Reddit reviews Audioengine A5 Plus Classic 150W Powered Bookshelf Speakers with Remote Control, Built in Analog Amplifier - Black

First of all, before I give suggestions, let me just say it's definitely possible to find something better than what I'm recommending for less money if you go vintage or scour craigslist. However I don't have the knowledge to really help you with vintage gear. I know it takes time, patience, possibly repairs & finding parts, etc. Plus you need to know what you're looking for. And if you don't live in a huge city with tons of quality vintage hi-fi stuff on craigslist or floating around in goodwill stores, it could be a while. So if you want to go that route, maybe somebody around here could take a look at your local craiglist or something and help you out.

So with that being said, if you want to go new/newish, this is the exact lineup I bought for my first setup recently. It's all going to fall into the category of entry level/minimum for "audiophile" so it won't absolutely blow your mind, then again looking at your current situation maybe it will lol:


Project Debut Carbon DC (usually a $400 table, available for $300) here

You will see a lot of people recommend Project, Rega and U-Turn as the best entry level "audiophile" style tables. I am not a man of means so it worked for me. The DC is the upgraded version of the Debut Carbon with a better, quieter power source. Comes with an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate, which your LP60 does not have and the absence of which can cause damage to your records. Furthermore you can upgrade the stylus, the platter, I think the tonearm (?) down the road if you wish, when more money becomes available. It comes with an Ortofon 2M Red which is a solid budget cartridge.

Audioengine A5+ - lightly used $319

Very good powered speakers for the money, so you wouldn't have to spend money on a receiver/amp at this time. I've been thoroughly impressed with them.

Project Phono Box S lightly used - $161.50

Phono stage. Could maybe find one for cheaper that would be just as good, I don't know a ton about phono stages. Remember to set the gain to match your TT when you get it.


Total: $780

I know you said your budget maxed at $600, maybe wait another paycheck or 2 or find a different cheaper phono stage and/or downgrade the A5+ speakers to A2's which are bookshelf speakers if you're ok with that.

There are a lot of options out there, this is just what I ended up going with recently and I'm very satisfied. I've already upgraded the platter on the TT to an acrylic one, and will prob upgrade the cartridge next christmas as a gift to myself, thinking maybe the 2M Bronze. But this will absolutely serve and give you a huge increase in performance from day 1.

Whats your budget and what do you want out of them.

A few months ago my budget was $100-$250 for desktop speakers...and after researching more and more I bought $400 speakers.

(Un)fortunately there are actual scientific measures for speakers and there is a significantly large jump from $200 to $400 generally

I bought Audioengine A5+ after deciding it wasn't worth it to pay $250 on speakers and know that for $400 I could hit that next plateau. Size is also a huge factor, it turns out it's pretty much impossible to get very high quality sound reproduction on smaller speakers. They can take the same speakers and shrink them perfectly and it will have a measurably lower sound reproduction quality.

If your budget is really $1500 then by the time you buy the TV, furniture, cables, etc. you'll only have around $500 left for audio. At that price range a proper 5.1 setup is definitely out. Here is what I would consider:

• Entry-level refurbished Denon receiver for $180 and some decent bookshelf speakers like the $300 KEF Q100 for a decent 2.0 setup. You could add a subwoofer later for more bass and/or buy a center & surrounds to get 5.1.
  
• Forget the receiver entirely and get a pair of good powered speakers like the $400 Audioengine A5+. These speakers have their own built-in amplifier so you don't need any more equipment (can just plug them into the TV) but the downside is there isn't really any way to expand the setup if you decide you want something better in a year or two, you have to start over.
  
• You could also look into a sound bar, they are not at all liked on this sub but they honestly are not that bad. The advantage of a soundbar is you get a proper center channel so for TV and movies the dialog might be a little better, and some of them have decent "virtual" surround sound. E.g. something like this $420 Vizio which actually includes wireless rear speakers. Soundbars have the same problem as a powered 2.0 setup in that they are not expandable.

