Powered speakers show audiophiles are confused


17 of 23 speakers in my studio and home theater systems are internally powered. My studio system is all Genelec and sounds very accurate. I know the best new concert and studio speakers are internally powered there are great technical reasons to design a speaker and an amp synergistically, this concept is much more important to sound quality than the vibration systems we often buy. How can an audiophile justify a vibration system of any sort with this in mind.

128x128donavabdear

@thespeakerdude 

This is a very good matched system, I suggest you start reading some new research, the stuff you are subscribing to is deadwood:

 

@kota1 I agree with @thespeakerdude in general passive speakers that have amplifiers matched to them is definitely level 2 audio, I imagine the only reason you would make a speaker that way is to really cater to very high end people, the manufacture would be limiting its self by designing the idea that this amp only goes with this speaker, you and I know that is ridiculous but it seems most audiophiles don't think in terms of physics but fun and status. Best practices in speaker building are not interesting to audiophiles, try to name another industry that you can spend $100s of thousands of dollars on pieces that weren't made to fit together.

Sorry but the host of this video didn't really have a clue there were many clues one was he said the JL Audio CR-1 was a JL sub amp and they had turned them off well there weren't any JL subs there and the CR-1 is an analog crossover, it's actually a very cool piece of gear you may be interested in, look it up it is a crossover between the stereo subs and the home theater subs, and LFE channels, it's a one of a kind unit and I'm surprised you don't own one. Also he mentioned the speakers were made for the Mac amp he used that phrase not in a precise manner, it's a hugely powerful amp and the speakers needed a hugely powerful amp like that one to work them. Im sure that in no way is that amp and the drivers in that speaker designed for each other in any way except for broad functions like total power and probably being about to go down to 2 ohms without going belly up.

@kota1 You brought up the TV show "Lost" I turned down that show and 3 of my friends worked on it and got fired, it was run by producers that didn't understand why they couldn't shoot next to a freeway in Hawaii and not hear it on the tracks. They literally went through 7 sound mixers on that show. The producers thought you could push some buttons and turn some knobs that would take out anything unwanted on the recording, why besides being typical idiots they saw things on shows like mine on CSI Miami that was alway using sound in impossible ways. Sound is invisible and sexy and practically no one understands it that's why there is so much mythology around it even on this forum. 

So, a CEO walks into a board meeting and says he is taking the company in a new direction, let’s build stuff that doesn’t match? No.
So the guys at Macintosh made a mistake? OK, let’s go with that.

Let’s take JBL, yes they make boomboxes and stuff at the low end. They have a separate line called JBL Synthesis:

I don’t know how you believe they just go by "yeah, whatever’ and then just throw it out to the marketing guys to spin it. Yes, they design it to match:

 

You brought up the TV show "Lost" I turned down that show and 3 of my friends worked on it and got fired,

That’s good news for @thespeakerdude , maybe he can post for the opening 🤣

The producers thought you could push some buttons and turn some knobs that would take out anything unwanted on the recording, 

I detect a match made in heaven for @thespeakerdude , give him a recommendation from both of us and I'll get him some buttons for the interview.

😂😂😂

try to name another industry that you can spend $100s of thousands of dollars on pieces that weren't made to fit together.

Freeway design companies for any big city??

JL subs there and the CR-1 is an analog crossover, it's actually a very cool piece of gear you may be interested in, look it up it is a crossover between the stereo subs and the home theater subs, and LFE channels, it's a one of a kind unit and I'm surprised you don't own one.

I don't doubt that I would like one but I love my Sunfire sub. Maybe if I need another one in the future. The sub on my "watch" list is the Paradigm Millenia sub (wall mount) so I can run it high on the wall near my height channels to try some localized bass from above the listening area for immersive audio.

@thespeakerdude 

If you ever come up with a recommendation for my $40K active home theater I will consider you "unlost". Until then, a guy with your handle that can't even put together a system, in an audio chat room, surrounded by threads about systems, that claims to read everything, every month related to audio,

does seem to be ............

@thespeakerdude It doesn’t seem like a very hard problem to create a spreadsheet about speaker drivers, amplifiers, crossovers, cables, etc. and come out with a compatibility number. I understand the changing variables and functions of curves associated with speakers but it’s not that hard.

