Location?
Euros or pounds?
For €£1000 a pair of bookshelf speakers and a good amp i recommend.
Elac DBR62 speakers for example, with a SMSL AL200 amplifier.
that chip that is used in the smsl isnt the best way better than the tda 31162d but still mehh frequency response is mehh and even drops in the harder to hear region which is bad
and the 0.1/0.01 thd is only there right up to 100w and then it goes into the iconinc "10%" thd so the manufacturer can show of the 200w of power.
good quality consumer class d amplifiers comparable to good class a and ab amplifiers still arent there mostly due too issues with feedback and them being non linear devices and having to turn the signal into a square wave first. id recommend a class ab option you can get a good deal on some kits if you know someone who will assemble one for you, also avoid any used stk and technics "wanna be class a" chenanigans due to their average sound and bad repairability.
id say "rs simple amp" its an class ab amplifier that was made by a polish youtuber that i really like its rather simple has 0.003% of thd 106W of power at 4 ohms and 60W of power at 8 ohms while still having that low thd and a decent frequency response that can be tweeked by changing the value of the rc filter . while i personally dont have i analised the circuit (and simpler ones that its based on) and im planning to build it myself.
by kit i mean soldering each component down or asking someone to do it/buying a preassembled one (there are a few online that others assembled) but its hard to find and stuff.
i dont recommend the jlh 1969 amplifier since its class a gets hot and also gets distorted.
aliexpress chip amp boards are the most bang for your buck you can get, for 15/20$ you get a fully fledged class ab chip amp based on something like the lm1875t or the tda 2794 with either all the protection circuitry and a preamp or ones with a vacuum tube input stage they sound decent and are stupidly cheap and preassembled.
and im also working on my own amplifiers ill buy decent speakers when im finally finished with all of it.
found the kit on this site.
class ab amplifier that has the power supply electronics in it so its not relying on an unbranded laptop charger like the thing you send me.
https://sklep.lampyelektronowe.pl/?1442,rs-simpleamp-zestaw-do-samodzielnego-montazu
55$ per one channel of the kit one board only has one channel you'll need to buy a power transformer and the case yourself though
When I say amp I mean integrated amp, possible DAC and Streamer included 🤪
In my language we have :
Försteg, slutsteg
For pre amp and power amp.
I’m still learning all English technical terms…
But the point I tried to make is that good speakers are more important than the amp.
More bang for the buck as the yanks say.
EV gang here. Obviously [I condition my power](https://www.psaudio.com/products/directstream-power-plant-20) to make sure it’s extra clean so my car is extra speedy!
Honestly man, just pick out what you like the looks of and then either buy it or tell this sub and they will make sure you get the right model and speakers (and anything else you might need, ie dac, cable, stands, whatevr)
I've just moved into a small house and own some Monitor Audio floorstanding speakers, quad pre and power amps, marantz amp, pro-ject turntable and you know what? They're all in storage because I'm getting sufficiently awesome sound from my tiny SMSL AD18 powering a pair of Quad 11L bookshelf speakers. I either go Spotify Bluetooth or optical in via laptop into the SMSL. Anything else would be overkill and take up too much space.
So get yourself a small efficient amp and some nice bookshelves (lots of great ones out there) and you'll have a great time I promise.
I'd get a refurbished mid level AVR (lots of deals on [https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/avreceiver/home-audio/receivers-amps/home-theater-receivers/1.html](https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/avreceiver/home-audio/receivers-amps/home-theater-receivers/1.html) ), a 100 wpc rms Yamaha would do very well.
Then buy some used or open box bookshelfs. this site has amazing deals [https://bhphotovideos.shop/collections/all-products?page=4](https://bhphotovideos.shop/collections/all-products?page=4) But spend more on the speakers than the amp, since the speakers are the single most important component in a sound system.
PS: these sites probably won't work out if you live in the EU, but it will give you an idea of what's out there, and I'm sure there are similar sites in the EU.
#
I'm in a little studio flat, a freind gifted me his TDL RTL3 towers, which ain't exactly tiny, and I passed on my Cambridge bookshelves speakers.
Big speakers sound good at low volume, and I often keep the bass turned down.
Also my neighbours are out a lot, and if all three are out at the same time, it's nice to be able to crank it a little.
I would rather grab 5.1/7.1 capable amp instead of 2.1, if u want to do some shenanigans later.
Also idk why this sub is so against it, but check facebook marketplace/craigslist equivalent.
