New high-end speaker trend from EU: active with digital XO and DSP.

[Glareskin]

Hello everybody,

I am not even sure if it is a typical European trend but I have noticed that in the last year more and more speakers concepts are being tested with built-in amplification, digital cross-overs and DSP to provide room correction options. And in some cases DAC's or even streamers. And in most cases the loudspeakers get very high ratings. Of course this is all fitting in the digital convenience trend: just use a tablet for your controls and have two speakers plugged in into the AC outlet. The music could be hidden on a NAS in the basement or even streamed from the cloud. No wires, no more big equipment (that most of us here loves, I know..) just two speakers.
But it seems that the concept is improving the sound quality. What do you guys think?
Here are a few examples:

1 Backes & Muller BM Line 35

This was probably the first loudspeaker manufacturer going for for digital cross-overs, multiple amplifiers and DSP's.They also since the beginning use active feedback control from the woofers. This is the second model from their BM Line series. The BM Line 50 is probably even better but not tested in this magazine.

2 Grimm Audio LS1

And this is definitely the most remarkable speaker. The design is unconventional, the subwoofer is an additional option. And the company comes out of nowhere. Well not really, the designers used to work for Philips Electronics and already designed switching amps a long time ago. Anyhow one of the reviewers was touched to tears because of the realistic image.

3 Linn Akubarik

Linn was never this high in the rankings. It seems that the sound was boosted to a higher level through the active cross-over and DSP technology. They announce to bring the Exakt. A speaker based on the more expensive Klimax and with built-in streamer.

I know it is just one ranking and you don't like it Mike because of the rank of the Blade's. But it is a guideline and this is one of the few lists mixing passive and active speakers. Just look how well the three speakers above rank! It is amazing IMO.

Here is another interesting one that is not reviewed in that magazine:

Cabasse La Spere

According to Stereoplay the best sound together with the Backes & Muller BM Line 50.

It would be interesting to hear what you guys think about this and if yu see a similar trend in the US.

Hans

 

[Petro85]

I've never heard any of these new fangled speakers.

 

[sharkmouth]

SGR Audio MT3.2 speakers, these are mine & are easily the best speaker I have owned by a mile. They also have all the attributes as above minus the internal dac/streaming capabilities.
I definitely think that the market share will increase with this type of speaker as the crossovers are seamless from top to bottom which makes the experience much more enjoyable.

 

[Mike]

This is definitely a trend we are seeing. Look at the new Linn speakers too.

 

[Glareskin]

SGR Audio MT3.2 speakers, these are mine & are easily the best speaker I have owned by a mile. They also have all the attributes as above minus the internal dac/streaming capabilities.
I definitely think that the market share will increase with this type of speaker as the crossovers are seamless from top to bottom which makes the experience much more enjoyable.

Wow, I didn't know this brand. From Australia right? I like all the adjusmen toptions on the back. And the Scan-Speak tweeter is already guarantee for superb high. I can imagine that by design this is a top speaker!
This is excactly what I like about the Shark: I get to know stuff I never see in the Euro-scene

I've never heard any of these new fangled speakers.

You see this is great. I pick-up things from the US scene and I can introduce you guys to European equipment that is not so common in America. All shown speakers have high ratings in the European audio magazines.

Here the mixed passive speakers and active speakers list from Audio:

And the dedicated active speaker list fron Stereoplay:

 

[Rhapsody]

Goldmund has been doing active speakers with DSP processing and all Xover's done in the digital domain for 10 years now. Yes, expensive but when you do the Xover in the digital domain and then send a specific signal to not only an amplifier for a speaker, but a separate amplifier for each driver in the speaker and eliminate all passive Xovers, you then realize the harm that passive Xovers do to the audio signal.

The Goldmund Aplogoue below Goldmund - Apologue Anniversary is COMPLETELY controlled by any Apple device, is all DSP controlled AND is wireless. The only cable in the system is the electrical cable that goes into an outlet that is installed directly under the speaker. It's a strange sensation to be able to walk 360 degrees around the speaker while it is playing.

 

[MDP]

Wow, I didn't know this brand. From Australia right? I like all the adjusmen toptions on the back. And the Scan-Speak tweeter is already guarantee for superb high. I can imagine that by design this is a top speaker!
This is excactly what I like about the Shark: I get to know stuff I never see in the Euro-scene

You see this is great. I pick-up things from the US scene and I can introduce you guys to European equipment that is not so common in America. All shown speakers have high ratings in the European audio magazines.

Here the mixed passive speakers and active speakers list from Audio:

And the dedicated active speaker list fron Stereoplay:

I noticed that Revel scores pretty good !!

Ha !!!!

 

[Glareskin]

This is definitely a trend we are seeing. Look at the new Linn speakers too.

Mike which Linn's do you mean? The Akubarik's are in my post and I mention the Exakt..

Goldmund has been doing active speakers with DSP processing and all Xover's done in the digital domain for 10 years now. Yes, expensive but when you do the Xover in the digital domain and then send a specific signal to not only an amplifier for a speaker, but a separate amplifier for each driver in the speaker and eliminate all passive Xovers, you then realize the harm that passive Xovers do to the audio signal.

The Goldmund Aplogoue below Goldmund - Apologue Anniversary is COMPLETELY controlled by any Apple device, is all DSP controlled AND is wireless. The only cable in the system is the electrical cable that goes into an outlet that is installed directly under the speaker. It's a strange sensation to be able to walk 360 degrees around the speaker while it is playing.

