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March 1, 2020, 09:07 PM #1
- Join Date
- May 2017
- Location
- Ohio, USA
- Posts
- 181
Active Speakers and A/D/A Conversion Question
I'm considering upgrading my passive speakers to an active pair (e.g., amp built into the speaker). While this particular speaker (Janszen Valentina) does have S/PDIF digital inputs, I plan on using the analog XLR inputs hooked up to my Pass XP-10 balanced outputs. The speaker documentation specifically states that the analog signal is then converted to digital, the crossover / DSP magic is applied digitally, and I believe is then converted back to analog before passing to two Class-D amplifiers that drive the transducers (each speaker is bi-amplified).
My question is, do most modern active speakers do this analog -> digital -> analog conversion to handle crossovers / DSP magic? The digital inputs can handle up to 192khz/24-bit data streams, so I'm thinking the A/D/A conversions would also be at this bitrate, too.
I do have a meeting planned with the manufacturer this coming Saturday to audition the loudspeakers in question, and I'm sure I'll have questions for him as well, but I thought I'd do a little reconnaissance first.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.Electronics: Pass Labs XP-22, Pass Labs X250.8
Digital: T+A DAC 200, Auralic Aries G1, Sony UBP-X800M
Analog: Pro-Ject X2 w/ Ortofon 2M Black, iFi Phono3 Phonostage
Speakers: Janszen Audio Valentina P8, SVS SB13-Ultra
Other: David Laboga Custom Audio/Shunyata/Audioquest cabling, PS Audio PowerPlant 15
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March 1, 2020, 10:21 PM #2
Re: Active Speakers and A/D/A Conversion Question
From the research I did, the answer is yes. Analog signal to the speaker gets digitized, then fed to the crossover/equalizer, then back to analog to (usually) a class D amp for each part of the speaker. I saw some at 192, and some at 96. The 96 ones usually had this bit rate for wireless streaming purposes. Some of the speakers allowed varying degrees of room correction in the equalizer. Some simple, some complex.
I know the “active” speakers from Bryston use an analog crossover box to split the signal, feeding separate (external) amps, which goes directly to the speaker terminals. (No crossover in the speaker) so minimum setup for these are the speakers, external crossover, and 2 stereo power amps.Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
Digital : MSB Premier DAC+Digital Director, Oppo 203, Sonos Port (W4S mod)
Analog : Technics SL1200G, Boulder 508
Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
Headphone : BHSE + Voce
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May 1, 2020, 11:59 AM #3
Re: Active Speakers and A/D/A Conversion Question
I would like to know how this unfolds, what your impressions are after the upgrade. I couldn’t really make a judgment on the Bryston room at axpona and their outboard xover, 3 driver 3 ways and amps really just seemed more gimmicky than having an actual benefit. My understanding is the digital xover is the biggest advantage.
KEF Blade, Mc-611's, C49 rega jupiter, roon nucleus, revox tuner. Meridian dsp8000 se upgrade, meridian 218 zone controller VA Beethoven's, Hegel h360.
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May 1, 2020, 11:59 AM #4
Re: Active Speakers and A/D/A Conversion Question
Dup
KEF Blade, Mc-611's, C49 rega jupiter, roon nucleus, revox tuner. Meridian dsp8000 se upgrade, meridian 218 zone controller VA Beethoven's, Hegel h360.
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May 1, 2020, 12:43 PM #5
- Join Date
- May 2017
- Location
- Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Posts
- 531
Re: Active Speakers and A/D/A Conversion Question
Doesn't each speaker driver amplifier only have an analog input in any case?
Doesn't the DSP active crossover only output analog?
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May 1, 2020, 12:58 PM #6
Re: Active Speakers and A/D/A Conversion Question
Some models, the pair I’m using have only a digital input and convert to analog after the xover to the individual amps for each driver, the range each driver will cover.
KEF Blade, Mc-611's, C49 rega jupiter, roon nucleus, revox tuner. Meridian dsp8000 se upgrade, meridian 218 zone controller VA Beethoven's, Hegel h360.
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May 1, 2020, 02:35 PM #7
- Join Date
- Feb 2014
- Posts
- 477
Re: Active Speakers and A/D/A Conversion Question
Not all.
Digital crossover - Kii Audio, Dutch & Dutch 8C, Grimm Audio LS1be, AvantGarde Acoustics Zero XD, B&W Formation Duo.
Analog crossover - ATC Loudspeakers (consumer hi-fi range - SCM40A, SCM Special Edition (SE) series), Manger Audio (S1, C1 models), PSI Audio, Adam Audio). Depending on the manufacturer, Class A/B, Class G/H or Class D amp modules.
Given a choice, and depending on one’s requirements and future, I would prefer an analog active speaker.
With advances in digital technology, one is not locked in with the DA section of digital active speakers. The other issue is that digital volume control is not lossless.
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May 1, 2020, 02:37 PM #8
- Join Date
- Feb 2014
- Posts
- 477
Active Speakers and A/D/A Conversion Question
Not all.
Digital crossover - Kii Audio, Dutch & Dutch 8C, Grimm Audio LS1be, AvantGarde Acoustics Zero XD, B&W Formation Duo.
Analog crossover - ATC Loudspeakers (consumer hi-fi range - SCM40A, SCM Special Edition (SE) series), Manger Audio (S1, C1 models), PSI Audio, Adam Audio). Depending on the manufacturer, Class A/B, Class G/H or Class D amp modules.
Given a choice, and depending on one’s requirements and future plans, I would prefer an analog active speaker.
With the speed of advance in digital technology, one is not locked to the DA section of digital active speakers. The other issue is that digital volume control is not lossless.
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May 2, 2020, 07:16 PM #9
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May 2, 2020, 07:16 PM #10
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May 3, 2020, 12:26 AM #11
- Join Date
- Feb 2014
- Posts
- 477
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
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This is a 12 volt LPS....is that sufficient ?....I thought one needed something like 19/20 volts, especially if doing DSP, etc.
Nucleus one