Office Computer/Desktop speker/system Recommendations

[TechToys2]

I have been getting by in my small home office with a Klipsch 2.1 mulimedia system for too long and am thinking of upgrading to something of better quality. I don't have a ton of space and preferably would like something that can sit on my desk.

The speakers will do double duty for both listening purposes (the majority) as well as studio monitors as I use my computer for some basic home audio recording. I generally listen at fairly low volume.

The speakers will be connected to a small Mackie USB audio interface that is hooked up to my Mac computer.

Opinions/recommendations welcome and appreciated.

 

[mazersteven]

Well if you've been reading this forum you'd see that @shadyJ has been raving over these speakers. I've not heard them myself

Kali Audio LP-8 Powered Monitor Loudspeaker Review

We reviewed the Kali Audio LP-8 powered studio monitor loudspeakers to determine if pro-audio equipment can be used with excellence in home audio applications.

www.audioholics.com

Kali Audio IN-8 8-inch Powered Studio Monitor

8" 3-way Studio Monitor with Coaxial 1" Textile-dome Tweeter and 4" Optimized-profile Midrange Driver, Low-noise Port Tube, Boundary EQ, and HF/HF Trims (each) - Black

www.sweetwater.com

 

[ryanosaur]

To add to that, I was considering briefly the KRK Rokits and JBL 30x MkII. Shady did reviews of four other Studio Monitors (which Max linked one above).
For me, as a supplemental system in room with my main rig, I ultimately couldn’t justify the cost of spending on two Monitors and a Sub. Your situation is different.
Here’s a video AH did that covers all four in a Shootout:

 

[TechToys2]

Well if you've been reading this forum you'd see that @shadyJ has been raving over these speakers. I've not heard them myself

Kali Audio LP-8 Powered Monitor Loudspeaker Review

We reviewed the Kali Audio LP-8 powered studio monitor loudspeakers to determine if pro-audio equipment can be used with excellence in home audio applications.

www.audioholics.com

Kali Audio IN-8 8-inch Powered Studio Monitor

8" 3-way Studio Monitor with Coaxial 1" Textile-dome Tweeter and 4" Optimized-profile Midrange Driver, Low-noise Port Tube, Boundary EQ, and HF/HF Trims (each) - Black

www.sweetwater.com

These look great although I suspect a bit large for my desk. I think they make smaller versions, but then I might need a sub. I suppose I could probably squeeze a couple of speaker stands next to my desk ....

 

[TechToys2]

To add to that, I was considering briefly the KRK Rokits and JBL 30x MkII. Shady did reviews of four other Studio Monitors (which Max linked one above).
For me, as a supplemental system in room with my main rig, I ultimately couldn’t justify the cost of spending on two Monitors and a Sub. Your situation is different.
Here’s a video AH did that covers all four in a Shootout:

Thanks. I'll check out the video. I also had been looking at the JBLs. I like the smaller speakers but then I figure I will need a sub. I keep looking to simplify and get rid of some wires/cables, but somehow no matter what I do they seem to proliferate.

 

[mazersteven]

These look great although I suspect a bit large for my desk. I think they make smaller versions, but then I might need a sub. I suppose I could probably squeeze a couple of speaker stands next to my desk ....

Kali Audio LP-6 6.5 inch Powered Studio Monitor

6.5" Powered Studio Monitor with 1" Soft-dome Tweeter, 3-D Imaging Waveguide, Low-noise Port Tube, Boundary EQ, and LF/HF Trims - Black (each)

www.sweetwater.com

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I haven't heard these myself, but reviews are good:

Transparent Zero

*** BIG SALE - Last Chance to Save Big *** Lowest price ever, even below the 2017 prices. A killer back-to-school system for students. Only a few left. When they're gone, they're gone. Vanatoo's Transparent Zero active speakers are made using the same high quality materials and workmanship that...

vanatoo.com

Vanatoo Transparent Zero Review

noaudiophile.com

 

[mazersteven]

Edifier USA - All Speakers

Edifier (USA) - Edifier speakers are built to deliver rich, clear sound. Perfect for professionals, audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.

www.edifier.com

Home Page — Audioengine

Audioengine: changing the way people listen to music since 2005. We believe in the power of music and our passion is to inspire you to listen every day.

audioengineusa.com

Speakers

Our line of speakers has won more awards than we can count on fingers and toes. Music lovers don’t have to make the looks-for-sound compromise ever again.

www.peachtreeaudio.com

 

[TechToys2]

Edifier USA - All Speakers

Edifier (USA) - Edifier speakers are built to deliver rich, clear sound. Perfect for professionals, audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.

www.edifier.com

Home Page — Audioengine

Audioengine: changing the way people listen to music since 2005. We believe in the power of music and our passion is to inspire you to listen every day.

audioengineusa.com

Speakers

Our line of speakers has won more awards than we can count on fingers and toes. Music lovers don’t have to make the looks-for-sound compromise ever again.

www.peachtreeaudio.com

Thanks. Looks like i've got some research to do!

 

[ryanosaur]

Pay very close attention to the specs and FR of edifier. I looked for a while. The Logitech and klipsch 2.1 thx systems are better.
That said audioengine a5+ may be a solution.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

From everything I've heard about Edifier and Audioengine I'd skip both brands:

Edifier R1280T Powered Speaker Review

Another guy's measurement: https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/442874/how-to-prevent-my-audio-amplifier-cutting-out

www.audiosciencereview.com

AudioEngine P4 Review

noaudiophile.com

AudioEngine A2+ Review

noaudiophile.com

I'd seen Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 thx on sale at Costco as low as $80 (in-store, bit more expensive online) - It's desktop PC gold standard speakers and has been for ages.

https://www.costco.com/klipsch-promedia-2.1-thx-computer-speakers.product.100657992.html

 

[John Parks]

I was very, very impressed when I heard the KEF LSX in a semi-nearfield environment - I can only imagine how good they would sound set up on a desk (and they're on sale!).

