Abandonning Powered Speakers - Why?


I have noticed over the years that a number of respected speaker manufacturers have developed powered versions of certain of their speaker models, made public announcements about such projects that are presumably intended to prepare the market for the speaker's arrival, but then ultimately abandon the projects.

Examples include a powered Dunlavy SC-IV (a mid-90's project), and then very recently, the Dynaudio C7 (its arrival was posted on the company's website for many months). I believe Meadowlark did a powered version of their big Nightingale, too, and may even have sold a few, and then discontinued the speaker (this is perhaps a bad example, as Meadowlark discontinued the Nighingale speaker all together).

ATC, Genesis, Meridian and Vanderstein, among others, certainly make very good powered speakers, not to mention all of the powered subs out there.

Might there be any inherent design problem that ultimately dissuades manufacturers like Dynaudio or Dunlavy from bringing a powered speaker to market, or is the decision to bale (sp?) out on such projects case-by-case, and nothing is to be read into the fact that several highly respected manufacturers toyed with, but ultimately abandonned, their powered speaker projects?

Just curious.

Thanks.
raquel

Showing 1 response by marakanetz

Agree, It's the most perfect speaker can be.
The listed models aren't fully powered and only have a built-in subwoofer amp but in reality the fully powered speaker can sound its best. Amps will than be much harder to sell.
I'm leaning towards upgrade to Avantgarde Solo fully powered speaker that to my wonder bassed to the level of my totems having a superior dissapearance effect. You can also use the tweeter amp since it has built-in electronic x-over.
Relatively there won't be large investment if I sell my amps and speakers.