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Recommend a desktop nearfield speaker for me

I'm a bit confused as to whether "bookshelf speakers" are designed to be listened to from a distance, or if they are suitable on a computer desk where the distance to the ear is only ~2 feet. Or, if they are equally good in both situations (which seems to be tough).

I understand that nearfield speakers are optimized for small distances, but they are mostly active speakers, and I need a passive speaker.

Could someone recommend a passive nearfield speaker or bookshelf speaker that works well at small distances, for use on a computer desk?

My tube amp (LTA UL+) puts out 20 Wpc into 8 ohms.

I'm considering:

1. DeVore micr/O
2. BBC LS3/5A speakers such as the Harbeth P3SR
3. Focal Aria 1, maybe Sopra 1 if I stretch my budget. However the recommended amp power is 25W - 150W whereas my amp is 20W, so might not be ideal.
4. Omega Super Alnico High Output

Which (or others) might be best suited for my amp and 2-feet distance use-case? Also, the smaller the better...

128x128atriya
yyzsantabarbara
4,887 posts
 

These are not passive but will work better than your choices from my experience.

AudioengineUSA or some KEF. Not best in any way but putting speakers on a desk is a terrible way to listen. I have tried many speakers on the desk.

Home Page — Audioengine

LSX II | KEF USA

I have bought a few of these in the past and it does the job of hearing music on a desk.

I am selling my office system and buying going with headphones for my office (losing the office space). However, when I was using my Magnepan LRS+ speakers in my small office, I had the speaker behind me and the sound was unobstructed to my ears. It was pretty amazing.

My headphones are significantly better than the LRS+ or most small speakers that were unobstructed to my ears. Though, headphones really do not give you great freedom to move around. So, it is a compromise of me.

arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,681 posts
 

Harbeth P3esr — one of the few speakers I still regret selling. It is so balanced, non-fatiguing, and natural sounding that you would never want to stop listening. The only downside is that it needs a fair bit of power to drive it to its full potential. 

akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,274 posts
 

HARBETH P3ESR XD +1 highly recommended

- Works with a wide range of amplifiers – suggested from 15W/channel

https://youtu.be/22BwUQZ50eQ

2023 STEREOPHILE Editor's Choice Award

"I love the Harbeth P3ESR. I think it's the best iteration yet from any manufacturer of the BBC LS3/5A minimonitor concept." - John Atkinson

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