Desktop Speakers - New Tannoy Golds versus Adam, Vanatoo etc

I use the Vanatoo Zero speakers on my desk. They do have a built in DAC that performs up to 96/24.  Stream Roon most often but they can do blue tooth well when someone wishes to share something from their phone.  Also has a subwoofer out with automatic crossover. 

Heard Vanatoo at AXPONA. Very impressive. you're right to ignore Audio Engine - dull and bland.

Those Tannoys look nice!  They start at $500 though.

I just bought my first Audioengine product.  I got a B2.  Hooked up with my Dragonfly Dac (Red) and jitterbug, streaming Tidal and it sounds really nice.  I bought the B2 for $150 refurbed.  Audioengine has been around for awhile and has gotten many great reviews for what they are.
I’m not recommending that you get a B2, I’m just putting it out there that audio engine isn’t dull and bland

I think that actives are a great way to go.

At last year's Axpona, I heard the Vanatoos and a pair of Audioengines (HD6, I think). Both the T-zeros and the T-one Encores impressed me with sound considerably better than I'd expect for the price.

As to Audioengine, the mfgr was demonstrating them with a Bluetooth connection; they sounded far worse than I know they can sound -- I have a pair of A5+, which served me well in a desktop system for years. If I were starting over, I'd probably go for the Vanatoos myself, the Transparent One Encores.

I also have heard good things about Adam. Have not heard them or the Tannoys. Your best bet might be to buy one you are considering with right of return.