Hi and thanks for comments.
Yes I realise requirements for mixing and backing are a bit different - and I dont really need studio quality type reference monitors. I also realise that I can make use of conventional stereo system, and I do this sometimes downstairs.

But in my upstairs office/music room I dont have any amps, so I need something to run straight off the laptop - so its active speakers/reference monitors.

In fact as you say using headphones also works, but is aint quite the same - especially for anyone else in the house - they don't wanna hear my disemobied solo sax for hours!

I think I will go for "bang for buck" option. Rokit 8 sounds good - but we have a recession here in the UK!!

Anybody out there tried the Resolv A5?

Still would rather find something with grills. I think they do accesory grills for Rokits - I reckon I could just afford the grills...... but not the speakers.

Cheers Tommo