Speaker Recommnendation

DinAlt · 25 Feb 2016 at 13:42

Best desktop Speaker Recommendation?

Hi all,

Currently using a set of Cambridge Audio 5.1 speakers on my PC but they've started crackling so I've decided to upgrade.
What are the best options for active speakers with a budget of up to £350?
Not too worried about retaining 5.1 capability. Sound quality is my main concern (I have a proper full sized set up in the lounge for when I watch movies seriously). Main use of the system is for listening to music and games (though I switch to headphones at night).
Fidelity is my main criteria - I prefer my music controlled and accurate (I'll listen to anything within reason but currently I'm listening to a lot of stuff by The Barker band a UK folk/blue/Rock outfirt who were supporting Paul Heaton on his latest tour).

Thanks in advance,

PapaLazaru · 25 Feb 2016 at 21:20

My old man bought some Ruark Audio MR1's recently and they are absolutely amazing. I'm looking at getting some myself.

Audioengine A5+ and the KEF EGG are some others I have been looking at.

APM · 26 Feb 2016 at 11:53

Have you tried re-connecting your current set up but cleaning all the connections while you do that?
Could sort your crackling out,also check if any electro-magnetic devices are close to the offending crackle etc.

dacads · 27 Feb 2016 at 18:49

Hello mate

Check out some of the following studio monitors, which might be what you're after:

ADAM F5 (have these myself and can thoroughly recommend, with what you want you won't be disappointed in terms of clarity etc)
M-Audio Bx6 carbon/Bx8 carbon or older BX8 D2
Samson resolv SE5/SE6/SE8
Presonus Eris E5/E8
Fluid audio F5

Might be some others I've missed, most of these are actually from a cheaper list I had already.

Bone9 · 27 Feb 2016 at 20:02

The Presonus Eris E5'S are very nice, love mine

DinAlt · 28 Feb 2016 at 10:52

APM - good point, I'll have a go at that later don't want to get caught up in upgrade fever (just cause the wife says I can replace them doesn't mean I should

Interesting suggestions - I'm so out of the loop on this stuff - other than the Audiengine speakers don't think I've heard of any of the others (oh and the Kef's).
Assuming I can't fix my current set I'll have to look into where I can demo some of them.

Demon · 28 Feb 2016 at 11:45

The other option is to get a t-amp or dac/t-amp and some hifi speakers.

E.g. SMSL Q50 PRO or topping VX1 Dac/amp are both around the £100 mark leaving plenty for a good set of bookshelf speakers to suit your tastes.

The active speakers are great and the adams were on my list ! However in the end after demoing a few setups went with a small dac/amp, small desk sized bookshelf speakers which suited my ears.

DinAlt · 29 Feb 2016 at 12:30

Tempted by the idea of a separate amp and speakers but not sure about the space - I'll have to have a look at how much they take up (I suppose I'll free up a tiny bit of space by no longer having a centre speaker - although the satellites on the CA set up are pretty tiny).

Thanks again for the suggestions

DinAlt · 29 Feb 2016 at 12:34

Just took a look at the Topping and as soon as I saw it it I realised what I need is to talk my mate into giving me back my old Cyrus 1 amp. Unfortunately I doubt that's going to happen but I think you may have talked me round to separates.

dacads · 29 Feb 2016 at 13:21

Take a look at the Dali Zenzor Pico or Q Acoustics 3020, leaves plenty of budget for a decent amp and subwoofer as well if required.

And hopefully you can demo them at a nearby richersounds store

Demon · 29 Feb 2016 at 14:51

DinAlt said:
Just took a look at the Topping and as soon as I saw it it I realised what I need is to talk my mate into giving me back my old Cyrus 1 amp. Unfortunately I doubt that's going to happen but I think you may have talked me round to separates.

I would consider the SMSL Q5 Pro over the VX1 on the basis it's got a sub-out as well as slightly more 'oomph' and still under £100 in the same tiny form-factor.

Speaker wise, as Dacads mentions, for 'small', the QAcoustic 2010/3010 are a good shout, I auditioned those and the Dali Zensor Pico's. I did end up with the Pico's, which are the smallest and suited my ears the best, but I'd always recommend auditioning yourself.. If I had room, I'd have had the larger Qacoustic 2020/3020 / Dali Zensor 1 / Wharfedale 220's no doubt, but they would have taken up too much space.

I did end up adding a sub (BK Elec Gemini II for £220) which the missus seems to really not appreciate! but I was always amazed how much punch you can get out of a small bookshelf speaker