Audioengine A5+ Active 2-Way Speakers (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005OA3BSY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WhIzCb21Y1MC5

Im not ditching my speakers any time soon. ;-)

So since I did a lot of searching prior to purchase but couldn't find anything - to anyone else considering using the Ikea Fredde desk and the X34 together, the the monitor stand just barely doesn't fit on the raised shelf and so I had to screw a small metal plate to the back to accommodate the rear foot of the stand. It's a fine solution and I can't see the plate during regular use so it's seamless.

I'm super happy with the monitor besides some minor bleed in the corners but UNF I just can't get over that colour accuracy and encompassing view! With this addition to my setup I feel like I'm at max level, i.e. can't "level up" (at least not very far), with regards to my audio/video setup.

Anyone with a nice ultrawide monitor shouldn't skimp out on audio too! I see a lot of ascension posts featuring $100 Logitech speakers, which are fine but you can improve on audio as much as video! To anyone looking for an excellent performance to value ratio mid-fi 2.1 audio solution to complement their ultrawide I can't recommend this combo highly enough: Audioengine A5+ bookshelf speakers + S8 subwoofer.

EDIT: Forgot about headphones! My point still stands, don't be afraid to spend more for a better experience! I love my Philips Fidelio X2 for both gaming and movies. If you're in the market for some cans head on over to /r/headphones and ask for purchasing advice in the sticky.

I personally use the Sony MDR7506 as they're pretty much a standard for basic monitoring. Crisp, detailed high end, tight punchy base. Comfortable for hours on end and if you take decent care of them they should last years with the only wear and tear being the earcup material flaking off a bit. They're definitely made for desk-use as they have a very long coiled non-detachable cable.:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E

There's also the Sony MDRV6, which are very similar, but apparently have a little more low-end.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDRV6-Studio-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B00001WRSJ
__

As far as speakers go, I've been using the Audioengine A5+ for a few years now and have been very satisfied. Great sound and more power than I'll ever be able to use in my small apartment. They look nice too (I got a good deal on the white ones). They are powered speakers (opposed to the A5) and thus don't require a separate amp. They also come with a small remote for volume/mute:

http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Active-2-Way-Speakers-Black/dp/B005OA3BSY

For a DAC I use the Audioengine D1 plugged in through USB, which gives me higher quality audio and a convenient headphone out and volume knob:

http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-D1-24-bit-Digital-to-Analog-Converter/dp/B006IPH5H2/

At $700 for a budget, here is what I suggest you do...

1. Remove the built in phono preamp from the LP120
   
   
2. Go with one of these phono preamps:
   
   

• Parasound ZPhono
  
  
• Pro-Ject Phono Box S
  
  
• Schiit Mani
  
  

3. Pick up the Audioengine A5+ powered speakers.
   
   
4. Use whatever remaining budget you have to either buy some cheap speaker stands (it is not advisable to put them on the same surface as the TT unless you have some isolation pads), and potentially upgrade the cartridge on the LP120

Go with powered monitors. Audioengine A5+

Audioengine A2

Audioengine A5+

Polk Subwoofer

FiiP Digital-analog-converter

These are just a few of the entry level options. Don't take my word for it. I don't own any of these items. I just see them pop up from time to time as good entry-level options. Both pairs of speakers I posted are powered, meaning they have amplification built in. They wont require an external amplifier. Another option is to buy a pair of passive speakers, like these, and buy a basic receiver, like this, to power them.

Again, these are just some EXAMPLES. I am not recommending any of these items specifically, as I have not heard them. I am suggesting that you do some research and figure out what works best for your needs and budget.

