For quite some time I've been listening to music through the following setup:

PC soundcard -> Denon receiver -> huge JBL studio monitor speakers from the 1980s

...but it's become just too impractical for such a small room (it's a very small apartment bedroom). I'm trying to think of some alternative that will sound really nice, and considering getting PC speakers. Are there any 2.0 systems (no subwoofer) for pcs that sound truly nice and warm? Or are they all just 2.1 setups with thumping bass and shrill treble?

My other thought was less probable, but -- are there any cheap receivers that are TINY? I'm talking small enough to sit on my desk, next to my phone and lamp. If I could find a really small receiver, maybe I could get that and some Paradigm Atoms, or something similarly small and nice.

Basically, I'm trying to avoid resorting to PC speakers, as it seems I won't be able to get sound as nice from them. However, I'm still considering the idea. I guess my budget would be something around 200-300 dollars... hopefully. I know that's pretty modest.

You should audition the Infinity Primus 150s.

http://www.stereophile.com/loudspeakerreviews/404infinity/

http://www.stereophile.com/features/1204poty/index8.html



Another choice would be the Acoustic Energy Aego2. I personally use these and there's no PC speakers that can even compare to the Aego2. I got my pair for around $199.

http://www.stereophile.com/features/464/index7.html



http://www.koiaudio.com/

KOI Audio designed the Aego series for Acoustic Energy.

OGM, Wish posted!

Since you are in the US, you can get the Infinity Primus 150s at your local CompUSA ($100 / pr), or if you are in the NY / NJ area, Electronics Expo ($90 / pr). This leaves you $200 for an amp. Hmm, small amps... I suppose if you stayed away from receivers it's doable, and just get a straight amp. I would look into getting 2003/2004 models.

The Primus 150s like 10-100 watts per channel @ 8 ohm. I'm currently running them off a Pioneer VSX-D811S in a 5.1 setup with the matching C25 center off an Audigy4 Pro. Here's some specs:

Frequency Response (±3dB): 58Hz - 20kHz
Recommended Power Amplifier Range: 10 - 100 watts
Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m): 88dB
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
Crossover Frequency(ies): 3,300Hz; 24dB/octave
Low-Frequency Driver: 5-1/4" (130mm) MMD™
High-Frequency Driver: 3/4" (19mm) MMD™
Dimensions
(H x W x D): 12-3/4" x 7-3/8" x 10-1/2"
(322mm x 187mm x 267mm)
Weight: 13.5 lb (6kg)
Finish: Black Wood-Grain Enclosure
Black Grille Cloth

If you get efficient speakers you can use the Sonic Impact tripath amp. This costs almost nothing and is well respected! It puts out 5-6W.
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/sonicimpact/t.html
Also see the Audio Circles about this amp.

Thank you so much for the recommendations. Though the Aego2 look nice, especially because they come with an amplifier, they're too much money for me right now. The Primus 150s look perfect, though. I think I may actually run out and try to get a pair today. As per amplification (I'm NOT knowledgeable about electronic equipment), would I just tell whomever I was speaking to at a store that I wanted an amplifier that provides 10-100 Watts? Also, will an amplifier be all I need? I'm assuming I would set it up as:

Speakers/headphones -> amplifier -> sound card

...and the amplifier would be something unobtrusive.

Lastly, I just noticed CSMR's post. Would the Sonic Impact tripath power the Primus 150s? I'm looking for as small and cheap an amp is possible, though nothing crummy of course.

Yes, it is Speakers<-Amplifier<-sound card.
For headphones you can either do headphones<-sound card or headphones<-amplifier<-sound card. It depends on whether your sound card has a good headphone output and what headphones you are using.

The primus 150 speakers are 88db (1W, 1M). Neither inefficient nor efficient. Whether the Sonic Impact will be enough depends on how loud you will be listening. 5W would be enough for me but I listen at relatively low volume. Many people would find 5W inadequate I think.
(Note that doubling power is the same as adding 3db)

Do any of you have a recommendation for an amp that's under $100? The Sonic Impact is wonderfully cheap, but I do get the impression it won't provide enough volume. Again, thanks for the help.

Best bet is to try eBay and online services like pricegrabber.com. I would go hit an audio store, find a model you like, then shop for it online.

Another option is the TEAC A-L700P, a 30W amplifier, also Tripath. $100 from J&R. I have this amp myself and can vouch for its excellence. Much bigger than the Sonic Impact, but not as big as a regular amp. It doesn't have a volume control (for regular use - there are some controls on the back). You may have to do volume control from your PC, which may or may not tax your sound card - it needs to be a good 24bit card to do volume control well from PC.

Has anyone tried the Blue Sky MediaDesk? Should be around $500 in the US, but for that you get a full range 2.1 active system (i.e. no need for an amplifier) and it can be upgraded to 5.1.
They also offer a seven day loan scheme, although it's not clear if this includes the MediaDesk. Considering them myself, so I'd be interested in peoples thoughts.

How would you use this amp in a regular livingroom then if it doesn't have a accessible volume control?
I would suspect that by far most people would use this amp not connected to a PC, they just power on and have 1 level of volume?
HEH, the ultimate no-frillz amp?

Seriously though, I'm looking for a cheap combo amp/sub/speakers that is resonably good. Those Primus 150 look nice, but I feel that I'd appreciate a sub with that pair. Currently have a pair of acceptable mission speakers and a amp from '68 (which is still working perfectly fine, used every day for at least a few hours). Maybe I should check out it's worth on eBay

Welcome to the world of component audio.. You would feed the amp with a pre-amp. The pre-amp would have the volume control, switching for various inputs (CD, phono, tape, ...) and sometimes a built-in AM-FM tuner (but that could also be a separate box).

I was all set to buy the Primus 150 bookshelf speakers and some sort of amp; however I couldn't find the 150s anywhere to listen, and the size/price of amplifiers (with the exception of the Sonic Impact T-Amp) as well as the level of involvement component audio demands are more than I had wanted to deal with.

So I think I might go in a different direction. I'm thinking:

Altec-Lansing MX5020 or Klimpsch ProMedia Ultra 2.0?

Both are 2.0, around $100 (the MX5020 is slightly less), and supposedly sound really nice.

(Edit: My search has been long-delayed by a busy life!)