Computer audio $500-$600

Greetings all. I'm sure this is asked periodically so I apologize in advance if you're sick of seeing yet another "What computer speakers should I get?" thread. I searched but didn't find anything that answered my questions. I promise I did. So, here goes:

Budget: $500-$600ish
Purpose: Some music use (lossy) though mostly interested in just a general all around improvement in audio quality. (I'll listed to music on the 5.2 system in main listening room.)
Gear: New iMac. That's it. No desire for a sub, so keeping it strictly 2.0.
Goal: Good audio, smallish footprint, keep it clean (read: minimize cords), relatively low maintenance (read: dummy proof)
Aesthetic: Design is not paramount but WAF is a factor
Room: My office is just a large closet right now so not much cubic footage but I'll be moving soon so hoping to "future proof" it for full-size office.

Right now the short list is the Audioengine A5+ (bamboo), which is a bit larger than I want to go, and the Emotiva Airmotive 4. Second tier consideration is going to the B&W MM-1s & Swans. Any speaker recommendations? What about DAC recommendations? Given my anticipated usage is a DAC overkill?

I appreciate any input you guys could offer.
Edited by repete66211 - 2/12/13 at 5:16am

Yeah, I've read about a widespread buzzing issue. Not worth taking a chance at that price tag. Actually, since the Audioengine A5+ and Airmotiv 5 are both pushing the limits on available space and the Audioengine A2 seems a bit too small the Airmotive 4 seemed to be a good compromise. Those were the two DACs I was looking at. I think you may be right. Thanks!

Thanks arnyk. I've seen that speaker frequently recommended. Question: How would you handle the connection from the USB or headphone jack on the iMac to the XLR or 1/4" TSR on the speakers?

That's the ticket. Thanks Ysay.

Thanks. I'll check them out. They look similar in size to the Audioengine A2. Let me know how you like them.

I don't know either, but I suspect it's because most aren't necessarily intended to be used as computer speakers, but rather as powered/active near-field monitors. That's one extra bonus of a DAC--the volume knob on the front.

I was referring to the Airmotivs, Behringer, etc. Audioengine's A5+ and A2 are definitely designed for computers. Where the volume knob is I think depends primary on size and design. The A2s and some of the others are just too small to have a knob on front and the clean lines of the B&Ws don't really allow for it. The A5s and Airmotiv 5s are about as large as I would go as well but the A2s are just too small, which is why I was considering the Airmotiv 4.
Edited by repete66211 - 2/13/13 at 7:50am

Emotiva is having a sale on refurb/demo/class B stock. The Airmotiv 4s are the perfect size so that's what I bought. The DAC is on hold until I determine if it's needed. Thanks for the input guys.
Edited by repete66211 - 2/14/13 at 9:00pm

I received the speakers today and unfortunately one of them is a dud. I have yet to hear back from Emotiva but needless to say I'm very disappointed.

EDIT: I hooked them up at lunch. I think the iMac needed a power cycle for the iMac to recognize the headphone output but when I got home from work they worked fine.
Edited by repete66211 - 3/4/13 at 6:49am

It was a bit late and I have neighbors so I wasn't able to engage in any high level listening but they sound pretty good. As stated above size was a concern. Being about 50% of the volume of the Airmotiv 5, Audioengine A5+ and many of the other "nicer" computer speakers the Airmotiv 4s are an ideal compromise between sound quality and space. Budget was obviously a concern as well and at about half my projected budget I'm satisfied it was money well spent.

My "office" is nothing more than a ~30 square foot walk-in closet. I have the Airmotiv 4s at ear level about an arm's length away. They have plenty of clearance in the back. Right now they're sitting bare on my MDF desk, but I'll probably put some felt or foam under them eventually. Once I've had a chance to get used to how they sound I'll start experimenting with the high and low frequency trim controls.
Edited by repete66211 - 2/19/13 at 8:12am

I haven't heard the A2s so I can't make a comparison. The Airmotiv 4s have very good clarity on the upper end and the bass is what you'd expect from a speaker of this size. Naturally, as with all speakers, get the largest you can for your given space.
Edited by repete66211 - 2/20/13 at 9:40pm

I'm getting resonance out of the 4s as well. I'll probably pick up a pad to put them on eventually. Good luck finding room for those Stealths. They are monsters.