2. speakers
  3. 1187707781

Why are hi-end active monitors not more popular?

I was just curious why more home systems don't utilize active monitors from hi-end manufacturers. Dynaudio, Focal, PMC and Genelec to name a few seem to have very high value offerings that, on the surface, appear taylor made for a simple system. Just add a cd player with volume and balanced outs or a hi-end dac connected to a music server. Pros and cons are appreciated. A home consumer version seems to have already made it to market in the NHT XDs system. I haven't heard the NHT system and would appreciate your comments.
ghasley
ghasley OP
2,544 posts
 
Squeegybug, I have been doing a bit of research and demoing. Just to clarify a point regarding PMC speakers, the "activated" versions to which you refer above are likely the DB1S-a and the TB2S-a which are activated in the manner you describe. The best I can tell, these are entry level portables rather than the type of speaker I described in my original post.

The PMC AML1 is, in fact, an active, with an active digital crossover and each speaker is bi-amplified with Bryston designed amplification. I guess it is their cost no object approach to actives.

I have narrowed it down to the Genelec 8050A and the PMC AML1 and will have both in my home soon to test and play over an extended time. This was just a clarification of your earlier post and not meant to flame as you obviously know alot more about the studio than I ever will. Peace.
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,491 posts
 
Genelec 8050A and the PMC AML1

Excellent choices to audition, IMHO.

Incidently, I believe George Massenburg chose the Genelec 8050A for near field monitoring in perhaps one of the most amazing and "on the bleeding edge" studio projects I have ever come across. (I think I have some photos somewhere - it all looks rather impractical, impossible to clean but an amazing unique project nonetheless)
squeegybug
32 posts
 
Hey no problem Ghasley. Yes, you are correct, I was referring to the smaller PMC models. From what I know of the AML1, it is a much more refined system (and *much* more $), so if that is your budget then certainly go with those.

Another potential candidate in that price range could be the new Barefoot monitors. I have not personally used those but have noted several respected recording engineers switching to them, with rave reviews. Might be harder to source for a demo though, and I'm sure you are still in the right ballpark with the two you mentioned.

Hope it works out for you.

Steve
cdc
1,929 posts
 
Ghastley, what are you using for a preamp?
cdc
1,929 posts
 
Ghastley, if you're going to spend $8,000 you should also consider these:
http://mixguides.com/studiomonitors/newproducts/klein-hummel-audio-monitors/

and these;
Klein + Hummel O500C digital active studio monitors
More to discover