To have such a list, there would need to be variables associated with each component. I would challenge anyone to come up with the variables for that list. They would start with resistance in some form; amplifier output resistance, cable resistance, speaker input resistance (impedance over frequency). Then they would sit for hours trying to come up with a second quantifiable variable. Maybe they would add a check box column for compatibility; some amplifiers do not like very low impedance speakers.

Most solid state amplifiers will behave the same no matter what speaker you connect them to. Most tube amplifiers will behave differently for every speaker you connect them to. Amplifier/speaker "compatibility" is a losing/loose proposition that may by luck improve a speaker/room issue by a small measure that could have been definitively solved by much better methods. The distortion mechanism of tubes is a wild card. Speakers are never independent of rooms. I don’t think a compatibility score is possible as the speaker room interaction could negate any result you arrive at.

For headphones, I have seen specialized amplifiers for specific headphones, and only those headphones. They implement custom equalization for that headphone.

Apparently the tube amplifier with headphones shtick is similar to the tube amplifier with speakers shtick. Tube amplifiers for headphones are much higher output resistance than SS amplifiers. OTL tube amplifiers like their speaker counterparts are very high output resistance. Depending on the headphone, that is a large change in the frequency response. Headphones are all over the place with frequency response. Not hard to see a tube amplifier often resulting in an improved frequency response.

 

@thespeakerdude I'm sorry for even making you think of that. Thanks for the answer. It would be a frustrating project because it's practically untestable.

@donavabdear ,

Even for us, where the speaker is connected directly to the amplifier, if it is a simple voltage drive amplifier, there is simply no discussion of amplifier matching, other than can it drive the load, and can it achieve the target output level and distortion level. It is not that hard to design an amplifier that adds no audible coloration to the output even for very low distortion drivers. The amplifier distortion is always << driver distortion.  We have thousands of hours in listening tests and we still listen to every design, every speaker, and compare to reference amplification. Only on more sophisticated amplifier-driver integrations, where we are not using pure voltage drive, is matching not only a consideration, but an integral part of the design process.

I like JBL and use their headphones in the office and Studio 2 line in the man cave.

This is a "one and done" active solution for the "audio challenged" that don’t seem to be able or want to match a stack of stuff together. For the "audio experts" who can it would be tough to get this much performance for the same, or even a higher, price:

 

Notice in the press release, that the press release is from the Harman Luxury Audio group (4329P). It will be interested to see if any measurements come out. It is based on the 708P which is a good studio monitor if you don't push it too hard. Push it hard and it becomes nasty. It is one thing to say compression drivers play loud, which they can. It is another to prove your model does. From the pictures it looks like the same horn as the 708P. That is fine for a studio near-field setting, but may not be ideal in home environments. The vertical is all over the map. Seating height will be critical and watch those floor bounces.

The connectivity is excellent and would suit the modern audio consumer. Run it as part of a full system when you want, treat it like a Sonos the rest of the time. Should be interesting to see how popular it is.

If you want to audition a pair so you can measure them and post the results for this thread that would be great, just call the dealer or visit a local one.

Do you know what speaker the 708P is based on?? 

Earlier in this thread, thespeakerdude argued that my Atma-sphere MA1 amps wont be a good match for many active speakers (testing the passive speaker in the pair). He showed 1990s statistics of the amp performance. My amp is upgraded to mk 3.2 status with many component changes, so this is no longer reliable. But generally he is probably right. Active speakers are not designed for tube amps.

My point was not that the small passive speaker sounded great with the Ma1, only that it sounded surprisingly much better, than driven by the amp in the active speaker in the pair. I tested two pairs of active speakers - Elac am50, and Sony SRS ZX-1, plus a passive pair, Aurum Cantus Leisure 2SE. In all cases the MA-1 lifted the speaker to new heights, even if the match was not optimal. I have not tested more expensive active speakers - there, maybe the story would be different.

@o_holter

Earlier in this thread, thespeakerdude argued

He should be ignored, he argues a lot, has never posted his own system, never recommended a speaker or a system to anyone, pretty much he argues and that’s it. Just trolls in this thread and annoys people who actually have systems of their own.