Yeah I know. One of these exotic Swiss products... No doubt this will sound pretty much perfect and also very cool that you can walk around, although you could do this with all speakers as you prepare you room for that. But the thing is, I think my wife would ask me to remove the piles of boxes from the living room... :snicker:

I noticed that Revel scores pretty good !!

Ha !!!!

Yes I think you have all reasons to be happy. I wish I could listen to a pair...

 

[Elberoth]

Another one from Meridian:

 

[MusicDirector]

My answer would be: YES = for hipsters, folks who know nothing but MP3s and smart phones and ipods. NO = for folks who want revealing speakers, don't want to have to fight with them to dial them in and don't want any color or excessive color added to the sound.

 

[Face]

What makes a speaker, "revealing"?

An active speaker with DSP can help remove coloration added by the room and can make placement easier...especially when it comes to dealing with issues in the bass region. Your post makes me believe you don't have much experience with active setups or speaker design.

 

[Face]

Here is an active speaker I'd love to hear and see.

Gaia Overview

 

[dlb2]

I'm with Steve and have to say no way. No offense Kev, but this would send me over the edge!

 

[MusicDirector]

What makes a speaker, "revealing"?

An active speaker with DSP can help remove coloration added by the room and can make placement easier...especially when it comes to dealing with issues in the bass region. Your post makes me believe you don't have much experience with active setups or speaker design.

I never said I was a speaker design expert or a speaker designer period. All I know is my own experience with active speakers that have built in subs and digital interface controls and such that I have auditioned. Nothing but headaches for me. Even that Golden Ear Tritons sent me over the edge when I was trying to kill the built in sub because it was too much bass. I had to finally unplug the damn things because the sub would not turn off all the way to where I wanted it and then that presented another problem. On the flip side, I auditioned some active KEFs and Vantoo that I liked if I were using a smartphone, ipod or MP3 player as a source, but alas I have none of those things. I would not mind digital room correction at all, but I'd want it as a separate component piece, not built into the speakers. I also can't stand having to plug in speakers to a wall outlet or what have you. I'm old school, just give me regular speakers and let me deal with or live with any problems from there. Proof that I'm old school: I'm currently working on a major upgrade to my daily driver system turning it into a 90% high-end system which is almost done, but I still prefer my early 70s vintage system.

 

[Face]

I can see how the Tritons could have left a sour taste in your mouth as their reviews are all over the place. I've never seen a speaker who's reviews were so varied.

A excellent example of a fully active speaker is the Linkwitz Orion, they're anything but colored and have a large soundstage and great imaging. They also have a very pleasant sound to them.

I still don't understand your association with active setups and MP3's or iPods. All the hipsters I know use vinyl.

 

[MusicDirector]

I can see how the Tritons could have left a sour taste in your mouth as their reviews are all over the place. I've never seen a speaker who's reviews were so varied.

A excellent example of a fully active speaker is the Linkwitz Orion, they're anything but colored and have a large soundstage and great imaging. They also have a very pleasant sound to them.

I still don't understand your association with active setups and MP3's or iPods. All the hipsters I know use vinyl.

I'm not sure myself actually. I'm just surrounded by youngsters or people who would not know anything beyond a smartphone in regards to sound systems in my everyday life and it leaves me somewhat sour. I also don't like change and new fangled stuff too easily. I didn't move to Windows XP until it had already been out 7 years for example. I don't know where I could hear the Linkwitz Orion or anything like that? Wish I did on lots of gear mentioned, but I just don't have access to it. That said though, I have a real aversion to having to plug in my speakers. That also limits one on placement which is of vital importance to me. Also just adds to more things going wrong as just having the gear I do already provides an over-abundance of those possibilities. All just my personal preferences and opinions and not meant for evaluation purposes in any way.

 

[Face]

Youngsters and MP3's, yes, not hipsters. As for where to demo Orions, check out most major high end audio shows or the Burning Amp Fest in Cali once a year. Active speakers don't always have internal amps, so placement is not always affected.

Cheers!

 

[MusicDirector]

Youngsters and MP3's, yes, not hipsters. As for where to demo Orions, check out most major high end audio shows or the Burning Amp Fest in Cali once a year. Active speakers don't always have internal amps, so placement is not always affected.

Cheers!

Ah, yes sometimes I confuse hipsters and youngsters. To me they are nearly the same, both think they know everything and nobody else knows anything, then they freak out when it turns out that you know something. We only have one high-end audio show in my part of the country once a year which I attended for the first and last time many months ago. It was frustrating at best. I get the feeling it won't be happening anymore anyway. That's a twist for me, how are active speakers active without a power cord? I need to look into that if I get a chance.

 

[dlb2]

Hipster:

Youngster:

See the difference? LOL!!!

 

[sharkmouth]

I'm with Steve and have to say no way. No offense Kev, but this would send me over the edge!

Doug, none taken!!!!! If you look at the picture you will see that my room setup is so that all the dial & switches are at 0 or off. All except for one switch, that is the room eq. for an 80hz blowout in the room as measured by the manufacturer. In a few weeks I have bass traps coming & then that switch will get turned off too. Then the speaker will be running with no room correction & be at neutral in all settings.