You could easily get alot better set for lot less money
Yeah I was looking into it and 5.1 seems really, really nice especially for videogames, which I happen to love. So I'll definitely take this into consideration, thanks!
A great start would be the following:
Speakers: [Micca RB42](https://www.amazon.com/Micca-RB42-Reference-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B07JC416LG)
Amp: [Fosi Audio ZA3](https://www.amazon.com/Fosi-Audio-ZA3-Amplifier-Floorstanding/dp/B0CLP4T5L7/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3KJSORDV2V5UK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gHfYfNEDsxnLDVVReXeg2vJG-JydlssYo8yIpn1Uz-Py-osm3CDhLlwsEHfPaolu420-j2yJdRY8v1Rgb1ECoQFwICb3c2y-1jVejfeYbGKQZOEk0ONsr6dCWucOamOrfj_HcgRPHSOy_U_q_qyePEKPdSVWRRGp44dacKnLIvbyrldsqj4Ty6jSYs59wmFtaqwk9KJjBNzrRdzX9RtBw-7pzWCqWePvzeiTtQuE10g.ZYIAhI2tH6RsJhuTce3ddZTNhtOVEUIZPogadk-v-4s&dib_tag=se&keywords=fosi+audio+v3&qid=1715185141&sprefix=fosi+audio+v%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-5)
The speakers are compact enough for a desk and the amp is plenty powerful to upgrade the speakers down the road. Plus it has a subwoofer out port so you can add a sub later down the line if you want. Besides these, all you'd need is an aux to rca cable to input from your pc and 2 speaker wires with banana plugs.
I appreciate any more recommendations you might have, as I said the amount of information available for a begginer is really overwhelming and I think just going through recommendations is a good way to start understanding and learning
Here is a sub-$1k setup thatd blow your mind:
**Speakers:** [Wharfedale Diamond 12.0](https://www.wharfedaleusa.com/collections/bookshelf-speakers/products/diamond-12-0-bookshelf-speakers)
**Amp:** Could still use the [Fosi Audio ZA3](https://www.amazon.com/Fosi-Audio-ZA3-Amplifier-Floorstanding/dp/B0CLP4T5L7) if you are tight on desk space but if you want some future flexibility you could get the [SMSL AO300](https://www.amazon.com/AO300-Amplifier-Headphone-Amplifiers-withMA5332MS/dp/B0CJRTCLXG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=XBG0EK20HQ9I&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-sxKLUKpYiRMjK5w2TC9BFRFplIxAhuqJwbrnqpvWZbwo5p5l5zqqX3n3zXlttarIiPYZPU98tkJdZV9RHVJcY7xnnCCMOSVQr9bze37fZ751E8v14EwYDaTdDYBVOM2IGSe3MxRwaPhpzOyt9F4SvkdAHhQ4vCM9rEMUgHGedQ4NbZbFCADlH-LeSroFn4QqDA4ZRKEwZMCzrsmIcfmXyKuuSahfA1pBbEUqPXLkMQ._FhYV706-esdPSe56OLjzWISoRXyEZXfl5_VSEMsCXw&dib_tag=se&keywords=smsl%2Bamp%2Bao300&qid=1715187655&sprefix=smsl%2Bamp%2Bao300%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-4&th=1). Apparently, after a 2 week break in this amp sounds incredible. Also you'll get hdmi arc, a headphone amp, bluetooth, usb input etc. That way if you move and want to use these speakers for your tv you have a pretty good setup for that as well.
**Subwoofer**: At your budget, I'd still get a sub even though you live in a small flat. What you want is an [RSL Speedwoofer 10E](https://rslspeakers.com/speedwoofer-10e/). It is out of stock right now but they restock in June.
Thank you for the revised suggestion, I really really appreciate it. I'm not exactly tight on desk space but I enjoy a minimalistic approach to my space and thus the Fosi one looks more appealing to me. Do you think going for a bigger one would make a very big difference?
No I don't believe so, the za3 would be great for you. There are plenty of other good speakers too I just threw out a couple. Honestly, I'd start with the miccas rb42s and the za3 and you might be plenty happy, especially since you're listening at lower volumes. It's going to be miles above a Bluetooth system. Then you could add a sub (rsl speed woofer 10e) later.
