I revised my office last year, I could not be happier, or, let's say, I am happy enough that I don't even consider changing the speakers, even though something better may or of course exists.
I made a perfect listening triangle, that is the most critical part of the success.
the speakers in bookcases opposite my desk, horizontal at ear level, either side of my monitor. The imaging is terrific, from TT or R2R, and/or streaming music video, or any video actually.
I went for real bookcase speakers, small enough to fit 11-1/2" depth, horizontal on the shelf at seated ear level, no ports. 6-1/2" drivers are essentially the largest in that category.
I extend bass with a single self-powered sub, not aware of it until you turn it off.
Preamp to sub's equalizer, sub takes the low bass, sends only upper bass, mids, highs to the amp and bookshelf speakers. That allows both the amp and speakers to do a better job, not trying to make low bass.
That also allows you to stay with a less powerful amp as it does not need to make low bass, the real need for power. Anytime you reduce power needs, it makes it easier to try tubes, now or in the future.
You don't need the best sub, in this case it is simply adding some bass extension, general mono fill, not low bass imaging like you might go for in a larger system.
specifically I already had a vintage Velodyne sub and bought used vintage B&W bookshelf speakers.
I made a perfect listening triangle, that is the most critical part of the success.
the speakers in bookcases opposite my desk, horizontal at ear level, either side of my monitor. The imaging is terrific, from TT or R2R, and/or streaming music video, or any video actually.
I went for real bookcase speakers, small enough to fit 11-1/2" depth, horizontal on the shelf at seated ear level, no ports. 6-1/2" drivers are essentially the largest in that category.
I extend bass with a single self-powered sub, not aware of it until you turn it off.
Preamp to sub's equalizer, sub takes the low bass, sends only upper bass, mids, highs to the amp and bookshelf speakers. That allows both the amp and speakers to do a better job, not trying to make low bass.
That also allows you to stay with a less powerful amp as it does not need to make low bass, the real need for power. Anytime you reduce power needs, it makes it easier to try tubes, now or in the future.
You don't need the best sub, in this case it is simply adding some bass extension, general mono fill, not low bass imaging like you might go for in a larger system.
specifically I already had a vintage Velodyne sub and bought used vintage B&W bookshelf speakers.