On 27 May 2005 04:52:32 -0700, "Greg" wrote:

I am looking for speakers for a small bedroom system, and am a bit
stuck. I will mainly be using a computer for the source, and the
speakers will be on my desk, so they should be magnetically shielded. I
don't want anything too big, and am looking to spend around $300 or
less. I started out looking at budget active studio monitors, designed
for hobby musicians, but now am considering passive speakers with a
compact integrated amp. These are some of my options so far:


Edirol MA-20D - This is the budget solution. A bit of a cross between
computer speakers and studio monitors, with controls on the front, and
a digital input. 4.75" woofer. $200.

Event TR5 - Many people seem to like this one. The woofer's a big
bigger (5.25"). $300.

Tannoy Reveal with Pioneer Elite A-35R Integrated Amplifier - The
Reveals seem to have a great reputation. They're shielded, but not
active speakers. This means the addition of an amplifier. The A-35R is
rated at 45 wpc. I'd end up spending a bit more if I went this route:
$200 or so for used Reveals, $150 for a B-stock A-35R.

Another interesting amp I found is the Parasound Zamp. It's a bit of
an odd beast - 30 wpc, nice and compact. Not an integrated, so it
only has one input and no volume control, but that would probably work
for me. It does have a headphone jack though. I'm not sure how much
I'd have to pay for this, but my guess is $150 on ebay.

If I don't get active speakers, I'd also consider a used NAD or
vintage Marantz integrated.


So which way do you think I should go? The active monitors appeal to me
because I wouldn't have an amp taking up space, but I'm still not
sure how good they are. I might be able to get a bit of a deal on the
Edirol's or the Reveals, but probably not the Events. I'm also very
open to any other options.

I look forward to any advice you would be willing to give.

-Greg

I had these when they are AR branded back in the late 80s/early 90s.

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=12881

Remarkably good sounding speakers for the size. Great for taking with
you on the road as well. You used to be able to order 12v adapters and
clamp mounts as well. I was always surprised how balanced they
sounded, as well as the level and quality of bass out of such a small
setup.

I don't know how many changes have been made to them since those days,
so you should actually check them out first if possible. But they are
great because, being wedged shaped, they will easily fit in a fairly
small carryon bag.

Just mentioning an option that hasn't been yet mentioned.