1. Home
  2. speakers
  3. 198675-1640

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
pindac's avatar
pindac
3,894 posts
 

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. 

 

mark200mph
842 posts
 

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.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,962 posts
 

If done right, self powered speakers could be great, but new seems to mean expensive.  With separates, you can mix and match to hopefully get the sound you want and if one piece breaks, you don’t necessarily lose your whole setup. 
I for one like separates and I’m not going to change.

kennyc
2,880 posts
 

@curiousjim If done right, self powered speakers could be great

+1 like ATC and GoldenEar Triton.

Less flexibility in changing amps can be individually acceptable. Needing to service amps most likely in well used older speakers so usually minimal concern to new-medium life of the amp. 

dynacohum
835 posts
 

In 1975-6 I had a pair of Braun LV1020s which were internally tri-amplified with relatively wimpy and noisy cap coupled amps with 60/30/15W per speaker, and all analog filter networks, but which were glorious.  I moved on, but today, those wonderful drivers and cabinets could be outfitted with Class D modules and DSP crossovers, for dead quiet distortion free amplification with PEQ tweaking via smartphone. They would cost $25K at least, too. 

More to discover