[erted]

I did a bit of snooping around some stores. A pair of LSR305s would set me back roughly 250eur + what the cables would cost. The problem I now see (didn't realise earlier) is that the JBLs are fairly big. Problematic for my small desk sitting under a slanted roof, unless I'd put them where the mystery speakers sit, which is not ideal since they'd be blasting sound into my right ear only and wouldn't really be near enough for a "nearfield" setup.

As per the preamp of the UDH-100, I have no idea what type it is. This is what the manual says, if it's any help:

Transparent Preamp Finally and of great importance is the line-level analog stage that follows the DAC. Irrespective of the DAC’s accuracy, the sound the finished product produces can be no better than the amplification at the line-level stage. Indeed, this stage shares much in common with typical preamplifiers – without the extra gain. The UDH-100 has been designed to deliver the analog signal to its RCA terminals with the same level of audiophile fidelity found in the very best preamps. The UDH-100’s analog preamp stage is a minimalist design that approaches a straight-wire-with-gain level of performance. Topquality parts and a full 2.0Vrms signal level ensures the purest of analog signals.

I did however sniff out another, very appealing alternative:

https://www.presonus.com/products/Eris-45

Small enough to fit on my desk, powered, RCA inputs (the cable is included ), an acceptable price tag of around 190eur and a fairly decent sound quality:



OK, so they're not equal, but I think the other "benefits" I listed above make up for the dip in sound quality.

On a side note, the YT channel I linked above also does a comparison between the Mackie CR3 and Edifier R1280T (I prefer the Mackies) and Mackie CR4 vs Edifier R1700BT (prefer the latter). None of these three are a match for the LRS305 though. Hardly a surprise, given the price and size difference.
There's also a comparison between the Edifier R1700BT and Personus Eris E4.5. I prefer the latter. The R1700BT has too much bass for my taste (too boomy, almost painful to my ears), but I could do with a touch more bass on the E4.5, especially in some electronic music. Still, a better set of monitors IMO.

I'm aware these comparisons might not be 100% representative, but it's the best I've got

 

[erted]

Necro-update. I went ahead and got myself a pair of JBL LSR305. These thing are amazing. I don't even care they take up most of my desk. I'd say they were worth every cent. Speaking of which, they set me back 270 eur for the pair of speakers (brand new), a set of pads and an XLR to RCA cable. There is a bit of hum coming out of the speakers. I thought the RCA cable might be the problem, so I tried disconnecting said cable but the hum was still there. To be honest however, it's not really noticable - I have to put my ear right next to the speaker (within an inch or two) to hear it, and the speakers are at max volume.

Here's a picture:

https://ibb.co/mtB2wa

I'm not sure this setup is ideal - the speakers might be too close together? Maybe at some point I'll get (or make) some stands and put them behind my desk, but for now, they'll do

 

[Music Alchemist]

Necro-update. I went ahead and got myself a pair of JBL LSR305. These thing are amazing. I don't even care they take up most of my desk. I'd say they were worth every cent. Speaking of which, they set me back 270 eur for the pair of speakers (brand new), a set of pads and an XLR to RCA cable. There is a bit of hum coming out of the speakers. I thought the RCA cable might be the problem, so I tried disconnecting said cable but the hum was still there. To be honest however, it's not really noticable - I have to put my ear right next to the speaker (within an inch or two) to hear it, and the speakers are at max volume.

Here's a picture:

https://ibb.co/mtB2wa

I'm not sure this setup is ideal - the speakers might be too close together? Maybe at some point I'll get (or make) some stands and put them behind my desk, but for now, they'll do

Awesome! I started out with them set up that way, next to my laptop on a table...but soon after, I put them on stands, which greatly improved the sound, especially with optimal positioning in the room.

Here's a photo of the last setup I had for the LSR305s:

https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/9979309.jpg

I recently upgraded to higher-end passive floorstanding speakers, which are just spectacular. Here are photos of those as well in case you'd like to see:

https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/9984327.jpg
https://cdn.head-fi.org/a/9984326.jpg

Oh, and the soft hiss emanating from the tweeters is normal.

 

[erted]

Thanks

Those passive speakers look really cool, I'm a bit jealous

As per the positioning, I took threw together a "prototype" stand:

https://ibb.co/gdpdma

I might try throwing this together, I'll check what materials I have available in my workshop. Just as a temporary thing (or maybe permeant, if they turn out well )