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Passive speakers for desktop

I haven't found any good articles or experiences online about having passive speakers on a desktop. Currently that's my space where I can kind of go crazy when it comes to audio gear without having to get wife approval. However, being on a desk means there's obviously limitations. 

So far I've used cheap stuff like logitech, bose, creative, audioengine, etc. Then I got some Paradigm Atoms and Onix Ref 1's back in college. Next upgrade was the Dynaudio Focus 110's which were pretty great when it comes to the sound that came out of that small speaker. I currently own the SB Acoustic ARA which bring everything up a notch. I'm borrowing my friend's BMRs and the presentation is very different. It throws a wide soundstage with a little softer imaging compared to the ARA but it could be due to the width limitation between the speakers.

Does anyone have any recommendations for what I can upgrade to? It seems like having passive speakers on a desk is quite niche. Most people who go deeper into a desk setup tend to go active but I'd like to stay passive.

Current setup - Audiobyte Hydra Z - PS Audio DSD - Bel Canto Pre3 - AVA DVA M225 - SB Acoustic ARA

Some options I came across were the Qln Prestige One and Borresson Z1. I'm hoping to stay under the $10k range for my last pair of speakers in this setup.

driftingbunnies
soix
10,371 posts
 

Another potential option (smartly recommended by another member here whose name I can’t recall so I can’t take the credit) would be to set up the system with the speakers straddling the corner opposite where your desk is located (Jeff Joseph did this to great effect when he was demonstrating his Pulsars in an impossibly small NYC hotel room at a show I attended).  This way you still get to enjoy the sound while working without the placement restrictions, and when you wanna do more critical listening you just turn your chair around and there you are!  Would seem to be a potential “best of all worlds” type approach.  Just yet something else to ponder FWIW.  

grislybutter
3,627 posts
 

I absolutely would not spend more than 2 grand. There may be 0 difference if you spend more.

Monitor Audio and KEF mid-level models would be good choices.

vinylvalet
930 posts
 

Try to audition a pair of ATC SCM7 monitors. Use an inexpensive set of Iso Acoustic Iso-Puck minis to isolate them from the desktop.

driftingbunnies OP
26 posts
 

I have some iso-acoustic stands that prop my current speakers off the desk already. I'd probably use those again.

I'm currently considering the voxativ hagen monitors. Not a lot of talk about them in particular but I believe the drivers are well liked. Those seem like they would do well on a desk compared to most other bookshelf speakers. 

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. I really appreciate it!

auroravengeance's avatar
auroravengeance
135 posts
 

My current desktop setup and my main listening station. It’s a pair of Cabasse Riga paired with Santorin 21 setup. It is definitely within your budget and driven by my Lab12 Dac1 Reference with Sony TA-A1ES the synergy is frighteningly good. The only thing I would change is perhaps a nicer sub and a more premium class A amp like Esoteric F-03A. 

I’ve heard Borresen Z1 Cryo paired with Aavik I-280, and I think my setup is no difference in quality and enjoyment to that.

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