with a beautifully layered soundstage and incredible detail. They're single-driver monitors that you point directly at your ears, and their oval enclosure gives them a disconcerting resemblance to an eyeball if you run them without their grills. (They sound fine with them on.) The enclosures have almost no vibration at all and the build quality is incredible. For classical, acoustic, and jazz, they're utterly beautiful, placing the performers around you as if you were there. They're great for well-recorded rock/pop/soul too -- Thriller or Pretzel Logic, e.g. -- but they won't cover up the flaws of a bad or overly compressed recording. They roll off at 80Hz, so not for bass-heads. (I may add a sub at some point.)

Signal path is Chord Mojo2 -> Schiit Valhalla 2 -> Schiit Gjallarhorn. Recent Schiit amplification has a strong, holographic image placement (my Ragnarok 2 is the same way), so it's an excellent match for the Eclipses. The latter can be a little bright, and the tube preamp is a perfect balance for it.

 

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