Evaluating Budget Desktop Monitors – Please Review My Picks

[mikeylemur]

I’m currently looking for a new set of computer speakers to replace my old Q Acoustics 2010i’s, with a budget of under £110 on the used market. I really liked the tone of the 2010i’s, but they were just too bulky for my desk setup. This time, I’m aiming for something more compact—ideally under 230mm in height.

One of my biggest issues with the 2010i’s was how much the sound changed when I moved around. Even a slight shift in head position would throw off the balance between channels and break the immersion. I’m guessing that’s a side effect of nearfield listening, but I’m wondering if there are speakers out there that handle this better—maybe ones with wider dispersion or more consistent off-axis performance.

After digging through some forums and checking out measurements, I’ve narrowed it down to afew models that seem promising and are readily available used.

Single Pair (Without Subwoofer)

• iLoud Micro Monitor - iLoud Micro Monitors measurements and quasi-anechoic spinorama | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

Pair + Budget Subwoofer

• Edifier MR3 / MR4 Curious if the rumored MR4 revision makes it a meaningful upgrade over the MR3. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ments-its-probably-been-upgraded.42941/page-6
• Cambridge Audio Minx Min22 (Balanced Mode Radiator) https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ding-with-weeb-labs.21131/page-6#post-2352324
• KEF HTS3001 (Coaxial) https://web.archive.org/web/20131011122538im_/http://medleysmusings.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Kef-HTS3001SE-Speaker-Sealed-0-30-60.png

I know the MR3 already offers impressive performance for its price, and while the other two speakers likely fall short in low-end response, I'm genuinely intrigued by the Coax and BMR technologies for their wide, even off axis response. How noticeable is the change in sound quality when listening from off-axis positions with these technologies?

Would the iLouds offer a noticeable improvement over the MR3s, or would the difference be so minor that I'd be better off just adding a budget subwoofer?

Alternatives I’m Interested In (But Hard to Find or Lack Measurements)

• Fostex PM0.3 https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/fostex-pm-03-active-speaker-review.12517/ Amir seemed to think these were okay.
• JBL Nano K3
• Pioneer DM-40
• Fluid F4
• EVE SC203 Also out of budget, but how does it stack up against the iLoud?

If you know of any other speakers that fit these criteria—or have insights on how the ones above compare—I’d love to hear your suggestions!

 

[kyuu]

I recently purchased the Adam Audio D3V on a lark to use as a combination desktop and portable speaker setup. I dunno what the pricing and availability look like in the used market in your neck of the woods, but if you're looking for something reasonably compact but still quite satisfying for near-field usage without a sub, IMO these are the speakers to beat.

If your setup will be largely stationary and you want more bass headroom and extension than any compact setup will be able to get you, then definitely go for something to pair with a sub. Either the speaker or the sub (or some other piece of gear you have) should offer some proper bass management though. If the Kanto Ora or Ora4 are an option, those reportedly are quite good and have a built-in sub out with crossover (and a matching sub).

 

[mikeylemur]

I recently purchased the Adam Audio D3V on a lark to use as a combination desktop and portable speaker setup. I dunno what the pricing and availability look like in the used market in your neck of the woods, but if you're looking for something reasonably compact but still quite satisfying for near-field usage without a sub, IMO these are the speakers to beat.

If your setup will be largely stationary and you want more bass headroom and extension than any compact setup will be able to get you, then definitely go for something to pair with a sub. Either the speaker or the sub (or some other piece of gear you have) should offer some proper bass management though. If the Kanto Ora or Ora4 are an option, those reportedly are quite good and have a built-in sub out with crossover (and a matching sub).

I definitely considered the Adams, but since the speakers are still relatively new, used prices are still close to the MSRP — around £200. Same goes for the Kantos; they’re definitely out of my budget.