We Are Living in the Golden Age of Affordable High-End Audio

To each his own in a perfect world. But...

I'm always surprised and confused at what can only be interpreted as disparaging statements made by those who embrace the active/all in one route towards the separates people.

Things along the line of 'endless search for upgrades', 'those who are less interested in the boxes needed to fill our equipment racks and more on the experience of listening to music', 'the audiophile shrine of worship', 'is it merely a vanity reason...that collectors of fancy box place this aspect of the hobby above the sound that reaches their ears'.

I could go on and on from this and other similar threads. The implication being that some have way more money than sense, aren't enlightened, and are in it for some kind of ego trip and not so much for the music.

There are all kinds of reasons that people choose one over the other and each can enjoy the music equally as well.

Sorry for the uncharacteristic rant, but come on guys, we're better than this.
 
All I can say is that I have a "mediocre" shrine of worship sitting to my side and in front of me, however, I am extremely enjoying listening to "In Time: The Best Of R.E.M. 1988-2003". I can honestly say this shrine of worship is not getting in the way of my musical enjoyment at all.
 
When I replaced my 25 year old kef R105/3’s in 2015 I bet I went through 6 different pairs of speakers that retailed in the $20-30k range. I would buy used at prices I could resell with minimal damage. The problem with not committing to a specific pair is having to trust the components are a match. After buying, listening and selling a half dozen pairs I bought a pair of Meridian dsp8k se’s because I was frustrated with the challenge of component matching. I actually really enjoyed the 8k’s for the couple years I used them. I think active dsp systems offer better performance than the average music lover can cobble together, but we’re (audiophiles) more than music lover’s and I ended going back to a passive system I voiced with my own components. I don’t want to swap the meridians back in because they probably sound as good or better and I don’t want to know. I stream all my music now
 
rrwmd said:
To each his own in a perfect world. But...

I'm always surprised and confused at what can only be interpreted as disparaging statements made by those who embrace the active/all in one route towards the separates people.

Things along the line of 'endless search for upgrades', 'those who are less interested in the boxes needed to fill our equipment racks and more on the experience of listening to music', 'the audiophile shrine of worship', 'is it merely a vanity reason...that collectors of fancy box place this aspect of the hobby above the sound that reaches their ears'.

I could go on and on from this and other similar threads. The implication being that some have way more money than sense, aren't enlightened, and are in it for some kind of ego trip and not so much for the music.

There are all kinds of reasons that people choose one over the other and each can enjoy the music equally as well.

Sorry for the uncharacteristic rant, but come on guys, we're better than this.
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You should never be surprised at the things people say on audio forums.
 
a.wayne said:
Active loudspeakers been around for decades , doubt it will ever replace separates as the only game ..!


Regards
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Yes, but those actives of decades past (ATC, etc) are nothing more than an electronic XO feeding the signals to amps for each driver individually. Nothing special there and mainly favoured by studios and places where long speaker cable lengths would be inappropriate.

Modern actives are a different kettle of fish altogether. They usually include a streamer, DAC, then electronic XO, room correction DSP, then lastly amps connected directly to drivers. For digital-only users, these active speakers need no pile of equipment boxes - just power and perhaps Ethernet cables. Simple

So, a bit like buying a motor car - the brand creates a body, adds an appropriate engine and internal fittings, etc - all it needs is a driver and fuel. Simple.
 
Active Speakers with DSP been around since the 80’s , Stereophile audio show in 94 , next door to us was a company demoing active with DSP controller, digital signal , its not new. The same limitation then is as now, most audiophiles like to choose their equipment, see it , clean it and upgrade with doo dahs , not an option in a fully active system ..!

Regards
 
and then there is even active speakers that are built out of seperates so you can still choose the amps you like.
and, a lot of all-in-one are NOT active.

passive speakers generally provide MORE control over the driver and are easier to balance for the manufactor. may be not logic right away.

just as a.wayne has said, it is and old story. active and integrated systems are smaller and have a better sound-price-relation.
at the top end you want seperates with theyr own ground and vibration control etc.

i think noone should be ashame buying seperates or all-in-one, they all make music and fun.
going seperates might be an endless journey....more potential=more risk
 
a.wayne said:
The same limitation then is as now, most audiophiles
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True, nothing to do with actives. Sound always takes a back seat to habits.

a.wayne said:
upgrade with doo dahs , not an option in a fully active system ..!
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Demonstrably incorrect. Actives offer infinitely more upgradability than passives. One of the first things I asked Hypex when I chose them is whether their future products would maintain the exact same footprint - they will.
Bottom line, if any recliner engineer wants to put their cobbled system up against a pair of my actives, I'm game. Usual caveats - will be on Youtube for world to see/share the humor ;-).
Otherwise, just stick with, it's what X prefers, sound be damned. Nothing wrong with that at all.
DSC_3156ss.jpg
 
Yeah I like uber boxes on racks rather than some slimmed down "system". I am all for say something like an SACD transport to plug into the i2s port in the back of an enthusiast DAC.
 