You'll notice I also posted a subwoofer and DAC (digital-analog-converter). The subwoofer is going to allow you to hear the lower frequencies that those small speakers wont reach, which you might find necessary if you like drums. The external DAC will allow you to bypass the shitty DAC in your current source (a laptop, I'm assuming?). You'll be able to send a digital signal out of your source (provided it has a digital output) to the DAC where it will be converted to the analog signal that will go to the amplifier. It isn't necessary, but it will improve sound quality since the shitty DAC in your laptop or computer will be bypassed.

These are some really nice speakers.


Audioengine A5 Plus Classic 150W Powered Bookshelf Speakers with Remote Control, Built In Analog Amplifier - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005OA3BSY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fw1TDbZYJJNFG

Just to get going, you need powered speakers. Could be something cheap like this or something more high dollar like this.

After you've had it a while, there's plenty of upgrades and DIY improvements you can make, see this blog. But those aren't needed for starting. Enjoy!

Audioengine A5+ Active 2-Way Speakers
https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Active-2-Way-Speakers-Black/dp/B005OA3BSY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501190690&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=Audioengine&psc=1&smid=AKR88PAWTQVN2

Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 Hi-Fi Speakers
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003R6U6HG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=25INFPFI9SDAJ&coliid=I1SRG4TS8V042N&psc=1

>Budgets about $400 to $500 mostly for indoor use

Portable with rechargeable battery:

BEHRINGER MPA40BT

Big 12" Bluetooth PA Speaker:

Mackie Thump12BST

Lots of options for Bluetooth home audio.

2.0 Powered/Active Speakers:

Kanto YU6 Powered Speakers

Vanatoo Transparent Zero

Audioengine A5+

Fluance Ai40

Edifier R1850DB

Amp or Receiver with Passive speakers:

If ever using with a TV, AV receiver with Bluetooth: Budget Denon AVR-S530BT $130 refurbished 5.2 with HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 2.0B for 4k switching. Or the recommended at r/hometheater Denon AVRX1400 $250 refurbished 7.2/5.2.2 with Audyssey MultEQ XT.

Mini Amps with Bluetooth: Dayton Audio DTA-2.1BT or Dayton Audio DTA-120BT

Speakers: AverageJoe's Speaker Recs, r/HTBuyingGuide Speaker Recs

Dual 5.25" Polk Audio Monitor 40 Series $100 on clearance.

On sale, Polk Audio Signature S20 $260 or or S15 $160.

Wavecrest Audio HVL-1, order on sale here at Ascend $80 each + shipping. A "budget Ascend". To me, comparable to the popular KEF Q100 when they were on clearance.

Philharmonic AAPM $290 + shipping. (14 day in home trial). They have a newly upgraded tweeter and have one of the best low ends of 6.5" speakers in the price range and don't necessarily need a subwoofer for music.

DIY kits: C-notes $100 or Classix II MT Bookshelf Speaker Kit with Knock-Down Cabinet $232.

Speaker wire and self adjusting wire strippers or basic.

Stands: Monolith by Monoprice $50 to $70 each, about half the cost of Pangea Audio stands which they seem to be clones of, and are fill-able with lead shot or sand. Select height to place middle of speaker or tweeter at ear level height while seated. More stands at Audio Advisor.

Subwoofers:

Budget Subwoofers: Dayton Sub1200 $128, Dayton Audio SUB-1500 $178, either with $10 off coupon.

Guides:

Home Audio: Intro to home stereo systems, r/Audiophile Getting Started, Beginner's Guide to Home Audio,

Home Theater: r/HTBuyingGuides FAQ, How to Set Up a Basic Home Theater System - Lifewire, How to Set Up Your Home Theater Receiver

Speaker Placement: Stereo Music Listening, Home Theater

1. These speakers
   
   
2. I need some good speakers to hook up to my turntable and computer that aren't little crappy computers speakers. These have gotten spectacular reviews and are portable enough to move around easily.
   
   
3. If I never got this item, I would be very sad since music is my passion, and I couldn't imagine a life without it. And as of now I only have little tinny speakers so I'm not enjoying it as much as I could.
   
   Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
   

Well basically a set up is puzzle you can build up over time. Planar 2 is a solid table that you wouldn't need to upgrade for years, don't know if it comes with a cover though. It is a solid table built around delivering the best sound from the cartridge to the amp. Now one big part of how your records will sound is the cart, the one the planar 2 comes with is totally fine for start but you will want to upgrade it pretty soon. I would recommend you to take a look at this Pro-ject Debut Carbon Esprit. Mainly because it is more bang for the buck imo (electronic speed switch and speed control, carbon arm, acrylic platter and a way better cartridge), but that is totally an opinion.

Now for the rest of the set up I would suggest buying the preamp separate. For example this Cambridge phono preamp is a solid starting point. There are two reasons for this, you can easily switch it to a new one down the line and you can get some money back for it.

The second one is that you can start by getting powered speakers, for example these Audio engine A5+ and down the line upgrade to an amp and bookshelf speakers. Powered speakers are a totally valid option nowadays and these will give a detailed sound with the table. They are also way easier to get your cash back when moving forward.

What I linked up there is a pretty solid setup focusing in sound for a pretty rough 1000 when done trough amazon.

$800 Budget you could get speakers,DAC and sub if you got a Cheaper sub........

Audioengine A5+ - $399

https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Active-2-Way-Speakers-Black/dp/B005OA3BSY/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Audioengine+a5%2B&qid=1563146222&s=electronics&sr=1-3

Klipsch R-14M Powered with sub out: $249

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-2017-R-14PM-Powered-Monitor/dp/B075JRF295/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=klipsch+powered&qid=1563146911&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Klipsch R-15M $339

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-R-15PM-Powered-Monitor-Black/dp/B01A7J534G/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=Klipsch+R-15M+powered&qid=1563147561&s=gateway&sr=8-4

​

DACs $69-$169

https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-D1-24-bit-Digital-to-Analog-Converter/dp/B006IPH5H2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=Audioengine+DAC&qid=1563146260&s=electronics&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&smid=AKR88PAWTQVN2

https://www.amazon.com/Micca-OriGen-G2-Resolution-Preamplifier/dp/B01N14SY65/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=Mica+origen+G2&qid=1563146337&s=electronics&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/TOPPING-es9018k2m-opa2134-Decoder-Amplifier/dp/B07B46KQVP/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=DAC&qid=1563146377&s=electronics&sr=1-11

https://www.amazon.com/Fosi-Audio-Converter-Headphone-Pre-Amplifier/dp/B07G2NQYLX/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Fosi+DAC&qid=1563146439&s=electronics&sr=1-1

Sub: $119-$399

https://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1000-10-Inch-Subwoofer/dp/B0063NU3AA/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Dayton+Audio+10%22+sub&qid=1563146581&s=electronics&sr=1-3

https://www.amazon.com/Micca-10-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer-MS10/dp/B07B4MSXZ8/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Micca+Ms10&qid=1563146614&s=electronics&sr=1-2

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Reference-R-10SW-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B00MH42BBI/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Klipsch+sub&qid=1563147376&s=gateway&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-HTS-SUB-BLK/dp/B075M34866/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=Polk+HTS+10%22sub&qid=1563146734&s=electronics&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Black-8-inch-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B0013J1DI0/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=audioengine+sub&qid=1563146797&s=gateway&sr=8-3

https://rslspeakers.com/products/rsl-speedwoofer-10s/

Zeos - ZReviews- Klipsch R-15M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en_1H_wZSvg&t=971s

Looking to buy these speakers for myself soon

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B005OA3BSY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1MDP7AFOR891V&psc=1

I was just wondering would I need to buy a DAC? because I currently have the O2+SDAC from massdrop i use for my 6XX, would I be able to use the same dac if i need to? or can I just directly hook up the speakers to my PC as I do see a USB port ?

or if theres anything else I need buy

After reading about motor hum issues I chose to go with the Pro ject Carbon Debut DC (with the acrylic platter upgrade), the ART DJ PreII preamp, and ordered these speakers (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005OA3BSY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). Best of luck!