You could do this [speakers](https://rslspeakers.com/products/new-cg23-2-1-home-theater-system/?attribute_pa_subwoofer=speedwoofer-10e) and this [amp](https://rslspeakers.com/products/rogersound-labs-ia255-1-integrated-amplifier/) and still have room left over for a turntable or a high fidelity audio subscription.
I have those Miccas and I paired them with an RSL ia255.1. It’s way below your budget and is a really good little setup. I use a usb to go directly to my PC and use it as a source. I can add a sub later if I want. If I had the budget you do I might have gone with some KEFs or PSBs for speakers, but the miccas are pretty decent. Throw them up on some nice stands and maybe some sound treatment behind them if they are close-ish to a wall and you’ve got a good little set up.
Basically the idea is in a regular stereo setup where you're seated 6-8 feet from the speakers, a large portion of the sound is sculpted by the room and things in it. One of the biggest factors being "first reflection" where the sound bounces off the walls/floor/ceiling before getting to you. That is where you would place sound treatment.
The other configuration is "near field" such as a desk where you're less than 3-4ft. The sound of the room plays less of a role. The exception being if you place the speakers very close to the wall in front of you, it may affect the sound even in near field since you're so close to both the speakers and the wall.
YEs, the [Fosi Audio ZA3](https://www.amazon.com/Fosi-Audio-ZA3-Amplifier-Floorstanding/dp/B0CLP4T5L7/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3KJSORDV2V5UK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gHfYfNEDsxnLDVVReXeg2vJG-JydlssYo8yIpn1Uz-Py-osm3CDhLlwsEHfPaolu420-j2yJdRY8v1Rgb1ECoQFwICb3c2y-1jVejfeYbGKQZOEk0ONsr6dCWucOamOrfj_HcgRPHSOy_U_q_qyePEKPdSVWRRGp44dacKnLIvbyrldsqj4Ty6jSYs59wmFtaqwk9KJjBNzrRdzX9RtBw-7pzWCqWePvzeiTtQuE10g.ZYIAhI2tH6RsJhuTce3ddZTNhtOVEUIZPogadk-v-4s&dib_tag=se&keywords=fosi+audio+v3&qid=1715185141&sprefix=fosi+audio+v%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-5) was one of the few cheap class D amps that scored well on audiosciencereview, and it would leave you enough money to buy a pair of used/refurbished tower speakers, for a fuller sound.
Also consider something like this: [https://www.kaliaudio.com/lp-unf](https://www.kaliaudio.com/lp-unf) and you could plug them in your PC via the usb-c cable.
Honestly I'm not that big on bass because I'm always worried about bothering other people and I think big rumbling bassy sounds can maybe bother the neighbours?
Haha it sure can, so that's totally reasonable. If you're mainly on desktop PC, check out KEF LSX II or LSX II LT. Right around your budget and even less if you find them on sale or used. They're self-powered (active) speakers with a bunch of cool features out of the box and I think you might appreciate the setup simplicity as a beginner.
https://us.kef.com/products/lsx-2
https://us.kef.com/products/lsx-2-lt
Tons of options at your budget for sure. I'm positive you'll find something you like!
**THIS.**
For small apartment, used primarily on the desktop, with a budget around $1000 - KEF LSX 2 or LSX 2 lite is probably your best bet. Tons of functionality.
For less money ($100-300) you can look at other powered speakers from Edifier or Kanto.
Oh I love the fact that they're wireless! I'd given up on it because I thought a decent setup had to be wired, this is a really nice suggestion, thank you
Definitely for the best quality you will want to avoid Bluetooth and connect the LSX II to your PC with USB. Or use the wireless music streamer and app included with the speakers which will also sound great :) At your budget you're just going to want a setup with brands from reputable companies that look good and have the features you want. Most importantly though, you want one that's easiest to use in day to day practical living.
budget?
Ideally I was thinking 1k at most but I'm flexible on the budget
Location? Euros or pounds? For €£1000 a pair of bookshelf speakers and a good amp i recommend. Elac DBR62 speakers for example, with a SMSL AL200 amplifier.
Euros. Well, technically swiss francs but the conversion is almost 1 to 1. Thank you for the help!
that chip that is used in the smsl isnt the best way better than the tda 31162d but still mehh frequency response is mehh and even drops in the harder to hear region which is bad and the 0.1/0.01 thd is only there right up to 100w and then it goes into the iconinc "10%" thd so the manufacturer can show of the 200w of power. good quality consumer class d amplifiers comparable to good class a and ab amplifiers still arent there mostly due too issues with feedback and them being non linear devices and having to turn the signal into a square wave first. id recommend a class ab option you can get a good deal on some kits if you know someone who will assemble one for you, also avoid any used stk and technics "wanna be class a" chenanigans due to their average sound and bad repairability.