I tested two pairs of active speakers - Elac am50, and Sony SRS ZX-1, plus a passive pair, Aurum Cantus Leisure 2SE. In all cases the MA-1 lifted the speaker to new heights, even if the match was not optimal

I have had that experience when comparing the JBL Studio 230 (passive) to the JBL 305 (active). The speakers came out around the same time and both use trickle down tech from the M2 monitors. I preferred the $400 Studio 2 driven by a $1000 Carver amp to the $300 305 driven by their internal amp. The bad news for the people that bought the passive setup is it costs more and it could sound worse depending on the amp you choose.

I have not tested more expensive active speakers - there, maybe the story would be different

I would highly recommend the 4329P I just posted. That speaker is based on a studio monitor but customized for home use. Best of both worlds. You will notice the @thespeakerdude started arguing again as soon as I posted something, trolling as usual.

 

 

Earlier in this thread, thespeakerdude argued that my Atma-sphere MA1 amps wont be a good match for many active speakers (testing the passive speaker in the pair). He showed 1990s statistics of the amp performance. My amp is upgraded to mk 3.2 status with many component changes, so this is no longer reliable. But generally he is probably right. Active speakers are not designed for tube amps.

@o_holter - My main argument against a tube amplifier in an active configuration is that the characteristic a tube amplifier would impart on a passive speaker from its output resistance is lost when in an active configuration. I allow room for the potential of the added distortion being a desired characteristic, but cautious as the evidence to support it being better or even audible at the relatively low levels, even in tube amps, is weak.  With some drivers, though frew made today I expect, there is the potential that the higher output impedance, if coexisting in a low distortion amplifier, may result in lower system distortion (amp + speaker). The biggest benefit would be in a mid-range driver. In this case, the active configuration would present a unique benefit to the OTL amplifier that it would have in a passive speaker.

 

 

 

 

@o_holter ,

You will notice that unless I am personally attacked, my comments apply to content. The 4329P (which you cannot buy yet), is based on the 708P, which I am very familiar with. There may be tweaks in the drivers, but the articles imply it is using the same driver compliment and it looks like the same horn. Spacing looks similar. My comments on the 708P, are informed. They are a good speaker, but they don't like to be pushed too hard. They have good horizontal dispersion, but poor vertical dispersion. In a typical studio, these will be used at closer distances than in a typical home, and ensuring proper seating height would be a given. The closer seating position negates both peak volume requirements and much of the poor off-axis vertical response (floor reflections mainly). The proper seating height will also negate issues with off axis vertical response.

In the appropriate residential installation, no doubt they would sound very good, but one should be aware of their flaws before blinding jumping in.

@o_holter

My main argument

You see what I mean? He doesn’t own them, posts nothing to support his claims like a link to some type of proof, doesn’t recommend anything else, just argues, best to ignore.

@o_holter

Grammy award winning sound engineers use the 708P that @thespeakerdude is arguing about (as usual) while on the road with Bruno Mars, do you think they are "familiar" with them?

“The 708P monitors never deceive me and always make my mix sound bigger,” said Rabold. “The low end is thick and punchy, the midrange is honest and intact, and the highs are not overly bright or deceptively sparkly. There’s no hype or coloration to them, and because of this, I know that what I’m hearing will translate to any environment.”

 

The antagonist websites and members have to attack something to promote themselves as being smarter than everyone. Shameless attacks and hollow as they have nothing else, no system,no speakers, and not much else,

The 4329P would be better for a 2 channel system because they have internal dacs, if yiu are going MCH the 708P would likely be better.

Kota1,

With much respect, “my personal choice” for not uploading pics of my system are … keeping an eye on backdoor traffic. Barf!

Call me whatever you’d like, but a liar ……

@donavabdear

Why would a guy with your experience and education be shopping for $25K speakers and tube amps from a killer salesman when you had a full blown atmos system with a L-C-R channel driven by 450W of bespoke power each, 8 surround and height channels driven by 130W of bespoke amplification each, plus two matching 11 inch subs. That is well over 2kw of bespoke amplification + the active crossover + the 2 subs + the 11 speakers for the same price of just two towers from the killer saleman pitching towers and tubes?

What were you thinking??

BTW, if you don’t like Focals you could take that same budget and build a great active atmos setup with neumann, jbl, dynaudio, ATC, etc.

