Active floorstanders? Any around at sensible money?

[AlmaataKZ]

As I look into my hifi upgrdade I am more and more inclined towards computer - dac/pre - active speakers configuration.

The problem is I am struggling to build a shortlist of active floorstanders at sensible money.

I know ATC has a range of actives that are highly respected - but these are 5 - 10 grand range. I think PMC does active versions (with Bryston packs?) but these would not be much cheaper, probably.

Does anybody know of other options for active floorstranders?

 

[drummerman]

Standmount plus sub?

 

[Thaiman]

ADAM Audio, sound fantastic too.

 

[Anonymous]

Cheapest are the ADAM audio active pencil's at 4,800 pounds.

They look interesting, I wonder if they are within budget?

 

[Andrew Everard]

Or maybe something from here...?

 

[drummerman]

Veri:... I wonder if they are within budget?

I guess 'sensible' money is relative ...

Meridian actives of various ages sporadically appear in classifieds, specialist dealers and ebay. Would'nt buy without listening first though for several reasons in this instance but the companies back up for products used to be extensive ... unless I missed something and the company has disappeared during my recent absence.

 

[Anonymous]

Andrew Everard:

Or maybe something from here...?

how do these compare to the AVI 9.1's?

 

[Andrew Everard]

dim_span:how do these compare to the AVI 9.1's?

Not a clue: as you are probably aware, AVI is not prepared to supply a review sample of its speakers.

 

[Anonymous]

Andrew Everard:

dim_span:how do these compare to the AVI 9.1's?

Not a clue: as you are probably aware, AVI is not prepared to supply a review sample of its speakers.

those look very nice, and always fancied B&O although never owned any of their gear ... I might look at some active speakers later this year

 

[Thaiman]

Veri:

Cheapest are the ADAM audio active pencil's at 4,800 pounds.

They look interesting, I wonder if they are within budget?

I thought the studio range active start from just under £2K, the price might gone up due to Euro but more than double???.

 

[Thaiman]

dim_span:Andrew Everard:

Or maybe something from here...?

how do these compare to the AVI 9.1's?

not another 20 pages of AVI, surely

 

[Anonymous]

Thaiman:dim_span:Andrew Everard:

Or maybe something from here...?

how do these compare to the AVI 9.1's?

not another 20 pages of AVI, surely

I have already asked my wife to make me a big bowl of popcorn ... sorry, could not resist

 

[drummerman]

Back on topic ... Dynaudio's Focus Actives may only be bookshelf size (and seem underpowered on paper) but they have a big sound, go fairly loud and have plenty of bass, too much so for smaller rooms.

 

[Alec]

I'd like an active (in the correct, and incorrect sense - crossover and amp), DAC included set of these please, PMC. For under 2K. You know it makes sense.

EDIT - as far under 2k as you like, though. Dont feel you have to max out the budget.

 

[Anonymous]

I will be looking at active speakers to connect to spotify .... dont't mind AVI or any other, however, based on what I have read, will have to get a sub if i choose AVI as I really enjoy bass ... I will obviously audition before buying

my only problem at this stage, is my internet provider ... am on BT and there are a lot of times (daily) where I loose signal ... that really p&&sses me off big time

 

[Anonymous]

Thaiman:Veri:
Cheapest are the ADAM audio active pencil's at 4,800 pounds.

They look interesting, I wonder if they are within budget?

I thought the studio range active start from just under £2K, the price might gone up due to Euro but more than double???.

I was looking at active floorstanders destined for home hi fi application.

ADAM Audio (and many others) do have cheaper active studio monitors but that may not suit what the OP is looking for.

 

[AlmaataKZ]

Thanks! I did not realise Adam floorstanders are/can be active... These are definately the type of thing (domestic active floorstanders) I am trying to find some representatives for.

in this case "sensible money" is anything cheaper that the ATC range i.e. cheaper than 5-10 grand.

So, the list is now 2 speakers long (that is before venturing into ATCs):

- Adam pencil ----------- edit - 4800gbp

- Adam Column ------------ edit - 6800gbp, ouch!

Now if only I can find a demo in (edit: or anywhere near!) London. in comparison wiht ATC please...

that would be an interesting find.

Incidentally, how do you connect a sub when actives are used? they tend to have balanced inputs. assuming sub has balanced input as well, is it just a matter of a splitter? or is it more complex? and if sub does not have balanced input (only hi level speakon and low level RCA), any options then?

As for B&O, I have never been a fan. No reason, just never got interested in those glossy stuff. Are they as serious in sound department as on style?

Meridians - will look into those but probably too rare to get a solid candidate, listen, try...

al7478 - sorry, do not get your post. do you mean gb1i are active and under 2 grand?

indded, there are many (pro)monitors and bookshelves, but very limited (?) offer on domestic(ated) floorstanders.

Anybody knows of any more?

In general, I get a feeling that this comp-dac-active thing is on the rise. What does WHF team thinks? Would we see more makes and more tests n this area?

I am likely to build a system like this this year. Can I be your "reader rescue"?

 

[Alec]

AlmaataKZ No, sorry, I just wish they were. I was just trying to drop PMC a non too subtle hint.

Sorry.

 

[AlmaataKZ]

Well, al7478, in this case I am with you!

 

[shooter]

Do they have to be new?

 

[AlmaataKZ]

Thaiman, where did you manage to hear the Adams?

 

[AlmaataKZ]

shooter69:Do they have to be new?

No. Actually would prefer to save some money by getting second hand. They would have to be mint and trialled though.

 

[shooter]

How about Meridian DSP5000 in cherry with 12 month warranty. £1700 old shape not new.

 

[Andrew Everard]

AlmaataKZ:As for B&O, I have never been a fan. No reason, just never got interested in those glossy stuff. Are they as serious in sound department as on style?

You've been missing out. Not glossy style, but solid anodised aluminium enclosures, and yes, every bit as serious, with development facilities most speaker companies would kill for.

 

[the record spot]

Should mention the Acoustic Energy AE22 Active, were £850 about a year back, so expect that to be nearer £900 or so if they're still in production.