Desktop/monitor speakers, maybe a soundbar?

[Cookson]

In my office at home I currently have a desk with 2 floorstanding Eltax speakers to the side. I wanted to move it round so my desk is under the window, but the cabinet I have all my trainers on won't then fit the other way due to the width.

So I am considering losing the speakers and replacing with either some monitor speakers which will fit on the desk, or maybe a soundbar for under the monitors? I like listening to music whilst I work, and I don't want some tinny s**t that sound pish.

Any recommendations?

 

[T3gav]

What's the budget?

 

[Cookson]

What's the budget?

Ideally £200

 

[Robbie Corbett]

Good deals on B&W 607 S2's here as they have just been replaced by the S3's

Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition (Black)

Shop for Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition (Black) Speaker Pair with Richer Sounds for a 6 Year Guarantee, expert advice and Lowest Prices Guaranteed

www.richersounds.com

 

[Cookson]

Good deals on B&W 607 S2's here as they have just been replaced by the S3's

Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition (Black)

Shop for Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary Edition (Black) Speaker Pair with Richer Sounds for a 6 Year Guarantee, expert advice and Lowest Prices Guaranteed

www.richersounds.com

I currently have Eltax Symphony 6 which are 80w, but as they are floor standing, I think that's why the bass is great. I'm not sure a pair of smaller monitors, mounted up on the wall will be as nice.

My pal has recommended these, apparently can add a sub if needed

Audioengine A2+ Powered Wireless Speakers (Pair) | Smart Home Sounds

The latest version of A2+ supports Bluetooth aptX and offers substantial power & bass for its compact size, making it an ideal choice for audio systems in smaller-rooms and desktop setups.

www.smarthomesounds.co.uk

 

[Robbie Corbett]

B&W 607's are really very very good. I can't say the bass will be better but the overall audio quality will likely be on par if not better than what you have. What amp are you using and do you need wireless speakers?

I haven't ever heard of Audioengine but my assumption having listened to a lot of B&W stuff is that the 607's will take the piss out of them plus in a few years the Bowers will still be worth something. The speakers in the link were nearly £500 not long ago, still people on eBay trying to sell them used for £300.

Pre child I had a nice pair of 805d's and had no complaints regarding bass - similar sized to the 607.

 

[Cookson]

B&W 607's are really very very good. I can't say the bass will be better but the overall audio quality will likely be on par if not better than what you have. What amp are you using and do you need wireless speakers?

Cambridge Audio A300, barely ever have it above half volume TBH. I think that's rated to 40w.

 

[R3k1355]

I had some gigantic Eltax M500 speakers, the bass was great but they really weren't amazing when it came to actual audio quality.

Those B&W speakers look a storming deal

 

[Cookson]

I had some gigantic Eltax M500 speakers, the bass was great but they really weren't amazing when it came to actual audio quality.

Those B&W speakers look a storming deal

I'm certainly no audiophile, I just like it loud/bassy lol

 

[Mr Squashie]

+1 for B&W, used to have B&W speakers as part of a surround system about 12 years ago and they were phenomenal.

 

[R3k1355]

I just like it loud/bassy lol

Get a sub?

 

[Rojer]

I have these or something very similar looking. Can't fault them really.

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers - 2.0 Active Near Field Monitors - Studio Monitor Speaker - Wooden Enclosure - 42 Watts RMS https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B089KMM3B6/?tag=cliospnet01-21

 

[Darren S]

What about premium headphones instead?

I'm no audiophile either - but I find headphones way more immersive than a traditional speaker setup. They also have the added benefit of playing an FPS quite loud and not pissing off my neighbours.

 

[R3k1355]

What about premium headphones instead?

I'm no audiophile either - but I find headphones way more immersive than a traditional speaker setup. They also have the added benefit of playing an FPS quite loud and not pissing off my neighbours.

Grado

Grado SR325x (Black/Silver)

Shop for Grado SR325x (Black/Silver) On Ear Open Back Headphones with Richer Sounds for expert advice and lowest prices guaranteed

www.richersounds.com

(Not for watching pron with tho)

 

[Cookson]

What about premium headphones instead?

I'm no audiophile either - but I find headphones way more immersive than a traditional speaker setup. They also have the added benefit of playing an FPS quite loud and not pissing off my neighbours.

No, they just aren't the same for me

 

[Darren S]

No, they just aren't the same for me

I think spatial audio in terms of headphones was a game changer for me - from the music perspective that is.

I don't think I could ever go back to just standard 'stereo' headphones now. That said, when you get a purpose-built room with the correct speaker setup, they do sound amazing. I'm one of those that has the TV on volume 10 out of 50 for the most part though!

 

[CrippsCorner]

I had these when I had a desktop computer, always rated them...

Acoustic Energy Aego M-System review

A hi-fi company's take on laptop speakers

www.techradar.com

In fact I still have them to hook up to my decks in the rare event I actually have time to play with them. Not sure if they're still available mind you, it was over 10 years ago I bought them!

 

[Oggy997]

Q990c
It happens I have one for sale, but not for £200

 

[Bluebeard]

I’ve got these in my living room for the TV. Run off a cheap Cambridge audio Amp. They are absolutely unreal for the size.

DALI SPEKTOR 1 (Black)

Shop for Dali SPEKTOR 1 Black Speaker Pair with Richer Sounds for a 6 Year Guarantee, expert advice and Lowest Prices Guaranteed

www.richersounds.com

 

[Cookson]

Won this for cheaps, so worth a punt

Acoustic Energy Aego5 Mk2 sound system 5 speakers sub instructions remote stands | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Acoustic Energy Aego5 Mk2 sound system 5 speakers sub instructions remote stands at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Jackie]

Go used and save some dough. And do local collection.That automatically narrows your search quite a bit. Might stumble across something nice.

I've had KEF ls50 (not worth£), wharfedale, monitor audio, Logitech crap.
Wharfedale nice sound and good value imo

 

[Cookson]

I ended up with the Acoustic Energy Aego5 surround sound system. I've put a satellit speaker at each side of my desk, just under the monitors (they have angled bases, which is very handy), the base unit under my desk with the sub at the back. They sound fantastic so far, although the sub actually sound louder at the door than where I sit, so might need to revise where I put that. More than happy for the price, and may even add the other 3 speakers at some point.

 

[Martin_172]

Adam Audio T5V / T7V studio monitors /end thread!

even after a few years I still feel like they are the biggest bargain of the century for cost vs performance.