I look at these JBL’s and immediately want to build another HT just to house them, three 708P as L-C-R ($2K each biamped with 500 watts) matched with eight 703P ($1100 each biamped with 370 watts) brings a system in around $15K, for 11 speakers and over 4.5kw of bespoke amplification. With a $25K budget you have $10K left over for subs.

Now if you want a passive setup all good, JBL has the HDI series but expect to pay a lot more for the additional amps and get a lot less power.

 

Can anyone guess which type of system (active or passive) this pic represents?

I know your next question, why do people waste so much money on mismatched amps and speakers. I can’t hide the elephant in the room,

because its fun to roll amps and tinker 🤘

Shredding dollar bill stock photo. Image of financial - 60856218

@kota1 why would I be shopping for those speakers was because at that time 3 years ago I didn’t have all that equipment (also you got most of the specks wrong, I’ll give you a list). I’ve put about $500k in sound equipment in the last 3 years about $200 for the mixing system and about $250 for the home theater in my room plus 14 TVs and another atmo system in my Theater and another small system in my family room. I wanted to listen to the best Focal speakers they had at upscale audio and I was prepared to buy them if they were good but they weren’t , when I heard the Paradigms they were unquestionably better in the first 2 seconds. I’m going to listen to a Steinway B system and some Sonos Faber speakers, (may have to go to LA to do it). I want a system that I don’t want to improve on It may be that I just get new subs and stick with my 9hs they have excellent mid and high frequency. I’ve always loved Sonos Faber but I haven’t heard them in 10 years.

My 2 cents on JBL, I’m from recording, every studio when I was coming up had JBLs I though they all sounded wonderful, I have a little set of powered JBLs they sound great. I heard Hardens (JBLs concert system) inside their big building and it was amazing. They are like any other big company they have a line on the very best cutting edge tech it’s simply a matter if marketing will allow them to put it out at this point in time at a certain price point. That’s why when your Sony headphone amp sounds great I sure your right Yamaha is the same way they don’t really make big moves in the audiophile world but they could dominate it if they wanted to but it wouldn’t make enough money because of volume, hopefully that will change. Also the more I work on my Genelec system the better it gets.

My listening room equipment:


Lyngdorf 60.2 processor

2x PS Audio BHK 300 hybrid amps

PS Audio BHK hybrid Preamp

PS audio Direct Stream DAC

PS audio Perfect Wave SACD transport

2x PS Audio P20 Power Regenerators

Paradigm Persona 9h main speakers

4x Paradigm Persona B surround sound speakers

Paradigm Persona C (center) speaker

4x Paradigm ceiling speakers

2x JL Audio Fathom 113 v2 Powered subs

JL Audio CR-1 Bass crossover (for sale)

2x Anthem MCA 5 channel Amps

Sony SACD Transport

Panasonic 9000 DVD Transport

A ton of AC cables speaker cables racks

2x Isolated AC circuits with AC boxes

Naim Atom Unity HD Amp

Focal Stella headphones

And the ProTools, MATRX Studio, HDX, Avid S4 Control Desk, 11x Genelec 8351B SAM "the ones" powered speakers, Genelec Sub, Yamaha CX-A5200.

Also I have to say in your article about the JBL speakers the mixer said

“The 708P monitors never deceive me and always make my mix sound bigger,” That’s what I disagreed about with Brian the owner of the mastering room because you don’t ever want to mix on speakers that make the sound bigger smaller fuller clearer more musical more coherent or any superlative word. When mixing you want to make the sound as it actually is, accurate is what mixers are going for not sound great on a great set of monitors no way. This is why mixers don’t use expensive speakers, and today mixes may be done in several studios, for a mastering house it doesn’t matter because they are always in front of the same speakers so those speakers become your reference no matter what quality of monitor they are.

 

@donavabdear

I’ve put about $500k in sound equipment

Is there any purchase you made with hindsight that you wouldn’t make again? I’ll bet that killer sales guy is either very happy or very sad, depending on your business relationship. I love $$$ systems and am very happy for you.

the best Focal speakers they had at upscale audio

It sometimes takes a bit of shopping to find what you like. It is a shame you didn’t stick to your OP there are some GREAT places to shop in LA for gear. I guess you wanted to check out the "dark" side and man, you chomped off quite a bite at $200K.

every studio when I was coming up had JBLs

like any other big company they have a line on the very best cutting edge tech

The JBL’s got better since you were coming up. The M2 monitor changed everything. I wanted the M2’s but needed a desktop system and they wouldn’t fit. When the M2 came out JBL had two lines of speakers that used trickle down tech from the M2’s (the 705P wasn’t out yet). I auditioned the active LSR305 and the passive Studio 230’s. No other speakers prior to those used the trickle down tech from the M2. When I added a Parasound preamp and power amp the 230’s sounded great. When I changed for a Sunfire pre and Carver amp it was like nothing I could compare to. The sweet spot, the imaging, the soundstage, I still have them and built another system around them in the man cave.

