Help me pick my new computer speakers

[robh]

I currently have a pair of ancient Altec Lansing speakers and would like to upgrade them. This is for a desktop computer.

Preferences:
1/8" stereo jack input from standard analog sound card, or the ability to do so with an adapter. (I read that balanced jacks may have a hum problem?)
No external amplifier
Each speaker no more than 5.5" wide
Good measurements overall, and bass to about 75Hz is fine. If it can add a small sub later, that's fine. If no sub hookup is even possible, that's fine too.
Would prefer ability to turn them off easy - ie. power knob in the front, or something easy to reach in the back.
No budget. Well, not really.

Thanks.

 

[robh]

Looking at things like Genelec, Neumann, Kanto level speakers.

 

[ehabheikal]

Budget.
If you have a grand look into kh80 dsp and a cheap well performing dac.
dimensions 9 1/8" x 6" x 7 5/8"
a bit wider

 

[JeremyFife]

"No budget" ... makes things easier but the 5.5" max width is tricky.

Genelec 8020 is just bigger (148mm = 5.83" ) and would be my preference
iLoud Micros?

You may need adapter cables, but that's nothing to worry about

 

[mns3dhm]

KEF LSX II or its smaller brethren.

 

[robh]

Those Kanto ORA's are looking mighty fine.

Those Genelecs won't have a problem with the balanced input to a 3.5mm?

 

[Multicore]

1/8" stereo jack input from standard analog sound card,

Looking at things like Genelec, Neumann, Kanto level speakers

Surprising combination there.

Couldn't we switch to optical please? There's a risk you'll get top quality reproduction of computer noise with that connection. A USB to optical dongle is an easy fix if you're computer doesn't have an optical output.

Don't any of the little active boxes come with optical input? It offends my systems engineering sensibilities that we have to convert the computer's audio to analog to send it to a DSP box like KH80 that converts it straight back to digital.

 

[robh]

I might update to something digital. Right now I share a desktop PC (with an audio card) and a laptop docking station, also with an 1/8" out. Both do have USB.

 

[Apesbrain]

Presonus Eris E3.5 are an option.

 

[LTig]

Those Genelecs won't have a problem with the balanced input to a 3.5mm?

No - when travelling I do this all the time with my 8020a. Just get a matching Y-cable, e.g. in a shop where musicians buy their equipment.

 

[Madlop26]

I went for the smaller Genelecs 8010A, paired with a Presonus Eris compact subwoofer, which has balance inputs and outputs. Man, it puts a smile in my face every time I listen to music, best Invesment ever.

 

[robh]

I decided to go with the Kanto Ora's. Just deciding between the regular and the Ora4 now. By most reviews with comparisons, the Ora4's are better (obviously). But the same reviews say once you add their subwoofer, the differences fade. 'So trying to decide if I value more desk space or not.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Waxx]

Neumann KH80 can be good, but you will need a sub also. That is like that with most othes also (like the Genelec 8020). With a speaker like the KH150 you don't need a sub, but they are a lot larger, maybe to large for you desk. So you first need to determine how big they can be. If small is the case, a sub will be needed to have real bass.

The difference between Genelec and Neumann is so little that it's purely subjective. I and many prefer Neumann, but many will prefer Genelec also. Best is to hear both, preferable in the same room, to find out what you like the most. Both are as clean as a non cardioid speaker can be.

 

[Somafunk]

Those Kanto ORA's are looking mighty fine.

Those Genelecs won't have a problem with the balanced input to a 3.5mm?

I bought the Kanto Ora and other stuff for a mates kid Xmas and they sound way better than their diminutive size would suggest, pair them with the Kanto S8 sub and I doubt you’d be disappointed

 

[robh]

I bought the Kanto Ora and other stuff for a mates kid Xmas and they sound way better than their diminutive size would suggest, pair them with the Kanto S8 sub and I doubt you’d be disappointed

I plan to do just that. I ordered the Ora's just a few minutes ago. I'm not ordering the sub yet - to make sure I like the little speakers as-is. I don't want to also return a subwoofer if they aren't good.

 

[Somafunk]

Get the matching stands as well for your desk, I bought the se2 version

SE2 Desktop Speaker Stands | Kanto Audio

Free up desk space and enjoy superior sound quality with the SE2 Elevated Speaker Stand.

www.kantoaudio.com

 

[Madlop26]

I decided to go with the Kanto Ora's. Just deciding between the regular and the Ora4 now. By most reviews with comparisons, the Ora4's are better (obviously). But the same reviews say once you add their subwoofer, the differences fade. 'So trying to decide if I value more desk space or not.

Thanks everyone.

What was your reason to choose Kanto above the Neumann or Genelec? just curious

 

[robh]

What was your reason to choose Kanto above the Neumann or Genelec? just curious

All 3 are rated well. I liked the design of the Kantos a bit more. Reviews detail the sound as warm, which I like.

If I like them, I'll look no further. If I have a question about the sound, I may order the Genelec's to compare.

 

[GXAlan]

Dollar for dollar, it’s hard to beat these:

ProMedia 2.1 THX® Certified Computer Speaker System

Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX computer speakers are the best computer speakers on the market. Shop now, you owe it to yourself to have a top-notch computer…

www.klipsch.com

We know that bass is an important part of sound quality and this is probably the most bass you can get at that price point from a real company with real customer service and warranty. This has been in continuous production for something like 20 years.

Some measurements here:
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...2-1-thx-review-measurements-thoughts.6575272/

The Kanto Ora is also a great choice if your budget is higher. It has the ergonomics that are ideal for desktop use and also measure well.

Kanto ORA Powered Desktop Speakers & sub8 Review

Kanto’s new ORA powered desktop speakers push their technology further than ever by introducing an active crossover and other innovations. What does this do to the sound? Read on to find out.

www.audioholics.com

Once you have a bit more budget and physical size, the JBL 3 series is very hard to beat. You have to deal with the volume control, the power on/off, etc. though. It’s easy to put in a passive preamp to attenuate the volume. However this comparison to the 305p shows the difference in ergonomics on a desk. The JBLs are better but they are also way bigger and less practical.

Kanto Ora Review

Tiny PC speakers made in the image of studio monitors

www.trustedreviews.com

 

[Madlop26]

All 3 are rated well. I liked the design of the Kantos a bit more. Reviews detail the sound as warm, which I like.

If I like them, I'll look no further. If I have a question about the sound, I may order the Genelec's to compare.

Yes, they look great (which is also important) and probably they will sound great too, but in my case, I never go for any type of subjective review; I prefer check graphs of frequencies response and distortion, that guaranties the tonality of the speaker will be excellent.