[Paul Sheridan]

Currently using a pair of Sonos speakers (ones) for my PC/office setup... these sound muddy and un-responsive, not only that but they don't link directly to my PC (only able to use via Roon). So therefore I am looking for a reasonably cheap and much better alternative to these.

these currently sit on my computer desk, so recommendations would need to be of same size (or only very slightly larger) as only got a small amount of space.

am only looking for an active pair because i feel that these are going to take up the smallest footprint (no amps or DACs if possible). Also trying to reduce the need for wires to declutter desk.

Things i like:
- completely wireless & remote operation; only need to plug these in and they just work.
- decent bass
- small! these take up such a small footprint

things i don't like:
- clarity / detail
- PRAT (pace rhythm and timing) is poor


suggestions welcome!!

just suddenly thought that i didn't put a budget in! - max £500

 

[BrokeAudiophileMan]

You didn't mention a budget but IMO the best desktop speakers right now are KEF LSX. They are not cheap. If clarity is your goal, you can't do much better at that price IMO.
EDIT: Also wanted to give honorable mention to JBL LSR speakers. The LSR5 MKii is a terrific speaker. More clarity than what you've got for sure but absolutely nothing approaching the KEFs. Much much cheaper though and can sometimes be found in the USA for just over $200/pair. Great value. They are sensitive to noisy signals and I wasn't able to run mine off my PC's audio jack, and had to run optical to an Audioquest Beetle (it's a cheap hunk of crud IMO but it works) then analog out to the LSR5's. I still really like them though. They're like 1/8th the price of the LSX so worth considering. In any event I'd really suggest auditioning these speakers. Many hifi shops carry LSX and most music shops that have monitors will have JBL.

If you want something dirt cheap that is worth it's dirt cheap price in spades and is nothing to scoff at, for less than $150 (often a lot less) you can get Presonus Eris 3.5 or 4.5 speakers (one has a 3.5" woofer the other 4.5"). These are not spectacular by any measure but they are highly competent and musical (Again if you consider the price. They're not B&W 800's or anything)

EDIT again: I just wanted to say if you do get the KEF speakers, get proper desktop stands with isolation for them and you are going to have to play around with the placement. KEFs can be finnicky with placement. But they sound sooooooo good.

HTH

 

[purplesun]

If priority is a small-footprint active monitor pair with decent SQ, Take a look at the iLoud Micro for 350GBP list.

Imo, it's probably the best SQ for the small form factor. Some hard switches to tailor the sound signature, 3.5mm/RCA/BT input and that's about it. The front-ported speakers play a larger sound than its form factor would suggest. But, imo, the bass performance is decent-to-good but not great. Limited to left-right 1.5m distance due to the provided inter-connecting cable. I use it as my desktop computer speaker in a large room. It should sound better in a smaller room or studio (esp bass performance). Hope this helps.

 

[orbilius]

I was browsing the forums for thoughts on nearfield setups. I love headphones, but sometimes it's nice to just use a speaker. I picked up a used pair of KEF LSX 1s (not the 2s with HDMI ARC and USB-C) for less than $500. I added some wedge stands from Amazon to point them to ear level. I also added an $11 USB to Toslink dongle to directly connect to my mac. My work PC is connected via bluetooth, and they show up and work in Roon just fine via ethernet. I have them connected to the network and each other via ethernet. So far, I am quite happy. Nowhere near the micro detail and dynamics of my headphones, but I wasn't expecting that. They do sound natural, have good detail, and have fantastic imaging - I didn't know I was missing imaging but these give me something I was missing with headphones.

A funny thing I learned about imaging today - Microsoft Teams positions the audio of a person based upon where they are in your grid of participants. It was strange to have pinpoint imaging for a work call.

They are fine on their own, but thinking of adding in a small sub and curious if people think the little REL (T Zero MkIII) is too small.

Thanks!

 

[Paul Sheridan]

cool setup! to be fair i've been looking at subs too let me know how you get on!

 

[Paul Sheridan]

FYI this is now my setup.... (excuse the mess!! )

 

[orbilius]

cool setup! to be fair i've been looking at subs too let me know how you get on!

Last night I disconnected my SVS 12in home theater sub and set it up with the KEFs. I stayed up way to late dialing it in and got it to the point where it disappears and it sounds like the bass is coming from the KEFs. Man - it could really rock and it sounded great. However, I don't want that big of a box under my desk. I found an open box REL T Zero MKIII from Best Buy for $269 and am going to give it a go. I don't need deep bass, just enough to round out the sound.

 

[orbilius]

cool setup! to be fair i've been looking at subs too let me know how you get on!

I received the Rel T Zero MK III last night and have it halfway dialed in at the moment. So far I like it. I don't have the thunderous deep base of the 12in SVS, but that is not what I was wanting. The extension of the LSX seamless without being boomy. All imaging, including bass, seems to come from the monitors. For nearfield/desk use I recommend it. I feel like I got a bargain - less than $500 for the LSX and less than $300 for the Rel. Just a nice little system to enjoy during work when I want to take a break from headphones.