Best Small budget speakers for girlfriend

Here is a count with asterisks indicating another endorsement!
Quad 11L Active
AudioEngine A2 active *
A5 active *
Spica TC-50s **
PSB Alpha B1 ($300)
NHT Superzero ($400)
Rega R1 ($450).
Paradigm Atoms
insignias $75, *
AV123 ELT525 $300
Era Design 4's
Silverline SR11
Soliloquy SAT 5's *
Usher S-520 $400 ***
Athenas $100

Pedrillo,

Did you ever mention what amp would be driving them? If you don't already own an amp, any of the actives start making even more sense. However, if she has space limitations you really need to decide if rear ported speakers are even appropriate for the space. Most need some breathing room behind them.

Enjoy,

TIC

My 2 cents.

Quad 11L active (if no amp)
AudioEngine A2 Active (if no amp)
Silverline Minuet (see current Stereophile)
Usher S-520
Era Design 4

Get a kit from Madisound or Zalytron. If you are even remotely good w/ a soldering iron, you can assemble a kit (w/ pre-built cabinets, of course) in one evening. Your money goes so much further with kits that it can't be overstated.

If you're not into kits, the smaller B&W speakers are great.

But in the end, Jaybo is right....