Near field speakers - what would you recommend?

[analogism]

I have set up my $10 imac as a rareish vinyl importing slave. Quite simply, an SL-7 linear tracker feeds a cambridge 640p phono stage, and the imac runs audacity, spitting out wav files, which are then burned to disc via itunes.

A good friend of mine has asked me to preserve, in the incorrigible, uncompressed digital domain, some rather lovely LPs - so far, I have converted/coveted the following:

Studio One: Roland Alphonso, something special; ska hot shots
Studio one classics: soul jazz records compilation
Superfunk: Rare & Classic funk from the vaults 1966-1972
Studio one: In memory of Don Drummond.

There will be more to come, and I get to keep the digital copies, in turn for a good clean and the conversion process. Great fun. Most LPs bought in Japan.

So far I have just used the imacs internal speakers, but I am looking for a sub $500 near field option. The speakers must be no wider than 20cm. A sub could be easily placed under the desk.

Obviously, we are talking a Mac line out for audio, so I'm not expecting miracles, just something that looks good and will make the listening enjoyable. Please share if you use something in this range in your office etc.

[gooki]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/music-instruments/pa-pro-audio-dj-equipment/speakers/auction-423724572.htm

[gooki]

Doh didn't see your dimension restrictions. Still worth a look.

[Michael Jones]

Some of the Logitech computer speaker models sound far better than they have any right to.

[analogism]

Some of the Logitech computer speaker models sound far better than they have any right to.

I know! I still have an old pair of logitech satelites with a sub that I use at work - they have been prodded by student pens, dropped by teachers, and caned at full volume during student film events at lunchtime - and yet they sound pretty good!

[analogism]

Doh didn't see your dimension restrictions. Still worth a look.

They look very nice. I could always shuffle the printer sideways a little....

[johnnyC]

Roland Edirol MA15D powered monitor speakers w digital in. Nice wood grain finish.
Specs:
Bass Enhancer
Up to 24-bit/192 kHz, DA conversion for S/PDIF optical & coaxial input
Sub woofer output port for bass boost
15 Watts per channel
3 independent source inputs; 1/8" Line, RCA pin Line (L/R), and S/PDIF (optical & coaxial)
Front-controlled Bass, Treble, and 2 independent Volume
100 mm (4") woofer + 50 mm (2") tweeter, 2 way bass-reflex enclosure
1/8" headphones port
Magnetically-shielded

I use these at home for nearfield PC audio work.
Got them from Rockshop and I see they are on special for $339 (no financial interest in Rockshop disclosure!)

At work I use Harbeth 7ES2's for near field monitors, but they are 8 x the size of the Rolands. (and 8x the price - but 8x better)

[luckiestmanalive]

Of the computer-based solutions, I like the older Cambridge or Creative models...

[Antipodes]

I picked up some powered studio monitors, which are made for nearfield, on trademe for under $500, the Mackie MR5. There are plenty of good others from time to time under 'musical instruments'. Probably far too good for the output jack of the imac but no need for an amp and they are quite warm sounding so mask the gritty sound of computer sound cards. But way ahead of the Logitechs etc. If you can find a cheap Nuforce uDac or HDP or similar you will get nice sound.

[Antipodes]

These at $600 would be very good. See the Q&A for his number and be in quick.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/music-instruments/pa-pro-audio-dj-equipment/speakers/auction-425349433.htm

[analogism]

Very cool - thanks Antipodes....

[analogism]

But I'm too late by the looks. Was pushing budget anyway....

[analogism]

What about these? I have read an interesting forum that these are actually pretty good for the money and can be modded easily....
http://www.trademe.co.nz/music-instruments/pa-pro-audio-dj-equipment/speakers/auction-424049462.htm

[Antipodes]

Oh well, something good turns up regularly in the pro audio area every now and then. If you can wait a month there is a good chance of something decent. Good quality 5" ones can be had for around $500 but the 8" ones often go for a bit more than $500, and if they don't then there is often a reason.

[Antipodes]

I made a couple of calls and can get another pair of the MR5 in great condition with boxes for $500. The sound is warm and punchy with fairly good detail. Unlike audiophile stuff they are designed for nearfield.

[kaka]

I run a pair of Audioengine5s which were a bit less than that
You have to spend a bit more on them to get the best out of them - the stock PC outlet cable is poor, and you can do better on the cable taking signal from the one with the amp to the other.

A design with an amp in each speaker, fueled by conventional RCA cables would be flexible
I was contemplating something more serious before settling on the Audioengines, there are just so many options : Dynaudio, Genelec, Alesis, Mackie, Tannoy, KRK Rokit, M Audio, Samson ...

[Antipodes]

That's a fairly comprehensive list, to which I would probably only add Adam. There are a couple I would drop from consideration. The Samsons have what the pro set call a scooped sound - the mids are recessed and it is all tops and bottom. The M Audio are not the best build quality, but at least musical.

The cheap Mackies and KRKs are a little fat and warm, which isn't a bad thing with cheap sources. The Alesis are inexpensive and very good value - sometimes sounding a little edgey/thin - but maybe the best value under $500 used. One or two of the Tannoys are very good but for big money. The Genelecs are good for monitoring but leave me a little cold musically at the price. And I could never come to grips with the colourations of the Dynaudios.

[analogism]

Your'e a bugger Antipodes, obviously spending far too much time listening to all sorts of gear!!
Great advice.
Kaka, I actually have my eye on the Audioengine a2's - there are some design conisderations that work (in white, they look like mac gear and match the white pixma printer, and big WAF),
amd they will fit in the small footprint I have.
It also gives me the option of adding a Audioengine sub at a later date.