I would be rather interesting to know the ages of the posters on here suggesting huge separate systems and speakers that take a fork lift to move and listening rooms that dominate a home.

We in March downsized, from 3800 to 1900sqft. Yep a shock and yep, your shit doesn't fit anymore. I'm 70, picking up amps, TT's or heavy speakers well its not happening anymore. These days I'm looking at an integrated amp or maybe an active system, but haven't gotten there yet. Still having a remodel take place in the new place.. Hell my turntable and Pass are still in the box, since I'm not allowed to bend over and pick up over 50 lbs anymore. Life changes that will impact your music and audio choices, so enjoy the music the best your can.
 
I'm 60 and yes starting to develop a few "issues" --uncomplicated belly hernia, way overweight, swollen feet w/bad leg veins, but none that are slowing me down significantly work or go wise---may a bit running and biking-wise. I have my gear in an acoustically treated 11X12 room that is a dedicated one man listening room. I also have a secondary separates system out in the loft in my computer work area- it also houses additional Kallax for my vinyl overflow. 2500ish sq ft.... I get the grown son to help if I have to move anything too heavy. As far as getting heavy boxes up the stairs, the "roll" method works great.


CPP said:
I would be rather interesting to know the ages of the posters on here suggesting huge separate systems and speakers that take a fork lift to move and listening rooms that dominate a home.

We in March downsized, from 3800 to 1900sqft. Yep a shock and yep, your shit doesn't fit anymore. I'm 70, picking up amps, TT's or heavy speakers well its not happening anymore. These days I'm looking at an integrated amp or maybe an active system, but haven't gotten there yet. Still having a remodel take place in the new place.. Hell my turntable and Pass are still in the box, since I'm not allowed to bend over and pick up over 50 lbs anymore. Life changes that will impact your music and audio choices, so enjoy the music the best your can.
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AJ Soundfield said:
Bottom line, if any recliner engineer wants to put their cobbled system up against a pair of my actives, I'm game. Usual caveats - will be on Youtube for world to see/share the humor ;-).
Otherwise, just stick with, it's what X prefers, sound be damned.
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I've heard your loudspeakers 3 years in a row now at Florida Expo. I won't lie, they're impressive. I heard what they're capable of. That being said, I'm also well aware of what my "cobbled" system is capable of, and playing a lot of the same exact tracks that you demoed your speakers with... Well, I don't know if you would be "sharing the humor".

But that's neither here nor there. You like what you like, I like what I like.
 
I would argue that we're in the golden age of audio gear at any price and the golden age of music availability.
 
chops said:
I've heard your loudspeakers 3 years in a row now at Florida Expo. I won't lie, they're impressive.

You like what you like, I like what I like.
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I think that's the point. There is no loss of SQ with actives done right, just a whole lot less boxes/shrine etc. The choice is not SQ related. More like simplicity (or in my case, wanting three different spatial renderings from one speaker at touch of button, something no passive extant can do).
However, I also agree 100%, it is whatever one likes most, including a bunch of equipment (a requirement for different type sources like tape, LP, etc). No argument there.
cheers
 
Hear Here said:
As with all audio, choosing the right unit that suits your listening preferences and your room is key. If Dutch & Dutch doesn't float your boat, then another active speaker system will.

You change speakers every 10 years or so, so careful selection is vital. The difference is, you make this selection once, whereas you have to make the right choice every time you change any part of a multi-box system and your choice depends, not only on the 2 factors already mentioned, but the new item has to be compatible with and work in perfect harmony with the rest of the system.
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They look really cool, just did some reading. They cost what I recently dropped into an INT, CDP, TT, Speakers and Cables. Would love to hear them someday
 
petek said:
I'm 60 and yes starting to develop a few "issues" --uncomplicated belly hernia, way overweight, swollen feet w/bad leg veins, but none that are slowing me down significantly work or go wise---may a bit running and biking-wise. I have my gear in an acoustically treated 11X12 room that is a dedicated one man listening room. I also have a secondary separates system out in the loft in my computer work area- it also houses additional Kallax for my vinyl overflow. 2500ish sq ft.... I get the grown son to help if I have to move anything too heavy. As far as getting heavy boxes up the stairs, the "roll" method works great.
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I am with you and Chris. I am 61, have had back surgery, both shoulders, the trifecta of hernias and more. Some from childhood idiocy, some from heavy machinery, and some from moving heavy amps and speakers over the years.

I have a digital file only system in the office, a separate system in the family room, and a newer Integrated in the living room. Going to have to downsize sooner or later and will start with keeping my main system and hoping it is not too much for wherever I end up. A dedicated room is really not in my future.
 
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