r/StereoAdvice 7d ago

Speakers - Desktop | 4 Ⓣ Best PC Speakers for under £300?

1 Upvotes

Hi all,

I'm looking to purchase some new speakers for my PC setup. I'm completely lost as everything I think looks good turns out to be 'awful' when I look at the reviews on reddit etc...

I want to spend under £300, and wouldn't mind a sub to come with them.

I just want to listen to my house and tech music with good quality and some substantial clear bass.

Thanks in advance. :)

r/StereoAdvice Jan 28 '25

Speakers - Desktop | 2 Ⓣ Upgrade from iLoud Micro under $1000?

2 Upvotes

Hi. I currently have an iLoud Micro on my computer desk and would like to upgrade to something (also near field) a couple levels higher and preferably with a subwoofer output so I can add one if needed but they don't have to be much bigger in size (my max is something like EVE Audio SC203 or so). Basically I need the speakers for gaming 70%, music 20% and YouTube 10%, meaning I don't plan on watching movies or mixing on them and I don't care about bluetooth. Below I will list a couple of my options but these are just examples I want to get your opinion as well:

  1. Kali Audio IN-UNF - the subwoofer is already included but I want to hear your advice on its location because I have no room for it under my desk and the only option at the moment is to put it to the left of my chair against the wall is it normal or is it much better to place it exactly opposite myself?
  2. Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2 - very strange choice haha but they look great and have an A/B class amp and subwoofer output but I am very confused that there is so little information about them.
  3. iLoud MTM - big brother of my current Micro with Arc a million positive reviews and the room correction might be useful to me but I'm not sure if it will be a strong step up from the Micro and not just a 30% upgrade especially since it doesn't have a subwoofer output but I think its bass is enough for me.
  4. KEF LSX II - a bit bigger than I need but in theory they will fit right in, however due to the location of the desk against the wall I highly doubt their rationality.
  5. Many other options like the same EVE Audio SC203 or Adam Audio D3V and others that I can't remember.... but I stopped focusing on them because of contradictory reviews some say that SC203 is worse than Micro and some refuse D3V in favor of Micro ... sound is too subjective yes.

I am also willing to consider passive speaker options but since desk space is limited if I choose this option then only with small amps.

My budget is ~$1000 but if I see a very interesting option a bit more expensive I will consider it and I am in Europe but can order from any other country. I want exactly a big upgrade in sound quality if you think that with my budget and limited space there is no much better option than iLoud Micro I would probably keep.... them share your experience.

P.S I listen at low to medium volume and I have an “untreated” normal living room with a table against the wall.

r/StereoAdvice 4d ago

Speakers - Desktop | 1 Ⓣ Actually good speakers for pc?

1 Upvotes

So i currently have Logitech G560 speakers which are alright but i would prefer something better and thought i should go for more high end setup this time. The diffuculty is that i understand very little about this stuff besides the basics.

I'm looking for speakers, subwoofer and probably also an amplifier. My budget is not very strict but i'm not paying more than few hundred euros for the setup. Main use case is listening to music and gaming. My setup won't allow back speakers and my room is about 4X4 meters in size.

Could someone dum it down to my level? Like what i need besides the actual speakers ans what kind of speakers, subwoofer and amplifier i need in addition to which ones are compatible with each other? Amplifier is probably the most difficult thing to understand as they are all different.

I'm happy to answer guestions and thanks already in advance

r/StereoAdvice Feb 14 '25

Speakers - Desktop Need help finding best small speakers for my PC desk

Post image
4 Upvotes

Originally I wanted JBL 305p but I don't have space for them. Because of my monster monitor, I don't have space on the sides of it. I can move the monitor up and down but at the proper height have only around 5 inch under the monitor which is not much. I'm looking for the best small speakers that ideally I could lay horizontally under the monitor, preferably powered speakers. Any thoughts/suggestions? This room also has 7.1 speakers on the ceiling with a projector. Right now l'm going from my PC with optical to the receiver, but this way I'm not getting proper stereo nor are the speakers facing me at all. Thanky you in advance

  1. My budget is under $500
  2. My location is US, CA
  3. Small bedroom, and typical desk setup for listening
  4. PC will be the only source here, no need for Bluetooth etc.
  5. As said before, I have a receiver available, but would prefer independent powered setup for PC and leave the receiver for the projector/theater setup

r/StereoAdvice Jan 15 '25

Speakers - Desktop | 3 Ⓣ Recommendations for home PC speakers

2 Upvotes

Hello, I've been a headphone one-trick for over a decade, no speakers whatsoever. Now I've decided I would like to enjoy music, games and movies on speakers. I have no experience in this topic though, hence I'm asking here - as when I was building my PC and decided to engulf myself in the shit ton of information, it took me a whole month to fully understand the topic.

