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