Q. on speakers, powered or regular

Hi

I used to listen to a regular system (Vandersteen w/ Arcam amps, and then Acoustat with Belles amps) and since I spend most of my time in front of the computer and have downsized, want to switch to computer audio.

My question is since speakers are generally one of the most important links, where to start with.

1. I could go with typical speakers (smaller monitors, like say Paradigm's, PSB's, or Totem's) and add a cheap integrated/receiver or

2. Go for speakers specifically intended for computer audio like the Audioengine, Mackie's, Nuforce etc.

Which provides better quality (likely I can space the speakers a foot or two away at the max. Price is not too much of an issue as buying used can get good monitor speakers in the $300 range.

Shriram

Quality wise, transparency is important, so is PRAT, bass is not critical