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So what about powered Speakers?

Given the quality of affordable speakers like those from Bluesound I decided to try a couple of powered studio monitors.

The first was the Yorkville YSM5 Studio Monitor. These I had for a year. They were most enjoyable, but lacked some bass

The second is the Focal Alpha 65 Evo 6.5 inch Powered Studio Monitor which arrived today - so I am listening to them as I type laugh

They improved the bass performance significantly, along with a nicer top end and larger sound stage

But this is only a part of the story - you can read about my journey in this thread

Powered Speaker Approach

The impotus for this change was the realization that I had too much money tied up in my previous audio system and wondered if I could get close to it’s sound for a fraction of my previous system.

I believe I have succeded since I am finding the listening to this frugal system is providing more enjoyment than my old system did

Some may think studio monitors are for Near Field listening - true - but the Focal’s are equally as good at delivering a superb image in my listening room that is 17ft x 40ft

I think todays affordable electronics is far better than many believe it to be.

Powered speakers eliminate the need for speaker cables and since the amps are in the speaker the improvements in imaging, clarity and dynamics is significant.

Granted, this approach lacks the ablity to upgrade the amp or speakers seperately - but with speakers of this calibre, upgrading is the farthest thing from my mindangel

I would like to add that I using exceptional interconnects and power cables, which I have no doubt contribute to this wonderful sound

Hope some of you find this thread useful in your journey

Regards Steve

 

williewonka
studio1
119 posts
 

Friend

Although your comments / observations have the ability to start a global war in the Audiophile Hobby realm - you have the money spent, research, and testing to prove what you are saying.  The proof in the pudding is the resulting increased enjoyment factor that you have articulated.  
 

The counter argument that will be made is the fact that a loudspeaker box or cabinet is not the best environment for amplification devices to be located in - which sounds like it makes sense.  However, there are a few manufacturers that may have solved that problem - Focal being one of them. Personally, if I decided to go that route - ATC would get first consideration.  
 

https://atc.audio/

 

mlsstl
1,578 posts
 

Powered monitors can provide excellent sound and are often used in professional settings.  However, the problem for most "audiophiles" is that they like selecting and controlling every single component in their system.  A powered monitor takes away their ability to choose for themselves a few of the components.  If one is a devoted high end audio hobbyist, that's a negative.  

zlone
1,340 posts
 

I tend to agree with @mlsstl, it removes the system design and voicing from the building of a truly high end system. I do believe that the new generation of active speakers can get you to a really good system, but I doubt it can get to the level of a truly great system.

If you did get to the true high end and commensurate cost, I would be concerned what would happen if the electronics failed. Having to ship speakers to fix an amplifier problem would be painful. 

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