Looking for PC speaker setup

[SammyNib]

I accidentally asked this on the american site, but I am currently rocking the Microlabs Solo 6c, which I am very impressed with after I upgraded from my Logitech z323, but they are just too big for the space which I have available.
I have done quite a bit of research and most people seem to suggest that the best quality you will get is from a pair of bookshelf speakers with an amp. I am a bit scared to go with this solution as I don't want to damage the speakers by under-loading them with a budget amp.

My budget is around the £150 mark and here is a couple of options that I am considering:
Logitech z623
M-Audio BX5 D2
Corsair SP2500
M-Audio Studiophile AV 40

I am quite a novice when it comes to audio so any help on options that would be better for a similar price would be much appreciated. When it comes to my preferences when listening to audio I like overall balanced audio but with the option to turn up the base it I wanted to.

Thanks for any help,
Sam.

 

[americanaudiophile]

Don't be afraid of using a separate amp and speakers. You are not likely to damage the speakers with too little power unless you are filling a large space which you say you are not.
If used equipment doesn't scare you that might be the way to go (especially speakers).
If there is a local audio shoppe visit them Even if your budget is too small for them they may have some traded in gear that is in your range. Take the opportunity to hear what the have. You may be surprised just how great it can sound.
Some of the options you list aren't that much smaller than your present speakers or have a big sub woofer so maybe you can fit in your present speakers and add an outboard DAC to your rig to improve the sound since you seem pleased with the Microlabs.

 

[SammyNib]

Don't be afraid of using a separate amp and speakers. You are not likely to damage the speakers with too little power unless you are filling a large space which you say you are not.
If used equipment doesn't scare you that might be the way to go (especially speakers).
If there is a local audio shoppe visit them Even if your budget is too small for them they may have some traded in gear that is in your range. Take the opportunity to hear what the have. You may be surprised just how great it can sound.
Some of the options you list aren't that much smaller than your present speakers or have a big sub woofer so maybe you can fit in your present speakers and add an outboard DAC to your rig to improve the sound since you seem pleased with the Microlabs.

Yeah after looking at it again it seems that you are right about the size, the M-Audio speakers are both very big which is just not a possibility for me. I have a lot of room under my desk so a subwoofer would be fine but I just lack actual space on my desk. Is it possible to get fairly small bookshelf speakers or do they have to be large for the bass?

 

[sora]

Don't be afraid of using a separate amp and speakers. You are not likely to damage the speakers with too little power unless you are filling a large space which you say you are not.
If used equipment doesn't scare you that might be the way to go (especially speakers).
If there is a local audio shoppe visit them Even if your budget is too small for them they may have some traded in gear that is in your range. Take the opportunity to hear what the have. You may be surprised just how great it can sound.
Some of the options you list aren't that much smaller than your present speakers or have a big sub woofer so maybe you can fit in your present speakers and add an outboard DAC to your rig to improve the sound since you seem pleased with the Microlabs.

Yeah after looking at it again it seems that you are right about the size, the M-Audio speakers are both very big which is just not a possibility for me. I have a lot of room under my desk so a subwoofer would be fine but I just lack actual space on my desk. Is it possible to get fairly small bookshelf speakers or do they have to be large for the bass?

The larger they are the more air they push. I guess you could get a few 8 inch subwoofers if you wanted to.