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active monitors and balanced processor

has anyone had success building a home theatre setup with balanced ht processor like sunfire, connected to active pro audio monitors like mackie? eliminates need for multi channel power amps. (i plan on using balanced interconnects as commonly used in pro audio.) if so, where there any drawbacks other than the obvious power requirements for the active monitors? (i don't anticipate problems with hum/noise due to common mode rejection w/ the balanced approach.) i have heard the mackie hrs series monitors at my local pro audio store and they sound fantastic. the only other drawback i can anticipate is the fact that they are "nearfield" monitors, altho' mackie recommends usage for ht. appreciate any thoughts, especially from installers. t.i.a.
ericjcabrera

Showing 4 responses by shadorne

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shadorne
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I think you will find that the dynamic presentation from active studio type monitors lends itself well to HT.

Unlike a lot of compressed modern music (mastered for commuters in cars), most movies are sonically much more representative of the dynamics of real sound. (Basically the best sound systems outside of high end studios are at to be found at the Cinema...)
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shadorne
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One of the greatest advantages is when the bass and their amps are getting driven hard by movie LFE tracks, there's no stress on the midrange or treble drivers or amps.

...yep and that means much lower IMD distortion. On a three way it can mean pristine midrange and treble clarity at much higher dynamic levels! This is where bass woofer demands are HUGE - we are talking AMPS - and the stress often leaks into the delicate treble (high order and often odd harmonics)!
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shadorne
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Eric,

If you want something to use with your PC then NHT M00 and NHT S00 are one option you should definitely check out.

If you want something even better quality then I really like the Genelec 8050A (sound quality will be competitive with your main system - but won't play as loud or as deep)

If you went active pro models for HT main system you will undoubtedly gain an extra 10 db SPL of crystal clear undistorted loudness/dynamics (bordering on real concert levels, live drum sets in your room). However, are you prepared to put up with the expense and the ugly boxes to achieve this when what you have is already extremely good (better than 99% of systems) and well suited to domestic requirements.
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shadorne
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Eric,

Here is an example of what you could do - 5.1 system of Mike Roskelley.

Given the proximity of the listening position to the speakers - this system can probably achieve around 120 db spl continuously with practically no distortion and 10 db spl of headroom.

If you went that route - somehow I suspect your wife will think you have gone mad!

Mike mixes for DJ Kaskade - so that is his excuse for such excesses.
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