Any ideas on small desktop speakers

nwohlford

I am looking for some relatively small desktop speakers. I am thinking about something around 10" tall, 6" wide, and 6" deep or smaller. Probably looking for a two-way with 4.5" midrange to fit in those dimensions. These will mostly be played at lower volumes. I tend to like neurtral/revealing speakers. They will most likely be about 3' apart and about 3' from me. I plan to use a small sub, but I would like the speakers to be able to work with a 100 Hz crossover. I am looking to spend about $250-$500 (new or used).

I have tried the following speakers (some just for kicks because I already owned them):
Polk TL3s - probably my favorties for this set-up but don't work as well with a 100 Hz crossover (I really like them with a higher crossover, but that set-up does not quite work for other reasons)
KEF Q100s - only real problem was the size (not quite the sound signature I prefer, but I could have overlooked that)
Mirage OMD-5s - obviously not really right for this set-up
Some cheap Cambridge Soundworks speakers - not as bad as you would think but not what I am looking for

The equipment that I will use is still in flux, but I was using a Benchmark DAC1 and Parasound zamp with a Pure i-20 iPhone Dock and Squeezebox Touch as sources. I have a Chase Theater Gizmo desktop amp that I am thinking about using with the Benchmark (hence the 100 Hz cutoff). I also have a Teac A-H01 integrated with DAC that I was thinking of using just to simplify things (this would make the 100 Hz crossover moot).

One option is to get a subwoofer that would work better with the higher crossover needed for Polk TL3s and just call it a day, but I was curious if anybody had any great small bookshelf ideas. Or alternatively an inexpensive great small subwoofer (it does not need to go really low or loud - something with a 6.5" driver would work.)

rooftop59

I am listening to a pair of NHT SB1s right now with an Energy EPS-100 dual 6.5 sub and I really like these little guys. Can definitely do a 100 hz crossover (I am at 90 right now). I love the tight sound of the acoustic suspension design, and the aluminum dome tweeter is more revealing then the older soft dome used in the super zero/ones. The sub can be crossed over higher however. I also have a pair of the super zeros that I swap in and out, and they also work well but really need about the same crossover as the TL3s. I have not heard the absolute zeros, but they might be a speaker to look at.

Another option is to look for an ACI Force subwoofer. I used one with NHT super zeros crossed over at 120 and the combo was quite nice. A very tight, fast, texturally revealing sub that can easily be crossed over very high and still remains very flat. Most musical sub I've owned.

I will be interested to know what you go with.

nhhiep

how about Lsi7/9? They go pretty low for the size. I am using Lsi9s+Deftech SC I as my computer speakers, crossed at 60hz. Really enjoy the setup. If space is your issue, Lsi7s are nice too

rooftop59

did you look at the OP's size requirements? The Lsi7's are huge, and the depth of the 9s is pretty outrageous unless your desk is huge. I had the 7s on my desk for a short time (like an afternoon) and they took far too much desk space. If you have a huge desk, or the room to put them on stands flanking your desk then thats one thing. But the op said 3 feet apart and 3 feet from him, which indicates a pretty small desk (the same size I am using).

But I agree that sound wise the 7s were quite nice as computer speakers, and I think are fine even without a sub in that capacity.

zingo

I'm currently running the Focal XS Book which are powered, and the best I've heard for such speakers. $400 isn't cheap, but every morning when I turn them on at work, I'm amazed how good they sound, even being fed by internet steams most of the time. They will need a subwoofer if you want big bass, but they are the most impressive small speakers I've heard.

nwohlford

nhhiep wrote: »

how about Lsi7/9? They go pretty low for the size. I am using Lsi9s+Deftech SC I as my computer speakers, crossed at 60hz. Really enjoy the setup. If space is your issue, Lsi7s are nice too

I have both the 7s and 9s and have used them both as desktop speakers. The 9s need more space behind them than often works out in a desktop set-up, but they worked well in mine. Unfortunely, I am looking for something smaller.

nwohlford

zingo wrote: »

I'm currently running the Focal XS Book which are powered, and the best I've heard for such speakers. $400 isn't cheap, but every morning when I turn them on at work, I'm amazed how good they sound, even being fed by internet steams most of the time. They will need a subwoofer if you want big bass, but they are the most impressive small speakers I've heard.

