Possible Desktop Speakers?

Lowrider57 - I would say max 5k for 2 speakers (my wife might strangle me if I go higher and I like breathing). They will be sitting on a desk next to my monitor (its a big L shape desk). I cant really go with floor standing because space is a premium for me and my wife wouldn't like speakers just sitting on the floor in front of my desk. I did plan on getting a sub woofer but my decent i choice didn't seem to go well with the Magnepans and I fear I wouldn't know which one to go with (I would like the sub to stay in the decent I price range).

For the money, I find it hard to argue with active powered speakers.

Dynaudio Xeo 3 or better yet the Focus 110A. They also have a range of studio active speakers BM series? I think

The Focal Solo6Be (similar to the 1008Be but cheaper by a fair bit and powered).

The studio speakers may lose out a bit on the nice wooden finish of the hifi counterparts but they have the good stuff where it matters.

Ancient Audio makes really good powered speakers for just this purpose. They have been reviewed in 6Moons and are sold in th US by Stereo Desk of Boston.

Jim, a point that needs to be clarified further is where you will be listening FROM.

Will you be doing any serious or semi-serious listening from positions other than at the desk? In other words, does sound quality at positions elsewhere in the room matter? If so, what is the furthest distance you anticipate listening from? And does sound quality off axis matter (i.e., when you are positioned off to the side, relative to the direction at which the speakers are aimed)?

Regards,
-- Al

Hello everyone I wanted to thank everyone for their input thus far.

Doggiehowser I appreciate the recommendations. I will take a peak at them.

GSM18439 Thanks for the recommendation.

Al - Good question. For the most part I will be listening to them while someone else is watching tv (wife or kid). I could see myself hearing a good song or whatnot and spinning the speakers to share.