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Thoughts on Active/Passive Speakers? Looking for pros and cons.

Hi all, 

I've normally discounted the notion of active/passive speaker combos, but am warming up to the idea and may give them a listen.  Golden Ear gets good reviews, but i'm intrigued by the new Paradigm Founder Series 120H.  

Curious if anyone has heard the Founders, or maybe compared the Active Persona 9H against one of the lower end versions.  

Thanks in advance.  

EW
128x128mtbiker29

Showing 2 responses by oldhvymec

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Only con of active is you can’t tune the sound with different amps. All other things being equal are better IMO.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

Active speakers have their SONIC limitations for sure. UNLESS the amps has swappable opamps. Easy fix for the right class d amp..
Sure changed the way NC500 sounded. SI vs Sparco vs Sparco pro vs Wiess.. ALL different.. Sparco 2590s and small planars.. Hard pressed to beat that speed and sound.. Jet black background.. .5 distortion at 400 watts and 115 db.. 9.8 ohms. Serious undistorted power..

The bass and MB 300hz and below. Under 10% Hard to get below 10% without DSP and or a GOOD servo system.. I use both..

I stopped most of the waves in the neighbors pool. When I want too. ;-)

Regards
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Well fiesta75, I think everyone hears you loud and clear. The problem with Active XOs from bottom to top is the cost. A GOOD active is 4-6k from bottom to top. Krell makes a GREAT active. Behringer on the other hand is good for bass duty. :-) Exactly what it is good for 300hz and below..

I have a First Watt active that is FULL of Wima caps.. sound wonderful...

STL another GREAT (valve) active crossover 3-5K.. BIG valve design too.. Power valves being used as PRE amp valves..  Go crazy ALL the way DUDE!!!

Offer a solution with some chops.. :-)

Active speakers are sure easy on speaker cable cost.  No 20K cables there thank God.. 

Regards
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