I almost bought a pair of these when I found them really cheap about a year ago. I started looking at them again, but was worried that the 8 inch depth would be a little too much. I ran the KEF q100s without a sub and these seem to have a similar lower end (at least from the numbers), so maybe I should be on the look out for a deal on them.

dkg999

Epos ELS-3's or if you can find a pair of the AV123 ELT-525's and redo the x-overs and the stuffing.

heiney9

Look hard at Audio Engine and the associated sub, not cheap however. They sound really good for your application.

H9

dkr919

If your up for a fun DIY project.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-706

Sherardp

Klipsch promedia are awesome speakers for the desktop.

Conradicles

What about Totem Dreamcatcher? Just a tad taller than you listed and there is a pair on audiogon in your price range.

EDUBAG

heiney9 wrote: »

Look hard at Audio Engine and the associated sub, not cheap however. They sound really good for your application.

H9

i think that either the audioengine a2 (powered) or the p4, bigger passive are great speakers. i have had them both and kept the a2 and passed the p4 with the n22 to my sister. those are great speakers for the money very well made and very nice sound.

based on your requiremnts i believe that they should on top of your list for consideration.

Ed

EndersShadow

KRK Rokit 5's would be my choice. I really wanted them for my office and may still end up with a set. The Rokit 6's are good as well.

newrival

I use the audioengine A2 at my office as well. I think they are quite impressive for the money.

Obsession18

dkr919 wrote: »

If your up for a fun DIY project.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-706

I built a pair of these powered by a Dayton Audio DTA-100a chip amp and 192 kbps MP3's from my iPhone, one word AWSOME! I was shocked at the bass these little guys put out, plus the overall sound quality. Building these little guys does require some skills - like soldering, following a schematic for the crossover, but nothing rocket science like.

Clipdat

Nice to see KRK getting some love! I use the RP6 G2's in my home DJ setup and they're fantastic. They get really, really loud and stay super clear and accurate.

EndersShadow wrote: »

KRK Rokit 5's would be my choice. I really wanted them for my office and may still end up with a set. The Rokit 6's are good as well.

cnh

Some excellent suggestions above. But if you're a cheap AXX like me. You won't want to spend more than what you'd pay for a cheap PC speaker system but want somewhat better sound. What do I use? An old set of Minimus 7s and an STA-700 receiver (designed with special equalization for the 7s as was the first System 7 and later System 11). You won't believe how "little" this costs. You can add a sub to that and cross over at 100hz if you wish. But for very near field it's OK.

Of course this is not going to match some of the upscale items above which would be great to have. But for 30-40 dollars, hey, that's cheap!

If you have the money, certainly go with the above. But if you're just playing stuff at low volume, well?

In any case, get the "best" you can afford!

cnh

MADGSF

I use TL3s with a PSW111 in my office, powered by an Audioengine N22, and it blends perfectly. I use the sub at low volume to fill in the lower frequencies and I think it is quick and musical. Not sure what the crossover or volume are set to I just adjusted until them I got the sound I wanted.

nwohlford

I feel stupid because I just remembered that I have I Micropro 1000 that I am not using right now. I had to get the amp replaced (many thanks for Polk CS for making this process smooth), and my bother-in-law wants to buy it. I though will probably have it for another few months, so I will try it with the TL3s for now. I am sure the Micropro will be overkill, but otherwise I am not using it.

Right now I think the most appealing choice would be the Audioengine P4s once he takes the sub and TL3s from me, but keep the good suggestions coming. Thanks everybody.

cnh

TL3s and a MicroPro 1000. That sounds like a great combo. I had that sub as a review sub from Polk for a while. And that's a perfect use for it. Also sounded great with my LSi-7s!

Exceptionally "musical" and fast "tight" bass in a small to mid-sized room!

cnh

EndersShadow

Swan also makes some good powered desktop speakers as well as maudio

Clipdat

Oh yeah! Good call on the Swans! I had those in my head but forgot the brand name. Pretty sweet looking little setup: http://www.theaudioinsider.com/images/m10_main.gif?