There seem to be quite a few speaker folk here, so I'm hoping you can help me out.

I'm setting up an office system (pretty big office, but I don't listen very loud) and I would like to hear any suggestions you have. In another office I have some older Paradigm Atoms (I think V3) and a powered Paradigm subwoofer. It's nice, but I think it lacks a little treble and spaciousness. I don't want to get another subwoofer, so I'm looking for a set of monitors only. The bass response is less important to me than the treble and dispersion of sound. Something that doesn't require speaker stands would be preferable.

The rest of the system is not definite yet, but I think I'll go with an Arcam CD73T CD player, Sony ST-730ES tuner, and an old Proton integrated amp (D540). Speaker budget is about $500.

Thanks for any help!

http://www.head-case.org/speakers/cheap_active_speaker_recommendations-t3574.0.html

http://www.head-case.org/speakers/powered_speakers_or_keep_my_amp-t3309.0.html

http://www.head-case.org/speakers/computer_speakers-t2374.0.html

My personal suggestion: Quad 11L actives, then skip the integrated, and think about getting a source that has variable out, like the Cambridge Audio 840...c? I forget.

840c, unfortunately, doesn't have variable output.

Quad L-ites or 9L?

840c, unfortunately, doesn't have variable output.

Oh, that's right, it had digital inputs.

Oh, well, something else then, and they're not even really necessary -- there are volume controls on the Quads, just not easily accessible.

Kef iQ3

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Since I'll have to switch multiple sources (at least the tuner and CD player, maybe a computer DAC source one day), I'll need at least a preamp (might as well get an integrated). So, active speakers would be somewhat superfluous. Plus, wouldn't I get a better speaker for the money if I'm not paying for amplification that I don't need?

I see that Quad makes a passive 11L2. Does anyone know if it sounds similar to the active version?

There's an online dealer who has open-box KEFs for only $350 so that may be enough incentive for me to take the plunge

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Since I'll have to switch multiple sources (at least the tuner and CD player, maybe a computer DAC source one day), I'll need at least a preamp (might as well get an integrated). So, active speakers would be somewhat superfluous. Plus, wouldn't I get a better speaker for the money if I'm not paying for amplification that I don't need?

I don't understand your leap from "I'll need at least a preamp" to "might as well get an integrated". Other than that I agree with everything. Yes, it would be superfluous to get actives if you're getting an amp, but I don't see why you need to get an amp. A preamp will do just fine. That said, if you're bent on gettting an amp & passive speakers, then by all means, get an amp & passive speakers. I was just offering an alternative that I thought would provide good value.

I see that Quad makes a passive 11L2. Does anyone know if it sounds similar to the active version?

I think you should buy them and tell us if they're any good. There are several Quad L-series speakers owners on this forum, both active and passive, and I think all of us are happy with them (with the possible exception of the guy who sold his, and I think he was happy with his, he just upgraded to something a lot better).

i've always been of the opinion that separates are the best way to go *shrugs*

Given an unlimited amount of space, sure, but in an office rig I'd think that active speakers and the lack of a need for an amp might be welcome.

That would be the most awesomest office rig evar!!!1!

My office is so full of dev crap I can't fit any speakers in here.

My new office table is bare and ready for my stuff...but alas, no laptop has been delivered yet

Well, thanks to a GREAT deal (I hope) on that other headphone site, I have some powered Quad 11L speakers on the way.

I guess I'll be doing the preamp thing after all. Fortunately, the Proton has a pre-out. I appreciate your input!

did you get that pair on ebay for like 400 bucks?

did you get that pair on ebay for like 400 bucks?

I got the pair on Head-Fi for exactly 400 bucks.

impressions when you get it please! I'm most likely getting a pair of the 11Ls (or the new nuforce amp/speaker combo) when I can afford it

EDIT: and wow, I have such crappy reading comprehension.

I use 12L actives in my office system, and it is most awesome. It needs a sub, though (not for extra bass, but just to fill it out).

It needs a sub, though (not for extra bass, but just to fill it out).

I might just pilfer the sub from the other system, then. Where will I find all of the AC outlets??? (2 speakers, the sub, the amp, the CD player...) O the struggles of the audio geek.

Get a Beklin Pure AV or Monster power filter. The Belkin one I have has 13 power outlets. =T