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Well, everything arrived. The UMIK-1 is a nice piece of hardware. To complete my desktop setup I also got:

• The Pioneer BS-22s
  
• One Behringer UCA202 DAC
  
  Now for the best part. I scratched some extra cash this month out of my budget and also ordered (they are yet to arrive):
  
  
• Sennheiser HD650 headphones
  
• Monoprice Desktop Headphones Amp / DAC
  
  I'm thinking that the next step would be to move to the O2+ODAC. I'd like to build them myself, so I'll probably order one O2 kit first and later either the ODAC PCB with the DAC already soldered, or the entire soldered ODAC PCB.
  
  Also for the future is upgrading my closed back headphones I use at work, probably to an NVX XPT100 (thanks /u/ZeosPantera for leading me to them). Then I'll move the Monoprice Amp/DAC to the office to drive them and keep the O2+ODAC at home. The current headphones I have at the office sound pretty decent but I can't wear them for more than an hour. So comfort is paramount for my office headphones.
  
  What do you think?
  
  Can you point me to good resources on how to use REW + the UMIK-1 to measure the speaker responses? I still have the BS-21s (they'll be shipping back to Amazon soon) so I'm planning to measure them too. I didn't remove the grilles from them because I think it will be hard to stick them back on and don't want to return them without them on. So far I've read these articles:
  
  
• UMIK-1 setup with REW
  
• Loudspeaker measurement with UMIK-1 and REW
  
  Will that be enough?

Get JBL LSR 305/JBL LSR 305 pair on Amazon. If you absolutely want to stick to your 3 options, go with Micca, but you're better off with the LSR 305s.

You also don't want an amp, you want a DAC like Schiit Modi 2/
Schiit Modi 2 on Amazon or DAC/amp combo like Schiit Fulla/Schiit Fulla on Amazon.

I will toss this out, might get a little flack for it but here goes. Not too cheap but pretty good with a proper tweeter . The KEF EGG

https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Versatile-Desktop-Speaker-System/dp/B011MCKRNO

https://www.whathifi.com/kef/egg/review

https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.wsj.com/amp/articles/BL-268B-1904%3Fresponsive%3Dy

I found them for $250cad so I snapped them up and have them in my bathroom for shower listening.

Not sure about that Onkyo, I would go with a surround receiver for bass management incase you add a subwoofer later. Just based on the information available online this Denon looks like it might work out.

If I was in your position I would really consider the JBL LSR305. It sounds better near field, and has the same bass extension as the B5, although the B5 can play cleaner at the limits of it's volume. For a front end the Emotiva DC-1 is going to be the best option. Although it is super pricey, it has a remote control and lots of inputs. If you are using a computer as a primary source the Lexicon alpha would be a cheaper option, but lacks the remote and only has USB and one analog input.

It sounds like getting a line level output that I can plug my iphone into is a good idea. Would something like this be good? Or am I going down the wrong path? thanks http://www.amazon.com/Schiit-Audio-SCH-13-Passive-Preamp/dp/B00K6Q2A4C/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1452203068&sr=8-5&keywords=Preamp

Hi again, I have been doing some research, but I haven't reached a conclusion so I decided to wait and buy after christmas.

I have a new contender :
http://www.amazon.es/Magnat-Monitor-Supreme-100-reflector/dp/B001GNC0JY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1450343392&sr=8-5&keywords=magnat

I have found a lot of nice reviews about them in spanish audio forums. They are from germany and available in amazon spain. The problem is than I haven't been able to find measurements about them. Where do you usually search measurements?

These are pasive so I suppose I would need an amp. I have been seeing cheap amps, what amp do you recommend?

I have 2 amps in mind :

• Lepy LP_ 2020A for 27 euros : http://www.amazon.es/dp/B00O0QUH94/ref=twister_B00QA2QZJ2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
  
  
• SMSL SA-50 for 70 euros : http://www.amazon.es/SA-50-TDA7492-Stereo-Amplifier-Adapter/dp/B008Y7S198/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450343659&sr=8-1&keywords=SMSL+SA+50
  
  

Like this guy?
https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-111567-Desktop-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00KVVX2QW

I'm wondering if I need something in between as far as features go, as I'm realizing that I'd really like to be able to run a basic microphone input through the device as well. Just a 1/8" or 1/4" type connection, nothing fancy like the XLR connections. Wouldn't ever be used for anything more than online voice communications.

Take a look at smart power strips like this one. Without cracking one open, I bet there is a hall effect sensor on the master outlet that controls a bank of relays on the switched outlets. Just connect anything like a receiver or TV to the master and the speakers to the switched.

There's a few voltage powered outlets/power strips available, but they are geared more towards the semi-standard 12 volt trigger.

http://www.amazon.com/Niles-Black-FG00242-Voltage-Triggered/dp/B00086IDDC -- I think 12 volts only

http://www.amazon.com/XANTECH-AC1-Controlled-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B000NU0T62 -- this one takes between 5 and 30 volts, so you'd only need a small relay to step up the 3.3 volts and kick out a higher voltage.

There's also the Wink compatible outlets and stuff like that. (Which totally boggles me that you can get a wirelessly controlled outlet for $40, but a simpler hard wired one is $100)

Update #2: Receiver deal dead now too. Tower price up to $91 each which is still good but I'd buy from Amazon at $90 each instead http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008NCD2S4/

If the Klipsch ProMedia didn't have enough bass you're either a very serious bass head (no 2.0 is going to do it except towers) or something is wrong.

I see two options for you. You either get really expensive computer speakers like you had. See Logitech Z623 $130 or you actually build a system.

If you're looking to build a system you'll need the following. Let's keep it under $300.

Amp - SMSL SA50 $70
Speakers - Micca MB42X $90
Sub - Dayton Sub 1000 $120 if ordered from PE/NewEgg

Now all you need is speaker wire, a 3.5mm to RCA cable, and possibly a wire stripper. You're in business with your own 2.1 that should be very loud and give you plenty of bass.