I also started with a headphone only desktop solution but realized a need for desktop speakers. I opted for a used pair of LS50s from Accessories4Less. A bit overkill, yes, but I'm loving this solution. Sometime later I supplemented the bass with an inexpensive 8" sub from Emotiva (the Airmotiv SE8). It's a flexible solution as the sub has both low and high-pass filters. This way each component in the system is allowed to perform in it's optimum range of the audio spectrum.
Desk top speakers at low cost
I am looking for something simple and compact for a desk system while working. The budget is very low since I already have two systems for listening and a third for movies. I am not a big money player. My main systems are in the Parasound, Arcam, Pardigm Pestige level. I get tired of headphones so I just want something simple. I have considered NHT first I have a pair of Q350s but they are too big, and they are likely overkill anyway. I am using a superphon pre-amp and either an older Luxman or Rotel amp tucked away on a shelf. No not your ideal layout, but then neither is listening for your grandson while working and listening. But I just can't listen to old Radio Shack Optimas either. Just wondering if anyone has run into anything surprisingly better than expected in a little package. If not then maybe I will mount some surround speakers on the wall. Thanks for reading.