PC Speaker Setup for 300-400

LiE

LiE

LiE

Caporegime
Joined
2 Aug 2005
Posts
26,107
Location
Milton Keynes
Previously I've had some Kanto YU2 speakers which were easy to connect, they had a USB connection and built in DAC. Problem is you had that white noise coming from them when not in use because volume had to cranked up. I liked how they sounded and the size was excellent.

So here are my requirements:
- Budget is 300-400.
- Compact
- When I'm not playing music, I don't want the static/white noise.
- My office is small so I only really listen at low to medium volume levels.
- Speakers need to look good, not a fan of black speakers, more of a matte/grey/white look.
- Music is via Spotify.
- I like a really crisp / clean sound or separation.
 
Last edited:
How about these speakers? https://www.richersounds.com/hi-fi/standmount-speakers/monitor-audio-bronze-50-white.html

I know they aren't available yet but they do look decent. I guess I would need an amp for these types of speakers, they will be used with my PC only, any recommendations?

Edit:
This looks like it may be a good little amp:
Sabaj A3 80 W x 2 Bluetooth 4.2 Hi-Fi USB DSP Optical Input Digital Power Amplifier - Black
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sabaj-Blue...ocphy=9046052&hvtargid=pla-349419839269&psc=1
 
Last edited:
I put an order in earlier today for the amp I linked and some Q Acoustic 3020i speakers. I read on the amp reviews some people had used it fine with the speakers.
 
Went with the 3010i in the end as the 3cm size difference will make a difference to an already big speaker on the desk. Should be here Tuesday.
 
Last edited:
How are you getting on with your new setup @LiE ? I can't remember if I demo'd those or the 3020's but really like the shape of them at least. The ones I listened to sounded good but I preferred the sound of the Dali Spektor 2's.
 
I really like them. They need a bit of volume before they start to sound really good but I imagine that's normal for passives.

DSCF8683.jpg


DSCF8684.jpg
 
Oh wow, they really do look good. I only saw them in black (whichever QA speakers it was I demo'd). I like how your amp also has a radius on the corners too, makes it all come together nicely. I've got plenty of room on my desk so I went for a full size amp (Onkyo A9010B). Keep half looking at desktop speaker stands, getting distracted and never buying any...
 
That is quite a dinky little amp. I'm also on the hunt for a super compact desktop setup as my Monitor Audio WS100's are dying. Shame as I love them to bits.

I just want small, quality powered speakers. No DAC or anything, want to run them off the RCA's out the back of my Marantz HD-DAC 1, but there is nothing out there that fits the brief. I could squeeze in this amp and some Roth OLi RA1's.
 
LiE said:
I really like them. They need a bit of volume before they start to sound really good but I imagine that's normal for passives.
Click to expand...

Nice setup!

The Q3020i's are absolutely 5* speakers and amazing VFM IMO.

The sounding really good when volumes increase is IMO mainly a function of the speakers in this case, under £200 I'd narrowed things down to either the QA 3010i / 3020's or DALI Zensor Pico / 1, only side by side could I then decide what my ears prefer, and I can certainly say that the reviews of the speakers do quite accurately describe the small differences I noticed.

The only bits the DALI's really stood out for my ears where
1. Scale, they kept the imaging/separation/sound stage at quite low volumes which I think is the aspect you have noticed with the Q3010i's, however the downside of this is that as you crank the volume, the scales grows to quite an unnatural level (which I prefer myself, but it's not for everyone).
2. Warmth, the DALI signature sound is slightly forward/warm mids and it's only small but noticeable to the refined mids of the QA's
3. Soundstage / Imaging, the QA's are very good, but the DALI's have an (almost unnaturally) wide soundstage with a slight increase in imaging/separation.

All minor, and all very much personal preference, I get pulled up by a QA rep on AVForums about my preference for soundstage/separation, he felt it was unnaturally so, but my ears don't care, they just prefer it!

FYI , the amps can make a difference, the Marantz PM6006 was (even to my ears) that bit better at helping keep things lively/fun at lower volumes, no surprise that I ended up getting a desktop amp that sounded pretty indistinguishable to the PM6006 (I auditioned both with all teh speakers to make my mind up) but you are talking £350 or so unless you can find something in the sale.

How is the AMP for background noise? my SMSL AD18 is relegated to the garage now for that reason, I'd like to think the Sabaj is a bit cleaner.[/QUOTE]
 
Last edited:
The only thing I've noticed with the Sabaj is a little crackle between tracks for that brief moment before the next track starts. Not sure if this is just Spotify though.
 
I would go for Active Monitors, similar to ones used in sound studios. A few to choose from including Adam, Yamaha, Rokit etc
There are some that may have DACs built in as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom