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.
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 
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
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 mind
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
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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. |
My spouse uses a pair of elac navis (by Andrew Jones) in her office rig. You could probably find it used at s decent price. No unnecessary ADC..stays analog, class ab, sounds good.. You still need to give it a good linestage, dac, streamer, turntable, etc. Many powered speakers can sound a bit goofy. That elac is good because the designer is intelligent. |
What is a fact is that exceptional quality audio is no longer unobtanium with a cap on a Budget. Sacrificing a Holiday will release funds that go a very long way. This was once the choice of sacrificing a car purchase to get a foot on the ladder to system building. As a sample, in the 90's when my 845 monoblocks were custom designed and built for me. The closest equivalent Amp in the UK was a Stereo 211 at near £50K. Today a 211 or 845 that commands respect are available at a 10th of that price or less. This drop in pricing extends well beyond Amp's using those tube types. Plate amps used for Speakers have become extremely high quality and produce end sound that is indelible once heard. I'm sure Active Speakers reciprocate this current trend to keep prices affordable, with build quality that stands out.
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Legacy, focal,pbn,mcintosh, evolution acoustics ect all all using internal amps.most are class d and handle base very well.this leaves the amp of your choice for mid and tweeters freeing up power as class d is> 80% efficient. Class d is comming of age development wise clean powerful watts. I think you will see more with dsp to tailer your sound to your liking. Enjoy the music. |
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