Active Speaker Choice


Active speakers utilizing DSP seem to take the room out of the equation, so now I'm now considering going this route, at least at my present residence.

Lots of buzz arounds names like: Dutch & Dutch, ATC SMC 40A, Kii Three, Buchardt A700. 

Most are pretty big bucks, so pricewise, I would prefer to lean more towards the Bucharts' but I'm open a bit (used?)

Most are difficult to demo, so please, if you have comments or recommendation these or any other active speaker you have heard or can recommend, it would greatly be appreciated.


high-amp

Showing 1 response by jon_5912

Nothing can take the room out of the equation.  DSP can help some situations but if you've got a resonance at 60hz DSP can't eliminate it. 

I've got some big active ATCs that I got used for relatively cheap.  They aren't DSP but they are unusually easy to integrate into a room.  I think there are two main reasons for this.  Firstly, they have small diameter midranges which makes for better dispersion.  They don't have wildly varying off axis response so the reflected sound isn't a lot different than the direct sound.  Secondly, the bass starts to drop slowly at a relatively high frequency.  Most companies like to advertise as low of a -3db point as possible.  In my opinion, this causes more problems than it solves due to room problems.  My ATCs have 2 9" drivers in each box.  That's enough for plenty of punch and dynamics but the gradually reduced output at lower frequencies means room nodes aren't excited nearly as much.  I think the combination of large woofers and gradually reduced low frequency output is the way to go for main speakers.  Fill in the missing deep bass with a sub or subs.