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Active speaker, the future? or another fad?

Active speakers have been around for over thirty years so I guess they really aren't a fad, but they've never caught on.

I am wondering with some of the new computer technology and faster electronics if this might not be the time for someone to do this technology right.

When you think about it, it is a good idea. Rather than having any amp that is not designed to work with any particular speaker/crossover, the amp, crossover(such as it is), and speakers are all designed to function as a unit. The three of them are integrated and contained in one cabinet (generally).

Subtractive networks do more than trim the frequency going to a specific driver. There are many other detrimental results to the sound. If subtractive crossovers can be eliminated and replaced with an amp built to meet the specific need of each driver, it sounds like a win win proposition.

The question is; Am I missing something in my understanding or is the whole 'network' thing encroaching on our audiophile rugged individualism?
nrchy

Showing 2 responses by trelja

trelja
3,226 posts
 
I know that Onhwy61 and I are polar opposites when it comes to this, but that's what makes life interesting.

I fully believe that the ATCs will knock your socks off. That is also true of a lot of pro audio gear.

However, looking at the progression that the vast majority of audiophiles go through, combining an amplifier and speaker in one package just does not appeal to most people. Me among them.

In my experience, different speakers work to varying degrees in different rooms, and for different tastes. Partnering amplifiers work to varying degrees with different speakers, and for different tastes. The ability to not alter this equation as I go through my audio journey represents a hindrance, not a benefit to me. Although, I would like to think that if I hear something that knocks my socks off and is the best I have come across, presuming I could manage the cost, I would buy it. But, somehow I just know there is enough evolution in most of us audiophiles that over the long term, I would eventually come to want something else, and the freedom of having these two components decoupled be represent a major appeal to me.

Just one man's opinion...
trelja
3,226 posts
 
Exertfluffer, you and I are not in disagreement. What you are talking about would allow the flexibility of tailoring the sound to the listener. Again, that is a major goal of mine.

However, as has been pointed out by Phlanoue and Gregm, this is far from a new proposal. I would make sure any company trying to sell you otherwise acknowledges this, or I would start asking questions about them.

In a perfect world, such a speaker should in fact be cheaper, as the company can walk away from the expense of a crossover(this is where I will cede to a manufacturer carping about design costs). You just basically hardwire the drivers to your power amps. Of course, this is high end audio, and when it is all said and done, I would predict we'll end up paying more for this.
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