Powered Bookshelf Speakers or Amp / Speaker Combinations for PC / Streaming Music

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Powered Bookshelf Speakers or Amp / Speaker Combinations for PC / Streaming Music

Handle9

9648 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#275752 7-Sep-2020 18:32

Now I work from home full time I'm looking to upgrade the speakers in my office. I've had Logitech Z313 for years and they have been fine for cheap PC speakers but I'd really like to do something better. I'm not interested in suggestions for Logitech or similar, these may end up redeployed to other rooms at some point so would prefer something a bit more hi-fi.

My use case is a combination of typical "PC" speaker uses, streaming music when I'm at my desk and sitting reading in a chair on the other side of the room.

At the moment I'm considering KEF LSX (probably the top end of the budget), Klipsch R-51PM or a Yamaha WXA-50 with passive bookshelfs (I haven't really considered what yet). I'll add a DAC/Streamer if I think it makes sense, something like a Schiit Modi 3 and a PI. I'd prefer not to though, something cleaner is appealing but I want to be able to use the solution when the PC is off. These don't need to be super loud, typical desk / bedroom use it what I'm aiming for.

Being able to change inputs and volume with physical buttons/knobs on the WXA-50 appeals. I know the other have remotes but it's not as nice for my use case sitting on a desk.

I'm in the Yamaha ecosystem already (BAR400 for the living room and RX-V585 for the home theatre) so that is a consideration but not a big one.

I'm interested in suggestions.

1 | 2 | 3

13684 posts

Uber Geek

#2559818 7-Sep-2020 19:00

I think for better quality powered desktop speakers, you'd be better looking at the Rockshop etc for small studio monitors than any hifi store. Yamaha make some (HS Series), there are a few other brands that won't kill you on price, JBL, Rokit, Presonius etc. I like the idea of an external DAC with balanced audio outs, because unbalanced audio (ie RCA cables) around computer gear with things like switchmode PSUs, modem/routers and cables everywhere has always caused me issues with noise.

TrendMicro

Best TrendMicro deals for antivirus and malware protection(affiliate link).

Handle9

9648 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2559821 7-Sep-2020 19:06

Interesting idea. Looks like HS series are pretty available and not too expensive here so I'll investigate.

Any particular DAC that you suggest as a balanced DAC?

Stu1

1333 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Subscriber

#2559833 7-Sep-2020 19:18

I really love my Sonos in my office , great sound and use it for normal radio or Spotify or Apple Music etc

Handle9

9648 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2559855 7-Sep-2020 20:04

Stu1:

I really love my Sonos in my office , great sound and use it for normal radio or Spotify or Apple Music etc

I can only use a Sonos with a PC if it's a Play 5. At that point I don't think it makes sense compared to some other options.

Saying that Symfonisk is available here for cheap (about NZD$200 each) and is a Play 1 in drag

rhy7s

529 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2559903 7-Sep-2020 20:21

Have you checked NoAudiophile ?

Fred99

13684 posts

Uber Geek

#2559904 7-Sep-2020 20:22

Handle9:

Interesting idea. Looks like HS series are pretty available and not too expensive here so I'll investigate.

Any particular DAC that you suggest as a balanced DAC?

You should probably look at JBL LSR series monitors as well as the Yamaha HS series. The JBLs are very cheap, a lot of plastic, a bit ugly IMO, maybe not "pro quality" in terms of reliability, but very good value:

http://noaudiophile.com/JBL_LSR305/

Well, these sound good out the box. Not in a generic "it makes music good" way, but good on the level of "Compared to everything I've ever heard these sound good." In this setup these speakers have more detail than anything I've heard. Hands down no sh!t detail, not colored rising response detail. This is the kind that you get from a dead room with headlight beam dispersion speakers, but these are not headlights, and this room is anything but dead.

