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Advice for killer desktop speakers

I am looking to upgrade my desktop listening experience and could use the advice of the community. Is there anything in the same price range as the Audioengine 5+ that I should consider? The Audioengines seem to be the consensus choice, but am unsure if this is just online hype and inertia. I do not want a subwoofer and I do not have enough desk space to go any bigger than the Audioengine 5. I tried using a pair of Kef Q150 speakers paired with a Dayton Audio APA 150 amp, but the speakers are just too big for my desk.  I think i would prefer to have powered speakers for the simplicity and utilize the Dayton in another room. I  normally listen at moderate volumes and need them to sound good at relatively low levels.  Any suggestions?
jplunkettj
jeffersondavis
31 posts
 
The MM-1s have pretty audible hiss IMO due to the DSP unit.
lak's avatar
lak
3,516 posts
 
When push comes to shove I think it's going to be pretty hard to beat the Audioengine 5+. I have to wonder if those that suggest other options have actually heard the Audioengine 5+ in their systems and/or in a store set up for a true compairson? Many times it's simply a slightly different flavor.
dill
815 posts
 
I have used the AudioEngine P4's in my desktop system for the last 5 years and think they sound great. Do invest in the optional angle stands.
mcreyn
103 posts
 
I found my happieness with a set of used Totem Mites.  $400, small, decent extension.  
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
1,033 posts
 
They are both fine competitors in powered desktop speakers. They have their own built-in amps = footprint space savers .

Your ultimate choice depends on a very subjective evaluation of :

(1) Connectivity options, especially Blutooth and dual optical inputs, direct phono Turntable preamp, and a direct subwoofer out
(2) alternative speaker finish aesthetics (if important )
(3) every speaker has its own bespoke unique sonic signature ...
(4) Options: including footprint and size and power ( with matched price points). The KANTOS are available in three models.... the “2”, “4” and “6”

https://www.audioadvice.com/content/kanto-yu2-yu4-yu6-speaker-comparison/

I demoed the AE and KANTO both in a bake-off for my “C” system..... the KANTOs won out in my desktop system.

The KANTOS also come in various funky colour gloss finish options that helped the WAF option when I drag them outside as BBQ self-powered stand-alone wireless on-the-deck-party performers through an iPhone / iPad digital source via Bluetooth OR direct RCA input via TT.

The KANTO YU6 has with a formidable and beefy Class D amplifier pumping out 200W peak power, (100W RMS)

Because speakers are subjective, my guess is that is a likely a close tie overall in any general personal fave opinion desktop-use bake-off.

I will add that my inclusion of a (under-table at my desk) direct output via cable subwoofer (KANTO has their own matched set small one but any one will do) was a BIG final audio performance step-up overall; that facilitated a more pleasing overall audio improvement especially at both
(a) lower volumes in a nearfield desktop listening arena, and,
(b) louder volumes as required for outside party use.




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