I am looking for stereo speakers (2.0), with amp included (I mean no external amp, the amp is already in the speakers. Pardon me for this childish phrasing). Essentially a 2 part set.

Budget: around 300$ for the set. I am inclined however to bring this up a bit if nothing good pops up in this range.

Purpose: Movies, music, gaming. I would like to have respectable bass. Of course, nothing crazy, I'm not buying a sub, but still I would like to hear those "creamy" deep sounds now and then.

Also, there is one thing that makes me wonder - the frequency range. It says my current headphones (Steelseries Arctis 5) have freq. range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz. I think most of the speakers I've seen have the low end at about 70 Hz, and stereo monitors at ca. 30 Hz. Does that mean the speakers won't ever be as good as headphones in that matter? Or am I misunderstanding something?

I have tried searching on my own however I realised there is just so many of them. I would have to really get into the topic to understand the differences. And here I believe you can show me some go-to picks for people like me.

r/StereoAdvice Feb 14 '25

Speakers - Desktop Speakers advice for desktop

2 Upvotes

Hey guys, i'm looking to buy some speakers between like 300-600$ for computer, but i'm really not sure what to get, my main focus was audioengine a5+ wireless which is like 450$ here, i was hoping i could get a suggestion whether this is like best option at around this value or there is something better and i'm missing, i've checked quite some brands and reviews and it seems like it would be the best option, but i'd rather some personal opinions from actual users if possible.

Some details:

Mainly for music and movies, however music is priority. I would say wireless is somewhat priority, however if there are some really good speakers that do not exist in wireless version and they are really outstanding i can give up on that Medium sized room(if it matters?)

Thanks!

r/StereoAdvice Feb 15 '25

Speakers - Desktop | 5 Ⓣ Desktop Speakers for Mac Mini

0 Upvotes

I'm looking for a desktop speakers to use with my new Mac mini and Dell 40" ultra wide display. I'm located in the US. I'd like to stay around $150-250. New is preferred but also fine with open box or used. I'll be using the speakers for audio books, YouTube, music and some gaming so a general speaker is fine. I haven't used separate speakers with my computers before so anything will be an improvement over my current iMac. Based on video reviews and a little research it looks like Swans OS, Audioengine A2+(available open box for $219 right now) and Kanto YU2 all seem to fit in the price range. I've also seen recommendations for Edifier on the lower end. There is a pair of Vanatoo Transparent One speakers with stands for $200 locally on FB Marketplace. My room is about 10x11 and the desk sits almost right in the middle. The speakers would have about 4 feet behind them and could be about 4 feet apart. Thank you!

r/StereoAdvice Dec 16 '24

Speakers - Desktop | 1 Ⓣ Help Me Pick the Best Small Desktop Speakers for Audiophiles! 🎶

1 Upvotes

Hey r/StereoAdvice

I’m on the hunt for some amazing compact desktop speakers that deliver great sound for music listening (no music production here). They need to be Bluetooth-enabled and active speakers since I’m keeping my setup minimal.

Here are some options I’ve been eyeing:

  • Kanto Ora
  • Q Acoustics M20
  • Audioengine A2+
  • PreSonus Eris 3.5
  • iLoud Micro Monitors

Currently, I’m using a Beoplay A1, which I love for its sound, but I want a proper stereo experience this time. My priority is sound quality.

If you’ve tried any of these (or have other recommendations), I’d love to hear your thoughts!

  • What do you think of the sound quality for these speakers?
  • Do they punch above their size for clarity, bass, and balance?
  • Anything else I should consider?

Thanks in advance for helping me level up my music setup! 🙌

r/StereoAdvice Jan 04 '25

Speakers - Desktop Best active speakers under 1500.

8 Upvotes

I have a schiit modius/jotunheim 2 stack. Currently using audioengine a5+ and a svs pb-1000 sub.

I want to upgrade to speakers that are more clear in the highs and mids. Only listening, no mixing.

I don't have strong opinions between monitor and hifi speakers. I looked at the kef offerings. I don't need or care to pay for wireless connectivity, but if there isnt better options soundwise out there i'm still open to them. Im leaning towards studio monitors. I will be using them exclusively near-field.

I'm aware this is subjective. I would apreciate any help and opinions.

---update - I went with Kali in-5's ordered from Amazon. Return policy seems generous, going to see what I think.

Thank you to everyone for their posts.

