Active speakers is a completely nonsense concept outside pro audio. Isn't it clear ? You can't choose your amp. Cost is irrelevant.
Are active speakers worth it now?
I've been paying attention to recent reviews and product announcements for active speakers. Mind you, I'm a convert, I think active speakers are the right answer for many, but I'm a conditional fanboy. For me it's conditional on the overall value.
In the residential high-end ATC has long been a darling of audiophiles, and of course many studio monitors are active. Recent reviews for the Grimm, Focal and Dynaudio active in Stereophile make me hopeful this trend will continue, but at what cost?
That question is literal. Admittedly these speakers have amps built in so that is one less component and cables to buy, but ahem, those prices leave me unimpressed. I'm just one minor voice though, so I ask you, A'goners, if you've been thinking of going fully active like me and what do you think of the price/performance of the marketplace, both in the pro arena and residential high-end? Do these prices say "bargain" to you or "simplicity for a price?"
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@knotscott - The proprietary nature is a real issue even when the replacement IS available. Some makers don’t offer fixes as much as amplifier replacements which can be pretty expensive. What happens to your $70k Focal speakers when an amp goes bad? In this sense, having them separate is a real help. |
@inna +1 "nonsense concept outside pro audio" |
I love active speakers. As long as all amplifiers and active crossovers are external of the speakers. In my opinion, amps inside speakers are not a good idea because the amps are subject to all the vibrations and air pressure and stray electromagnetic fields from the drivers inside the speaker cabinet. Plus the freedom to change the amps of my choosing. 😎 Mike |
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