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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
williewonka OP
3,174 posts
 

Thanks to everyone that has posted links to various powered speaker brands and models.

This thread could become a valuable resource for those that may be considering a Powered Speaker approach.

Keep the links comingyes

Cheers - Steve

 

celtic66
1,959 posts
 

ATC SCM 50SE towers wrestled by piano movers up the stairs, then placed on Townshend podiums.  Initial observations; somewhat larger sound stage, bit more dynamic with upgraded amps and bolder bass foundation, more textured.   They replace ATC 50 ASLT towers, so not a model to be crushed.  200 hrs. break-in time in process, expectations of a more open presentation.  Cheers

lonemountain
513 posts
 

HI Phusis: I should tell you that the EL50s are a lot more than than the SCM50A or SCM 50AT (tower version).  Drivers very closely matched, cabinet has zero edge diffraction for the biggest image I have ever heard from an ATC.  All new discrete amplifiers that are significantly higher in resolution that the standard Mk4 amp pack. Therefore, they sound a LOT better than the 50s, as hard as that was to believe.  I just had them at THE show in so cal, our room was absolutely packed from opening to close every day.  People would stay for a long time.  Imaging was positively 3 dimensional in a small bad sounding hotel room.  Way more detail than the standard active 50.

For others posters in the thread: Yes ATC does not have a marketing department; this means they focus 100% on engineering and manufacturing.  I am their marketing department in the US as the importer.

BTW, the comments about active meaning you have to send the entire speaker in for repairs is downright silly.  That’s like saying you have to ship your garage in to repair a water heater.   ATC amps are easily removed from the cabinet in back with a few screws and a disconnect audio connector and separate power connector to remove it from the speaker; it can then be shipped in by itself for repair if needed- just like any outboard amp.   And failures are very very rare.  The engineering goal was 24/7 for 20+ years.  This was done to make active speakers dead reliable in studios that can stay in service and playing music any time all the time.  In the studio business time is money and if a speaker is down, you can’t rent the room to a client= lost revenue.  SO most of our pro installs (like Blackbird) have been operating for many many years with zero service.   

celtic66
1,959 posts
 

Focus is on new ATC 50 SE towers now coming on 150 hrs. play replacing ATC 50 ASLT (active).  As ragingly good as the ATC 50 ASLTs are, and they are, these are markedly better and that is saying something.  It's like "this 300K Porsche is better than this 200K Porsche".  Well, alright.  Let's travel that crazy road.

Foundational bass response is simply deeper, bit more controlled with better texture.  It's a "Twilight Zone" thing as the bass of the 50 ASLT is quite substantial and well controlled.  Never entertained using subs.  Bass to rearrange you inside.

Sound stage broadened and grew a bit taller and deeper.  Improved quickness and dynamics, which I can only attribute to the fully discrete amps as we're still dealing with same drivers.  A more open presentation.  Perhaps the slightly rounded shape of the cabinet contributes to that plus the aforementioned discrete amps.

Micro dynamics are insane with space between performers and their notes.  Lee Morgan's trumpet sounds nothing like Clifford Brown's.

I've entered into the "never say never again" space.  This should be my endgame transducer.  Some of the 'weird' (good weird) stuff showing up on recordings takes you deeper into the performance.  'Weird' being foot tapping you never heard before, brush of a music stand, guitar amp buzz, indiscernible studio background noises and conversations.  I'm all good with it.  Stellar recordings become even better.  Bad recordings may not see light of day again as it seems like punishment.   What were some of those engineers doing at the controls?

I'm not marketing here.  This is my experience.  I couldn't care less what people think about my purchase.  Go about your business and enjoy your thing.  It's a forum for the sharing of experiences that may be informative.  If you hate active, we've already heard about it.  Don't be pedantic.  Now, go listen and enjoy your audio system.  Cheers

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