Hey guys and gals,

im in the market for a set of good speakers with a price range of =/< $500 and i wonder if i can get some advice.

i need a smaller set, either studio monitors or bookshelfs. The room is small so i dont want towers. They will be used in a studio-type setting, but i want them mainly for everyday listening purposes, not entirely recording. From what i hear monitors aren't the greatest for everyday listening producing a flat, boring sound?
I need them smaller so they can sit on a desk and be used on a PC, so smaller is good, but i will sacrifice size for the right system.
I've looked at everything and am kind of lost on what to get. I would prefer the amp to be built in so i dont have to worry about matching up amps and ohms etc, i really dont know too much about it.
the type of music will be hip-hop and r&b, whether this makes a difference or not, im not sure.

thanks for any replies and for any help

matt