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Active speakers. What to choose?

Hello fellow audiogoners.
I have been given an opportunity to acquire these few active speakers at great prices. Three pairs of different speakers that only vary a couple of thousand dollars between each other.
First there's the Pass Labs Rushmore brand new in box.
Then there's the Linn Klimax 350A store demos.
And the ATC Anniversary 50s store demos.
Obviously the first two pairs of speakers listed have a distinct edge over the ATC in terms of bargain pricing. But which one should I choose? They are all so alike in terms of their product philosophy, being very dynamic, low distortion and accurate.
I am building a system from scratch so system synergy is a non issue.
Your inputs will be great appreciated!
Cheers
Alexander
wonderful_electric
kamil
39 posts
 
I saw this thread a bit late. FWIW I have owned the Rushmore's for a few years now. If I had the space, I would buy another set for surround. They are that good!

Just that the problem with active speakers is that they tend to be ultra transparent to anything up the chain so what you may be hearing are usually colorations upstream. As true full range speakers, they need to be matched properly with the room...(definitely not hotel rooms) but get them right with the best upstream components (the Pass preamps don't match it as well as the better valves) , and you will be having Ella Fitzgerald in your living room.
wonderful_electric OP
85 posts
 
Thanks Kamil for your input.
How do the Rushmores compare to other speakers? Haven't heard back from the Linn dealer in UK yet. Yeah... The latest version of the Klimaxes flown in is actually the same price as the old version with a cheaper finish.
Rushmore's are being sold at a very decent price. How big are they BTW?
They are sold as new at a great price but I worry about repairs etc as they are already phased out.
kamil
39 posts
 
Alexander, the Rushmore dimensions are probably still available at the Pass website.... but they are extra heavy as they use granite baffles! If not, please PM me and I can send you the PDF brochure and manual, or anything else you may need to know.

As for repairs, Pass have a good reputation for keeping parts for their older models but mine have been very reliable.
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