[maverhick]

Hello guys, I tend to hear music more often on my desktop PC than other places. My other room sizes are compromised for stereo listening and now I am looking for a decent near-field speaker system that I can integrate with my PC. I would be using an external DAC like the MF VDAC or something in the similar price range instead of the PC sound card.  Are there near-field speakers you can recommend? The listening distance would be 3 - 4 feet from the speakers. Budget: Anywhere from 500$ - 2000$/pair.

Thanks

[Mike Nomad]

I've used Yamaha's MSP7 with no complaints. Expect to pay ~800 /pair.

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/music-production/speakers/msp_studio_series/msp7_studio/?mode=model

[emac]

Dali Mentor Menuets, which sound their best in the nearfield and close to walls where they get bass reinforcement from the back wall.  Here's a link to a review from TAS:

http://www.avguide.com/review/dali-mentor-menuet-and-nola-boxer-loudspeakers-tas-203

Solid overall performer that I've been using at my desktop (where I also do most of my listening) with excellent microdynamics and soundstage.  Also seem to work well w/ whatever electronics I use with them.

[maverhick]

The desktop table I intend to use the speakers on doesn't have a rear wall. I guess the bass will be almost non existent. Any other choices? I want something easier to drive as I will be using an external DAC output from my PC to feed to a small amp (both not decided).

Thanks

[jimdgoulding]

I use the Audioengine 2 active two-way small speaks.  If I remember they were about $325.00.  Sound good but one thing, if you set them directly on the desk surface, their bass will bloat up big.  I've set them on top of a pair of heavy marble vases about 6" high.  Mo betta.  Sounds like you are shooting for a more high end speaker.  Must be some reviews about what I use online.  Cheers.

[fly_fish_nz]

Two suggestions on the lower and upper end of your range:

- I use Audio Engine A5's with my desktop and have been surprised how good they are for the price - several reviews on line.

- My favorites of all the monitors I've used are Lipinski 707's and 505's, which are sealed cabinets and won't be a problem in most setups.  I've owned the 505's before I stepped up to the 707's and thought they were phenomenal in the near field, used, if you can find them, they're a little below the top of your range.  There are several reviews of the Lipinski's on line and they are very similar except for lower frequency extension...see Stereophile where they got a Class A rating, or Bob Katz's review.

Good luck.

[cvictorg]

I also use the Audioengine A5's and I also have the S8 subwoofer - Very satisfied

[davidrs]

Are there near-field speakers you can recommend? The listening distance would be 3 - 4 feet from the speakers. Budget: Anywhere from 500$ - 2000$/pair.

Maverhick,

You've got a healthy range in terms of your budget.

Most monitor speakers will work well at your listening distance as long as you have some flexibility on setting up the width that achieves the results you need and you are able to stand mount them high enough to clear your desk.

At the low end of your budget, I'd suggest taking a look at NHT Classic Threes.

At the mid to high end of your budget, I'd suggest Micropure Kotaros.

- David.

[Phil A]

I just traded with a member here for a pair of Mobile Fidelity OML-1s.  Got them Saturday and am really impressed.  Listening to Linn jazz on internet radio now (from a Pioneer 1120 receiver) and not even 3 feet away (the speakers are deep) and it sounds really good.  I did not expect them to sound this good this close.  Since I will be upgrading to a computer soon to digitize music, I wanted something that would sound good.

[dwk]

My $0.02 is to look at pro studio monitors. The new Adam series in particular seems to offer a lot for the money. They are powered, so it eliminates the amp from the picture - simply feed the PC straight into the speakers.  The A7x would run $1200/pr.  The main downside compared to hifi speakers for this application would be cosmetic - they are industrial/functional rather than attractive.

http://www.adam-audio.com/en/pro-audio/products/a7x/description

[Sam-fi]

To throw in my share how about these?

http://store.virtueaudio.com/product-p/audience-theone-1.htm

I have heard them and have been very impressed. A surprising amount of bass and I have hardly heard brass instruments sound better. My dealer has one of the first pairs of these and I am very impressed.
Purity is the name of the game.

[planet10]

Maybe add a woofer(s)

dave

[maverhick]

planet10, nice setup. Which speakers are those?

[cliffy]

I use a Nuforce Icon integrated with their S-1 and subwoofer.

Works great for me!

[lonewolfny42]

As a few have suggested....those Audioengine 5's.... work well for a desktop system.

[planet10]

planet10, nice setup. Which speakers are those?

Those are actually diy. uFonken with FF85KeN. FF85 was one of the best drivers Fostex ever made, in their wisdom discontinued. I have one flat-pak kit left.

This is the speaker that Mark Fenlon, Scott Lindgren and i have been using as a common reference. Surprises & puts BIG smiles on a lot of faces.

dave

[mhconley]

With that budget I'd be scouring the second hand sites for a used pair of Paradigm Active 40's.

I'm happy with my Ferrari red KRK Rokit 6's. (they were $300 for the pair)

Martin

[JakeJ]

maverhick,

As others have noted with a nice budget like yours you should be looking at studio monitors that are designed for nearfield (not there aren't great ones from mfrs in the consumer arena).  I also think the suggestion for actives is very good and you'll find there are many to choose from.

I am using ELAC monitors from Germany driven with an Accuphase E-212 with PC and an Onix BWD-1 tuner for sources


Phil A,

Glad you are enjoying them.  Now elevate them so that the acoustic midpoint between the woofer and tweeter is level with your ears.  Try it, you'll like 'em all the more.


mhconley,

What a coinky-dink, I have Active 40s and Active 20s for front and rear in my HT setup.  They do HT better than music, IMO.

[maverhick]

That is one good looking speaker! 

[maverhick]

With that budget I'd be scouring the second hand sites for a used pair of Paradigm Active 40's.

I generally like the Paradigm sound the active 40s would have been a great buy only if they were available   

Mostly they dont seem to be available even in the second hand market. What luck! Beautiful speakers though - wonder why they discontinued it!