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Active Speaker Choice

Active speakers utilizing DSP seem to take the room out of the equation, so now I'm now considering going this route, at least at my present residence.

Lots of buzz arounds names like: Dutch & Dutch, ATC SMC 40A, Kii Three, Buchardt A700. 

Most are pretty big bucks, so pricewise, I would prefer to lean more towards the Bucharts' but I'm open a bit (used?)

Most are difficult to demo, so please, if you have comments or recommendation these or any other active speaker you have heard or can recommend, it would greatly be appreciated.


high-amp
djones51
4,947 posts
 
If you want small package full range you might give Devialet Phantoms a look. 
jdbsi
38 posts
 
You can take a look at Meridian DSP speakers.  If you are open to buying a set used, the floor standing DSP5000s have plenty of bass for their size.  Depending on budget, you could also look to the DSP5200s which are the newer model.
high-amp OP
508 posts
 
djones51: Thanks for the info on the A700s' . I also thought the Buchardts' may not be for me. Your confirmation of that save me a whole bunch of time and money! I will check out the Devialets'.

jdbsi: I actually saw a couple of pairs of the Meridian DSP’s for sale here on AG, thanks. I will check out them out as well. Just starting a major remodel on my house so definetly have some time to shop. 
phusis's avatar
phusis
1,188 posts
 
@high-amp --

Some interesting choices out there with active all-in-one speakers. I can certainly vouch for active ATC's - they're very good, honest sounding, no nonsense speakers. There also the intriguing Geithain RL901K that emulates a point source and packs a punch with its 16" woofer. For a separately boxed, active solution there's JBL M2 with external Crown amps and build-in, preset DSP. An even more all-out, all-in-on solution for the individual who can lay off audiophile conventions is Meyer Sound's Acheron series. Don't let their pro origins fool you. 

You can buy any speaker and make it "active" by getting a room control preamp like The DEQX, Anthem STR or Trinnov Amethyst. ...

+1 to poster mijostyn's suggestion here. Active-as-separates is what I do myself, but there's a (potentially steep) learning curve involved setting up filter values by yourself (if they aren't preset, like Sanders Sound's ESL hybrids), and so it's not plug and play. 
csmgolf
885 posts
 
http://http//www.bambergaudio.com/products/series3/3tmw.php
Another option to consider. I purchased the pair pictured on the website. Very much worthy of consideration. The Mini DSP studio adds about 1k to the price. I am still playing with target curve in Dirac and some minor PEQ adjustments. I definitely have a bit of a learning curve in respect to the possibilities that these have.
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