That’s why when your Sony headphone amp sounds great

The story behind the Signature line is exactly that, the CEO opened up the budget and challenged the engineers to see what they could accomplish if they focused on simply building the best. They took about 5 years and got it right, all the way down to using silver solder and Kimber cables internally.

Also the more I work on my Genelec system the better it gets.

See? You know that going in, no surprise here. What you did on your passive rig was I guess "different".

I disagreed about with Brian the owner of the mastering room

Uhhhh, does Brian have very many clients? That’s what matters right? What the client wants?

This is why mixers don’t use expensive speakers,

The Genelec’s weren’t expensive? 😥

As for your HT components I think it is an issue of taste, not really an issue of value. We both had different strategies. I followed the strategy you laid out in the OP. I actually own both the active and passive version of the Paradigm Reference Studio 20. The passive version can never get the bass extension of the active version no matter what amp I use. In order to get both speakers to sound competitive I had to spend more on the amp and the speaker cables that I mated the passive 20’s with than the entire cost of the active speaker. I don’t need all the racks and wires too, more budget freed up. Fortunately I saved money in the process.

Here is my million dollar question (I mean half million dollar question😁)
Dollars to donuts, where does an audio dollar stretch further, active or passive? You have both systems, what do you think?

 

@donavabdear 

BTW, you did ask me to recommend a solution to get tube like sound from solid state, and blew them off because they were inexpensive right?

For review, your BHK cooks tubes like bacon, or at least more than you expected. You threw down and said, bring me an amp that gives the tubes without being the tubes. I gave you three solutions so far and you have talked, talked, talked, and what?

1) Get the Sunfire 7401 with the ability to biamp your Paradigms and produce a tube like sound.

2) Get the Add-Powr unit of your choice for a 30 day audition and see if it can provide that tube like quality.

3) Hit the bid on the BHK hybrid and get a REAL high powered tube amp from da man himself like @ozzy did, The Carver Raven 350. (note, 10 year warranty on da tubes, no more nickle and diming on replacements)

I don’t mean to bust your chops but did you not throw down?

@kota1 Yes I did ask an you gave me some choices but my BHKs are about 8 times more expensive and are hybrid. PS Audio sells audio equipment based on cost of material, everyone says their equipment compares with more expensive equipment but PS audio really does and it’s hybrid which is a must a tube front end is the most pleasing sound to me and SS back end gives the punch that is nearly impossible for an all tube amp to accomplish. My amps are very good the only other amp that is interesting is the new Macintosh hybrid, they are hybrid for the same reason, I do want another preamp, and I have to get the hum out of my subs so maybe new subs. I’m very happy with the mid and high end on the 9hs and I’m happy with the JL subs I could live with them for good but the stupid hum I just bought a new DAC the PS Audio Mk 2, PS has a great return policy I got 4200 off of an $8k DAC I have to wait another month for it.

The best purchase I made was the Genelec system, love it when a system gets better and better. in the home listening category the best purchase was the BHK amps and the Direct stream SACD transport it is so clean and sounds so good that’s why I bought the new DAC from PS Audio they are making all their new equipment with galvanic isolation, (I know that not a new concept but it really was amazing on the Direct stream transport). I didn’t like the BHK preamp mainly because it is so hissy but the biggest problem is it sounds great, I use the Lyngdorf as a preamp and it sounds fine but when I put the BHK preamp in the system it really really sounds great that is so frustrating, The BHK hiss is much lower now maybe the tubes are facing the full moon or something like that, I hate tubes just love the way they sound. I took out the JL Audio CR-1 it is a great idea but It did cloud the overall sound just a little bit, and I’m fighting for all I can get. I use the Yamaha 5200 processor because I can do anything with it so if someone wants to connect anything to my Genelec system it can do it, it has no effect on a mix in that system that would go through Protools and the MTRX Studio. The Lyngdorf is good I guess it hasn’t changed my life and none of the room correction algos have done much which is good because I don’t have any big problems in my room because of its shape and size.