DACs with balanced output is complicated. I'd try and unbalanced signal path first - because it's free, and some computer sound cards are okay, so if it works stop there. If not, then I'd use a pro audio interface because they're much better value than so-called hifi DACs. I'm biased on this. I trust my ears.

dejadeadnz

2394 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2559919 7-Sep-2020 20:49

Well, I am a well-known KEF (recently converted) fanboy and @Handle9 obviously got my rather enthusiastic but hopefully still somewhat objective views elsewhere. One thing to bear in mind if being able to use it when the PC is off/general convenience is important: the LSX also support Spotify Connectn in addition to Airplay 2, so it's very easy/elegant if you are lazy as crap like me.

Handle9

9648 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2559923 7-Sep-2020 20:54

I think the JBLs are just too ugly and not significantly cheaper here than the Yamahas. Yamaha is quite competitive here. It'll be interesting to have a listen.

I've put some effort into having a nice looking office that is very functional for me and the look of the JBLs would annoy me.

Handle9

9648 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2559927 7-Sep-2020 20:57

rhy7s: Have you checked NoAudiophile ?

Yes, I've checked a lot of places. I'm interested on here on peoples personal experiences or different ideas.

dejadeadnz

2394 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2559958 7-Sep-2020 21:28

If you want a relatively simple set up but the possibility of stretching beyond what the LSX can offer performance-wise, perhaps consider one of the Q-Acoustics 30-series bookshelves paired with an older streamer/receiver. I've heard the 3020 and the impressions were very favourable. Q-acoustics certainly have consistently been known (I had a powered set from them from around 10 years ago) to punch above their selling price. Great clarity and "pure" sound without being lifeless.

eracode

Smpl Mnmlst
7277 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Subscriber

#2559961 7-Sep-2020 21:42

Handle9:

Stu1:

I really love my Sonos in my office , great sound and use it for normal radio or Spotify or Apple Music etc

I can only use a Sonos with a PC if it's a Play 5. At that point I don't think it makes sense compared to some other options.

Saying that Symfonisk is available here for cheap (about NZD$200 each) and is a Play 1 in drag

The relatively new Sonos Move can connect via BT and has very good sound. They can’t be used as surrounds in a HT setup but can operate as a stereo pair. Also portable with 10 hour battery life.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

Handle9

9648 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2559963 7-Sep-2020 21:49

eracode:

The relatively new Sonos Move can connect via BT and has very good sound. They can’t be used as surrounds in a HT setup but can operate as a stereo pair.

With the latency from the PC and the dip in sound quality doesn't make sense to me to use Bluetooth. I'm not an audiophile but if I'm spending that sort of money I'm not after a Bluetooth speaker.

It doesn't really fit what I'm looking for - using the speakers with the PC is important. I'm on the PC 10+ hours a day and want to be able to use it for games, Youtube, music etc.

phrozenpenguin

765 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2559964 7-Sep-2020 21:51

I'm no audiophile but would second the "studio monitors" idea.

I have a pair of Roland MA-15D in my office, and have had them for years. They have been great, and were my upgrade from (multiple) sets of Logitechs. They have multiple inputs, including direct SPDIF, they have inbuilt amp, they have actual physical twiddly dials on the front for volume etc. They do a lot of music for me (have also done conference calls before I got a different setup), connected to PC, but have also been connected to a TV (SPDIF optical), iPhone (3.5mm jack), AppleTV (SPDIF optical), Bluetooth streamer (RCA) and probably more over the time I have had them.

Fred99

13684 posts

Uber Geek

#2559989 7-Sep-2020 23:05

Handle9:

I think the JBLs are just too ugly and not significantly cheaper here than the Yamahas. Yamaha is quite competitive here. It'll be interesting to have a listen.

I've put some effort into having a nice looking office that is very functional for me and the look of the JBLs would annoy me.

Can't disagree with that - the ugly factor puts me right off.

What size speakers do you want? Do you want/need auto power on/off from standby mode?

Handle9

9648 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2559990 7-Sep-2020 23:17

This is the space.

I've got about 25cm below the outside monitors. I'd prefer to have something that sits under them. I can put mounts on the outside but it starts impacting other stuff and that amount of separation may not be ideal for sitting at the desk. IMO it'd look better under the monitors. If it sounded significantly better I'd do it but would prefer not to.

1 | 2 | 3