Ok im looking for a good audio setup for my desk. My input is going to be one stereo inputout and one optical toslink. I really need help deciding between a few speaker systems as I cannot audition them anywhere in my area. The first setup is the most expensive but I have 1k to use on this.
1. Audioengine a5 active monitors + apogee midi controller. This seems to be the dream duo as both have great reviews.
2. edirol ma-15d these run around $170 and include all the inputs I need as well as headphone output which is both a blessing and a worry because I am a headphone fanatic and an output is great if it produces good sound but seeing as I cant audition them I wouldn't know. also mixing of two inputs is great. But whats the sound quality??
3. Samson audio StudioDock 3i - Active USB Monitors - these are a pair I saw on ilounge.com and they would substitute a usb in for the optical which isn't the best but ok. Again I am worried about the sq but the ipod functionality is a plus like the audioengine's.

These are just a few I know there are others like the swans and the mackies but I know little about them. If you have any ideas, alternative components or comments at all any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

I would recommend spending at least as possible on the sound card and as much as possible on the speakers and also allow part of the budget for acoustical treatments(which are critical for ANY speaker you choose).

I would like to recommend specific products, but it is not obvious to me what your specific objectives are, nor what bandwidth you are requiring, nor dynamic range abilities in that bandwidth. Your budget(1k) is higher than average for a PC sound system, and you have more options available to you as a result.

-Chris