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Recommend a desktop nearfield speaker for me

I'm a bit confused as to whether "bookshelf speakers" are designed to be listened to from a distance, or if they are suitable on a computer desk where the distance to the ear is only ~2 feet. Or, if they are equally good in both situations (which seems to be tough).

I understand that nearfield speakers are optimized for small distances, but they are mostly active speakers, and I need a passive speaker.

Could someone recommend a passive nearfield speaker or bookshelf speaker that works well at small distances, for use on a computer desk?

My tube amp (LTA UL+) puts out 20 Wpc into 8 ohms.

I'm considering:

1. DeVore micr/O
2. BBC LS3/5A speakers such as the Harbeth P3SR
3. Focal Aria 1, maybe Sopra 1 if I stretch my budget. However the recommended amp power is 25W - 150W whereas my amp is 20W, so might not be ideal.
4. Omega Super Alnico High Output

Which (or others) might be best suited for my amp and 2-feet distance use-case? Also, the smaller the better...

128x128atriya

Showing 1 response by toddalin

toddalin's avatar
toddalin
309 posts
 

I have a pair of Chartwell LS3/5As that were my neighbors. He used them just as you describe, on his desk at ~2 feet as computer monitors powered by a (IIRC) mid-line Pioneer receiver.

When he passed away, his kids cleaned out the house and gave them to me (mint condition) with an extra, NOS, matching woofer.

They sound very, very sweet, but I don’t listen to them because my room is very large (~5,000 cu ft) and I would hate to blow them out with too much power/volume.

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