New Klipsch Klipschorn AK7 & La Scala AL6 will be active DSP Crossover

@phusis 

"Really it's outboard active configuration that's the optional approach here, as passive configuration and typically only using a single amp has been the only route so far, and thus by all accounts will be the default and most common way to configure these new Klipsch models looking ahead - that is, certainly until people begin to experience or otherwise learn about the traits of active config., at which point it's likely to be more widely implemented. 

Few seem to realize that the more predominant signal degradation lies in the passive crossover network in the midst of the amp-speaker interface and not a quality DSP unit prior to amplification, which negates the passive crossover components on the output side of the amp and keeps them from meddling with its control over the drivers. Not to mention the benefit of amp load independency of the different driver segments that sees each their dedicated amp section handling them exclusively, in addition to the advantages of being able to apply differentiated delays, etc."

Interestingly, there is nothing new here and any well-seasoned hobbyist is well aware of the multitude of approaches to sound reproduction and accepts them as revelatory or rejects them out right.  We've seen this over and over again at least as long as I've been around.  You should have a look at @norcalal's post preceding this one.

Chow.

Call me a skeptic on the active/dsp option, I'd have to hear it in direct comparison to the passive. I have both HQPlayer and Roon dsp to play with prefer no dsp with my considerably modified Klipschorns.

I do like the direction Klipsch Heritage is taking with Roy, finally getting better drivers and horns, the old metal exponential horns were absolutely horrible.

@faustuss wrote:

Interestingly, there is nothing new here and any well-seasoned hobbyist is well aware of the multitude of approaches to sound reproduction and accepts them as revelatory or rejects them out right. We’ve seen this over and over again at least as long as I’ve been around. You should have a look at @norcalal’s post preceding this one.

Chow.

Most audiophiles have heard of active speakers, yes, but not that many of them seem to have a firm grasp of the definition and implications of active configuration(s) and what it really means, requires and offers.

Introducing Digital Signal Processing (that you apparently loathe), often comes on top of an existing, passively configured speaker system as a means into digital room correction, and in that regard DSP is an additional measure, but the point of active configuration is by-passing the passive crossover section, which in the case of the new Klipsch models means removing the cable jumpers on the back that connects the output terminals from the passive XO with the driver input terminals, and instead wiring the respective amps (3 stereo amps or 6 mono dittos) directly to each of the driver input terminals, that are again wired directly to each of their drivers. Meaning, each amp is fed with a line level signal from the DSP telling them the specific frequency range to cover, and thus one means of filtration (analogue, on the output side of the amp) is replaced by another (digitally, on the input side).

Running speakers outboard actively via a quality DSP/electronic crossover with amps and DAC of one’s own choosing is certainly not your everyday audiophile meal; in fact, it’s a rarity - to put it mildly. So, getting down to brass tacks there is something new here, and that’s a speaker manufacturer (among few) that offers outboard active configuration as on option on top of, or rather in addition to their - as an outset - passively configured and horn-loaded speakers.

And just to be clear: to be "well aware of the multitude of approaches to sound reproduction" one has to have actual experience with their entire range to be able to fairly assess them and deem their revelatory or rejectional status, as you so put it, or else it’s just talk and conjecture.

@phusis "And just to be clear: to be "well aware of the multitude of approaches to sound reproduction" one has to have actual experience with their entire range to be able to fairly assess them and deem their revelatory or rejectional status, as you so put it, or else it’s just talk and conjecture."

Isn't this exactly where you're coming from?

@faustuss wrote:

Isn't this exactly where you're coming from?

What has been the main context of my replies thus far? It was you who claimed that "... any well-seasoned hobbyist is well aware of the multitude of approaches to sound reproduction and accepts them as revelatory or rejects them out right," obviously implying you're among them, and with regard to one of the primary subjects of this thread (i.e.: outboard active config.) I can assure you it's not any but rather the minority of the "well-seasoned hobbyists" that are well-versed here; any outright rejection of this approach, with the primary contention being DSP or not, will hardly be based on thorough experience in this field for any but the very few - contrary to what you not only suggested but stated. What's your experience in this field?