I think that actives are a great way to go.
At last year's Axpona, I heard the Vanatoos and a pair of Audioengines (HD6, I think). Both the T-zeros and the T-one Encores impressed me with sound considerably better than I'd expect for the price.
As to Audioengine, the mfgr was demonstrating them with a Bluetooth connection; they sounded far worse than I know they can sound -- I have a pair of A5+, which served me well in a desktop system for years. If I were starting over, I'd probably go for the Vanatoos myself, the Transparent One Encores.
I also have heard good things about Adam. Have not heard them or the Tannoys. Your best bet might be to buy one you are considering with right of return.
At last year's Axpona, I heard the Vanatoos and a pair of Audioengines (HD6, I think). Both the T-zeros and the T-one Encores impressed me with sound considerably better than I'd expect for the price.
As to Audioengine, the mfgr was demonstrating them with a Bluetooth connection; they sounded far worse than I know they can sound -- I have a pair of A5+, which served me well in a desktop system for years. If I were starting over, I'd probably go for the Vanatoos myself, the Transparent One Encores.
I also have heard good things about Adam. Have not heard them or the Tannoys. Your best bet might be to buy one you are considering with right of return.