I've been in a similar situation several years ago. If I understand you correctly, you will use the speakers on your desk, probably left and right of a computer monitor? Some other questions, which may be relevant:
- What is your room size? When I started out I used a Sony UDA-1 which worked fine (and looks nice) in a small room, but after I moved to a much larger room, it clearly couldn't cope with the higher power requirements.
- Do you only need an amp, or would it be a plus if it has an internal DAC as well? This would keep the box count down.
- Do you find size/looks important? I would suggest taking looks into account, as you will spend a lot of time seeing those speakers and amp. If the amp is to be on your desk, it is useful to have a fairly small box, but this restricts choice.
- Also, do you want a volume knob or are you okay with digital volume only? Personally I find a volume knob very handy if you quickly want to turn down volume (e.g. when the phone rings).
I currently use a Sonneteer Campion (not on the desk but at a side table) with the Sony as DAC/pre-amp on the desk. For speakers I use alternatively Amphion Ion and Harbeth P3ESR. The Harbeths are very good (and surprising amounts of bass), but possibly a bit large. The Amphions are smaller and thereby optically better. Both also sound good when at low volumes, which I find important for keeping my hearing and good relations with neighbours.
For dealing with resonance you can buy monitor pads.
If you find a lot of bass important I would suggest going for smaller speakers on the desk, and a sub for the bass.
Given what I as yet can gather from your requirements, I would go for a fairly compact amp and smallish but good speakers. I haven't much personal experience, but can point you to some items that have received good reviews.
Amp:
- Heed Elixer.
- One of those TEAC dac/amps (AI-101DA, 301DA, 501DA): these are really small and look good. I'm not sure how you feel about Class D amplification, though.
Speakers:
- Amphion (several ranges and sizes, they all look similar)
- Ophidian Minimo (davidf at this forum sells these, as well as Amphions): If I didn't already have speakers I would seriously consider these.
- Quad S-1 (looks really good).
These are as far as I know/can gather refined, which I prefer. My brief impression of Dali Zensor Pico (which is also small) and Q Acoustics is that these are better at medium-high volume.
Even smaller are Cambridge Minx 21, but you would need a sub woofer with these otherwise they are too bass light.