Bookshelf speaker recommendations

[Andybtsn]

Hi guys,

I’ve had my Kef X300a speakers for around 10 years now, they’re still going great, but I’m limited for desk space. They’re currently sat on their side on isolation pads.

I’m after something new that aren’t higher than 20cm to sit under the monitors. Probably can play with a few cms if they have stands etc.

I’ve been looking at Audioengine A2s, Edifer, ADAM DV3, etc and not sure what to go for.

Ideally I’d like a sub, my preferred music genre is generally heavy rock/metal although I do listen to everything, but bass is a big one for me.

Budget of around £500 but ideally want to spend half that I know that won’t be including a sub if that’s the case.

The Kefs currently connect via 3.5mm, although I don’t mind USB. The speakers will be plugged into my PC.

Photo to show how close the speakers will be to me.

Open to suggestions.. (FYI, this is purely for music)

Cheers.

 

[aaronyuri]

I recently picked up a Creative Stage Pro for £90. Sits right under the monitor and works just fine. No complaints for the price!

 

[mrk]

Stage Pro is very good, but depending on the input connection used can exhibit ambient interference noise or noise floor hiss. For the price it's good though.

But for a 500 budget Edifier has a bunch of options that could satisfy as they typically offer big sound from small cabinets, and model will come down to your needs for connections and other features.

 

[#Chri5#]

What about the Ruark MR1 MK3? Within budget for the speakers at £399 but over if you wanted the Ruark sub. Standard RCA output though, so you aren't tied to Ruark for that.

Including the feet they are bang on 20cm high. I have the older MK2 version which sit under my monitors and to my ears they are superb.

https://www.whathifi.com/speakers/hi-fi-speakers/ruark-mr1-mk3

 

[Andybtsn]

Thanks for suggestions, I changed my mind in the end. I realised I was sacrificing too much just for more desk space, so it didn't feel worth it. So I added a Sub to the setup and not been happier!

 

[mattyfez]

Your speaker placement looks terrible, I mean no offence by that but you’re not going to get much sound stage/ stereo separation having two relatively large speakers so close together on a desk... especially if you're sat 2 foot away in a 'normal' seating position.

 

[Andybtsn]

You're speaker placement looks terrible, I mean no offence by that but you’re not going to get much sound stage/ stereo separation having two relatively large speakers so close together on a desk... especially if you're sat 2 foot away in a 'normal' seating position.

Aye, it's not ideal, but space is limited, but for my old, big lugs, the sound still sounds glorious to me

 

[JaffaJedi]

Thanks for suggestions, I changed my mind in the end. I realised I was sacrificing too much just for more desk space, so it didn't feel worth it. So I added a Sub to the setup and not been happier!

What sub did you get? I am in the market for a sub albeit for the living room.

 

[Andybtsn]

What sub did you get? I am in the market for a sub albeit for the living room.

Wharfedale diamond sw150. Best bang for buck according to reviews, can't fault it.

I've sorted my Kefs so they're in a better position now, much further away from each other.