Need PC desk suggestions

[InvisibleRasta]

Hi everyone, this is my first post here!
I’m looking to streamline my desk audio setup. I have a 2-meter desk and need to save some space.

For the last 15 years, I’ve been using Bose Companion 2 Series II speakers for gaming and low-volume listening (honestly, they’re pretty bad). For music around the house, I use a vintage Pioneer SA-620 amplifier with a turntable and a pair of small, handmade passive speakers—although I’m not really sure how good those speakers actually are.

My goal is to replace the Pioneer amp, and the Bose speakers with a single, cleaner setup. I’m torn between two options: investing in a good pair of active speakers, or buying a small-form-factor amplifier to drive my existing passive speakers.

My budget is €300 at the moment, and I’d really appreciate your recommendations.

So far, I’ve been looking at the following active speakers:

• Adam D3V 235 euro
• Klipsch R-51PM 429 euro
• Edifier R1280T 94 euro
• KRK RP5 G5 154 euro

And for amplifiers:

• Cambridge Audio AXA25 249 euro
• Aiyima A80 239 euro
• SMSL AS400
• SMSL AO300
• Fosi Audio ZA3 + Fosi Audio ZD3 now at 300 euro for both

As mentioned, I’m still unsure which route makes more sense.

These are the drivers used in my homemade speakers:
https://www.ciare.com/en/products/lf-driver/5/8/HW131
https://loudspeakerdatabase.com/Ciare/HW131

This are some pictures of my current setup:
https://ibb.co/nM18J2gk

https://ibb.co/C5MvBBQT

https://ibb.co/4g2c6g1w

Just to clarify, my goal is to either replace the amplifier i am using (if the speakers i ahve are worth the hussle) or just replace the whole audio setup with a good set of active speakers.

 

[somebodyelse]

I recently bought the D3V and haven't been disappointed. I use the TRS inputs via an audio interface to the desktop machine, and the USB-C into the monitor's hub for when I connect the laptop to the monitor's USB-C input. A double-tap on the volume button switches between inputs, and it's noise free for me once gain staging is set right. Threaded holes in the bottom take the short desktop mic stands that I bought bundled with the speakers, so they sit with tweeters at ear level.

Also in consideration were the Kali LP-UNF, or going the cheaper route with the Edifier MR3 - see Erin's reviews for all these to see why they're well worth considering, depending on your priorities. The MR3 measures better than the R1280T you mention for a similar price. I don't think we've seen the others measured, but I could be wrong.

You could also measure your speakers if you're interested in finding out how good they are, but you'd need a measurement mic and an investment in time learning how to measure well. I could swear there's a tutorial thread but I can't find it right now. Although if you don't already have the equipment it could eat into your budget, while the choices above are known good.

 

[InvisibleRasta]

will the Edifier MR3 be a big change compared to the Bose Companion 2 Series II i currently have

 

[somebodyelse]

I've never seen measurements of the Bose so it's hard to say.

 

[InvisibleRasta]

Yeah but i hardly doubt they are better than the edifiers