" yes zd you are still compelled to respond to any forum post here talking about your disdain for active monitors . Why is this ? You must have had a real bad experience that scarred you ."
Some of the reasons I've stated many times over. This is from my first post just to save me some typing.
" Studio monitors are made to serve a different purpose than traditional home audio. I think the right solution would be to buy home audio speakers instead, and drive them with an integrated amp that is also meant for home audio. Also, keep in mind that every component in the system contributes to imaging/staging. It only takes one mismatched component to ruin the imaging properties of the whole system. It doesn't matter how good the speakers are, either. Its not enough to compensate for other flaws."
For this thread, the OP is asking to fix a specific problem. Imaging and soundstaging. Given they're intended application, powered studio monitors, and pro gear in general, isn't the right tool for the job. Studio speakers are meant for nearfield listening, they have all types of processing built in (gain, xover, eq, .....), high feedback low quality power amps, etc. If your goal is to improve imaging, a speaker like this is exactly the opposite from where you need to be. It directly works against you. All you need to do is look at that type of gear that images well and contrast that with studio gear.
" To the op if you have not heard any it is definitely worth checking out . If you do like them they give you better cost to performance ratios than "hifi" brands . No speaker wires to buy ."
Looking at your statement here, performance how? Remember, he already has similar equipment. Yes, you may be able to do a little better than what he has now with some different studio gear, but why not just fix the problem altogether?
Another big issue I have here is cost. For all the talk of price/performance ratio, powered monitors are way overpriced for the level of sound quality you get. I just don't see the value.
I could keep going on, but I think its best stop here for now. I know from past experience a debate like this will go on forever, and in the end nothing will come of it. That's not meant to be an insult, as I'm fully aware that most of us genuinely want to help the OP. I've always been a big believer in putting my money where my mouth is. Here's how we can resolve the issue. The OP can give us a complete list of his system and how much each piece costs. I'll take the total value of his system, cut it in half and make up a list of components that the OP can find locally in a store like Best Buy. He can pick the gear up and I'll work with him on setup, and then he can do some listening and see how a different system will image first hand. The new system will be sitting right next to his current system, so he can go back and forth between the 2. When were done with all this, everything can be returned.
This is a better way to resolve the issue than just arguing with no end in sight. Nothings better than hands on experience. And remember, I'm not saying I can fix his problem by spending more money on "better" components. I can outperform the current system for half of what it costs. Its the best solution I can think of.
