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Passive speakers for desktop

I haven't found any good articles or experiences online about having passive speakers on a desktop. Currently that's my space where I can kind of go crazy when it comes to audio gear without having to get wife approval. However, being on a desk means there's obviously limitations. 

So far I've used cheap stuff like logitech, bose, creative, audioengine, etc. Then I got some Paradigm Atoms and Onix Ref 1's back in college. Next upgrade was the Dynaudio Focus 110's which were pretty great when it comes to the sound that came out of that small speaker. I currently own the SB Acoustic ARA which bring everything up a notch. I'm borrowing my friend's BMRs and the presentation is very different. It throws a wide soundstage with a little softer imaging compared to the ARA but it could be due to the width limitation between the speakers.

Does anyone have any recommendations for what I can upgrade to? It seems like having passive speakers on a desk is quite niche. Most people who go deeper into a desk setup tend to go active but I'd like to stay passive.

Current setup - Audiobyte Hydra Z - PS Audio DSD - Bel Canto Pre3 - AVA DVA M225 - SB Acoustic ARA

Some options I came across were the Qln Prestige One and Borresson Z1. I'm hoping to stay under the $10k range for my last pair of speakers in this setup.

driftingbunnies
driftingbunnies OP
25 posts
 

In case anyone is following, I'm still on the lookout for an upgrade to my Ara. I've kind of narrowed it down to a few. Qln Prestige, Totem Acoustics Element Fire V2, Dynaudio Heritage specials, and Dali Epicon 2. Currently the Totem is in the lead but I haven't heard any totem speakers before so it's based on just how many glowing reviews there are of that speaker.

My chain has changed a little. Upgraded to MK2 for the directstream and bought a benchmark LA4 for my preamp. I've also added some bass panels behind and an acoustic panel to the right for the first reflection. Basically my speakers are left unless I want to spend 2-3x more on the components.

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
976 posts
 

To consider.

Dynaudio Contour 20i

 

ELAC Vela VBS403

Focal Kanta No1

I have the Focal 926 Tower.  Some people dont like them , i do. 

I also have the Dynaudio Evoke 10 on my HT setup, my Denon av amp does not do them justice.  Evoke 20 is step up.   Special 40 can be found used for good price.

Totem good choice too. 

 

monster7
12 posts
 

DVA M225 is a compact and powerful solid state amplifier. It is rated at 225 watts into 8 ohms

1. Your amp has too much power for the near-field

2. consider low-watt amp + single driver speaker

driftingbunnies OP
25 posts
 

@monster7 Do you have any recommendations? Why is it an issue that the amp has 225w? 

The DVA M225 uses a new and unique version of our award-winning SET amplifier design. These are Class A/B amps that operate as Class A amps at normal listening levels. 

I would think I'm using the Class A portion of the amp most of the time. Let me know if there's something I'm missing.

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