For ages now I have been trying to find some speakers that were reasonably priced that were a step above the average offerings found for PC's. Now I will define some terms here. Reasonable price being 3 to 400 dollars. Peformance wise, my main sound system has been in use now since the very early 1980's (I think). The amp is a Pioneer A88X, still a well rspected amp. The speakers being Magnaplanar MG2A's, these are regarded by people that know them is amongst some of the best speakers ever made. The sound being clean and clear, unfortunately these cost something in the order of $1800 in the early 80's something like $6000 to $8000 now. Such level of funds one only wishes to spend once. A few years ago I purchased a 2 speaker Bose PC system this was and advance but was still not good enough. Around 6 months ago I came across a reference to speakers made by a US company called MAudio. A number of points got my interest. First is the company makes professional recording equipment. The second the speakers are fairly large and heavy for powered speakers and use wood (MDF board) cabinets. A number of reports particularly mentioning the AV30 model. I located the dealer in Melbourne and rang them, they said supply was no problem, the price being just under $300, so I picked a pair up. The speakers are of typical powered speaker construction but the size being 220x155x160 (LxWxH). I set them up on one of my systems and tried them out. Initally I was a bit so so on them, but after using them for a number of weeks it became __QUITE__ clear they were a _major_ step up, giving a good clean sound. The reason for my initial reaction is the speakers give a somewhat "brighter" sound than I am used, ie they have somewhat higher treble content. This was cured by dropping the treble control 1 and half db. I was so impressed I decided to get a second set for my development setup. I rang the dealer again to make sure they were availble. They stated that the next model up was on special for slightly under $400 if I wished to consider them. This is the BX5a. These are of similiar construction but are larger (250x175x200) have a kevlar cone on the base speaker (both Bx5a and the AV30 being two way). Also both box's are identcal both having there own electronics. I purchased a set and these were set up in place of the AV30's these being transferred to the development bench. The performance of these give an impression of being better than the AV30's. May mention all of my setups including the Magnaplanars are in differnt rooms so it is impossible for a direct comparison. The BX5a's also can put a __GREAT__ deal of sound without stressing the speakers or in any way butchering the sound. They have some dissadvantages though. The first is the Volumne controls are on the back of the speakers. The second is unlike the AV30's they have no protecting grills on the front. One thing this means is you _______MUST___BE___VERY__________ carefull if laying the speakers down on there fronts unless the surface is dead level as this can put pressure on the dome tweeter. I did have a look at the inside of the AV30's and the construction is quite good. On the whole I am quite happy with both systems, at last getting good sound from my PC's. A last point is as the speakers are designed as monitors for mixing consoles both of them have balanced inputs. the AV30's have both 1/4 inch TRS sockets and RCA sockets. The BX5a's only have the 1/4 inch socket but this will take standard 1/4 inch Tip and Sleeve mono unbalanced plug no problems. The only supplier in Melbourne is StoreDJ, 394 bridge Rd Richmond. Tram route 109 stop 22 is just out side the shop. The only connection i have with the shop is to have purchased the MAudio speakers there! Lindsay