Active desktop speaker choice?

[pspa123]

A well worn topic I know, but I figured it was OK to post as I have a few specific choices in mind already narrowed due to certain features. Listen mostly at fairly low volume, computer only, folk/vocal/classical/mainstream rock/jazz for the most part. Trying to decide among Audioengine A2+. Edifier M4, iLoud Micro Monitors and Adam Audio D3V (think I have that right). Anything bigger than the biggest of these would be too big. Prefer a volume knob with a marking on it. No issue paying for the more expensive of these if it's worth it. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[NotInYourHead]

A2+ is half-decent, requires EQ, too small for meaningful bass extension (without EQ, that is). Edifier MR4 has been superseded by MR3 with BT and built-in EQ, though its low-end is nowhere near as good as the others. But if you have the budget for iLouds and Adams these don't make too much sense anyway.

iLoud Micro Monitors have limited headroom (shouldn't be a problem with low level listening), good bass extension to 50Hz, will need EQ to fix a 2Khz peak and treble brightness.

Adam Audio D3V has good reviews, haven't read much into them. Currently the go-to choice for desktop speakers in ASR if you can afford.

My 2 cents.

 

[HeadDoc12]

A well worn topic I know, but I figured it was OK to post as I have a few specific choices in mind already narrowed due to certain features. Listen mostly at fairly low volume, computer only, folk/vocal/classical/mainstream rock/jazz for the most part. Trying to decide among Audioengine A2+. Edifier M4, iLoud Micro Monitors and Adam Audio D3V (think I have that right). Anything bigger than the biggest of these would be too big. Prefer a volume knob with a marking on it. No issue paying for the more expensive of these if it's worth it. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Have you ruled out Vanatoo?

 

[somebodyelse]

Have you ruled out Vanatoo?

Depends where OP is located - this side of the pond they're not available.

 

[Somafunk]

Bought my mates kid Kanto Ora active monitors (and kanto sub/+wiim/etc) for Xmas last year, on their own the kanto’s sound bloody awesome, Joe n’ tell reviewed them very favourably

I have audioengine a2 in my kitchen and the kanto’s wipes the floor with them.

ORA Reference Desktop Computer Speakers | Kanto Audio

ORA bridges the gap between computer speakers and studio monitors giving you studio-grade sound in a compact package that fits on your desktop

www.kantoaudio.com

 

[pablolie]

Bought my mates kid Kanto Ora active monitors (and kanto sub/+wiim/etc) for Xmas last year, on their own the kanto’s sound bloody awesome, Joe n’ tell reviewed them very favourably

I have audioengine a2 in my kitchen and the kanto’s wipes the floor with them.
...

But... it's a bigger footprint. If space is at a major premium and you sit very close to the speakers, the A2 work very well.

 

[Honken]

But... it's a bigger footprint. If space is at a major premium and you sit very close to the speakers, the A2 work very well.

Are they? The Ora speakers look quite diminutive apart from the subwoofer, which at 8" isn't exactly large for its class.

I recently heard the Adam Audio D3V, they sound really good in nearfield scenarios. Can't compare them to other speakers mentioned so far, but I'd be happy with them for desktop duties. Think I'd personally prefer IEMs overall, but one can't really compare IEMs directly to speakers.

 

[Somafunk]

But... it's a bigger footprint. If space is at a major premium and you sit very close to the speakers, the A2 work very well.

Nope, kanto ora's aren within millimetres of the audio engine a2's

 

[pablolie]

Nope, kanto ora's aren within millimetres of the audio engine a2's

They are about 20% bigger in volume. When space is a consideration, that difference is not insignificant.

 

[Somafunk]

Audioengine a2 are 6″H x 4″W x 5.25″D

Kanto’s are 6.9”H x 3.9” W x 5.6” D

The Kanto’s sound so much better than the A2’s with the waveguide so the tiny/millimeters difference in size is rather immaterial (imho)

 

[Flaesh]

Anything bigger than the biggest of these would be too big

I understand that what's being proposed is a bit larger.
My deepest apologies.
Also, this is a DIY project, not a finished product.
And the table should preferably be quite large.
But I just can't resist linking to this recent discussion:

Post in thread 'KRAKATOA Quintuple 18" Point Source Full Range'

Jan 18, 2025

18" midbass

https://www.parts-express.com/B-C-1...pFLAa-f5EF9-mAcXst5pYf4qdtCbcI0mpZQ4Z2eJgaC0V, $1 078,13 or https://en.toutlehautparleur.com/triaxial-speaker-b-c-speakers-18htx100-8-8-8-ohm-18-inch.html, €901 - quite affordable driver for DIYing desktop speakers. And add a sub(s) under the table.
If one does not have such a large table, two small tables can be used.

Compact 20"x20"x12" box, gray - ported:

• Flaesh

• 

 

[pablolie]

Audioengine a2 are 6″H x 4″W x 5.25″D

Kanto’s are 6.9”H x 3.9” W x 5.6” D

The Kanto’s sound so much better than the A2’s with the waveguide so the tiny/millimeters difference in size is rather immaterial (imho)

I will most definitely check them out. Thanks for the pointer.

 

[kemmler3D]

Based on measurements I've seen id go with the D3V but I haven't heard any of them in person.

 

[kyuu]

I have the D3V and can easily recommend them for a near-field setup without reservation if you are limited in both footprint and budget.