now that most of us are working from home...

[Ghulamr]

I catch myself listening to music in my office more than in my main listening room. Keeping the minimalistic approach and finding the weakest link (I believe it’s my powered speakers) - what are some good recommendations for an active/powered speakers under $1800? I am not into analytical sound, but want to enjoy the digital music for hours without fatigue. I listen to all genres, including pop and electronica. My office space is an outdoor glass structure around 200 sq.ft. Some on my radar are; Acoustic Energy AE1, Dynaudio Xeo2, Elac Navis, KEF LS50. I want to keep the focus on smooth, liquid, full/rich class A amp sound - and not that digital hiss or glare. My Jade DAC has that NOS r2r signature and want speakers that complement that sound signature. 

 

Current office set up:
Roon Core - dedicated to Roon only HP laptop
TIDAL subscription
Metrum Jade DAC/pre
KRK Rockit 5 powered speakers.

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I am very happy with my LS50 Wireless in a small office

[R1200CL]

The next step above would be the B&W Formation Duo (Double your budget). Very good reviews. 

The KEF is a very good option. 

[charlesphoto]

I use Ls50's near field in the office with a lowly 30W Naim Unitiqute version 1 and love them. So the active versions should be good. If you can wall mount them securely then even better. 

 

Yeah, with everybody working from home, I get the 'listening room' to myself very early in the morning or late at night, so more time listening in the office (as it should be actually). 

[bluesman]

Your Rokits are pretty nice monitors - we use KRKs for all system monitoring (recording, live streaming etc) at the club in which I'm the house band leader because they're smooth, accurate, and easy to listen to all day long. I'm a lifelong LS3/5a lover with a pair of 15 ohm Rogers that I bought new the year they came out - so I do love KEF's approach to SQ in small boxes.  The LS50 is a wonderful little speaker, but I don't think it's worth the marginal cost over your KRKs compared to the Elacs or the Focals.  To improve significantly, I think you'd have to move up to something like the Elac Navis ARB-51 or the Focal Solo6.

 

[lucretius]

How about a pair of Adam A7X's? These sound great.  I have a pair of Adam A5X's in my office, which is small and I have limited desk space. But if your office is 'large', A7X's are the way to go.

[jcbenten]

Adam & AirPulse: 

 

[AudioDoctor]

I dont know how much they cost, but the Focal active speakers may be a good option.

 

Shape 65 are 1K each:  https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Shape65--focal-shape-65-6.5-inch-powered-studio-monitor