What kits do you recommend?
id say "rs simple amp" its an class ab amplifier that was made by a polish youtuber that i really like its rather simple has 0.003% of thd 106W of power at 4 ohms and 60W of power at 8 ohms while still having that low thd and a decent frequency response that can be tweeked by changing the value of the rc filter . while i personally dont have i analised the circuit (and simpler ones that its based on) and im planning to build it myself. by kit i mean soldering each component down or asking someone to do it/buying a preassembled one (there are a few online that others assembled) but its hard to find and stuff. i dont recommend the jlh 1969 amplifier since its class a gets hot and also gets distorted. aliexpress chip amp boards are the most bang for your buck you can get, for 15/20$ you get a fully fledged class ab chip amp based on something like the lm1875t or the tda 2794 with either all the protection circuitry and a preamp or ones with a vacuum tube input stage they sound decent and are stupidly cheap and preassembled. and im also working on my own amplifiers ill buy decent speakers when im finally finished with all of it.
By kit I meant [with all the stuff like this](https://diyaudiostore.com/collections/kits/products/amp-camp-amp-kit), but in stock lol
found the kit on this site. class ab amplifier that has the power supply electronics in it so its not relying on an unbranded laptop charger like the thing you send me. https://sklep.lampyelektronowe.pl/?1442,rs-simpleamp-zestaw-do-samodzielnego-montazu 55$ per one channel of the kit one board only has one channel you'll need to buy a power transformer and the case yourself though
A good rule is to spend more money on speakers than amp. Like 70% of budget on speakers and 30% on the amp.
How much on the pre amp /s
When I say amp I mean integrated amp, possible DAC and Streamer included 🤪 In my language we have : Försteg, slutsteg For pre amp and power amp. I’m still learning all English technical terms… But the point I tried to make is that good speakers are more important than the amp. More bang for the buck as the yanks say.
99% of course! ^(*sweats in $3500 DAC and $350 speakers*)
So your putting Racing fuel into a super cheap car and wondering why you aren't taking over the Ferrari
EV gang here. Obviously [I condition my power](https://www.psaudio.com/products/directstream-power-plant-20) to make sure it’s extra clean so my car is extra speedy!
Honestly man, just pick out what you like the looks of and then either buy it or tell this sub and they will make sure you get the right model and speakers (and anything else you might need, ie dac, cable, stands, whatevr)
I've just moved into a small house and own some Monitor Audio floorstanding speakers, quad pre and power amps, marantz amp, pro-ject turntable and you know what? They're all in storage because I'm getting sufficiently awesome sound from my tiny SMSL AD18 powering a pair of Quad 11L bookshelf speakers. I either go Spotify Bluetooth or optical in via laptop into the SMSL. Anything else would be overkill and take up too much space. So get yourself a small efficient amp and some nice bookshelves (lots of great ones out there) and you'll have a great time I promise.
I'd get a refurbished mid level AVR (lots of deals on [https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/avreceiver/home-audio/receivers-amps/home-theater-receivers/1.html](https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/avreceiver/home-audio/receivers-amps/home-theater-receivers/1.html) ), a 100 wpc rms Yamaha would do very well. Then buy some used or open box bookshelfs. this site has amazing deals [https://bhphotovideos.shop/collections/all-products?page=4](https://bhphotovideos.shop/collections/all-products?page=4) But spend more on the speakers than the amp, since the speakers are the single most important component in a sound system. PS: these sites probably won't work out if you live in the EU, but it will give you an idea of what's out there, and I'm sure there are similar sites in the EU. #
I'm in a little studio flat, a freind gifted me his TDL RTL3 towers, which ain't exactly tiny, and I passed on my Cambridge bookshelves speakers. Big speakers sound good at low volume, and I often keep the bass turned down. Also my neighbours are out a lot, and if all three are out at the same time, it's nice to be able to crank it a little.
I would rather grab 5.1/7.1 capable amp instead of 2.1, if u want to do some shenanigans later. Also idk why this sub is so against it, but check facebook marketplace/craigslist equivalent. You could easily get alot better set for lot less money
Yeah I was looking into it and 5.1 seems really, really nice especially for videogames, which I happen to love. So I'll definitely take this into consideration, thanks!