Sounds like you want Chromecast Audio plugged into some nice powered speakers, like these or these or these or these.
Edit: I'm not commenting on how well it'll work. I don't own a Chromecast. It just seems to work on paper for what you're asking.

Fellow Panasonic plasma owner here.


You're gonna need a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) to change the digital signal from the TV (over the Toslink cable) into an analog audio signal over red and white RCA cables. The way I see it you have 2 options.




Powered Speaker Option - $428

• Fiio D3 DAC - $28
  
  Digital conversion is a pretty mature technology. You don't need to spend any more than this on a DAC.
  
  
  
• Audioengine A5+ $400
  
  
  If you don't want a receiver, these are the #1 most recommended and well-reviewed powered speaker pair around.
  
  
  Passive Speaker Option - $268
  
  
  
• Fiio D3 DAC - $28
  
  
  See above.
  
  
  
• Yamaha stereo receiver - $150
  
  
  Not a home theater receiver just two nice big amplifiers and some basic switching capability. You can control the volume with your cable box remote or buy a cheap Harmony universal remote they're really fantastic.
  
  
  
• Pioneer bookshelf speakers - $90
  
  
  One of the most highly recommended bookshelf speaker pairs to come around in a long time.

If you want bookshelf audio, I have audio engine's for myself and some other people I buy for. They are great.

https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Active-2-Way-Speakers-Black/dp/B005OA3BSY

I think these or the A2s.

https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Active-2-Way-Speakers-Black/dp/B005OA3BSY

I can find only fragments of the other thread you're referring to, but the TS-to-RCA cable is legit. It's not an adapter or coupler or anything like that. It certainly won't be the best connection option, but again, it works (it wouldn't damage the audio interface or the speaker), and it would cost far less than a pair of new monitors.

I looked at those speakers you have (or had). They're these? Those are more like bookshelf speakers, not active studio monitors. And $400 for the pair? You can do better than that for less money.

The JBL 305P monitors are another popular choice. They cost $150 each, and taxes/shipping could push the cost of the pair past your $300 budget. But both the Presonus and JBL monitors are fine choices.

They're the A5. The A2 are only 60w.

Link to A5 for the curious

Snagged off Craigslist for $325 for the pair + $100 for the DAC. They're Audioengine A5+s.

Cool. Amazon ships to Houston, TX! Buy away!

Official:
https://audioengineusa.com/shop/poweredspeakers/a5-plus-classic-speakers/


Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Active-2-Way-Speakers-Black/dp/B005OA3BSY


AudioEngine have a GREAT reputation. These are the A5+. This is of course just a suggestion but I have a pair for my office and they're wonderful bookshelf speakers.

You should know, that's a pretty nice turntable, everyone's financial situation is a little different, but I wouldn't cut corners on the speakers.

Damn really? I was looking at these, Audioengine A5+

Need advice for a PC Setup
I’m a fan of great sounding music, but by no means would I consider myself an audiophile. I’m a bit out of the loop when it comes to making an informed decision about new gear to accompany a recent PC build I just put together. I have a budget of $500.00 but am willing to step that up to $1,000.00 if the improvement in sound quality is worth the extra money.

From what I’ve read, it looks like active monitors suit my needs best. I have found a set of KEF X300A for $550.00 which look pretty good to me and have been reviewed quite well; however it looks like I won’t be able to run a sub with them. I do listen to pretty bass heavy music but I live in a condo that requires I keep the thumping bass to a minimum. Do any of you have experience with the KEF X300A’s? Alternatives that look like they might also suit my needs are the Vanatoo T1’s and the Audioengine A5+ which both appear to be well reviewed and have outputs for a sub woofer.

Any help or product recommendations would be much appreciated.

