[AladdinSane]

You'll know when you hear it. Also if you want to go on the cheap search for some threads on Dayton bookshelf speakers (and subs). They seem to be a budget favorite. Additionally the Andrew  Jones series of budget Pioneer speakers (e.g. SP-BS22-LR and the larger BS41s) have gotten mad props from everywhere and have been cheap ($99-$120) lately on sites like Newegg and Amazon. With Best Buy price match you  can get some good deals and maybe even listen in-store.

 

[cel4145]

I agree. Look into the Swans, Emotivas, and the Vanatoos. Emotiva Airmotiv 4s have been out of stock for a month or so. Might have to contact Emotiva and see when they are getting new stock if you are interested in them.

If you have the Pioneer Andrew Jones speakers in your HT setup, you'll appreciate those speakers. Should sound as good

 

[shnjb]

what are these "swans"?

 

[AladdinSane]

Swan Speakers
 
Swan on Newegg

 

[shnjb]

Thanks a lot.

I keep hearing about the airplay not working well with stuff cutting out.
Is this true?

Would it be more advisable to spend on speakers plus apple airport express for airplay instead?

 

[squallkiercosa]

You should consider the swan m200mkii. good looking speakers, with stands they look excellent. 
http://hiviusa.com/shop/mulitmedia-speakers/swan-m200mkiii/

 

[AladdinSane]

Nice looking Swans!
 
@OP Sorry, not familiar with Airplay.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

 

So these speakers work without an amp and connect to airplay? Howv

 
They just mean they have an amp built int othem and don't require a separate amp, like multimedia computer speakers.
 

Maybe I will have to sacrifice the looks for function given my small budget

 
Not really - check out this one if you haven't looked in detail yet from the links posted. I used to have the D1080MkII 08 but I'm preparing to move to another job (and maybe start my PhD abroad) next year, so I sold it. I'm still having remorse over it, but right now I'm considering getting the M100MkII when I move and use it at my work desk at home (planning to just use an Ultrabook for work, then a miniITX rig hooked up to an HDTV and HT entry-level receiver+small 5.1 speaker set-up, instead of needing a desk for PC gaming). Less deep bass of course given the smaller midwoofer but at that close distance from me (and the need for a compact system) I wouldn't really mind.

 

[caracara08]

  You should consider the swan m200mkii. good looking speakers, with stands they look excellent. 
http://hiviusa.com/shop/mulitmedia-speakers/swan-m200mkiii/

 
for some reason, I always thought swan was more budget friendly
 
interesting look.

 

[shnjb]

Thank you everyone for the replies!

After some thought I've decided to purchase the pioneer SP-BS22-LR and pair it with amp and airport express. Although it is not what I was planning at first, my thought was that the integrated speakers are sold at a premium compared to the separate amp/wifi/speakers setup.

I may still end up buying one of the speakers which was suggested in the thread but I'm going to experiment with the pioneer speakers for now. Now I have to hunt for a simple amp to go with it.

The hunt for gear (I'm always buying new gear in all areas of the house) begins againb

 

[cel4145]

Congrats! Be sure to come back and let us know how it sounds

 

[shnjb]

How does a consolidated speaker set like the vanatoo compare to the pioneer bs22+dac+amp setup?

 

[AladdinSane]

So you didn't by the Pioneers? Vanatoo has an Airplay bundle right now. Not sure how it pencils out over buying separately. Wish someone else would buy these great speakers so I would have a fanboi buddy. Just an  excellent product. 

 

[shnjb]

So you didn't by the Pioneers? Vanatoo has an Airplay bundle right now. Not sure how it pencils out over buying separately. Wish someone else would buy these great speakers so I would have a fanboi buddy. Just an  excellent product. 

I already bought the pioneers.
Haven't set it up yet.

 

[ericp10]

I just bought a pair for use as my desktop speakers. OMG! The best bookshelf (powered bookshelf/desk) speaker I've ever heard in my life! Before burn-in, a sub, or anything, the bass is a beast! And the micro-details, vocal clarity, and mids are outstanding. More thoughts to come as I dig deeper into them!