Would WHF consider testing more active speakers with built-in DAC

[admin_exported]

Hi

A question for WHF. I saw a post which stated that speakers like AVI ADM9.1 (dac+amp+speaker) are avaible in their professional range from many major hi-fi speaker manufaturers for a long time. Apparently more and more people turn to hardisk and iPod as sound source and want real hi-fi speakers with dac, but not lower-end computer speakers. Is it possible for WHF to give us more info on such speakers and to test more models in the next few months? Would you also consider putting test results under both 'iPod dock systems' and 'Hi-fi speakers' for easy access?

Thanks!

 

[PJPro]

I think there was a plan at one time to do a review of the ADM9.1s. I seem to remember Clare saying she would visit the manufacturers offices to pick up the speakers herself.

Or am I just dreaming all of that?

 

[chebby]

PJPro:I think there was a plan at one time to do a review of the ADM9.1s. I seem to remember Clare saying she would visit the manufacturers offices to pick up the speakers herself.

Or am I just dreaming all of that?

I recall that as well. I also recall the manufacturer laid down certain 'conditions' like the choice of computer brand it should be used with etc.

Thread you want is here (I think).....

http://whathifi.com/forums/t/105130.aspx

Yes here is the relevant part where the manufacturer stipulated exactly which computer system should be used for reviewing....

"I have to admit we are very wary indeed of giving ADM9.1s to What Hi Fi for review yet. They did review the ADM9s and gave them five stars, but missed the point completely by not using them with an Apple Computer as we'd suggested and Simon appeared to agree to. You don't need a hi fi system at all and a CD player simply doesn't have the functionality of Apple's superior interface not to mention all the other benefits; Internet radio stations, downloadable TV programs, Movies, your photos, 24 bit reference recordings, the list is almost endless and increases daily!

This is a product of the future and its benefits need to be completely understood and explained so people understand and for a review to be useful."

 

[PJPro]

So, I'm not going mad then. Thanks chebby!

 

[Alec]

Meh. Certain conditions indeed. I notice none of the benefits of apple stuff he mentions has anything to do with sound. Does running them with a system with interney access make them sound better?

 

[Anonymous]

Agree the Apple stuff doesn't make speakers sound better or worse. There are far more poeple who use PC so I suppose the Apple interface is not as user-friendly or intuitive for many as PC. It might just be WHF's refusal to present the speakers as revolutionary and future oriented that upset AVI. But it's good to see Dynaudio MC-15 was reviewed here and got a five star.

The Focal-JMlab's SM8's from their "professional digital monitoring system" range seem interesting. They have 24 Bits 96kHz converters as well. They are studio monitors but can they be used as loudspeakers for home?

Thanks.

 

[PJPro]

I think there may be a difference. The audio software architecture on Windows "out of the box" is compromised. You have to tweak it to maximise Windows as an audio source. I did piece relating to this within this forum.

I do not have any personal experience with Apple computers but it would appear the OS audio software architecture is different and, many say, better....hence my request to WHFSV to do a comparitive test.

Clearly, the manufacturer believes that their product is shown at its best using Apple computers/OS. Having said that, I assume that their target audience is not limited to Apple users....so a test using a PC is valid. But again, the configuration of the PC would need to be stated.

 

[Anonymous]

mendes:
There are far more poeple who use PC so I suppose the Apple interface is not as user-friendly or intuitive for many as PC.

I wouldn't know where to start.ÿ