Powered speakers with DAC?

Plain active speakers will need volume attenuation in the form of some kind of preamp. In this case, get a DAC/Preamp or audio interface such as UA-25EX. This will then act as DAC,Preamp and headphone amp, with a host of recording functions thrown in.

Some speakers as mentioned, contain all of these components and/or can be controlled via the Pc software.

The amp or DAC unit need not be visible and could be tucked out of sight, so if clutter is an issue, one small box should not make any extra impact.

For info, my system could be a desktop one, but is actually used as my hifi system. You'd need a fairly large desk though.

Another option, dac and vol control built n, active design http://www.adam-audio.com/en/multimedia/products/artist-5/technical-data A smaller version is artist 3

No longer manufactured.  The replacement is UA55 Quad-Capture, but has no toslink, and is twice the price.

JC

For me the KEF X300A is ALMOST a real contender. I'm not in the market for a speaker that's so obviously just pc 

with SMART TVs, ATV, PS3 etc etc the PC is not the entertainment centre of choice, so the fact there's no Toslink and/or RCA inputs meant they're of no real use to me. Pity as I suspect they'll review really well. 

The OP hasn't been ever so precise but the AVI 9s might be a bit big and possibly pricey for a pc set up unless it was your only/main set up. 

A bit of feedback from the OP about budget, size, location (desk or stands, near field or to fill room, size of room etc.) would be handy.

A bit of feedback full stop would be a start...

As above really; the OP needs to come back with budget etc...

However for powered speakers; the likes of AudioEngine A2's and A5's and EPOZ Aktimate Mini's or Maxis would work very well (have their own amps built in and all controls needed) you'll just more than likely need a DAC to go between your source and the speakers unless you've got a decent souncard with RCA outs etc...

I had the Aktimate Maxi's set up in my living room; source was iTunes via AirPlay and ATV2 so I used an optical cable between the ATV2 and a DAC (began with a Fiio D3 - £40 then moved up to a  Firestone Spitfire MkII DAC then to an MF M1DAC) and they connected to the speakers by a simple set of RCA cables

Sounded fantastic and would highly recommend

If you've a large'ish budget I'd say take a look at the Swan or Adam Audio speakers and maybe a DAC with in-built volume control (Cambridge Audio DacMagic, Emotiva XDA1 etc...) and then all you'd need is a set of XLR cables and bobs yer uncle!

Item Audio are very good with active speakers and DAC's; well worth speaking to: http://www.itemaudio.com/index.php

No true, I forgot to mention than, but it was more of a guide to the type of device to look for than anything.

There is one HERE though.

JJ,

Why on earth can you not read what is put before you, before you go on to exhibit your anti-AVI diatribe anyway?  You make a fool of yourself and leave a barn door wide opening for derision.

The OP asks, "Anyone know some good powered speakers with DAC, or similarly box-lite solution".  

Or similarly box-lite solution, so the AVI ADM 9RS/S are an entirely justifiable suggestion given that no budget or other criteria are detailed.

Automatic AVI knocking is so yesterday, if you have nothing positive to say/recommend then give your keyboard a rest.

I've noticed the cult members are all using the  emotion lately. Is this what they teach you on Thursday mornings at your meetings?

So lately we have had:

CD transport for £800. Solution AVI

DAC for £600. Solution AVI

PC Powered speakers. Solution AVI.

Someone else wanted speakers to fit in a gap that was too small for AVis. It didn't stop you cult members from recommending them.

Peace in the Middle East. Solution. Send Israel and Palestime some AVI speakers and they will be around the negotiating table in no time.

Greek debt crisis. Open a hi-fi speakers shop selling AVI.

Have I missed any???

Be useful if the cretins ceased from trashing those who recommended a certain speaker.

I would add to the list Focal and Roth, both have recently brought out some useful powered speakers.

The B&W MM1s have already been recommended and would also be a fantastic solution if willing to pay slightly more.

JJ,

We all realise that you are an incredibly tedious person. There is absolutely NO need for you to rub it in.

Correct.

Thanks for all the other suggestions. The KEFs would no doubt be great but a bit pricey.

Apologies for not being more sprecific (and forgetting the A*I thing). Budget around £300, size = small (say Dali Zensor 1 size). I have the Dalis and could just add a DAC/amp but was hoping for a similar performance from good speakers as above.

PS Just found this review http://www.tonepublications.com/spotlight/world-premier-review-kef-x300a-powered-speakers/ so I may have to revise the budget.

The cult were calling me a cretin yesterday, so I guess tedious is progress of some kind. By ''we all realise'' would that be all the cult members realise??? Nobody else seems to name calling.

I don't have any need for PC speakers (and certainly couldn't justify £600 on a pair) but I still want to hear the KEFs

Let us know what you think after you have heard them.