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.
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
- ...
- 22 posts total
+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. |
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. |
Were in forced into a position to only have a self-powered option, I would heartily recommend these: Transparent One Encore Plus - Vanatoo I heard these a couple of years ago at PAF and was really impressed with them. Then when the owner of the company added in a subwoofer, I was blown away at how well it all sounded. Note: This was in a hotel room but I think in a not too much larger space they would do quite well. I almost bought a set for my desktop system. Happy listening. |
- 22 posts total