I know there was a topic from 2014 regarding this very question:
http://www.audionervosa.com/index.php?topic=5205.msg65911#msg65911 but I wanted to revive this. I am hoping on keeping the price for speakers at or around $500 (preferable much lower if that is possible).
A little background. I'm trying to create a new 2-channel desktop system so I can actually listen to some decent music. I used to have a very modest but tweaked 2ch stereo before I moved house. Now I only have a computer headphone system.
No matter what I do, I just do not enjoy listening to music through headphones as much as through speakers. Until I get to move to a bigger place, I am toying with the idea of building a new modest system around a bookshelf or single driver speaker that would fit on my desktop. The computer will still serve as source. I want to go the single driver route since it would allow for nearfield listening that would be impossible with larger or 2 or 3 way speakers.
I've read reviews for Kanto, Audioengine, Vanatoos. etc. My question is am I wasting my time with cheaper speakers such as these and are better off spending more? I've heard demos of some el-cheapo active pro gear/monitors. All sounded dreadful to my ears. I've also read reviews for the Mini Maggies. That is something I might consider in the future. But for the price an active pair of monitors from KEF or Dynaudio would be within price range.
I also saw this:
https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/2-way-speaker-kits/fostex-p1000e-diy-kanspea-4-full-range-speaker-kit-pair/It is so cheap I am tempted to just go and buy and try. Anyone with experience with this Fostex 'kit'? How do these sound for a desktop system?