Desktop speakers... Seems like a minefield?

[cat with a hat]

Hi All,

I'd like to buy some high quality 'desktop speakers' that I can hook up to my PC, but it seems like a minefield.

For the last 10-15 years I've been trundling along with an old pair of Creative Inspire P5800 that simply plug into the AUX input. In the past I've used them as a 5.1, but currently using them as a 2.1. (http://www.eprom.com/home/images_of_spk/inspire_p5800.html )


They will be used for everything from Spotify, to YouTube, Netflix and even the news.
I don't produce music, but have an interest.
I don't know if monitors will be 'too neutral'?
I fear I might miss not having a sub?
I'd like to upgrade and spend ideally around £400-800

I feel like there are several choices:

Option 1:
Buy a USB Audio Interface (e.g. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2)
Buy smaller studio monitors with a sub to make a 2.1 set up e.g. Adam A3x + a Sub 7

Option 2:
Buy a USB Audio Interface (e.g. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2)
Buy larger desktop monitors e.g. Yamaha HS7 or KRK rokit 7

Option 3:
Buy a cheap amp of dubious quality with AUX input e..g SMSL SA-50 2 50W
Pair it something like DALI SPEKTOR 2

Option 4:
Buy a proper amp with USB input e.g. Cambridge Audio CXA80
Pair it with some sensible, more expensive speakers.. KEF Q350?

Option 'just think about using it for spotify/streaming music':
Buy an AMP e.g. Sonos AMP and some speakers to match.

Would love to hear your thoughts!

[Monty Python]

If you want a pair of compact desktop speakers for 2.1 then I'd recommend the AudioEngine A2+ or the TiboPlus 2.1.

[untakenname]

I've got some Harman Kardon Soundsticks which sound pretty decent for general purpose pc use, they aren't up there with audiophile quality monitors but then again they only cost around £200 and have quite a bit of bass to them which standalone non .1 speakers lack.

[SwissJonese]

I have: Option 2:
Buy a USB Audio Interface (e.g. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2)
Buy larger desktop monitors e.g. Yamaha HS7 or KRK rokit 7

But I have the smaller Yahama HS5 speakers. Been using them for last 10 years and as I work from home they are on all the time. Perfect sound quality, utterly brilliant.

[Narcisus]

I've just been through this exact same exercise over a period of months ! After going backwards and forwards between speakers and amps I eventually settled on a pair of Kef LSX.

They are superb.

[Hilts]

I have a set of Q acoustics 3020 speakers running off a SMSL Q5 Pro. No sub.

They produce a great sound so for your budget you should be able to get something really good.

[Bobajobbob]

Not sure you can buy them new anymore but I have a set of B&W MM-1 speakers which I'm sure are still available somewhere. Best PC speakers I have used.

https://www.johnlewis.com/bowers-wilkins-mm-1-comp...

[gregs656]

I went the T-Class Amp and bookshelf speakers route in two rooms and never looked back.

The quality of both my amps is good, they've never missed a beat, and things seem to have improved since then (this was 2012 I think).

[heisthegaffer]

I've mentioned this before but I have a Topping VX2 t class amp and Dali Zensor 1s plugged into my computer.

Sounds fantastic all for 250 quid

[cat with a hat]

Thanks all, certainly some food for thought!

[Some Gump]

Could do worse than some small active monitors pro audio style.
Would certainly be better than most 2.1 computer setups, and a lot less meddling than adding aux out and a small amp.

[DE1975]

The KEF LSX do look pretty good and by all accounts sound good as well. They'd be my choice but not cheap.

[theboss]

I’ve been having the same dilemna recently and have been leaning towards the LSX so this is an interesting thread. The only thing which is putting me off is the lack of inputs as I have a pre / headphone amp and DAC with balanced XLR out which I’d like to use, and looking at specs I think the only way I could hook that up to a pair of LSX is via the 3.5mm input via what I imagine would be a fairly bespoke cable.

How are they size-wise, are they suitable for desktop use or more of a bookshelf size?

There is always the LS50 Wireless but this just seems like endless escalation of cost and by all accounts they are a heftier unit which will take up more space.

[anonymous-user]

Second vote for the b&w mm-1.

[cat with a hat]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

These were one of the first speakers I was was looking at.. As you can add a sub too.. Seem perfect, just not a huge fan of the looks

[cat with a hat]

I've been looking at the LSX a few times.. But then I think, why not just get a Q350? And then I think 'if I'm getting passive speakers, should I just get some Q700 floor standers' which are somewhat inappropriate

[cat with a hat]

B&W MM-1 looks slick, but not very substantial!

[Narcisus]

theboss said:

I’ve been having the same dilemna recently and have been leaning towards the LSX so this is an interesting thread. The only thing which is putting me off is the lack of inputs as I have a pre / headphone amp and DAC with balanced XLR out which I’d like to use, and looking at specs I think the only way I could hook that up to a pair of LSX is via the 3.5mm input via what I imagine would be a fairly bespoke cable.

How are they size-wise, are they suitable for desktop use or more of a bookshelf size?

There is always the LS50 Wireless but this just seems like endless escalation of cost and by all accounts they are a heftier unit which will take up more space.

I have them on my desk they are. Looked at the LS50 but they are much bigger. To big for a desk imo. I'm moving to a small room so they are the perfect size.

[Narcisus]

cat with a hat said:

I've been looking at the LSX a few times.. But then I think, why not just get a Q350? And then I think 'if I'm getting passive speakers, should I just get some Q700 floor standers' which are somewhat inappropriate

Q350's were on my shortlist but they were just to big for a desk plus more space for the amp. Nice thing about the LSX is you know the amps suit the speakers for obvious reasons :-)

[anonymous-user]

Soundsticks
£150
VGVFM