Powered speakers show audiophiles are confused

@mijostyn wrote:

@phusis , I am inclined to agree entirely. The best amps I have ever heard have all been Class A at least up to a certain output. These amps can not be put into an active speaker because of the heat they generate. They are forced to use Class D amps for this reason and I have yet to hear a Class D amp I would purchase. Even Class AB amps if run hard are going to generate enough heat to make an active speaker very uncomfortable.

Indeed. My main issue of sorts is buying into the notion of the degree of which amps of bundled, active speakers are supposedly "engineered" and specifically tailored to a range of drivers and their respective sections in ways that couldn’t as well be accommodated with an outboard solution. Finding outboard amps to properly fit driver sections in an active setup is perfectly realizable, and if anything such amps are more than up for the task (to a degree even that some may call "shooting sparrows with cannons," but different persons/businesses different benchmarks), arguably in some contrast to the core aspect of "tailoring" amps to drivers in bundled solutions and what it’s mainly about here: shaving off what’s believed unnecessary and down to what is merely enough - both because you can (that is, only to a certain extent compared to an outboard config.), for reasons of keeping expenses at bay, and also due to potential thermal issues with all that implies and the amp topology used. What’s left in regards to fitting an amp section with a driver ditto can as well be handled with the careful choice of an outboard approach, with even better amps and what fits a given listener’s preferences and specific acoustics to boot.

"Activeness" can be applied to any system just by the addition of the right processor like the new DEQX units or the Trinnov Amethyst. Then you have the ultimate control over what your system is doing. The DEQX Pre8 has a full two channel 4 way crossover. It will individually control 8 amplifier channels and apply room control to all 8 channels.

Yes. However, few operate with or are aware of active configuration as an outboard solution, and so in that regard certainly quite a few audiophiles are "confused." Or, they may simply not be interested in this approach if it has any bearing to them as a possibility and option. I’m not saying it’s something one enters lightly as a plug-and-play solution, and perhaps the mere thought of that challenge or obstacle even is what keeps many from giving it a try. With my preferences in speakers I would feel restricted with the range of bundled, active speakers out there, not that there aren’t very capable offerings among them like ATC and others.

What’s left in regards to fitting an amp section with a driver ditto can as well be handled with the careful choice of an outboard approach, with even better amps and what fits a given listener’s preferences and specific acoustics to boot.

One issue is that all speakers (that I am aware of) designed to be driven with an off the shelf amplifier have a cross over that cannot be bypassed to directly connect to the driver. Hence any external amplifier is handicapped by the crossover.

Two would be the assumption the interface to the driver is a simple set of wires. Think of servo controlled subwoofers. They require a direct connection to a special amplifier that has additional feedback inputs. No simple external amplifier is going to work and the amplifier needs to be tuned to the speaker for best performance.

Three would be an assumption that a simple voltage driven external amplifier can achieve the best performance out of a driver, even if you were allowed direct connection to it.

Four would be the assumption that all drivers covering a similar function in a speaker are all going to do the same thing at the same time with the same frequency response. Even a one way speaker, can have multiple independent elements.

If your perception of an active speaker is just a passive speaker with a similar style amplifier in the box, with the crossover likely at the signal level instead of with big passive components at the speaker level, then making the assumption that a traditional speaker with an external amplifier can compete is a fair outcome.

The people working on the leading edge of active speakers are not making that assumption.

"Activeness" can be applied to any system just by the addition of the right processor like the new DEQX units or the Trinnov Amethyst. Then you have the ultimate control over what your system is doing.

You have full control over your system, but not over the drivers in the speaker.

Designing an amp specific to the speakers it is driving is a great idea. Remember Acoustats? They made an amplifier, the TransNova 200, that would drive their very difficult speakers. 1981, I believe.

My Acoustic Research LST speakers, now almost 50 years old, are still singing beautifully in my second system (yes, they've needed some repairs over the years). If they had internal amps... not so much, I think.

Isn't it true that pro speakers are internally amped primarily for ease of setup? A speakON and a power cord and you're good. Can you imagine the expense and hassle of miles of speaker cable? Not to mention the mess.

Seems like a good excuse to insert a plug for my dream speakers and their dedicated amplifiers. Yes, Darth Speaker and Mono-Me, but wow. Hear them if you can. 

Peace.

Anyone who buys an active speaker should expect it to die within a decade.

That's why I will never buy another active speaker again.

Simple.

You can wax all day long how actives are better than passives, but who cares.

Unless you are willing to kiss the speaker good-bye after a decade.

I'm not willing to do that.

@fred60 , if an amp goes out on an active speaker please don't chuck it. Unscrew the plate amp from the back, carefully disconnect the connector wires, and take it/send it to the dealer/mfg for repairs.

@lonemountain , how does ATC service amps from active speakers?