LSX Wireless Wifi Network Stereo Speakers

The convenience and connectivity of wireless. The emotion and detail of true high-resolution stereo. And all from a compact system designed to fit almost anywhere. LSX is the speaker system for the way we listen today.

us.kef.com

Certified refurbs on A4L:

Accessories4less: High End Audio at Low End Prices!

www.accessories4less.com

 

[mazersteven]

 

[afterlife2]

Don't mean to intrude. Anyone know if this is any good. Just need a small computer for home use only and no gaming. Maybe for browsing, picture editing and printing:
HP Elite 8300 Ultra Small Slim High Performance Business Computer PC (Intel 3470s 2.9Ghz), 8GB RAM, 120GB Brand New SSD, Wireless WIFI, USB 3.0) Windows 10 Professional (Renewed) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074T2L4CC/ref=cm_sw_r_u_apa_fabc_DeM6FbVPB31K7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[TechToys2]

Don't mean to intrude. Anyone know if this is any good. Just need a small computer for home use only and no gaming. Maybe for browsing, picture editing and printing:
HP Elite 8300 Ultra Small Slim High Performance Business Computer PC (Intel 3470s 2.9Ghz), 8GB RAM, 120GB Brand New SSD, Wireless WIFI, USB 3.0) Windows 10 Professional (Renewed) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074T2L4CC/ref=cm_sw_r_u_apa_fabc_DeM6FbVPB31K7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

At that price I would be surprised if the video card and processor would be up to the challenge of photo editing other than something very basic. But with free returns, you don't have much to lose if you want to give it a shot. For browsing, docs, etc., it will probably be ok, I would think.

 

[EthicalEar]

AudioEngine A5+ is good, I have heard them and would highly recommend them. Good bass from them. Going way back, I had the Klipsch 2.1 then went to the Bose 3.2.1. That broke years ago when I used them as an amp/speakers for my synthesizer. My brother in law who has a business transferring VHS to BLU-RAY uses A5+ to listen and monitor the music he adds to home videos. Just for fun... In my office I have an old Sony AVR on the floor under my desk. I control the volume knob with my foot. When my kid was young I'd lift my hands in the air and say "dad can use the force, I am going to make the volume go up and down with my mind" He was impressed. LOL. I still have the AVR but now I have the DAC on the desktop that controls the volume sent to headphones or AVR. Speakers are Paradigm studio 20 V5 combined with homemade full range speakers (using both speaker A & B setting for the combo). I don't think too many people do this but it is a great office stereo. Got tower surrounds and a big klipsch sub also all in a little office room. When you have old AVR's laying around, don't let them go to waste.

 

[TechToys2]

AudioEngine A5+ is good, I have heard them and would highly recommend them. Good bass from them. Going way back, I had the Klipsch 2.1 then went to the Bose 3.2.1. That broke years ago when I used them as an amp/speakers for my synthesizer. My brother in law who has a business transferring VHS to BLU-RAY uses A5+ to listen and monitor the music he adds to home videos. Just for fun... In my office I have an old Sony AVR on the floor under my desk. I control the volume knob with my foot. When my kid was young I'd lift my hands in the air and say "dad can use the force, I am going to make the volume go up and down with my mind" He was impressed. LOL. I still have the AVR but now I have the DAC on the desktop that controls the volume sent to headphones or AVR. Speakers are Paradigm studio 20 V5 combined with homemade full range speakers (using both speaker A & B setting for the combo). I don't think too many people do this but it is a great office stereo. Got tower surrounds and a big klipsch sub also all in a little office room. When you have old AVR's laying around, don't let them go to waste.

You just gave me an interesting idea. I have a very good, but old AVR that is currently getting looked at by a repair guy. He says there really is very little wrong with it. I already bought a new AVR, so when the old one comes back I wasn't sure what I was going to do. I also have a pair of vintage ADS speakers sitting in boxes that I was trying to figure out what to do with. Maybe I should buy some speaker stands to put next to the desk and use them with the old receiver. A little bigger than I would like, but it should sound great -- although not a studio monitor.

 

[afterlife2]

At that price I would be surprised if the video card and processor would be up to the challenge of photo editing other than something very basic. But with free returns, you don't have much to lose if you want to give it a shot. For browsing, docs, etc., it will probably be ok, I would think.

Even with 8gb of ram?

 

[TechToys2]

Even with 8gb of ram?

I don't know what you are trying to do, but the minimum requirements for Adobe Lightroom is 4GB of RAM and 1 GB of video ram (more is preferred -- 8GB of each is recommended). I would imagine this machine doesn't have a separate video card and it doesn't say how much VRAM it has -- I suspect not a lot, but don't know. It might work fine, but I would just keep your expectations in check.

 

[afterlife2]

I don't know what you are trying to do, but the minimum requirements for Adobe Lightroom is 4GB of RAM and 1 GB of video ram (more is preferred -- 8GB of each is recommended). I would imagine this machine doesn't have a separate video card and it doesn't say how much VRAM it has -- I suspect not a lot, but don't know. It might work fine, but I would just keep your expectations in check.

Anything you can recommend around the same price range?