Advice Wanted - Mini/Micro Desktop Monitors

[n_maher]

So I built the Jonokuchi for my office and it's working quite well. It's a very respectable headphone amp and currently I have it driving a small pair of JVC speakers that came from a defunct mini system. But as always, I want MOAR! But there's a counterproductive requirement, which is that they have to be small, really small. The JVC's are about 4" wide, 5" tall and maybe 8" deep. My space can support something slightly larger with width only being able to be pushed about 1" larger, depth is more flexible but probably doesn't need to be.

Being the non-speaker expert that I am I figured I'd ask the masses here and see what suggestions folks could come up with. About all I've been able to manage is something on the order of the Boston Acoustics Micro 120x's or Gallo Micros.

[Dusty Chalk]

Focal Sib (passive version of the thing I recommended Marc) is 142mm, which is just over your limit. :\

I'd go with the Gallo Micros.

Or perhaps build something from the smallest enclosures here? Is 135mm too large?

[n_maher]

I'll measure the space tomorrow, the Sib's look intriguing. Any thoughts on where they might actually be purchased? A quick google didn't yield much in the way of a traditional vendor.

[Dusty Chalk]

I think the Sibs are defunct, so...eBay, etc.

Google Shopping yields DigitalCraze.com, but...I presume that's what you meant by not a traditional vendor.

Or you could wire up some car stereo speakers in a kickbox. There are some really good car stereo speakers out there.

[n_maher]

Hmmm, Focal still lists the Sibs on their website (or something with that name...) so I'll probably drop one of the official dealers a email to see if they exist anywhere stateside.

[Dusty Chalk]

That might work.

[Tyll Hertsens]

I really like the Amphion Ions. Bass is pretty poor, but the imaging is excellent.

Dimensions : 268 x 134 x 220 mm

[grawk]

At the other end of the spectrum, today's woot is the M-Audio AV40 for $95 shipped.

[n_maher]

At the other end of the spectrum, today's woot is the M-Audio AV40 for $95 shipped.

If that was the price for a pair I'd jump, but it's not.

And Tyll, I think the Ions are out of my budget unfortunately.

[grawk]

In the box:

(2) M-Audio AV 40 Professional Reference Monitor Speakers

[ironbut]

Hey Nate,

I gotta pair of Qinpu MG-2 speakers from Fang as a bonus when I bought my pair of Jades from him. I have to confess that I've only peeked at them so I have NO idea what they sound like. I've been cleaning out my house and I'd be happy to give them to you for the cost of shipping.

Here's the linky;

http://www.head-direct.com/product_detail.php?p=44

If you're interested just PM me.

[Asr]

Not sure what sort of speakers you're looking for (active or passive), but I have a pair of satellites (in black) from my former old Cambridge Soundworks PC Works system if you want 'em for the cost of shipping. Dimensions are ~3" on all sides, here's a pic: http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00005Z28H.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg (I have the mini "stands" too btw.)

I'd offer the subwoofer unit too but one of the channels blew out on it (which is why I stopped using it).

Edited May 12, 2011 by Asr

[faust3d]

NHT Super Zero are good sounding small speakers. There is a pair now on Agon for peanuts.

Depth: 5 inches

Height: 9 inches

Width: 5.5 inches

Weight: 5.7 pounds

Edited May 12, 2011 by faust3d

[n_maher]

In the box:

(2) M-Audio AV 40 Professional Reference Monitor Speakers

Just caught that they are actives, not what I'm after but thanks.

Steve, thanks for the offer but I'll pass on the Cambridge stuff.

Mr. Butt, you'll have a Pm later.

[Voltron]

Nate, the NHT pair posted by Faust are being sold by a guy in Milford, MA in case that would be driveable.

Edited May 12, 2011 by Voltron

[Tyll Hertsens]

The Super Zeros are classics.

[The Monkey]

What about the Audio Engine passives, the A4? 9 x 5.5 x 6.5"

http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-P4#tech-stuff

[postjack]

In the box:

(2) M-Audio AV 40 Professional Reference Monitor Speakers

Well I bought a pair, thanks man.

[n_maher]

I put an offer in on the super 0's - I guess we'll see what happens. I still plan to be on the lookout for a pair of the focal sibs.

Edit - Woot, offer for super zeros accepted!

[skullguise]

Good stuff Nate! Hope it works well.

If you still are interested in the Focal's, touch base with the guys at Fidelis in Derry (Walter (owner) and Bill), I think they used to carry that Sib/Cub (?) sub/sat system....since they moved from Salem to Derry, though, I'm not sure they still do. But might be worth a query....

[faust3d]

I remember liking NHT SuperZero with Rotel integrated many years ago, it was a very nice sounding cheap system for a small room/office. Not a lot of bass, but they are tiny so that's expected. Hope you like them.

[n_maher]

The zeros are here and will be getting setup in the office tomorrow.

[swt61]

So you'll be zeroing in on some good tunes?

I like the Super Zero as well. Great inexpensive little speaker. I'd like to hear the Classic Three at some point too.

[n_maher]

Day 1 with the zeros was good, definitely better than the JVCs they replaced. I Kay not get much time with the in the near future but I think I made a good choice and will probably forgo other options for a while. Thanks for all the advice.

[mikeymad]

Was a big fan of NHT for many years... never bought them but always enjoyed a listen...

Dang.. now I want a set for my computer rig.