Best Desktop Speakers under $500


Will be used mostly for listening to music/podcasts while I work. I will not be getting a sub right now since I'm in an apartment so that is something to keep in mind.

I enjoy nice aesthetics so if they look nice or come in a color other than black, that is a plus for me.

manishkob
My Audioengine 2 desktop speakers started showing their age (many years now) with an irritating buzz coming from the left speaker that's getting worse with time so I, too, have been looking for a nice replacement. Glad this thread came up. 

Just now, I came upon this video from YouTube, recommended from all the research I've been doing. Looks like you can get a nice assortment to choose from apart from the Audioengine and Kanto lines that seem to be so popular of late.

It's hard for me to decide.

All the best,
Nonoise


Love my gorgeous powered Audioengine 2+ in red gloss finish with included stands. Those on the desk, paired with cheap subwoofer on the floor, all under $500 not counting the high-end cables that came free from the Currently Disused Cable Drawer. You feel the fresh breeze in your face when the 3" woofers kick in. (That said, I did no comparisons before buying. When now-or-never discount offer hits your inbox, you just buy and don't look sideways).
The Kef Q150's that Jon_5912 suggested would be nice in a smaller room. The coaxial tweeter is great in close quarters.
They are not powered speakers, if it matters.
Here's the link from Jon_5912's post:

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/kefq150wln/kef-q150-5.25-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-...