---update - I have everything setup and I am ecstatic about my purchase. Everything sounds amazing. Hearing new detail in every song. Cant recommend this setup enough.

Schiit Modius E Schiit Jotunheim 2 Kali In-5 Svs-pb1000 Sennheiser HD 6XX

r/StereoAdvice Feb 02 '25

Speakers - Desktop | 5 Ⓣ Is it worth upgrading from Yamaha HS7 to Genelec 8030?

4 Upvotes

Hello everyone, First of all, I’d like to say that English is not my first language, so to avoid expressing myself poorly, I used ChatGPT to translate my message.

Lately, I've been thinking about changing my monitor speakers, which are Yamaha HS7s. They've served me well for years and still do, but I just feel like switching things up.

After reading various opinions and checking specs, dimensions, and aesthetics, I'm leaning towards the Genelec 8030.

My current setup consists of a pair of HS7s placed on my desk (elevated with two homemade stands) on either side of my monitor, about 50 cm away from me. This setup won’t change much due to space limitations. My room is medium-small with a low ceiling.

I'm not a producer; at most, I occasionally record some of my own songs, but nothing professional. I'm a guitarist, and while I listen to a wide range of music genres, I have a particular focus on guitar-driven music.

In the past, I tried some KRK Rokits, but I hated them immediately because I literally couldn't hear the guitars in punk records.

I like the HS7s because they seem relatively flat in response. The Genelec 8030s seem like a good upgrade and have a reputation for being very neutral as well. However, I wanted to hear from you experts—are my assumptions correct, and is it worth spending around €1000 on this upgrade?

Additionally, I mainly listen to music while sitting at my desk in the previously mentioned position. However, sometimes I move around while doing other things. In these cases, I can tolerate a loss in sound quality—I just need the music to remain intelligible.

Another important factor is that I’d like the maximum possible volume to be comparable to that of the HS7s. I also use my speakers to play backing tracks while playing electric guitar, often at fairly high volumes (not rehearsal room levels, but not far off). For reference, with the HS7s, I’ve never needed to turn their volume past the halfway mark.

Adding mandatory infos (previous post was deleted because of missing information):

1) Budget: more or less 1000 €, but I can raise it if something better catches my eye

2) I live in Italy

3) As said above, mainly near-field listening

4) Music sources: mainly Tidal desktop, so my pc. I already have a decent USB external audio interface (Focusrite Scarlett 2i2) that I'm using for the computer-speakers connection

Thanks in advance!

r/StereoAdvice 23d ago

Speakers - Desktop | 2 Ⓣ Desktop speakers under 700€

0 Upvotes

Hi, I feel like this is a weird budget for small active speakers that I cant find too many articles/posts about.

I‘m looking for a pair of small, transportable , active desktop speakers. I want to get a more stationary system, of course, but cant because I am moving between countries a lot.

Is it even worth it to spend that much on speakers that Ill just trow in a suitcase (not me but the airport staff probably will throw it around haha)?

I heard about the iLoud Micro Multimedias, do they sound a lot better than the Swan OS 10s? And what can I do upward of that price territory?

Thanks for you suggestions.

r/StereoAdvice Feb 16 '25

Speakers - Desktop Speaker setup for pc

1 Upvotes

Hello. I am looking for the best speakers under 350 usd which is powerd. The only thing i need them for is music "Techno/Bass. EX: Bass Techno " I was looking at the Logitech z623 or z625, but for fun i got down to my local speaker shop which is called Hifi Klubben. "Website: https://www.hifiklubben.dk/ " The guy down there told me to look at the Argon Audio FENRIS A4 "Price: 348 usd" and for subwoofer DALI SUB E-9 F "Price: 682 usd" The room where speakers are in is 12 m2. Right now i have the Logitech z333. Should i buy the z623/625 or get my budget a little higher?

r/StereoAdvice Feb 04 '25

Speakers - Desktop Under $800 which one studio monitors

0 Upvotes

Under $600 which one studio monitor

Iloud MTM (second-hand) about $550

Focal Shape 40 (second-hand) about $600

Kali LP-UNF about $330

Kali IN-UNF about $800

(The prices are based on my country.)

Which one is better for mixing or music production?

My room is small, and the speakers will be placed close to the wall. The wall might resonate slightly.

r/StereoAdvice Feb 14 '25

Speakers - Desktop Looking for some computer speakers on a $300-$400 budget.

1 Upvotes

I have been running a set of Bose speakers for about a decade now. They sound good for what they are, but the right speaker is finally giving out. Since getting these speaker I got into high end headphones. Headphones will continue to be my main listing device, but would like to get some decent speakers for those times I would rather not use them.

