Tired of computer speakers
 

I've tried a few sets of computer speakers and I'm left wanting more.
I was thinking of an integrated receiver (that needs to accept USB from my computer), 2 speakers, maybe an REL sub.

I work in my home office, which is where I listen to music the most. Trying to design my system, and talking with dealers, I'm left with more questions than ideas.

The local dealer I trust the most told me not to bother with a hifi system right now, because speaker placement is not possible in a desk that faces a corner. I need to buy a new desk. Even if I buy a new desk, what is the listening position? My desk would still face a wall, so either the speakers are at a wall behind me and the listening position is ideal when I turn around :icon_thumbsdown:, or they are in front of me on either sides of my desk, and then there is no listening position unless I sit in a chair across the room.
PC speakers are small, and fit on the desk so the listener position isn't an issue.
I know you've tackled this before, at least you AA members that aren't retired.

There was a time when I'd listen to music the whole day, muting for phone calls and meetings. I'd like to get back to that time.

Here are the systems I've tried:
Bose Companion 3 and 5, great system for the money. I just wanted better and more clear vocals. This system got difficult to listen to after I became spoiled by my Mc/SF home theater.
Klipsch 2.1 computer speakers
Paradigm Millenia CT2. These sound amazing and these are plugged into my PC now, yet so fatiguing I'd rather not listen to music longer than 5 minutes.

Lately I've been listening to my wife's McAire temporarily placed on the floor with my cellphone connected via USB streaming tidal. It's not ideal but at least I'm not fatiguing.

Mouse

If your computer has a standard audio output from the sound card look at the Audioengine A5+ or HD-6. I use the A5+ on my desk now. The HD-6 has a built in DAC which may interest you. You won't need another amp with either.

https://audioengineusa.com/shop/poweredspeakers/

These KIN Mini from Totem Acoustics look like they may be a good compromise between computer speakers and bigger bookshelf speakers. There is a matching sub available and they are working on an amp solution. Thinking of getting a pair myself for the desk.

https://kinmini.com/en/

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeRrWS1n7r...r_kircher_.jpg

Here is a review of the Kin Mini with the NAD D2030 hybrid amp with USB input

https://www.wifihifi.ca/LatestNewsHe...Subwoofer.html

Thanks Serge and Jack, both solid recommendations. Both of these are desktop capable solving the listener position problem. Both seem to be like better options than what I have.

How would you tackle the problem if I went with something bigger, like SF Olympica 1 or 2?

Olympica 1 would be a good speaker for the office, just not on top of the table. They are too big for that and not meant for that kind of near field listening. They would sound too bloated that close to a wall. Why do you have to face them when you are casually listening if you are working in that office? :D Good back ground music is just as enjoyable coming from behind you. I actually prefer a Sonos 3 speaker in my office because it is a mid-fi speaker and it plays everything smoothly and doesn't draw attention to itself.

Because the high end audiophile company that I pay to masterset told me I should. :D Otherwise I'm not sure it matters.
Casual music all day? I don't know if it matters, I've never tried it. I was hoping you tried it lol.
Youtube videos? Reviewing TV commercials or "how to" videos that I pay to have produced? I see how it might matter :scratch2:

I don't have to sit in the sweet spot to enjoy music. Never did. Just as enjoyable when I am doing some chores and music playing in the other room. In the workshop and my office I have only 1 speaker so it is not a stereo effect anyways. There is no point in it. The sweet spot is for the obsessed audiophile. :D Well, there are times when critical listening is good of course and the sweet spot is the only place to be at that moment. Otherwise just having your favorite tunes washing over you from ANY direction is a great thing.

If you want Hi-Fi sound at your desk, a great pair of headphones and a quality headphone amp/dac and that will beat any portable solution. That's what I use when quality of music is important.