I told you how I have to do a pretty big upgrade on my system I think I’m going to get a good preamp some new subs and maybe new speakers. Yes I would love to invest in speakers and amps that were designed for each other but I don’t think they exist with very few exceptions at or about the $100 to $150k speaker level. Sonus Faber to me makes beautiful speakers both musically and aesthetically pleasing. I’ve always made good choices in professional audio equipment but in audiophile equipment it is another animal and it’s not always possible to audition equipment, you just have to hope and ask more experienced people.

@donavabdear 

Yes I did ask an you gave me some choices

What are friends for?

but my BHKs are about 8 times more expensive and are hybrid. 

All I know is you said they weren't cutting it, price is not the issue.

 everyone says their equipment compares with more expensive equipment 

First of all "everyone" is stretching it a bit. Second of all "everyone" says that about a lot of very fine companies, take your pick.

it’s hybrid which is a must a tube front end is the most pleasing sound to me 

So, your entire throw down was based on confusion? You "thought" you wanted a new amp but really didn't want a new amp? And you thought audiophiles were confused... LOL

it really really sounds great that is so frustrating

We have all been there, I got nothing. You can either "change it up" or "suck it up".

I hate tubes just love the way they sound

No, you hate change as I already provided 3 alternatives to keep what you like and ditch what you hate.

 I’m fighting for all I can get. 

In order to win the fight you need to use your eyes and not just your ears. When will you post your measurements? See my virtual system for examples.

I don’t have any big problems in my room because of its shape and size.

That's a GREAT start in your fight.

I told you how I have to do a pretty big upgrade on my system

Again, what are friends for, you talk, talk, talk, I think you need to change it up too.

I think I’m going to get a good preamp some new subs and maybe new speakers.

This is what build threads are for and you did nothing about that so far. Isn't the Lyngdorf good enough?

Yes I would love to invest in speakers and amps 

Everyone here does that too, you came to the right place. Before you go back and see another killer salesman I encourage you to ask for ideas from the membership.

I don’t think they exist with very few exceptions at or about the $100 to $150k speaker level.

Now who is dealing in "audiophile mythology"? This is fiction and I hope you don't drill holes in your wallet based on "mythology".

but in audiophile equipment it is another animal and it’s not always possible to audition equipment

I can say with confidence that very few members or audiophiles in general would spend more than even $10K without an audition or a 30 day return policy. Doing so is a very SERIOUS mistake. If you want we can start a 12 step program for you. 😁

you just have to hope and ask more experienced people.

No, you have to NOT listen to other people, you HAVE to listen to the stuff you want, in your room, with a good return policy if you don't like it.

I just bought a new Martin Logan amp to test out with my passive surround speakers. It comes with a 60 day return policy and if it don't fit my needs it goes back. Doesn't matter if its $2 or $200K that is a win/win. Martin Logan sells more stuff because they take the risk, even if some gear gets sent back. I get the win because I can check it out at no risk. (Martin Logan is owned by Paradigm and I think the amp has Anthem DNA, I know it has ARC 😀)

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

@secretguy Let me ask you a simple question, is it smarter to buy speakers and amps made for each other or not made for each other? Considering the many variables in speaker drivers, amps, and crossovers isn’t it important to have all these components work together especially if you are spending substantial money?

@kota1 I’m probably a bit slow but I just saw what I’m probably going to listen to That is the Sonus Faber AIDA 2 & McIntosh MC901 Tube/SolidState Amplifier Since Macintosh bought Sonus Faber they may be able to voice the speakers just like an active speaker that would be the best, I know Macintosh has passed through some good and bad hands in it’s history but this new amp is really turning heads and it is hybrid (the way tube amps should be) it’s also $35K the speakers are $160k and my dealer can get them, I think this is a winner. At least there is something out there in high end other than Steinway that is made for each other. What do you think?