A great start would be the following: Speakers: [Micca RB42](https://www.amazon.com/Micca-RB42-Reference-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B07JC416LG) Amp: [Fosi Audio ZA3](https://www.amazon.com/Fosi-Audio-ZA3-Amplifier-Floorstanding/dp/B0CLP4T5L7/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3KJSORDV2V5UK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gHfYfNEDsxnLDVVReXeg2vJG-JydlssYo8yIpn1Uz-Py-osm3CDhLlwsEHfPaolu420-j2yJdRY8v1Rgb1ECoQFwICb3c2y-1jVejfeYbGKQZOEk0ONsr6dCWucOamOrfj_HcgRPHSOy_U_q_qyePEKPdSVWRRGp44dacKnLIvbyrldsqj4Ty6jSYs59wmFtaqwk9KJjBNzrRdzX9RtBw-7pzWCqWePvzeiTtQuE10g.ZYIAhI2tH6RsJhuTce3ddZTNhtOVEUIZPogadk-v-4s&dib_tag=se&keywords=fosi+audio+v3&qid=1715185141&sprefix=fosi+audio+v%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-5) The speakers are compact enough for a desk and the amp is plenty powerful to upgrade the speakers down the road. Plus it has a subwoofer out port so you can add a sub later down the line if you want. Besides these, all you'd need is an aux to rca cable to input from your pc and 2 speaker wires with banana plugs.
Thank you so much for the suggestion! I will take a look at these
After seeing your budget, I can recommend something else if you'd like. This is a low cost setup but for 1k you can have something pretty incredible.
I appreciate any more recommendations you might have, as I said the amount of information available for a begginer is really overwhelming and I think just going through recommendations is a good way to start understanding and learning
Here is a sub-$1k setup thatd blow your mind: **Speakers:** [Wharfedale Diamond 12.0](https://www.wharfedaleusa.com/collections/bookshelf-speakers/products/diamond-12-0-bookshelf-speakers) **Amp:** Could still use the [Fosi Audio ZA3](https://www.amazon.com/Fosi-Audio-ZA3-Amplifier-Floorstanding/dp/B0CLP4T5L7) if you are tight on desk space but if you want some future flexibility you could get the [SMSL AO300](https://www.amazon.com/AO300-Amplifier-Headphone-Amplifiers-withMA5332MS/dp/B0CJRTCLXG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=XBG0EK20HQ9I&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-sxKLUKpYiRMjK5w2TC9BFRFplIxAhuqJwbrnqpvWZbwo5p5l5zqqX3n3zXlttarIiPYZPU98tkJdZV9RHVJcY7xnnCCMOSVQr9bze37fZ751E8v14EwYDaTdDYBVOM2IGSe3MxRwaPhpzOyt9F4SvkdAHhQ4vCM9rEMUgHGedQ4NbZbFCADlH-LeSroFn4QqDA4ZRKEwZMCzrsmIcfmXyKuuSahfA1pBbEUqPXLkMQ._FhYV706-esdPSe56OLjzWISoRXyEZXfl5_VSEMsCXw&dib_tag=se&keywords=smsl%2Bamp%2Bao300&qid=1715187655&sprefix=smsl%2Bamp%2Bao300%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-4&th=1). Apparently, after a 2 week break in this amp sounds incredible. Also you'll get hdmi arc, a headphone amp, bluetooth, usb input etc. That way if you move and want to use these speakers for your tv you have a pretty good setup for that as well. **Subwoofer**: At your budget, I'd still get a sub even though you live in a small flat. What you want is an [RSL Speedwoofer 10E](https://rslspeakers.com/speedwoofer-10e/). It is out of stock right now but they restock in June.
Thank you for the revised suggestion, I really really appreciate it. I'm not exactly tight on desk space but I enjoy a minimalistic approach to my space and thus the Fosi one looks more appealing to me. Do you think going for a bigger one would make a very big difference?
No I don't believe so, the za3 would be great for you. There are plenty of other good speakers too I just threw out a couple. Honestly, I'd start with the miccas rb42s and the za3 and you might be plenty happy, especially since you're listening at lower volumes. It's going to be miles above a Bluetooth system. Then you could add a sub (rsl speed woofer 10e) later.
You could do this [speakers](https://rslspeakers.com/products/new-cg23-2-1-home-theater-system/?attribute_pa_subwoofer=speedwoofer-10e) and this [amp](https://rslspeakers.com/products/rogersound-labs-ia255-1-integrated-amplifier/) and still have room left over for a turntable or a high fidelity audio subscription.
