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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
grislybutter
3,304 posts
 

@wrm57 based on your criteria

NHT SuperZero 2.1 
Fyne F300     
Ascend HTM-200SE     
Polk Audio T15     
Sonus Faber Lumina  
Paradigm Premier 100B 
Q Acoustics 5020       
Diapason Micra III Excel
Diapason KARIS III       
Diapason Karis WAVE   
Acoustic Energy AE100 
Usher s-520          
PSB Imagine XB     
Mission LX-2 MKII 
GolderEar BRX     
Triangle Bro2
 

These all under 12", over 87db sensitivity. I did not check the port, I am adding it to now to my database. It's sorted by height. I can send you all the data, 24 columns.

wrm57
1,057 posts
 

@grislybutter, wow, that's great! Thanks!

grislybutter
3,304 posts
 

of course. As you see, I didn’t include the Devore and the Proac - already on your list. The ProAc is superb, based on mentions and reviews. I am a bit incredulous about the Devore. But I haven’t heard them, it’s just based on their web site and who have praised them (youtube reviewers). I think there are BS reviewers vs. down to earth reviewers, so a lot of inferences there....

wrm57
1,057 posts
 

I’m leaning pretty heavily towards a used pair of the Tablette 10, maybe the Sig version. The Devores are intriguing but probably more than I care to spend on this little system.

atriya's avatar
atriya OP
19 posts
 

Just an OP update: I've made my choice. I'll be getting the Omega Compact Alnico Monitor, with an Omega sub. Thanks to everyone who posted here.

The other option would be the new Voxativ Hagen II, but there's quite a difference between $1500 for the Alnicos and $6000/$8000 (depending on the driver choice) for the Hagen IIs.

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