Entering the Desktop Speaker Category

Jan 7, 202316617 VIEWS

In the world of speakers, there is one category which is more or less overlooked by audiophile speaker manufacturers. That is the desktop speaker category—and, more specifically, its affordable segment. As we looked at this category, we wanted to design speakers that satisfy our true Audiophile community but also borrowed some inspiration for customization from our Mech Keys community. We saw a gap in the current market, which looks something like this: - Affordable Desktop Speakers

- Tiny satellite speakers with a subwoofer. You get all that bass but not much else.

- Bose Companion Speakers. These practically dominate the space and are the speakers to beat. They’ve been around for years and years.

- Benefits: Small size, easy for any workspace to accommodate (unless you use a 2.1 set with a subwoofer).

- Drawbacks: Limitations in audio performance due to smaller driver sizes. Generally limited connectivity and not suitable for other audio use. No customizability.

- Mid-Tier Speakers

- A wide range of 2-way stereo speakers, in small, mid-size, and large sizes—from brands like Audioengine, Kanto, Yamaha, as well as Pro-Audio manufacturers with nearfield monitors.

- Benefits: Significantly better audio performance than most desktop speakers. Some models also have more inputs for better connectivity.

- Drawbacks: Their substantial size requires a wide table or specialized mounts for use. In smaller spaces, boomy bass often occurs due to traditional drivers and close placement near back walls. No customizability.

- Top-Tier Speakers

- Traditional 2-way or 3-way speakers. These are true nearfield monitors, designed for use at a distance of 3 meters or less, from brands including Genelec, EVE, Focal, and JBL.

- Benefits: Amazing sound quality.

- Drawbacks: Large footprint, expensive pricetag. Models designed specifically for desktop use typically have narrow audio dispersion. No customizability.

We identified a gap between the Affordable and Mid-Tier categories: an opportunity for nearfield monitors with a minimalist footprint and a maximalist sound. By utilizing innovative driver technology combined with dual passive radiators, we were able to achieve speakers that can be easily placed on your desktop. Our BMR1 speakers are designed for exceptional sound with a side of BYOS: bring your own sub. Most users will find the audio performance beyond satisfactory for everyday desktop use. The BMR drivers deliver excellent detail with full-range transparency suited for gaming, music listening, and movie watching. All this comes in an ultra-sleek form factor—and ultra accessible price point. If you want to bulk up your bass, and your budget, you can easily Bring Your Own Sub and hook it up, thanks to the BMR1’s dedicated auxiliary output. BMR-drivers While looking for new and innovative speaker manufacturers to partner with, we came across a company called Tectonic Audio Labs, based in Seattle, WA, which has been developing smaller wide-bandwidth drivers that leverage a technology called Balanced Mode Radiation (BMR). This technology—which offers reduced distortion and greater balance across a speaker’s entire field— has been growing in popularity in Soundbars and Car Audio where size is greatly limited. We decided it would be the perfect fit for our speakers, settling on a pair of 2-inch custom made BMR drivers alongside with a pair of force-canceling passive radiators. This combination gave us both the small footprint and the loud, wide dispersion we were after. Soon, it will give you the flexibility to enjoy exceptional audio in virtually any configuration on your desk.

Sound Characteristics Sonically, we wanted these new speakers to have an organic and natural tonality. Inspired by today’s top studio monitors, we wanted to have a speaker that’s truthful to the source while not sounding overly harsh or bright. After extensive testing, we can confidently say we’ve achieved that sound. Our new speakers have a holographic character with a natural soundstage and excellent imaging capabilities given their size and pricing. While we focused them around the midrange and treble—particular strengths of their drivers—they still pack a punch in the low end. And if you want to bulk it up even more, you can easily connect a subwoofer using the aux out on the rear. Customizable Magnetic Speaker Grilles As mentioned earlier, we wanted our new speakers to truly become a part of any desktop. To that end, we designed them to accommodate interchangeable magnetic grills—with a number of different options planned for 2023. Similar to different keycap and keyboard designs, we are working to create number of grille designs that you can easily change to suit your decor, desktop or mood. In fact, we’re hoping to create grilles that perfectly match some of the most popular keycap sets. We just need your input. What colorways would you like us to implement first on the grilles? Hit "Request" and stay tuned as we release more information next week.

Edit: Spelling

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Feb 7, 2023

How will these compare to the iLoud Micro Monitors? I can't see how these will beat them.

AldebaranIII

Jan 23, 2023

It will be really hard to beat my Vanatoo T1E's, but I am willing to give them a listen.

StanatHomesell

Jan 21, 2023

In the $800 category, the top desktops are the SVS Wireless Pro and the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 which is an active 3-way. In the $400 price range, look at the Monoprice MM-5R. Then pick up a Monoprice 12" Subwoofer for about $100 and plug it into your speakers and rock out.

MEZZANlNE

Jan 19, 2023

My question is will these have the ERP automatic standby that can’t be turned off? That feature has ruined powered desktop speakers for me and I haven’t used a set in years

Blatant-One

Jan 21, 2023

MEZZANlNEI have the Klipsch 2.1 which won't shut off. I bought a single outlet surge protector that has its own switch to shut the speakers off. And you don't get that loud power pop, either. oviitech 2 Pack Grounded Outlet Wall Tap Adapter with On/Off Power Switch，Single Outlet with Switch in White

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jvo59

Jan 18, 2023

How would these match up against the Klipsch Promedia?

NtenseDrop

Jan 16, 2023

i hope these are going to be worth upgrading from the Edifier g2000, that I currently have.

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Waris

Jan 14, 2023

Hope this turns out better than the Pandas

ridhuankim

671

Jan 12, 2023

Would these sound better than the bookshelf speakers? Mod Edit: Removed external product link per Community Guidelines

(Edited by moderator HoffmanMyster)

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FastNLEE

Jan 14, 2023

ridhuankimCan’t really compare them to studio monitors. Near field isolates the stage more to the desktop listener. There are pros and cons to use Int either. It can do things within the stage area that a pair of powered bookshelves would require much more positioning effort. Openness at the top end is the defining characteristic on the BMR. . This addresses the lack of real innovation and investment in desktop speakers . If you have room and flexibility in your crucial listening area there are advantages to the bookshelf’s. They have more power and go lower. The BMRs were designed to optimize for desktop use. Hope this helps. I haven’t head the M-Audio so opinion is more for application of the BMRS as opposed to powered bookshelves in general

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Rossisz

Jan 19, 2023

ridhuankimWell only for a couple feet of distance if they're designed as desktop studio monitors. If your space is small then probably

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noix_rouge

Jan 12, 2023

please add all white (matt)

vatterix

Jan 12, 2023

I currently use Edifier R1280DB Bookshelf speakers and absolutely love the quality of sound for the price.

Chinson

Jan 12, 2023

vatterixSame dude!

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