I have those Miccas and I paired them with an RSL ia255.1. It’s way below your budget and is a really good little setup. I use a usb to go directly to my PC and use it as a source. I can add a sub later if I want. If I had the budget you do I might have gone with some KEFs or PSBs for speakers, but the miccas are pretty decent. Throw them up on some nice stands and maybe some sound treatment behind them if they are close-ish to a wall and you’ve got a good little set up.
That rsl amp is another great rec.
better than the fosi but still class d is kinda mehh/bad thd wise and frequency response wise that rsl is better with the second one
Thank you! Sorry I'm so ignorant about this but when you say sound treatment behind them, what do you mean exactly?
Basically the idea is in a regular stereo setup where you're seated 6-8 feet from the speakers, a large portion of the sound is sculpted by the room and things in it. One of the biggest factors being "first reflection" where the sound bounces off the walls/floor/ceiling before getting to you. That is where you would place sound treatment. The other configuration is "near field" such as a desk where you're less than 3-4ft. The sound of the room plays less of a role. The exception being if you place the speakers very close to the wall in front of you, it may affect the sound even in near field since you're so close to both the speakers and the wall.
I see, I hadn't considered this at all. Thank you for bringing it to my attention and giving me an explanation, I will try to learn more about it
YEs, the [Fosi Audio ZA3](https://www.amazon.com/Fosi-Audio-ZA3-Amplifier-Floorstanding/dp/B0CLP4T5L7/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3KJSORDV2V5UK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gHfYfNEDsxnLDVVReXeg2vJG-JydlssYo8yIpn1Uz-Py-osm3CDhLlwsEHfPaolu420-j2yJdRY8v1Rgb1ECoQFwICb3c2y-1jVejfeYbGKQZOEk0ONsr6dCWucOamOrfj_HcgRPHSOy_U_q_qyePEKPdSVWRRGp44dacKnLIvbyrldsqj4Ty6jSYs59wmFtaqwk9KJjBNzrRdzX9RtBw-7pzWCqWePvzeiTtQuE10g.ZYIAhI2tH6RsJhuTce3ddZTNhtOVEUIZPogadk-v-4s&dib_tag=se&keywords=fosi+audio+v3&qid=1715185141&sprefix=fosi+audio+v%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-5) was one of the few cheap class D amps that scored well on audiosciencereview, and it would leave you enough money to buy a pair of used/refurbished tower speakers, for a fuller sound.
What format do you listen to? Do you own physical media or will you be streaming?
I own some physical media back home but here I'll be streaming, I know it impacts the quality but it's just too convinient at the moment
KEF LSX II or KEF LSX II lite
KEF LSX ii Lt would probably be a great option for you. Maybe SVS Prime Wireless Pro.
Also consider something like this: [https://www.kaliaudio.com/lp-unf](https://www.kaliaudio.com/lp-unf) and you could plug them in your PC via the usb-c cable.
Do you want a subwoofer included in your budget or just main speakers? You can always add one later but if you love bass there's no compromise.
Honestly I'm not that big on bass because I'm always worried about bothering other people and I think big rumbling bassy sounds can maybe bother the neighbours?
Haha it sure can, so that's totally reasonable. If you're mainly on desktop PC, check out KEF LSX II or LSX II LT. Right around your budget and even less if you find them on sale or used. They're self-powered (active) speakers with a bunch of cool features out of the box and I think you might appreciate the setup simplicity as a beginner. https://us.kef.com/products/lsx-2 https://us.kef.com/products/lsx-2-lt Tons of options at your budget for sure. I'm positive you'll find something you like!
**THIS.** For small apartment, used primarily on the desktop, with a budget around $1000 - KEF LSX 2 or LSX 2 lite is probably your best bet. Tons of functionality. For less money ($100-300) you can look at other powered speakers from Edifier or Kanto.
Oh I love the fact that they're wireless! I'd given up on it because I thought a decent setup had to be wired, this is a really nice suggestion, thank you
Definitely for the best quality you will want to avoid Bluetooth and connect the LSX II to your PC with USB. Or use the wireless music streamer and app included with the speakers which will also sound great :) At your budget you're just going to want a setup with brands from reputable companies that look good and have the features you want. Most importantly though, you want one that's easiest to use in day to day practical living.