I think we have members with that combo, I would start a new thread and get opinions from owners. If I had that budget I would choose active and my first stop would be a Bryston dealer. They have active speakers with the BAX outboard crossover. You could use Bryston amps, tubes, Mac, whatever. If you want everythibg to match you could replace the BAX crossover with the SP4 processor which Bryston can also use as an outboard crossover. I think going passive is going to be a let down for you. However, if you go mac/sonus obviously well matched.

https://bryston.com/active-loudspeakers/https://bryston.com/active-loudspeakers/

 

dabel

1,068 posts

 

Forgive me, for I have no input. I’ve just been following along :-) 

 Report this


 

That’s OK. Could be much worse . There is a speaker dude on this very thread pretending to be a speaker manufacturer who does not even own any speakers. The only “speaker system “ he has is in his 1998 Corolla 😉🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️

@secretguy the most posts because the same three guys keep posting, which is fine, but it doesn't mean it's important.

@thyname +1 🤣

@donavabdear 

This is the Bryston active system and if you are getting a L-C-R combo I would get the mini T's, not the Middle T's in this video:

 

If you use the Bryston 16 channel SP4 processor I don’t think you need to get the BAX, they can crossover from the processor (ask the dealer to be sure).

This would be a completely matched system with the active or passive speakers of your choice which I think would be an upgrade over the mac/SF combo, even though it would cost less. (I would not do passive at all, the active is in another league as I’m sure the dealer will demo):

When (the SP4 is) mated with a selection of Bryston amplifiers and loudspeakers, you will experience a sound system like no other.

https://bryston.com/preamps/sp4/

Do they call it the Model T because the acoustic design is from the last century? Double stacked tweeters and mids but bizarrely stacked with large spread between the lower mid and upper tweeter. Even on a 3 way in 2023 really no excuse for not using wave guides. Strikes me as an old tech speaker with some amps thrown in.

You wanted me to suggest a speaker @kota1 , if we stick to active I would suggest the Kii3 BXT with additional subs. In the home market it is at the leading edge of active speaker implementation. For @donavabdear it will offer better placement flexibility. Only $30K though for a pair but you could buy 2 sets. 

I would also listen to the Beolab 90 again staying active. Not for everyone but the wide / narrow modes illustrate more of what is possible in active speakers, giving both the accurate critical listening narrow mode and the "I love my ambience,", fake, but pleasurable wide mode. Price is just over $100K so in the range of what @donavabdear is looking for. Could be interesting main pair as the wide would be good for casual 2 channel, and the narrow for critical and would be better for ATMOS where you don't want fake ambience.

 

 

FYI

The Bryston Mini T Active system, featuring the BAX-1, a 24B3 amplifier and a pair of Mini T Active loudspeakers will start shipping in Q2 2018 with an RRP of US$17,690.

But there’s more:

For those who prefer a 40″-tall 3-way floorstander, Bryston will begin shipping the Middle T Active system (US$22,230) in Q2 2018. Once again, the BAX-1 will execute the crossover whilst each of the 24B3 ‘s six channels will power (in each speaker) 2 x 8″ bass drivers, a 5.25″ midrange driver and a 1″ tweeter.

And for the biggest of bellies, the Model T active system separates out the 24B3’s role into a pair of (more powerful) 21B3 monoblocks to drive a pair of 53″-tall 3-way floorstanders, each with 3 x ‘high excursion’ 8″ bass units, 2 x 5.25″ midrangers and two 1″ tweeters. Price: US$33,770.

The most important aspect of an active speaker @kota1 is good acoustical design. You can do some cool things with DSP but there is only so much that can be fixed. The Bryson does not illustrate the aspects of good acoustic design for a modern speaker.

Passive speakers- crossovers in cabinets no amp

Active speakers -no crossover in the cabinet 

Powered speaker - amp in the cabinet 

I've been using these terms incorrectly sometimes, sorry. 

I do like Bryston they've always been a good company used their amps in one of the very first digital audio workstations years ago.

I'm looking for a high end system that I don't have to think I can do better, I don't care about flipping equipment every month. If you can find a high end system great but as I've said the audiophile manufactures don't want to make high end powered systems they have to much to loose when people figure out amps and speakers should be made for each other. Concert speakers are different animals than audiophile speakers as well as studio speakers. It seems that even the Macintosh amps and Sonus Faber speakers aren't made for each other. Only Steinway makes high end active systems ( high end over $200k) as far as I know.
But then again I'm slow.