Near field active computer speaker. $700 budget

I would say the Emotiva Airmotiv6, you could also look at Mackie, KRK, Genelec, and Behringer.

Well the point of most active monitors is detail and accurate reproduction. You could take a look at the Swan M200MkIII, http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?p=swan-m200mkiii-active-desktop-loudspeaker-system&products_id=121&osCsid=0117a6a81ad8a4595992736c3870e1aa They are very well liked and may have a more colored sound that you are looking for. For $700 though you could very easily buy the Emotiva mini-x a-100 amp and then spend $500 on a pair of bookshelf speakers. Then you have a lot more options, and can find something that fits the sound you are looking for.

If you plan on getting a subwoofer in the future, most likely you'll be configuring the crossover to where the speakers start to roll off. So your sub will be able to fill in the lower bass. I would think a 5" would be fine.

Consider what Transmaniacon said. If there are passive speakers you know you like, the Emotiva mini-x a-100 amp would work well. I run Energy V5.1s with an HK 3390 receiver. I would put my setup up against any pair of $500 power monitors. More colored sound, of course.

Also, what are you using for a source to run to the speakers? Motherboard audio that comes built in can be pretty meh.

Sounds like you are set there

fwiw,take a look at the paradigm shift a2 's $580 at crutchfield

Also look at:

- KEF X300A
- PSB PS1
- Focal XS Book

The last two you would want a sub for sure. The X300A you might be able to get away without a sub (ok, maybe not, since you had the Adam's and you still wanted a sub)

I ended up with compact desktop DAC/Amp and passive speakers after trying a bunch of studio monitors.

http://s17.postimage.org/9k4h7hkbz/DSC_0271_1.jpg
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Edited by warpdrive - 2/15/13 at 4:37pm

If you have DIY skills there's a project from speaker designer Jeff Bagby. He based it on the original BBC LS3/5a specification. There's a kit available from Meniscus for $354 and here's a link and a photo of a recent build on the PE forum.

http://meniscusaudio.com/continuum-pair-p-1324.html

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/showthread.php?233623-Continuum-s-with-split-personality-My-first-DIY-build&highlight=continuums

I would definitely avoid Klipsch passive speakers for nearfield use. Many people find their horns fatiguing.

Your best bet would be to go out and listen to some speakers locally and see what you like. Then post back, and people can make recommendations from there.

Yep. You can get good amplification for around $200 or so. I caught the HK 3390 when it was on sale for $225 about a year or so ago. It's a bit bigger, though. Here's a used one on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harman-Kardon-HK3390-AM-FM-Stereo-Receiver-Black-/200895613171.

If you are considering the passive route, that Emotiva mini amp is a fantastic choice. It offers Emotiva quality in a small package and all for ~$200.

Speaker brands you may look into for passive speakers: Ascend, Focal, Wharfedale, PSB, Axiom, and then there's always www.audiogon.com where you could probably find a great pair for $500. Just a thought.

Check out the Equator Audio D5. They are awesome little guys. Front ported like you need. The are $300 right now, but are going up in price at the end of the month.