Good Desktop Monitors?

AsSiMiLaTeD
AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
edited December 2008 in Speakers
I'm looking to change out my PC speaker setup. I've been using one of the Klipsch Promedia systems for a while and have been happy with it. However, it's recently developed an issue and I need to replace it.

I'd lieu of another PC speakers package I'd like to explore getting some small bookshelves suited for near field listening. I've got some R15s hooked up right now, but they're a little muddy for my tastes.

So, I need some input on good options. I'll also need to look for an integrated amp to power them with.
Post edited by AsSiMiLaTeD on

Comments

  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited December 2008
    Have you thought about a pair of Polk VM10's maybe? I was actually just looking at them last night, thinking that they'd be great speakers for a computer. Maybe along with a PSW111 or something like that if you were wanting more bass output.
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited December 2008
    http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=213

    Surprising amount of bass for a tiny speaker and excellent sounding for the money.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,205
    edited December 2008
    Face wrote: »
    http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=213

    Surprising amount of bass for a tiny speaker and excellent sounding for the money.
    Where do those dang things sell? I tried to search for them, and found the French destroyer Sirocco was sunk in 1940 by the Kriegsmarine S-boats S23 and S26. Very interesting, no doubt, but somewhat off topic IMHO!

    Oh! Never mind: found them at Spearit Sound http://www.spearitsound.com/Cambridge_Audio/Cambridge_Audio_S30.asp ... unless you have a better source, of course ...

    They would look nice in my office, but a bit pricey for me for the moment ...
    Alea jacta est!
  • jmwest1970
    jmwest1970 Posts: 846
    edited December 2008
    Don't you have a pair of Totem Rainmakers? Have you tried them? They're not cheap for this application and they may not shine, but it's a thought.
  • MADGSF
    MADGSF Posts: 603
    edited December 2008
    I too have the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 setup that recently developed issues. I will be watching this thread to see what you come up with. My budget is about what those BA speakers cost though.
    AVR: Elite VSX-21TXH
    Amplifier: B&K 7250 Series ii
    Misc: Velodyne SMS-1
    Mains: RTi-10
    Center: CSi-5
    Rear: Boston DSi460
    Sub: SVS PC-Ultra
    TV: Panasonic TC-P58V10
    DVD: Panasonic DMP-BD60K
  • seeclear
    seeclear Posts: 1,243
    edited December 2008
    I'll probably get laughed off the forum for this, but

    I hooked up a pair of Atrium 45s to test them when I first got them delivered. I had the 1/8" stereo jack on my laptop (no special sound card or anything) going into the RatShack Accurian amp to the 45s, sitting about 2 - 2 1/2 feet from me on my desk. I was amazed by the soundstage I was getting with that simple, cheap setup. The 45s produced a good amount of bass, too; I was surprised. I thought they needed to be mounted in a corner to load the low end, but they did surprisingly well just out in space.

    Go figure.
    "Don't forget to change your politician. They are like diapers they need to be changed regularly, and for the same reason."
  • MADGSF
    MADGSF Posts: 603
    edited December 2008
    Thought I would post a resource I found for the Promedia speakers. Not sure what my issue is but there is a guy on this forum (MR Clean) selling repairs on ebay for the controller and DIN plug. I have not used him but am thinking about it as I want to get these speakers working right again. He also has some nice looking speaker wires. No affiliation just passing along some information I found on the Klipsch forum.

    http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/13.aspx
    AVR: Elite VSX-21TXH
    Amplifier: B&K 7250 Series ii
    Misc: Velodyne SMS-1
    Mains: RTi-10
    Center: CSi-5
    Rear: Boston DSi460
    Sub: SVS PC-Ultra
    TV: Panasonic TC-P58V10
    DVD: Panasonic DMP-BD60K
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited December 2008
    seeclear wrote: »
    I'll probably get laughed off the forum for this, but

    I hooked up a pair of Atrium 45s to test them when I first got them delivered. I had the 1/8" stereo jack on my laptop (no special sound card or anything) going into the RatShack Accurian amp to the 45s, sitting about 2 - 2 1/2 feet from me on my desk. I was amazed by the soundstage I was getting with that simple, cheap setup. The 45s produced a good amount of bass, too; I was surprised. I thought they needed to be mounted in a corner to load the low end, but they did surprisingly well just out in space.

    Go figure.

    Well they are outdoor speakers ;). I have received several compliments from guests on the sound of my Atrium 45s setup near my pool. They are mounted on a fence so no corner loading, etc. and they were being powered by an older HtiB receiver. I thought they sounded very good. I've since upgraded to the Atrium 60s (and will upgrade the source as well for summer), but I really wouldn't think the Atrium 45's (or any outdoor style) would 'look' all that good for desktop speakers.
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    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
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    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's