mackie makes lots of powered speakers and their technology keeps getting better. I use their SA1521 (one 15" and a horn) for amplification (live music) and it's scarily good for the $ (about $850 apiece). The imaging could be better, not surprising given the width of the thing, but it sounds very natural, not at all tinny and plastic, like a lot of PA stuff does (including their lesser models), and you could fill a concert hall or two with it. Plus they're incredibly reliable. It would be interesting to build a two channel system with pro audio gear - the price/value ratio probably would be way better than 'audiophile' gear - except that the wife acceptance factor would kill it!
Active speaker, the future? or another fad?
Active speakers have been around for over thirty years so I guess they really aren't a fad, but they've never caught on.
I am wondering with some of the new computer technology and faster electronics if this might not be the time for someone to do this technology right.
When you think about it, it is a good idea. Rather than having any amp that is not designed to work with any particular speaker/crossover, the amp, crossover(such as it is), and speakers are all designed to function as a unit. The three of them are integrated and contained in one cabinet (generally).
Subtractive networks do more than trim the frequency going to a specific driver. There are many other detrimental results to the sound. If subtractive crossovers can be eliminated and replaced with an amp built to meet the specific need of each driver, it sounds like a win win proposition.
The question is; Am I missing something in my understanding or is the whole 'network' thing encroaching on our audiophile rugged individualism?
I am wondering with some of the new computer technology and faster electronics if this might not be the time for someone to do this technology right.
When you think about it, it is a good idea. Rather than having any amp that is not designed to work with any particular speaker/crossover, the amp, crossover(such as it is), and speakers are all designed to function as a unit. The three of them are integrated and contained in one cabinet (generally).
Subtractive networks do more than trim the frequency going to a specific driver. There are many other detrimental results to the sound. If subtractive crossovers can be eliminated and replaced with an amp built to meet the specific need of each driver, it sounds like a win win proposition.
The question is; Am I missing something in my understanding or is the whole 'network' thing encroaching on our audiophile rugged individualism?