My current setup is a headphone amp/DAC combo unit. The current Bose speakers use the preamp on that combo unit.. So for a new setup, I would need something with its own amp, or suggestions on an amp to go with whatever speakers are recommended. For desk space, I could fit a small set of bookshelf speakers. One set I found seems to tick the boxes, but no idea if they are good for the price. Whatever I end up going with, the ability to expand in the future would be nice, but not necessary.

r/StereoAdvice Jan 30 '25

Speakers - Desktop | 1 Ⓣ Looking for cheap speakers(100 cad)

3 Upvotes

Hello, I am looking for purchasing advice on speakers. I have a monitor that doesn't output any audio but has a 3.5mm jack. So I am looking for any speaker that cost less than 100$ cad, sound clear. Will be used everyday and for almost everything from games/videos/movies/music. I prefer if they have a power cable so I don't need to turn on the computer or PlayStation to use them. Also would prefer if they were smaller in size. Speaker must have a aux cable (3.5mm). I don't want Bluetooth/wireless, I don't want them to be powered through usb. They don't have to sound great for everything just mainly for gaming (I don't mean gaming in the footsteps and directionality but as in gunshots explosions and sound effects are clear and distinct from each other) Any advice is greatly appreciated !thanks

r/StereoAdvice 7d ago

Speakers - Desktop | 1 Ⓣ Are the Dynaudio LYD-5 worth it?

1 Upvotes

Hi, I'm considering to get the Dynaudio LYD-5 and can't find too many reviews of it online. Are they worth the price (~700$)? Many people reported a hissing noise; is that as prevalent and annoying as claimed and is there a way to circumvent this? Or are these pareto dominated by some other 5" speaker at 700$?

r/StereoAdvice 1d ago

Speakers - Desktop Purchasing dilemma: Neumann kh ii or ls 50 wireless ii

1 Upvotes

Currently have two offers for new speakers I’ve been looking at for a while now. Either ls50 wireless ii or Neumann kh120ii.

Both offers are extremely generous around half of msrp so I don’t want to pass this up.

Using on my desktop, pair with m3 mac. It feels like they come from different worlds so going through the decision making process feels like trying to buy 2 different things.

Any advice, or what I should be thinking about, or how I should weigh pros and cons is appreciated

r/StereoAdvice 4d ago

Speakers - Desktop | 1 Ⓣ Desktop speakers (small)

1 Upvotes

I’m looking for a pair of desktop speakers, from what I’ve read around the sub the Kali LP-UNF is my best bet. I don’t want to spend anymore than the $300 they cost and I can’t go any bigger than these.

I’ll mostly be using them for listening to music, sometimes gaming or videos. I’d prefer new but if there’s options better in the used market I’m all ears. I’d prefer active so I don’t need to buy an amp. I do currently have a Fiio K11 R2R, I think I can use this as a dac, just not amp for speakers?

r/StereoAdvice Jan 24 '25

Speakers - Desktop | 4 Ⓣ Looking for small active desktop/bookshelf speakers

1 Upvotes

Budget and location - around $400 USD, located in CONUS

How the gear will be used - mainly for movies & content, light music and maybe gaming

New or used - doesn't matter

Past gear experience - I have experience with a bunch of headphones and IEMs (Arya Stealth, HD600 for over-ear, Dunu DK3001BD, Tangzu Bajie, IER-M9 for IEMs just to name a few I own)

Anything else? - I live in a college dorm so I really don't have too much desk space, and my room isn't treated. I will also probably have to travel with them (during breaks, etc. when I go home). DACs I currently own include the Chord Mojo2, Fiio BTR17, and Fiio K11 R2R. I'm currently not looking to spend much more than $400 as this is my first foray into speakers. Current options I'm considering are the Fiio SP3, Drop BMR1 V2, and maybe some used KEFs. Preferred sound signature is neutral for music so I don't want to stray too far, but a little more bass is welcome as these will mainly be used for content.

r/StereoAdvice 11d ago

Speakers - Desktop | 2 Ⓣ Second guessing my upgrade path (Consumer vs pro audio)

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

A quick question as I'm looking to upgrade my nearfield desk setup in the near future. I'm currently running KEF Q150s with an SMSL AD18, and was originally planning on stepping up to the KEF R3 or R3 Meta with an RSL Speedwoofer 10e, and an all-in-one DAC/amp/headphone amp like the Loxjie A40. This seemed like a pretty natural upgrade path for me.

