For nearfield listening: which of these towers?

I almost pulled the trigger on those Preludes for sale. But, considering I'd also need to get an integrated amp, wires, and if the integrated does not have USB input (laptop is source), I'd also have to get a USD DAC. Too much gear, too much money. Especially if compared to this setup: laptop -> Halide USB HD DAC (small, no power cord, wires included) -> active monitors. Clean, simple, least gear. BUT, I will only do this if it sounds good. if not, I'l lhave to fall back on something like the Preludes or Ascend Sierra-1s in std 2-channel setup.

Back today to listen to active moitors again to make final decision: which one, or none.

The Halide is terrific

Concern about the Halide - locked into only one type input: USB. Wonder if something like the Schiit Bifrost Uber might be a better option. Certainly more types of inputs, but is sound quality up to par with Halide?

The Halide is great for what is does, but only does one thing, which is all I need for my desktop. At the prices you are looking at, there is fortunately/unfortunately very many speakers and DACs which are very good.

Agree.

I auditioned speakers at Guitar Center again last night, via my music this time (iPhone 3.5mm output; 256kbps iTunes):

1. Benjamin Britten/ECO/Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F major
2. John Coltrane - Afro Blue (Live at Birdland)
3. Karrin Allyson - You Don't Know What Love Is
4. Sarah Lazarus - It's Alright With Me
5. Terje Rypdal - Ambiguity
6. Jim Weider - No Exit Strategy
7. Miles Davis - I Thought About You

JBL LSR305 - music sounded as if it was coming out of a plastic box.
Tannoy Reveal 802 - clean, clear, even handed, slightly crisp/bleached/two-dimensional, seems like they would get fatiguing after a while, on sale reduced from $560 to $280 a piece (at GC and Sweetwater)!!!
Adams F7 - texture, grunt, delicate highs, great imaging, slightly recessed mids, no fatigue whatsoever.

If I were going to use these to mix, I'd have purchased the Tannoys. Since these are not for mixing but purely listening pleasure, I selected the Adams (30-day money back). I do not prefer recessed mids, but it was only slight to my ears. And since no speaker is perfect, I need to listen to these longer term before deciding whether or not they actually are slightly recessed, and if so, will it be an issue for me.

I am going to live with these on my desk with laptop as source via 3.5mm output before considering more gear (such as a DAC) and tweaks, if I feel it is even necessary.