Which desktop speakers , pleaseee!!!

Does it need to be powered and connect to a computer / ipod like those focals?

These might be bigger than what you're looking for - but in my experience small speaker just sound small.  A couple of self-powered ribbon-tweeter options:

Might be a bit out of your price range but the Adam A5 monitors are supposed to be fantastic.

The Samson R5a monitors sound great and are a bargain.  I have the R6a's and properly positioned and EQ'd they're the closest things to headphones I've heard.

Genelec 8030a's might be up your alley, along with the KRK RP5s. Blue Sky Media Desk 2.1s are good but size-wise the subwoofer may be a problem for you. The Genelec's are supposed to be great though for the size, although I have only heard the KRKs.

Nuforce makes a nice little package with the Icon amp and S-X speakers.

MM-1?

For $600, I will get these - $300/unit:

Review is here:

http://www.adam-audio.com/files/downloads/ADAM_A3X_review_HarmonyCentral.pdf

Adam sound is not for everybody.  If you love sizzling highs, wide and deep imaging, and details, this is the speaker for you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bankung 

I'm looking for a pair of not big desktop speaker.

Focal XS and aktimate mini (may be a little bit big)  come in mind but want to know if there would be some other choices.

Which small desktop speaker is the best?  budget around 600 bucks

I'd just go with the Focal XS - they sound quite good.  Focal is a great company and while it's not the most "accurate" sound in the world, it's a very pleasing sound signature - punchy bass and extended highs.  They only thing I've heard against the Focals is that they can be a little bright....nothing that can't be fixed with a little eq.  The great thing about the Focals is that they have built in Bur Brown dac so you just plug via usb and have both great speakers and great DAC in one package.  For 600, not bad.....not bad at all.  BTW, I'm thinking of getting these babies too!

The adam and focal are very good choices.  Other two are:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/prod_bdb_AR_186461.html?image=0

http://www.thomann.de/gb/prod_bdb_AR_109049.html?image=0

I vote for the adam A3X aswel but you need a good source.

Thanks for posting the ADAM A3X review link.

They look ideal as a desktop pair of speakers if you already have a full range set available for when you want them.

Release seems to have been delayed. Certainly none available in the UK as yet.

Has anyone here heard a pair in operation yet? i.e. an unbiased consumer's opinion.

edit: I just went out and bought a pair  -  So I'll answer my own question tomorrow. Early Indications v good :P

I love my Swan M200mkiii. I know they are out of your budget but if you could squeeze them in you wont regret it. Or you can get the M200mkii or D1080 08 which Im sure sound amazing as well.

Just remember that nearfield monitors, while they are accurate, may not be what you want.  They are made for studio professionals for mixing and editing - not for enjoyment.  If you are someone who wants flat frequency response and accurate sound, then go for it.  However, if you're looking for entertaining, pleasing, punchy, sweet, etc..., you might want to go with something else.  Also, while the frequency response of prof. monitors is flat, they tend to be limited to not much lower than 50 hz.  The Focal XS go down to in the 30s, and will probably be much more "fun" to listen to.  Nearfield monitors tend to be a bore fest. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatsudaMan 

Just remember that nearfield monitors, while they are accurate, may not be what you want.  They are made for studio professionals for mixing and editing - not for enjoyment.  If you are someone who wants flat frequency response and accurate sound, then go for it.  However, if you're looking for entertaining, pleasing, punchy, sweet, etc..., you might want to go with something else.  Also, while the frequency response of prof. monitors is flat, they tend to be limited to not much lower than 50 hz.  The Focal XS go down to in the 30s, and will probably be much more "fun" to listen to.  Nearfield monitors tend to be a bore fest. 

I disagree - the logic is slightly flawed considering almost all music is created in studios using flat FR monitors, and the music is produced to sound fantastic on those monitors. Any deviation from this is colouration and may make _some_ music more exciting but simultaneously may ruin other types of music. It's very contextually dependent. A speaker with bloated bass levels will not sound good on acoustic rock or technical death metal for example.

Studio monitors such as the KRK RP5 G2s when paired with a subwoofer will go down to 30 if not 20 hertz while being reasonably flat. The Adam's will likely do even better. Of course these may be outside your budget so remember to listen to what you can within your price range before making a decision.