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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
deep_333
1,468 posts
 

Thanks everyone for the recommendations.

I’m noticing that many of these manufacturers are recommending amplifier powers a little above the 20W that my LTA UL+ produces.

For example Focal recommends 25W minimum, Fyne Audio (F500SP) & Mofi (Sourcepoint 8) recommend 30W minimum. KEF (LS50) recommends 40W minimum.

Should these be taken very seriously, or are they less important at small distances requiring lower volumes? If taken seriously this will restrict my options considerably.

@atriya  At your listening distance of 2 to 3 feet, you will barely hit 1 Watt for all your listening. 30 watts will cause deafness with any of those speakers at your listening distance.

Post removed 
bassdude
497 posts
 
@akg_ca
 

HARBETH P3ESR XD +++ Absolutely, nothing really compares to the superb sound produced with the right set-up!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDYgTI-czog

 

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,817 posts
 

For your listening distance nearly any loudspeakerswill work

 

We got fabulous sound out of atc which are very inefficient with a 40 watt naim if the roon is small and the distance is so short 5 watts will get you plenty of volume let alone 20

mandink's avatar
mandink
1 posts
 

I have an Audioengine class D small footprint amp, a Jamo upright pancake sub, and original Kef LS50 speakers. This nearfield desk system is absolutely superb sounding. Apple music and Alexa are my sources. I have stereo setups around my house, and these speakers are as good as any of them (ESS AMT1b, Magneplanar) Happy listening!

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