"fathom" wrote in message
...
"Greg" wrote in
oups.com:

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


AEGO2 from Acoustic Energy if you can find them. They are
easy to find in the UK, impossible to find in the States.
Maybe you can order form a UK dealer. They run about $200.
Absolutely superb, and the sats are so tiny they'll fit
anywhere.


Best Buy in San Antonio had a shelf full of them in Feb-Mar of 2005. 30 day
NQA return policy. Doesn't get much easier than that.

Cheers,

Margaret