Powered speakers with DAC?
Anyone know some good powered speakers with DAC, or similarly box-lite solution to instantly improved PC-room sound? I guess powered speakers need some sort of preamp too?
Are you taking the mick? You're seriously saying you're not aware of the speakers that must not be named? You know, the active ones with built in DAC etc.
On the other hand you could try the new KEF X300s, they're either active or powered (I can't be bothered to check which) and have a USB input specifically for connection to a PC. I think they're about 600 quid.
Active.
Active.
Ooooh, deja vu all over again! Very odd... Anyway, thank you!
Huh?
Right, I'm going to come out and say it. AVI ADM9s? Not sure whether they are the price you were looking at, but pretty ahrd to beat at their price point. They've just come out with a new variant, but you might be able to pick up an older variant on ebay or the likes. Genuinely great speakers.
Huh?
When I looked at your reply I had the strongest feeling that we'd had exactly the same conversation sometime previously, I don't know when though.
D'oh, that's torn it!
Oh no, how did I miss an opportunity to recommend AVI speakers? I need to edit my original response as I'm not going to be let back on the HDD forum now! 
Actually, I thought the OP was looking for desktop speakers and I think ADMs are a bit big for that. For ANY other use, ADMs are clearly the best choice. 
I'm guessing the OP really means PC speakers (as in small enough to fit on a desk) so - without knowing a budget yet - I would second the KEF X300As because they have the built in DAC and a USB connection. (The OP wants 'box lite').
They also boast switchable EQ modes.
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Hi Jerry,
There are many active speakers on the market that would suit your requirements, however as the X300A have been mentioned (and just launched in the UK) here is a bit more information for you:
The X300A is an active speaker system specifically designed to improve and play your music stored on a PC, MAC desktop or laptop computer. It uses a 96kHz/24 bit input with digital inter-speaker connection, and high quality internal DACs in each speaker.
X300A features TWIN class AB amplifiers on each speaker driving the LF/MF and HF independently. (No need for a pre-amp.)
A 3.5mm Auxiliary Input is also featured, so you can play music from a smartphone, tablet or MP3 player.
Both speakers need power and once plugged in and connected via simple USB connections (between each speaker, then to the computer).
Thanks,
KEF
Right, I'm going to come out and say it. AVI ADM9s? Not sure whether they are the price you were looking at, but pretty ahrd to beat at their price point.
He wants powered speakers, not £1,400 actives.
Pretty ahrd to beat at their price point? Others have been saying they are pretty ahrd to beat for under £10,000. You may be the first AVI boy to be talking sense.
Right, I'm going to come out and say it. AVI ADM9s? Not sure whether they are the price you were looking at, but pretty ahrd to beat at their price point.
He wants powered speakers, not £1,400 actives.
Pretty ahrd to beat at their price point? Others have been saying they are pretty ahrd to beat for under £10,000. You may be the first AVI boy to be talking sense.
Powered, actives, they all do pretty much the same job . . The OP didn't say a price, so jus thought I'd throw them out there, allbeit reliant on him having a fairly large desk (and wallet). And yes, whilst they may well beat some £10,000 systems (apparently) I'd have to question the sense of those who are throwing together these systems. I'm willing to bet I could get something much nicer if I had that kind of cash.
Another recommendation for Genelecs 6010a. They have colour options, matching desk stands and vol control (also matching colour). Check my system thread for some pics.
I would not worry about an extra dac but do recommend to get the vol control as levels can be a mismatch and also a hardware knob is much more instant in use unlike clicking with a mouse on a tiny thing on screen. The Genelec vol knob is a solid bit of kit.
a pair + vol + stands = about 550gbp, that is all your system. Cables (power and signal) come with the speakers.
if you get the sub, the vol control knob comes with it.
How much do you want to spend?
I've got a pair of Genelec 6010As plus their matching sub 5040A. Sounds great connected to my PC. Speakers were £400, sub another £400. I don't bother with a separate DAC and the sub comes with a nifty little volume control.
My System