Interesting Review on the Future of Speakers - Darko on the Kef LS60 Wireless

This was also true of my brief stint with active speakers including the KEF LS50w and ATCSCM 20 & 40’s. As well as a few others that have passed through.

I did not know that you had ATC SCM 20 & 40 ASLTs pass through.

I was somewhat excited to have a chance to hear the internally amped ATC SCM 40's (or 50's) at Axpona one year and it was a total letdown.

I remember asking the guy running the Demo if he was sure that the DSP on/off function was not reversed as I much preferred the non-corrected version.
 
I did not know that you had ATC SCM 20 & 40 ASLTs pass through.

I was somewhat excited to have a chance to hear the internally amped ATC SCM 40's (or 50's) at Axpona one year and it was a total letdown.

I remember asking the guy running the Demo if he was sure that the DSP on/off function was not reversed as I much preferred the non-corrected version.
They were no better in home conditions then what you describe. And this from an avid ATC fan. It got no mention as it was seriously underwhelming to me. A dud for me in my home and neither pair were worth the time and effort.

Now a pair of actives with DSP that I have heard demonstrated and would love to try are the Dutch and Dutch 8c.
 
Dunno, but would take a look. For small makers like me, having the input selector/DSP/DACs/amps on one board makes the most sense.

Just me, experiencing an amp with sonics discernably superior to NCore would come as a surprise, although the Hypex guys say they're working on it. At some point, an order of magnitude improvement on the bench won't deliver an improvement in perception. I suspect that we're pretty much there.

The industry is finally at the point where the whole Next Gen idea has gained enough traction, with modestly priced systems, to warrant investment in more upscale platforms. But amp performance won't be the issue of contention; modules like NCore have pretty much put that to bed. Sonics at the processors and DAC have room to go. And transducers, of course.

FWIW - these guys have been all-in on flexible power four channel amps, some with onboard processors, for quite a while. They're one of the solid contenders on the pro side, where the technologies that we're working with originated. They make the serious stuff used in sports arenas and large venue concerts where a large number of reliable, high performance amp/speaker systems need to be deployed and coordinated.

 
They were no better in home conditions then what you describe. And this from an avid ATC fan. It got no mention as it was seriously underwhelming to me. A dud for me in my home and neither pair were worth the time and effort.

Now a pair of actives with DSP that I have heard demonstrated and would love to try are the Dutch and Dutch 8c.
I just bought a pair of the Dutch 8C and they are all that they are cracked up to be! Clear, dynamic, amazing amounts of bass down into the 20’s, warm, not sterile in the least. Highly recommended.
 
I just bought a pair of the Dutch 8C and they are all that they are cracked up to be! Clear, dynamic, amazing amounts of bass down into the 20’s, warm, not sterile in the least. Highly recommended.
I am glad you are digging them. I enjoyed every minute of my demoing them as well. They are a remarkable active speaker.
 
Thanks. What sold me is the Roon ready aspect, which obviates the need to have ANY other components. No DAC, streamer or any other component is required.
 
Regarding the hobbyist who likes to tinker and change things, I think the the DIY path with a miniDSP 2x4 HD/Flex would be a great way to go. You can make your own 2-way speakers, choose your own power amps, and play with active crossovers. It has a buttload features including the option of adding a Dirac Live license. It's something I'm considering doing once I am retired and have more time to play.

View attachment 48373
I’m curious if you’ve made any progress with an active system. I’m retired and have been looking at doing this just to experiment and hear what a simple yet easy active setup might sound like. I should add that while I’m interested I’m motivated towards improving sound quality affordably. Any suggestions or links would be greatly appreciated
Best
 
I’m curious if you’ve made any progress with an active system. I’m retired and have been looking at doing this just to experiment and hear what a simple yet easy active setup might sound like. I should add that while I’m interested I’m motivated towards improving sound quality affordably. Any suggestions or links would be greatly appreciated
Best
Alas, I’ve got a few years until retirement so this is a future goal. Much of what I’ve learned is from following the Meadowlark forum and Mr. McGinty’s doings. Then I go to the miniDSP website and read their application notes. https://www.minidsp.com/
 
Near retirement. Got tired of lugging around 110 pound amps so went active!
The thing is for those that may be worried about everything in one box, the miniDSP is just a preamp with all the DSP and Dirac Live goodies (which include firmware updates). You can choose or make your own speakers (does anybody offer crossover-less finished speakers?) and choose or make your own amplifiers. Makes for any easy upgrade path.
 
Back
Top