Fullrangers win Stereophile product of the year

[Feanor]

Passive vs Active Crossovers

"The vast majority of loudspeaker manufactures prefer passive crossovers, usually second or third order except for very high end ones such as the first order VMPS or the now defunct Dunlavy, and the fourth order B&W 800's, or the Joseph Audio eighth order. Only a few, especially pro audio types use their own active crossovers with built-in amplifiers, thus imposing complete control over the sound of their loudspeakers."
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Active crossovers are preferred according to the general consensus. When you look at professional speakers it's most often the case that they have active crossovers and separate amps per driver, even in case of small monitors

One must speculate why audiophile speakers don't employ passive ACTIVE crossovers. The big reason, by my guess, is that it's seems less complicated. The follow-on questions is why more speakers don't have built-in amps (downstream of active crossovers). In this case I think it's explained by the desire of audiophiles to select amps separately from the speakers and to fine-tune the amp sound to his/her taste. Or to put it another way, it's more fun to have separate components.

[Ajani]

Active crossovers are preferred according to the general consensus. When you look at professional speakers it's most often the case that they have active crossovers and separate amps per driver, even in case of small monitors

One must speculate why audiophile speakers don't employ passive crossovers. The big reason, by my guess, is that it's seems less complicated. The follow-on questions is why more speakers don't have built-in amps (downstream of active crossovers). In this case I think it's explained by the desire of audiophiles to select amps separately from the speakers and to fine-tune the amp sound to his/her taste. Or to put it another way, it's more fun to have separate components.

Imagine trying to sell a commercial (audiophile) 2,3 or 4 way speaker with no passive crossover - It would require the buyer to purchase an active crossover and 2 to 4 stereo amps... even assuming the speaker maker includes a preset active crossover, the consumer would still need 2 - 4 stereo amps... That would be a major turnoff to many persons... Generally only audiophiles looking for statement products want to make such a commitment...

The other option is to sell active speakers. As you rightly pointed out; they lack flexibility - So no easy upgrade option by swapping out power amps...

[Feanor]

Imagine trying to sell a commercial (audiophile) 2,3 or 4 way speaker with no passive crossover - It would require the buyer to purchase an active crossover and 2 to 4 stereo amps... even assuming the speaker maker includes a preset active crossover, the consumer would still need 2 - 4 stereo amps... That would be a major turnoff to many persons... Generally only audiophiles looking for statement products want to make such a commitment...

The other option is to sell active speakers. As you rightly pointed out; they lack flexibility - So no easy upgrade option by swapping out power amps...

While I think you're right, I also think that consumer, active speakers would be, (indeed are), quite feasible and could be sold relatively economically. Again, professional monitors are proof of this. Passive speakers and separate amps are much a traditional as anything else.

In the HT and low-end markets, people are used to buying receivers and integrateds -- it's a mind set and it's what the big companies are delivering. In the high-end market I think the tweaking aspect, not to mention the fixation on tubes, is more important.

But to me when you're in the $30k range, I think it's sane that a speaker ought to come with a custom crossover network & amps finely tuned to the drivers and box. My experience with digital amps demostrates to me that you don't need large, heavy, very expensive power amps. If you want to color you music, do it at the front end with a tube preamp.

[Ajani]

While I think you're right, I also think that consumer, active speakers would be, (indeed are), quite feasible and could be sold relatively economically. Again, professional monitors are proof of this. Passive speakers and separate amps are much a traditional as anything else.

In the HT and low-end markets, people are used to buying receivers and integrateds -- it's a mind set and it's what the big companies are delivering. In the high-end market I think the tweaking aspect, not to mention the fixation on tubes, is more important.

I think active speakers will gain traction with the younger crowd; Those persons who don't regard "convenience" as a bad word. Older die-hard audiophiles are far less likely to accept the lack of tweaking options... However persons who just want plug and play combined with great sound quailty, will be more open to the concept... I gave my younger brother my M-Audio actives and he is in love with them (no way would he ever opt for typical audiophile seperates), So I can certainly see active speakers connected to Dock/Dac/Computer gaining popularity...

But to me when you're in the $30k range, I think it's sane that a speaker ought to come with a custom crossover network & amps finely tuned to the drivers and box. My experience with digital amps demostrates to me that you don't need large, heavy, very expensive power amps. If you want to color you music, do it at the front end with a tube preamp.

If you're spending $30K, you should be ridiculously demanding about exactly what you want... With that kind of coin you could have your setup custom built if you so desire...

[Feanor]

...
If you're spending $30K, you should be ridiculously demanding about exactly what you want... With that kind of coin you could have your setup custom built if you so desire...

There are megabuck audiophile active speakers out there ... these Meridian DPS8000's would be nice I should think, (specs HERE).

[Ajani]

There are megabuck audiophile active speakers out there ... these Meridian DPS8000's would be nice I should think, (specs HERE).

That's an ultimate example of where I think audiophile systems will eventually go (for persons who don't care about whether they can tweak by changing components)... Active speakers with DSP and digital inputs. Not sure if the amps are class d though... Which would be the ideal in such a scenario:

Take the notion of a NAD M2 - everything kept digital up to the output stage (combined with DSP and active crossover and multiple amps) and direct to the speakers and you have something really interesting.