My second question is in regards to speaker placement. I ‘m running a three monitor setup which makes speaker placement a bit awkward as two of the monitors are right in the ideal placement. Do any of you have experience with this issue? Again any recommendations would be appreciated.

Speakers

Audioengine A5 Plus Classic https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Active-2-Way-Speakers-Black/dp/B005OA3BSY/

Audioengine A5+ 150W Wireless with Bluetooth https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079T96GK8/

JBL 305P MkII https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Two-Way-Studio-Monitoring-Speakers/dp/B07BZ6QS6M/

Kanto YU6 https://www.amazon.com/Kanto-Powered-Speakers-Bluetooth-Preamp/dp/B01N31DTF5/

Subwoofers

Definitive Technology ProSub 800 https://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Technology-ProSub-Speaker-Single/dp/B000TDEM5C/

Outlaw Audio M8 http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/m8.html

DACs

TOPPING D10 Mini USB DAC https://www.amazon.com/TOPPING-es9018k2m-opa2134-Decoder-Amplifier/dp/B07B46KQVP/ This is just a DAC. Does not have a headphone amp.

DX3 Pro LDAC Version 2 DAC/amp https://www.amazon.com/DX3-Pro-Headphone-Amplifier-Bluetooth/dp/B07KG9P3X3/ Also available for the next few days as a group buy from drop.com for $180.

You will thank me (and this is mostly my set up)

for passive speakers

http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-N22-Premium-Desktop-Amplifier/dp/B0049OI08W/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411009349&sr=1-10&keywords=audioengine

http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-2-Way-Passive-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002FJVTGI/ref=sr_1_11?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411009349&sr=1-11&keywords=audioengine

450 total

for passive



http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Premium-Powered-Speaker-Black/dp/B005OA3BSY/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411009349&sr=1-2&keywords=audioengine

400 bucks

http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Premium-Powered-Speakers/dp/B00DQMJE7E/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411009349&sr=1-1&keywords=audioengine

250


If you're looking for home theater inputs, I would forgo the stereo amp and look for a budget receiver for around 150-200 bucks.

The overnight sensation MTM will go down to about 50hz, but they're taller than normal bookshelf speakers, the advantage of them being a kit is they will sound like much more expensive speakers when done

If you want something comparable for low end with off the shelf assembled then the Audioengine A5+ monitors might work for you, they can probably do 55-60hz on the low end

Just keep in mind that neither of those are going to give you lots a bass that you can really feel in your chest, it's just not possible with something that small

https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Active-2-Way-Speakers-Black/dp/B005OA3BSY

you won't need an amp for these, just plug in and play. they should definitely be loud enough, and sound great

You didn't specify your budget, with of course is the nub of it all. Here are two options that I know sound great, both about $600 give or take. For affordable-yet-awesome with a small footprint I like the audioengine A5+ active speakers (=amplifer and speakers together). You could then add a schiit mani phono preamp and you're done. Or, if you want a stand alone amplifier and passive speakers, it's hard to go wrong with the very nice Emotiva TA-100; great sound, lots of connectivity with high quality phono preamp, at a reasonable price, and connect it to a pair of Elac Debut b6 speakers.

These are really really good: audio engine a5+ https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Active-2-Way-Speakers-Black/dp/B005OA3BSY

Also a cheaper option with a sub is the klipsch promedia 2.1: https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-ProMedia-Certified-Computer-Speaker/dp/B000062VUO

Klipsch R-15PM vs AudioEngine A5+ for computer speakers, both are $399.

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-R-15PM-Powered-Monitor-Black/dp/B01A7J534G/ref=pd_ybh_a_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=BE1JVCEAQWE7D5Z6JKDA

vs.

https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-Active-2-Way-Speakers-Black/dp/B005OA3BSY/ref=pd_ybh_a_13?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=SEMGCA2V1JVB8P0RJSKJ

I think a set of Audioengine A5+ would fill your goal within budget.