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Bookshelf speakers for near-field (desktop) use

I am looking for a decent pair of new/used bookshelf speakers for near-field / desktop use. I plan to use this with my PC as the source. The speakers would go into a fairly small room but in the future, I may use these as a bedroom setup so it would be nice to have them be capable for both. 

I can power the speakers with either a PS Audio Sprout100, Anthem MRX510 or something I may buy in the future. I don't want to spend a ton on an amp to drive these speakers though. Budget is around $2,000. Just looking for great sound. I'm not a bass head so that's not a huge priority but the fuller the range in sound, the better. 

A few speakers that I have considered are: 

  • Buchardt S400 - Are they appropriate for desktop use though? 
  • KEF LS50 Passive - Used I can find one for around $800 or just buy new for ~$1,000
  • KEF LS50 Wireless - Good reviews, but about the same price as the Buchardt's

freesole

Showing 9 responses by freesole

freesole OP
159 posts
 
@freediver Haven't looked into the Quad before. Is that even enough to power the Excite X14's?
freesole OP
159 posts
 
@mrdon 

How far away do you sit from your S400's? Mine would be fairly close to me, in a 9' x 8' office. I am definitely intrigued though and would power it with either my PS Audio Sprout100 for now or my Anthem MRX510. 
freesole OP
159 posts
 
@jbmac75 @stevecham intrigued by the Denton suggestion. I looked them up. Only $499 at MD which is far below my budget. Not a bad thing. Have you compared them against the LS50?
freesole OP
159 posts
 
3 votes already for the Denton - sounds like a popular, affordable desktop speaker. I'll have to look into this... 
freesole OP
159 posts
 
@seasdiamondUnfortunately the Ref 1 would be a bit outside my budget but the R3 is right in my wheelhouse. Not sure how they would perform near field but I would be able to return them if I don't like them so that is another consideration. 
freesole OP
159 posts
 
@seanheis1 Another good candidate. Reviews so far seem to think that the LS50 Wireless is an overall better speaker though (though it is more expensive). The LS50W would scale up better for future uses as well. 
freesole OP
159 posts
 
Ended up finding a good deal on the LS50 wireless and took the opportunity to give those a try. I'll post thoughts when I get them. If I don't like them, I think I can sell them rather easily at the price I got them so there is low risk to me. 
freesole OP
159 posts
 
@genez Yeah I follow PS Audio's instagram and they have shown the enclosure for their smallest floor stander as well. Very interested in what they are going to come out with but should we be a little cautious that they are new to the speaker game? 
freesole OP
159 posts
 
@chiptech10 Will see if that is the case when I get the LS50W next week. If it is, I may consider the LSX then. People do seem to be very impressed by them. 
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