If one can't get a "truly great system" using active speakers, then that means that most of the recording studios that make our music are doing it wrong. 
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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The Dutch & Dutch 8c are not studio monitors in the classic sense but they are excellent powered speakers. Some of the best I've heard.
https://dutchdutch.com/products/8c
https://www.stereophile.com/content/dutch-dutch-8c-active-loudspeaker-system-page-2 |
Not to be overlooked is the readily available designs using Plate Amp's from the likes of Hypex and other Brands offering performance levels that match with similar user interface. For near $2K+ Active Speakers are able to be produced that will be difficult to surpass. Add to the Budget the funds to receive support from an individual totally adept with the Amp's supporting interfaces, such as programming function and the Speakers are then becoming something beyond very special. Great rewards are to be had, if the not usually trood path to acquiring a product are created different. |
@rushfan71 Tried several tube preamps with my ATC actives: Manley Jumbo Shrimp, Manley Neo-Classic 300B, de Havilland Mercury 3 with fully upgraded caps. Kara the builder and I chose the caps, she did the upgrades. Tube preamps could simply not keep up with the speed of the actives. Everything smeared, sounded fat and lethargic. Finally went with ATC SCA 2 solid state preamp. Wonderful. Pure Class A design. Really fast. YMMV. |
One thing I should have mentioned - Each speaker has a built in Amp. Unlike some "powered speakers", which have the amp in one speaker with a cable from that speaker to the second speaker. I do not think this would not perform to the same level, because it requires a speaker cable to connect the two speakers, which might impact the imaging. Many audophiles promote having a mono amp as close to each speaker as possible, This approach minimizes the impact a speaker cable has on the sound. However - the Avantegarde ZERO ITRON speaker is amplified and provides exceptoinal quality The reason for my post was to raise awareness among audiophiles "on a budget" that this type of speaker/setup is available these days, offering exceptional sound and is quite affordable. Regards Steve |
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