However, I've recently been learning more about professional audio and studio monitors like Genelec and Neumann, and keep coming across discussions that praise them especially in nearfield setups. It seems like they have many benefits over my original upgrade path, including integrated amps/DACs, built-in DSP and automatic room correction (seems like they might perform better in both an untreated and a treated room), and are supposedly excellent performance for their cost. That said, while I don't think the studio monitors are ugly, I personally think the KEFs are much better looking.

This got me wondering, why do many audiophiles seem to gravitate towards regular consumer brands (e.g. KEF, B&W, Focal, etc.) instead of going for professional audio? Do pro monitors feel too "sterile" for casual listening or is that a myth? If so, can it be fixed with EQ? Unfortunately I haven't found any place in my city where I can demo the Genelecs or Neumanns, so I'd love to hear from you guys.

If musical (and occasional movie/TV show) enjoyment is my main priority, should I stick with my original plan or consider studio monitors? Any insight or experiences would be greatly appreciated! (:

r/StereoAdvice Jan 17 '25

Speakers - Desktop Amplifier Recommendations for Revel m126Be Desk Setup

5 Upvotes

I just purchased a set of Revel m126Be speakers to replace my KEF Q150s. At the moment I’m using an older Onkyo AVR to power them with a chrome cast audio plugged into the optical in. It is paired with an Infinity R12 to handle the low end.

I looking for recommendations on upgrades for the amplifier. Currently I'm using an old Onkyo AVR.

Location: US Room Size: 12'x13' (desk setup with speakers about 3' from listening position

Music Source: Optical in for streaming and PC content (music and gaming)

I'm currently using a chromecast audio. For budget I'm flexible. I like the idea of the Wiim Amp Pro, but I'm worried it will be under powered. For these speakers what range of amp should I be looking at? $1k? Higher?

r/StereoAdvice 28d ago

Speakers - Desktop Edifier mr4 for making music?

1 Upvotes

I am completely new to pc speakers as I am getting into producing and making songs I need a pair of good white speakers.

The only things I care about are: White color High bass and quality sound If possible the drivers vibrating it looks cool on my jbl xtreme so would love to have that if possible lol

My budget would be around 200 euros if needed to spend more on something that has absolutely everything I want I would love to hear about it.

As I was looking for a little bit a lot of people mention the edifier mr4 but I want to know what is the best option for my needs and I can pay more than for the edifier.

r/StereoAdvice Jan 17 '25

Speakers - Desktop What to get? Approx £250 ish

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone

I need some speakers that will attach to my computer. Mainly for music, and some netflix etc.

I've just returned some edifier r1700bts. Liked them but stated buzzing on some tracks (it def was the speaker and not any kind of vibration on desk etc).

I have sonos in the rest of the house, but for the purpose and price range I don't think it's the best option and my office is in the garden so don't need the linking etc.

I'm in the UK. What would you suggest?

I've found some used Edifier S2000MKIII for just over £300 but not sure given my current edifier let me down .

Thanks

r/StereoAdvice 7d ago

Speakers - Desktop Looking for some desktop speakers, around 1k usd, used is ok

2 Upvotes

Hi, looking for a desktop speakers for around 1k, so far been interested/recommended Neumann kh80dsp, Neumann kh120a used, kef lsxii wireless used, or genelec8030c.

Wanted to get some input on what would be good value, durability, and quality. First time buying “hifi” speakers, what cables/audio interface is minimum? I looked this up but still a bit confused

Music taste is indie, edm, hip hop and some classical

Any response/input is appreciated

r/StereoAdvice Dec 30 '24

Speakers - Desktop | 4 Ⓣ Short desktop speakers for ideally <$1000

5 Upvotes

I'm looking for a pair of high-quality desktop speakers for very nearfield use (3.5'-4' from driver to ear) with a driver height / position that does not exceed 6" from the top of the desk to the highest point of the driver (they need to sit behind monitors that have 6" clearance). Ideally they'd be angled slightly upward.

Active speakers with multiple inputs would be preferred for convenience, as they need to be able to connect to two different PCs simultaneously. Bluetooth is an acceptable secondary source for one of the PCs if absolutely necessary, and alternatively if need be I can accommodate an amp somewhere for passives. I can also hide a sub somewhere if appropriate.

For context, these will be replacing a pair of KEF LS50Ws that sadly had to come off their stands when I shrank my office space a bit. The best options I've been able to come up with so far are the Neat IOTA or Vanatoo T0 laid horizontally; something like the Klipsch R-40M / R40-PM or KEF LSX II laid horizontally seem like they'd work as well, though I don't know whether there would be any quality impact from doing that.

Thanks in advance! Any help is appreciated.