Active/Powered 2.0 Desktop Speakers Recommendation?

Random Guy Esq. · 5 Mar 2020 at 23:37

Hello!

I'm looking for recommendations for 2.0 desktop speakers to use with my PC. Unfortunately due to space restrictions, I can't really go for anything 2.1. I have a Creative G6 that I use with Sennheiser 58Xs for gaming so I really don't want to go for another desktop amp either, hence the preference for active speakers, which I'll connect to the G6 via optical.

Main uses will be for general internetting (YouTube, Netflix), music and gaming when I don't need/want to wear the Senns. Budget would be about £200-£250ish. I've been looking at the MR1 Mk2s, but would prefer to go a little cheaper seeing as they won't be in constant use. Any ideas please?

Thanks in advance!

ChrisLX200 · 6 Mar 2020 at 07:38

I bought these: Steljes NS3 Powered Loud Speakers Stereo System Subwoofer British Design Compatible with iPhone through Bluetooth wirelessly(Lagoon Blue) £199. Very flexible connections, Bluetooth, optical, phono, 3.5mm jack, and comes with a remote. They perform well. Look them up for more details.

Random Guy Esq. · 6 Mar 2020 at 10:45

ChrisLX200 said:
I bought these: Steljes NS3 Powered Loud Speakers Stereo System Subwoofer British Design Compatible with iPhone through Bluetooth wirelessly(Lagoon Blue) £199. Very flexible connections, Bluetooth, optical, phono, 3.5mm jack, and comes with a remote. They perform well. Look them up for more details.

Thanks - I think it was these I had seen these a while ago, but couldn't for the life of me remember the name/model! Reviews do look promising.

ik9000 · 6 Mar 2020 at 10:49

I loved my creative t40s (rev1) until they went Pop last year. Not bad for 8 yr stint I guess. Really good sound for 2.0 solution and low impact on the desk real estate.

hornetstinger · 6 Mar 2020 at 11:02

Active speakers are generally expensive. IE kef x300

Why not passive speakers and a t amp? £100 for both sorted, wharfedale diamond 2.0 £50 and £20-£40 for t amp.

Random Guy Esq. · 6 Mar 2020 at 11:47

ik9000 said:
I loved my creative t40s (rev1) until they went Pop last year. Not bad for 8 yr stint I guess. Really good sound for 2.0 solution and low impact on the desk real estate.

Had T20s before but wasn't a fan.

hornetstinger said:
Active speakers are generally expensive. IE kef x300

Why not passive speakers and a t amp? £100 for both sorted, wharfedale diamond 2.0 £50 and £20-£40 for t amp.

I wanted to cut down on desktop clutter, but I didn't realise t-amps were so small! Any particular recommendations, or are they much of a muchness at that price point?

hornetstinger · 6 Mar 2020 at 11:56

Smsl ad18 looks good. Digital inputs, remote control, and headphone amp.

More expensive than regular t amp but with digital in gets around noisy motherboard outputs.

Random Guy Esq. · 6 Mar 2020 at 21:06

hornetstinger said:
Smsl ad18 looks good. Digital inputs, remote control, and headphone amp.

More expensive than regular t amp but with digital in gets around noisy motherboard outputs.

Thanks, that does look good. I'll have a look at some reviews.

Marsman · 6 Mar 2020 at 23:59

SMSL AD18 is a good choice. I've got a Q5 Pro, which is also very good. AD18 has more features though, such as headphone output and Bluetooth.

There are some decent powered speakers though, such as the Steljes, and Edifier make some good ones.

Using separate amp does open to a lot more choice of speaker, and with passive hi-fi speakers, you can get some good discounts on older models. Active speakers rarely drop in price as much as passive speakers do.

Random Guy Esq. · 7 Mar 2020 at 04:47

Thanks @Marsman, good info.

Mcthommo · 7 Mar 2020 at 11:49

https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/best-computer-speakers

hornetstinger · 7 Mar 2020 at 14:10

Marsman said:
SMSL AD18 is a good choice. I've got a Q5 Pro, which is also very good. AD18 has more features though, such as headphone output and Bluetooth.

There are some decent powered speakers though, such as the Steljes, and Edifier make some good ones.

Using separate amp does open to a lot more choice of speaker, and with passive hi-fi speakers, you can get some good discounts on older models. Active speakers rarely drop in price as much as passive speakers do.

Plus you're stuck with that combination. Don't like the speakers or want bigger ones? Change them. Amp blows up, change it. Want more power replace amp. Need more inputs, change the amp. Also adding sub is easy, if your active speakers don't have sub put you're stuck. Not enough coaxial/optical inputs you're stuck.

I use a avr with my computer, the hdmi switching is useful. I have PS3, Xbox 360, squeezebox, and two pc's connected. Plus have spare hdmi inputs so no problem adding next gen consoles. Can't do that with active speakers they don't have inputs, need a dedicated switch box. Avr has headphone amp and remote control too.

You're not rebuying the amp stages again. It's like buying Bose you're stuck with it.

Benefit of active though as they could offer dedicated bi amping, and properly done internally, line level. Also could be more accurate calibrated so useful for audio mixing.