All in one packaged active speakers certainly have their appeal. As I understand it, the most problematic new products tend to be (mostly Class D) self powered subwoofers. I'd be more comfortable with this concept if they were more modular in composition. So much of this gear seems to be wrapped up in proprietary software. What happens when some of these new companies are no longer around? What happens when the technology is based upon software that is no longer supported? All eggs in one basket? Does, what previously might have been be a simple fix, now turn these not necessarily inexpensive items into expensive boat anchors?
New game with active speakers
Been at this audiophile game for some decades and felt I had a handle on most parameters, until active speakers. I’ve been a tube guy for years since leaving my Sugden Class A integrated: Manley stuff and the latest, a deHavilland Mercury 3 preamp. Now I find that active speakers do not necessarily like tubes. At least mine don’t.
Decided to send my deHavilland in for upgrades and went to using the preamp section of my Sugden A21SE. Wow! Better in every way. How is that? More dynamic, better attack. Now I have an ATC CA2 preamp to drive the ATC 40As and the synergism is terrific!
A dealer of ATC speakers echoed the observation. He stated he too was for years a tube guy, until active speakers. Now I’m back to solid state after years of sneering at those clots still mired in SS. Those neophytes, Philistines. Oh, how humbling.
Decided to send my deHavilland in for upgrades and went to using the preamp section of my Sugden A21SE. Wow! Better in every way. How is that? More dynamic, better attack. Now I have an ATC CA2 preamp to drive the ATC 40As and the synergism is terrific!
A dealer of ATC speakers echoed the observation. He stated he too was for years a tube guy, until active speakers. Now I’m back to solid state after years of sneering at those clots still mired in SS. Those neophytes, Philistines. Oh, how humbling.