Just came from a buddy's house after he invited me over to hear his new desktop "system," consisting of an IMac and a pair of Audioengine A2 powered speakers. Couldn't believe my ears. At $200 (!), this simple little set-up approaches the sound of some pedigreed monitors powered by equally pedigreed amps. It's just inconceivable to me that this could be accomplished in such small boxes and at such a low price. I'll be ordering a pair immediately for my own desktop.

Is anyone aware of larger powered speakers that would be worth auditioning? Upside/downside to powered speakers?