Best bookshelf / standmount speakers for ~£500-£600

Participant · 28 Feb 2017 at 12:10

Currently running some Wharfedale Diamond 10.1s on my PC desk and after an upgrade. What should I be looking at for this kind budget please?

So far, the Focal A ria (<--- gets filtered without the space!) 906 and the Monitor Audio Silver 2s have caught my eye. Any other recommendations?

The amp is a NAD D 3020 and the primary use is music (all kinds thereof).

Thanks.

joeyjojo · 28 Feb 2017 at 12:39

Dynaudio Emit M20?

For sitting on a desk though I'd get (read: I use) some good powered monitors. E.g. a pair of Adam F7s https://www.thomann.de/gb/adam_f7_bundle.htm

Makes the NAD a bit redundant though unless you keep it for the DAC.

Note, obviously not fair to compare £600 passives to £600 actives. A pair of actives more like £900 might be more appropriate, e.g. Adam A7X. In either case though don't neglect positioning - get them at the right height (tweeters at ear height) and in an equilateral triangle.

Participant · 28 Feb 2017 at 12:57

joeyjojo said:
Dynaudio Emit M20?

For sitting on a desk though I'd get (read: I use) some good powered monitors. E.g. a pair of Adam F7s https://www.thomann.de/gb/adam_f7_bundle.htm

Thanks, is that because you feel the NAD is under powered for decent bookshelf speakers or because you're assuming there won't be room on the desk for bookshelf speakers? Or is it because you think they wouldn't work well so close to a wall?

Those M20s look promising though. Will see if anyone near me has them in for an audition. I love my NAD so would go to lengths to avoid making it redundant!

joeyjojo · 28 Feb 2017 at 13:04

Sorry just edited. The NAD is a great amp/DAC so I can see why you want to keep it, I probably would too. I just prefer the simplicity of powered speakers these days for desk use so thought I'd mention that.

Don't want to derail thread any further!

Edit: actually final thought - the difference is that standmount speakers, especially at the price you're looking, are designed for medium sized room listening, whereas nearfield studio monitors are just that - nearfield. On a desktop the latter usually means a better experience especially imaging wise.