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Best under-the-computer-screen speaker options

ansx

Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2019
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As the title says I am currently looking for under-the-computer-screen speaker(s) options.
I have a 24" arm-mounted screen so the whole area under it is available.
I also have some space for a sub-woofer as long as it is slim and preferably wireless.
Main usage would be listening to music while working and watching the occasional video/series/movie.

Requirements:
  • Stereo: no mono center speaker
  • One of:
    • Analog input: RCA and/or 3.5mm jack, doesn't matter
    • Digital input: optical coax
  • Budget is around $300-500, could go up to $600 for something amazing.
  • The space for the speakers and possibly desktop amp is W23" x H6.5" x D6.5" or W58.5cm x H16.5cm x D16.5cm
  • The space for the possible sub-woofer is narrow, so W8" or W20cm max

So far I tried:
  • Marshall Killburn: had one available, used it for a few months while waiting for a permanent solution. Quality is amazing for the price and volume but it's a mono unit which makes watching videos a pain.
  • Sony's HT-MT300 soundbar with wireless sub: fits the place nicely but my unit was defective (left channel had permanent noise) and I wasn't very pleased with the "narrow" sound
Possible candidates:
  • ELAC Discovery Z3: comes at a premium and has a lot of features I don't need (all the streaming stuff basicaly)
  • Polk Audio MagniFi Mini: not sure what to think, has a lot of features I don't need
  • Sony HT-S200F: do I still trust Sony?
  • KLH Ames: can be used horizontally with a desktop amp fitting in between
  • Razer Leviathan: not a big fan of gaming-oriented gear but it does fit all the requirements

It is a home office setup so I definitely prefer sound quality over volume, no need to fill the entire room.
Are sound bars a good option when listening from so close?
And more importantly: do you guys know about better options?
 

Jaimo

Active Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2018
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Location
Toronto, Canada
I haven't had much luck with sound bars. My preference would be for a good small near field monitor. JBL LSR 305s are a good bet but you will need a DAC as well.

What's the analog input for?
 

bigx5murf

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Nov 6, 2018
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That is very little space to work with. Probably too small for any powered monitors. I think my old 2.1 system would fit, the Swan m10. It's decent for what it cost. But it is a very entry level product.
 
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ansx

Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2019
Messages
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Hi everyone,

I found out about the Kanto SYD shortly after posting here. I wasn't sure what to expect but decided to give it a try, thanks to Amazon Prime and free returns policy.
It is perfectly sized without the stand and has an amazing sound, much better than what I was expecting to get in such a small form factor.
The auto-standby feature is amazing when using it as computer speakers, and the volume knob is properly positioned.
Bonus "feature": although I find the bass pretty good already, I could add a Kanto Sub6 subwoofer, which would also fit in my space, using the dedicated sub-out.
All in all after a few days I am perfectly happy with it, it is way better than most 2.0/2.1 computer speakers I tested so far, and looks amazing too.
 
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