Speakers small enough for desktop use


Want to begin at the beginning in assembling a stereo system to use around a computer source in a desktop environment in a smaller room. Looking for ideas on what people have found from experience to work well in this situation with the following criteria:

Up to $1K budget (for the speakers that is)
Coherent in the nearfield
Magnetically shielded
Reasonably easy to drive
Decent sonics at lower volumes but able to go somewhat loud
Not overly critical regarding listening angle
OK near wall behind
Don't require a "subwoofer" to sound pleasing (obviously deep bass will be absent and that's fine as long as the speakers are balanced correctly for use alone)
Portable for use in different situations (no in- or on-wall solutions)

I'm not against considering self-powered speakers (at a higher budget if needed), but for now am assuming I'll get some sort of small amp (however probably not flea-powered tubes, more likely a SS switching amp). Pro monitors marketed for recording studio desktop use OK as long as they're intended to be fuller-range and flatter than not. I'm also not decided whether these will be placed directly on the desktop or above it on some sort of stand or wall mounting. Thanks and remember to keep 'em small!
zaikesman
If you want to provide the power, the NSM Audio/Role series of speakers are tremendous - smooth, very detailed, impeccable imaging. Not inexpensive but... and they stand behind the product.

Another choice I am really enjoying is the Cain & Cain Noogi - basically a mini Abby - all the really good things about a full range from a small speaker. Like the Abby it is tall so placement is a tad more difficult - if you put it on your desk the driver will be above your head - I have mine on the floor and they sound great up here.

In the self-powered pro line, take a look at whatever the current Tannoy offering is. I would plan on a passive to make controlling them easy.

enjoy
Gallo has several micro speakers and have received very good reviews at 6moons.com. The Realistic Optimus 7's are excellent micro speakers that have been discontinued but perhaps could be found used.
Dan: Looking at an online review of the M-00, they seem like they're intended to be used with the matching subwoofer and that they wouldn't really cut it without. Do you think differently? I'd like to get some semblence of circa 50-60Hz bass out of the monitors themselves.

He who Walketh the Swamp: My brother has a pair of the Super Ones that are several years old, and though I'm not sure how they compare with current production, I was pretty disappointed with the sound at his place, given the reviews (granted, driven by a cheap receiver and CDP with gimmie wires, but placement tweaking on my part didn't help much). I think I need to aim a bit higher to get satisfaction.

Hals_den: I own a pair of ancient Optimus 7's and I know I definitely need to aim higher than that. I was hoping to get an audition of something by Gallo, but my closest dealer doesn't stock the model he says would be most appropriate, only ones he feels are HT-oriented and wouldn't work so well in the nearfield.

Ckorody: Funny you should mention Role. I started this process ahead of schedule, before I've even acquired the new computer and faster connection I'll be needing to make the whole thing go, mainly due to Role's introductory pricing on their new Sampan FTL model, a pair of which are currently breaking-in downstairs on 30-day approval. I'm really fishing for some ideas about what to audition in comparison with these single-driver, folded transmission-line passives, which show a lot of promise although I consider them to be on the expensive side for what they are.