The active speakers club

[altruistic.lemon]

Then it lacks RCA inputs and volume control, so it isn't suitable for HiFi unless you buy a preamp. Unless the inputs and volume controls are hiding somewhere? AV, yes, but they look a bit small.

 

[daveh75]

Then it lacks RCA inputs and volume control, so it isn't suitable for HiFi unless you buy a preamp.

Given that actives aimed for home use, manufacturers often make the assumption that they're either gonna be hooked to a PC, or a couple of sources at best.

Its the right way to do it as far as i'm concerned. Its saves on the cost of the speakers, and makes them more flexible (you buy the pre that has the connections you need)

 

[altruistic.lemon]

Maybe, but the time you add in the cost of the pre, you've often doubled the price. Surely the Nubert/Quad approach of having a stack of inputs including USB, remote volume and, in the case of Nubert, DSP is a better approach.

 

[daveh75]

No.

I don't consider an box of electronics strapped to the bottom of the speaker, or display and control buttons cluttering up the front (both with limited connectivity) a better approach.

A pre can be hidden away with the sources, if necessary. The Quads, and Nuberts will always be fugly.

 

[daveh75]

250gbp each which keeps it is the sane territory

agree re dsp vs lack of digital inputs. A straight simple monitor in domestically acceptable finish.

Where did you find the price, incidentally?

Nowhere seems to be stocking them yet.

 

[byakuya83]

Quads look fine and the simplicity is more geared toward home users. I always thought the main advantage with actives was to cut down on number of boxes and take away the need to system match. So having a variety of inputs and a volume control seems preferable.

 

[AlmaataKZ]

250gbp each which keeps it is the sane territory

agree re dsp vs lack of digital inputs. A straight simple monitor in domestically acceptable finish.

Where did you find the price, incidentally? Nowhere seems to be stocking them yet.

I spoke with the dealer at the show. They are not shipping yet and listening was not allowed.

 

[AlmaataKZ]

Maybe, but the time you add in the cost of the pre, you've often doubled the price. Surely the Nubert/Quad approach of having a stack of inputs including USB, remote volume and, in the case of Nubert, DSP is a better approach.

two different but perfectly valid approaches.

 

[John Duncan]

I think the Cantons look pretty and useful - would work well with the Stream Magic as a preamp via XLR if digital inputs were all you needed. More attractive than the Quads anyway...

 

[daveh75]

250gbp each which keeps it is the sane territory

agree re dsp vs lack of digital inputs. A straight simple monitor in domestically acceptable finish.

Where did you find the price, incidentally? Nowhere seems to be stocking them yet.

I spoke with the dealer at the show. They are not shipping yet and listening was not allowed.

OK, ta.

Just noticed Computers Unlimited are the distributors for Canton, so maybe Clare has info on when they're shipping etc

 

[Clare Newsome]

No news yet: we didn't expect Canton to bring them - if we had we would have demoed them!

We are bringing the show pair back from Bristol: am keen to have a play

i'll report back on any firm UK plans....

 

[steve_1979]

http://www.whathifi.com/news/bristol-show-elac-unveils-air-x-active-wireless-speakers

I like the look of those Elac bass drivers. 8) I wonder what advantages/disadvantages that shape has?

 

[steve_1979]

Then it lacks RCA inputs and volume control, so it isn't suitable for HiFi unless you buy a preamp. Unless the inputs and volume controls are hiding somewhere? AV, yes, but they look a bit small.

Like with most active speakers you just use cables with the correct connectors and plug them into any of the thousands of hifi products which have a pre-amp built in. It's not complicated.

 

[Clare Newsome]

I think the Cantons look pretty and useful - would work well with the Stream Magic as a preamp via XLR if digital inputs were all you needed. More attractive than the Quads anyway...

we're looking forward to seeing how the Cantons work as possible desktop companions to our A&K players (new AK240 has balanced output...)

 

[Balderdash]

Anybody know about these?

Regards.

Product Code: 249210
Studiospare SN10A Active Monitors
An active version of our highly popular SN10 monitors, inspired by the legendary Yamaha NS-10's...

£182.50 + VAT

(Euro-€226.30)

 

[AlmaataKZ]

Anybody know about these?

Regards.

Product Code: 249210
Studiospare SN10A Active Monitors
An active version of our highly popular SN10 monitors, inspired by the legendary Yamaha NS-10's...

£182.50 + VAT

(Euro-€226.30)

from the description in the link they are powered passives.

 

[AlmaataKZ]

http://www.whathifi.com/news/jbl-introduces-new-authentics-series-of-wireless-speakers

JBL's new bars are active

 

[matt49]

I like the look of those Elac bass drivers. 8) I wonder what advantages/disadvantages that shape has?

I've heard the passive (dread word!) version of these speakers, and they're pretty awesome.

Matt

 

[chebby]

Simple Audio Listen ...

http://andreweverard.com/2014/03/10/review-simple-audio-listen-bluetooth-speakers/

http://www.simpleaudio.com/all-products/bluetooth-speakers/simple-audio-listen

 

[AlmaataKZ]

ATC is about to release the new version of 20ASL Pro (small active).

https://www.facebook.com/205039919540608/photos/a.266509536726979.70610.205039919540608/728074283903833/?type=1&theater

Mind, in ATC terms, "about to release" can mean a year. Or two.

 

[AlmaataKZ]

The little Canton is now on the web-site:

http://www.canton.de/en/prohouse/serie/am5.htm

 

[iancass]

Interesting thread! Is there a go to pair of Actives for home use for less than a 1000gbp which has built in Dac? I have dabbled in this before and spoke to manufacturer who sells online but would like to listen to some products before hand but don't of many outlets in the north west that I know of.

 

[davedotco]

Anybody know about these?

Regards.

Product Code: 249210
Studiospare SN10A Active Monitors
An active version of our highly popular SN10 monitors, inspired by the legendary Yamaha NS-10's...

£182.50 + VAT

(Euro-€226.30)

If these speakers are really based on the NS10, then avoid. They were one of the original studio 'grotboxes' and are truly awful in all respects.

Far better proper active options available, Studiospares have a fair few.

 

[richardw42]

Interesting thread! Is there a go to pair of Actives for home use for less than a 1000gbp which has built in Dac? I have dabbled in this before and spoke to manufacturer who sells online but would like to listen to some products before hand but don't of many outlets in the north west that I know of.

Quad 9AS

Out soon ?

 

[davedotco]

Interesting thread! Is there a go to pair of Actives for home use for less than a 1000gbp which has built in Dac? I have dabbled in this before and spoke to manufacturer who sells online but would like to listen to some products before hand but don't of many outlets in the north west that I know of.

For practical reasons, very few studio active monitors at this level include a dac, it's not the price particularly, just the way they are used.

One of the best I have tried is the Adam Artist5, though it is not cheap when compared to the A7x which are only a little more expensive. If you can bear to use an external dac the choice of monitor at this price is extremely wide.

Similarly there are few hi-fi companies that offer a serious speaker in this price range, the new Quad is still not available and many of the other manufactures products have a distinctly 'lifestyle' feel about them.

Of course you could pay a little more (£1250) and get a pair of ADMs, but I should not be telling you this.