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Passive vs Active...Again!

My wife and I have made the rounds and have listened to numerous speakers now, not as many as we'd like, but as many as we could within a 3-hour drive. We liked some both active and passive, but it seems most of the active speakers we saw are not that pleasing to the eye (eg: Genelecs).

Not having a dedicated listening room, our room itself is a big problem. We have lots of hard surfaces to deal with.

If we go with passive speakers and the associated gear to go with it, we will need to spend a whole bunch of money on acoustic treatments.

We have a ton of artwork as well and with already limited wall space, we would rather look at the art than a bunch of sound-absorbing panels.

So here's my question: Will active speakers, that may come in cheaper, with room correction software (DSP) be able to tame the sound to a pleasing level in my lively room, or do I go with passives and break out the Rockwool!

Just a side note, I had some Martin Logan Spires in a very similar style room, that was much larger with little acoustic treatments and they sounded pretty good. But in this house I don't have the room to pull the speakers 3 feet of the back wall.

I know there is no perfect answer here, but appreciate any feedback, thanks.

 

high-amp
high-amp OP
508 posts
 

rego - So I just watched this and said, that’s it, I’m going with Kii 3s!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_f5H7S2ZJo

Then I watched this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrp5SXNwHp8 and Darko like the passive option better.

I was considering the Hegel H390 with a pair of KEF R11’s (or if I could squeeze it a set of the KEF Ref 1’s as per Darko’s shoot-out).

My problem is the room which it seems the Kii 3s will do the best in, but I also love that "Laid Back" sound of the KEF (which I have heard, haven’t heard the Kii’s). But then I’m back to the room problem if I go passive. Now, I’m really confused

Did someone say UGH!

 

djones51
4,947 posts
 

Eric's audio corner also reviewed the Dutch and Dutch 8c.

Dutch and Dutch 8c

rego
378 posts
 

" Ugh " ... don’t despair ... the two descriptions / perceptions are very different offerings within the respective two presentations.

The being is that impressions can be transitional and straight up change!

My tendency is to relate more to the evaluation at erinsaudiocorner because it lays out some of the variables very well.

Darko’s comparison is quite good but it does reflect darko’s preference of presentation and that may change ... and consider that Kii 3 does allow for some tonal shaping ( my understanding ).

Darkoaudio posted two YTvideos featuring an Acoustic Treatment System recently and I am interested in the impression darko may relate about the ‘ differences ‘ before and after.

BTW is the ceiling - (in your room ) a dropped ceiling?

 

The upper right corner ...

And keep in mind that if the choice tips in favor of Hegel ( for example ) then how will you make a decision about a Loudspeaker?

I think that the Kiis are somewhat unique though and you may want look in different direction.

Which is why it is good to weigh some options.

Timing was important for me in how my System developed.

 

 

 

high-amp OP
508 posts
 
rego - Thanks, wise words! No, the ceiling is vaulted. 8' at the walls and around 12' or so, in the middle. With a beam down the center.
 
djones51 - thanks, I will check out the D&D's

 

 

 

rego
378 posts
 

Kii 3 note: The Kiis can also use component input if one so chooses as well as fully self - contained operation.

Darko's Review: Removing the room with the Kii Audio Three loudspeaker system - YouTube

@djones51, the two reviews @erinsaudiocorner suggest the two models - Kii 3 / D&D 8c are neck n neck in terms of presentation as the notes state.

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