New 2.0 speaker setup

Bluntwrapped

Bluntwrapped

Bluntwrapped

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Hi guys, I'm going be setting up my new desk this week and I would quite like to upgrade my monitors built in speakers at the same time.

I'm looking for something reasonably small as I would quite like these to sit either side of my UW monitor. I would prefer to keep the cost below £150 if possible but depending on what is available I can be flexible.

I have had a good look and I'm wondering if active speakers or a DAC + passive would offer more or about the same for the money.

I originally had a look at the A2+, they look great but I have a feeling the lack of bass would end up annoying me.

Then I had a look at Ruark MR1's, Mackie CR3's and the other usual suspects including most of the Edifier range. While not the best for a demo I have listened to as many playback tests on YouTube as I can but that seems to be making the choice even more difficult.

Before now I had never heard of any of these manufacturers, and I get the feeling from reading many reviews the quality and reliability doesn't always reflect the marketing and price tag.

I'm really looking for advice and suggestions, would hate to go ahead and order something to then later wish I had gone for something else.

Would going separate for the money have any benefits or would I be just as well to go for an active all in one set?

Thanks in advance
 
I'd look into pair of small bookshelf speakers like Wharfedale Diamond 9.0, or similar sized speakers and a small T-amplifier.

Or if you want lots of inputs a AVR (to get HDMI switching) or just a stereo amplifier.

At your budget I wouldn't be looking into amp, dac as not worth it. Just buy all in one avr/stereo amp with digital inputs
 
This is great thanks you've given me something else to think about.

Apart from the size would you say there is a big difference between the 9.0 and the 9.1 Wharfdale speakers? Both seem to get brilliant reviews.

The SMSL stereo amps are well reviewed too. Would one of these be suitable for either the 9.0 or the 9.1's?
 
Ok so after more reading I've upped my budget slightly and I'm now looking at a set of Q Acoustics 3010 or 3020 and a SMSL Q5 pro. Any thoughts before I pull the trigger?
 
Ive the Ruark MR1's excellent desktop speakers i have mine with a DAC and there great and both on Atacama Stands love mine. Id say best suited for Bedroom only though. Gonna get the Rel T zero Sub for mine tomorrow
 
Bluntwrapped said:
This is great thanks you've given me something else to think about.

Apart from the size would you say there is a big difference between the 9.0 and the 9.1 Wharfdale speakers? Both seem to get brilliant reviews.

The SMSL stereo amps are well reviewed too. Would one of these be suitable for either the 9.0 or the 9.1's?
Click to expand...

Both are very good, but the 9.1's are worth the extra if the larger size is not a problem. I've got some 9.1's, but I have them on stands either side of my TV. I did try them on my desk when I was looking for some speakers for the desk, but they were too big. I've got some Roth Oli1 speakers on my desk which are the same size as the 9.0's, which I went for because Richer Sounds only had the 9.0 available in store only at the time; nearest of which is over 60 miles away. I did end up getting some 9.0's for my mum to use with my old amp. Both the Roth's and 9.0's are equally good in my opinion.

Q Acoustics are also very good, but whether the 3020 are worth the extra £100 over the 9.1, I'm not sure. 2020i represent better value than the 3020, at £80 less, if you're looking the larger speaker models.

SMSL are good choice of inexpensive smaller amp.
 
Cheers all.

I've gone in a full circle trying to decide, spent more than I originally budgeted for and finally settled on the Ruark MR1's last night. I decided while buying separate would give me many more options, it would also mean more clutter on my desk. The SMSL amps seem great for the cash, especially the Q5 pro but the LED display looks seriously cheap and nasty. It is a bit OCD but I think it would end up annoying me lol.

The Alientek D8 looks much nicer, can get it cheap from china but I couldn't find many reviews other than a few French forums translated with google translate.

The MR1's over Bluetooth will hopefully be a much neater solution. I'm going to try both wired and wireless and do some comparisons.
 
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