Small self-powered desktop monitor speakers?

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2FlyingYorkies

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I need a small speaker system for use with a desktop computer. Looking for something really quite compact (no more than 10" high by 6" wide, even smaller is better) but that doesn't make me want to rip my ears off from sounding low-fi. I've had the typical Logitech computer speakers previously (Z623 most recently), but I just can't deal with them any longer. I know the resulting system still won't sound anything like either of my big systems, but I'd like to get at least somewhat closer. This is probably a case where many would reach for a nice pair of headphones, but I actually need "non private" audio here, even if I won't be calling on the system to fill a room. These will be true nearfield monitors - desktop only, not stand-mounted, and flanking my display, so maybe a 3ft equilateral triangle with the listening position. Because of the "compact" requirement, I'm only looking at self-powered or active speakers that will connect directly to the PC's sound card output - I do not have room for an external DAC or amp. I'm ok with a 2.1 system to fill out the low end down to at least 40hz, so long as the accompanying bass module is no bigger than a 14" cube. Ideally there would be a front-panel power/volume control, as I do not want the speakers on by default when the computer is on. Budget is $1000 max, so the KEF LSX or LS50 are off the table.

The reviews I've found of small powered mini-monitors suggest products like the Edifier S350DB (2.1), Kanto YU4 + sub8, Audioengine HD4 + sub S8, or Peachtree M24 + some kind of sub. I have heard none of these products and have no way to audition locally, so this will be a "buy online and hope for the best" situation.

Would appreciate any feedback or advice the gang has to offer, as I have zero experience in the super-compact audio arena!
 
I use the Vanatoo Audio Transparent One Encores (previously used large Selah Audio bookshelves and a NuPrime IDA-8 up until several months back) and am happy. They exhibited at the Florida Audio Expo a couple of years back and was impressed by them. They have a built in DAC as well.

Transparent One Encore | Vanatoo
 

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I’m a huge fan of the KEF LSX speakers. I have used them in my kitchen and computer desk and they are easy to use and very impressive sound-wise. Cool finishes as well. Two thumbs up for sure!
 
Phil A said:
I use the Vanatoo Audio Transparent One Encores and am happy. They exhibited at the Florida Audio Expo a couple of years back and was impressed by them. They have a built in DAC as well.
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I came across those Vanatoos while looking around just yesterday. Seems like it could be a good option. They're at the very upper size limit for my desk, but might also be able to avoid the complications of a sub this way. I'll look more closely.
 
Another strong recommendation for the Vanatoo. I have the “One Encoress” on my desk and we also have a pair of the “Zeros”. Both excellent options. If you do acquire them if you read the manual as they have a lot of adjustments available in setup and they come with some protections engaged (compressors) that you will want to turn off for best sound. I have enjoyed them everyday for two years now. I purchased mine direct from Vanatoo but I believe they are now avalaible to order through Amazon.

Rick
 
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I can vouch for Audio Engine, Years back I bought my daughter a set, it was the little model with 3" and a tweeter, they didn't sound like much out of the box but after some break in they were impressive. My grandson has them now hooked to a streamer. I bet they are around ten years old. I'd use a sub for better range.
 
I think I've got it narrowed down to one of the Vanatoos or the Eve SC203. I like the accessible control knob on the Eve relative to the Vanatoos (where it's either on the back or top rear), and the very compact size - similar to an Audioengine A2 or HD3.
 
FYI on the Vanatoo speakers the remote control works vey well and I never touch the volume control knob once the speakers are set up. They will sense an incoming signal and turn on and all i need to do is set the volume (or adjust bass and treble) with the remote.

Rick
 
Drrsutliff said:
FYI on the Vanatoo speakers the remote control works vey well and I never touch the volume control knob once the speakers are set up. They will sense an incoming signal and turn on and all i need to do is set the volume (or adjust bass and treble) with the remote.

Rick
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Sure does - takes about 6 seconds to wake up. I never have touched the tone controls. My old desktop system referenced in post 2 were just way too big (I now have those in a secondary system) and the integrated amp/DAC I had with the speakers I sold (for about the same price as the Vanatoo speakers new). Ever since I heard the Vanatoo speakers at the Florida Audio Expo, I've been wanting a pair. I have on older version of JRiver on the PC and the built in DAC in the Vanatoo works great. JRiver also allows a virtual subwoofer (e.g. virtual subwoofer - whaa?).
 
Drrsutliff said:
FYI on the Vanatoo speakers the remote control works vey well and I never touch the volume control knob once the speakers are set up. They will sense an incoming signal and turn on and all i need to do is set the volume (or adjust bass and treble) with the remote.
Click to expand...

Actually, that's one thing that I specifically don't want - the Auto Wakeup. Or at the very least I want a way to disable that feature and manually command the speakers on and off without fiddling around on the back panel for a power toggle. Generally I only use the speakers a small fraction of the time, and would much prefer to turn them on only when I need them even if it means having to remember to power off when done. If nothing else, it's a defense against those annoying auto-play videos that seem to be on websites everywhere. I'm not sure I understand why a remote is a preferred interface option for a device that's within arm's reach. I guess these straddle the line between desktop and "small room" audio, so that makes the remote appropriate.

Side note: I can tell I'm still thinking of these as a commodity item rather than a real high end or quality audio thing because I'm more worried about the human factors interface than the sound. Like, I'm sure they're going to sound good enough if it's being mentioned at all on this forum in a positive light, but that darn power button could break the deal... :S
 
2FlyingYorkies said:
Actually, that's one thing that I specifically don't want - the Auto Wakeup. Or at the very least I want a way to disable that feature and manually command the speakers on and off without fiddling around on the back panel for a power toggle. Generally I only use the speakers a small fraction of the time, and would much prefer to turn them on only when I need them even if it means having to remember to power off when done...
Click to expand...

I use the Vanatoo Transparent Zero's with my office setup (Thinkpad laptop). I just click the "Speakers" icon (pinned to my Windows taskbar), to toggle between the laptop speakers or the Vanatoo's, so no need to flip a switch. I presume Apple computers offer a similar option.
 
I use the B&W MM1 speakers with my computer. B&W still sell these amazing compact computer speakers. I actually have a pair on my wife's computer as well. She loves them!

61wgdkZbrdL._AC_SL1125_.jpg
 
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