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
Those who have used high quality active speakers as music listening speakers far field not at a desk, know that the implementation determines the quality of the result. Not whether it is active or passive. High quality active enables one to concentrate resources to the Source and preamp. Where there will be the greatest system gains. |
@celtic66 I appreciate that. Who would have known the obvious choice was probably the best one. Certainly not cheap at what this review lists as 10,000 euro in 2024. Great measurements, very low noise and like you said fast. Plenty of connectivity too. 2 tape loops show its studio roots Here's the review https://www.alpha-audio.net/review/atc-sca2-preamplifier-30-years-of-excellence/4/ |
Thanks for sharing your journey. Good to read that you’ve found a powered pair of speakers that works for you playing the music you love in your room which is key. I’ve had a positive experience with powered speakers in setups where separate equipment isn’t optimal and where price is such that if they fail they can be replaced. I’ve not had a positive experience with higher end speakers with internal amps due to amp repair and replacement issues and cost over time. Hope your equipment lasts a long time. Enjoy! |
