Powered speakers show audiophiles are confused

I have never used an Apple product so can’t comment on the SQ. I have a thread here on Atmos music and posted a video where Steve Wilson states that when Apple began offering spatial audio the demand for mixes in Atmos went through the roof overnight. My system is setup for Atmos as well as 2 CH, 5.1, 7.1, Auro 3d, etc. Atmos doesn’t compete with two channel, its a companion, not a divorce. Where some music fans lose it is they think it is an either or proposition, either 2 ch or atmos. Atmos is backward compatible, you can listen to an atmos mix on headphones, 2 CH, 5.1, or 9.2.7, or whatever. I think that innovation moves the industry forward and like it or not, Atmos music is innovation. So for this reason I give Apple Music props. We have already moved from lossy to lossless (except spotify users) and some streaming services are doing "hirez". When you talk about hirez Tomlinson Holman (THX)made an interesting observation. He said:

"Any audio engineer confronted with the question, “what do you want to do with a higher bitrate?”; will always ask for more frequency range and more dynamic range because they don’t know what to do with more channels. "It’s a new paradigm." "Just to go to 192 KHz sampling rate to satisfy passing bats instead of human beings is pretty crazy, but adding channels is of very great value."

I still use the codec he developed at USC with Audyssey-DSX where the focus is wide channels, then height, and finally rear channels. When atmos came along with object based audio it kind of left the channel based approach behind. Well any way I give Apple props for championing spatial audio.

steakster

Ok I did overreact I shouldn't have taken your note so personal.

I apologize for my reaction.

@donavabdear , I think this thread is spot on, you asked an obvious question and I don't know there is an obvious answer. As an active speaker user myself I agree with all the benefits. 

Can’t win this religious battle on rationality alone. "Powered speakers will fail and then what will I do" is the most idiotic refrain I’ve ever heard.

My Dynaudio Focus 20XD are still perfectly fine with daily use for both music and TV after nearly 8 years. Simple setup, and incredible sound -- something unbeaten by Hegel 190 + LS 50 + Paradigm subwoofer when I had that itch.. many cables later, the Focus 20 remain while the other paraphernalia has gone.

People who want separates should get them, knock yourself out, but stop with the argument of "if my powered speaker breaks"..

@mglik

"Surprised no mention of ATC.

Some of the best sound I have ever had was with ATC Anniversary 50s...."

Absolutely! Perhaps the best sound is provided by ATC speakers - which is why so many studio engineers use them.

And... of course... Legacy Audio speakers are among the very best available!

You can’t discount the "synergy" provided by the engineer’s work to match the electronics to the drivers and enclosure - it makes a for superb sounding systems.

Though - I would agree with the concern that if you have an issue with the internal electronics (the amps)... it’s going to be a real "pain in the arse" to get them repaired. I recently canceled my order for Legacy Audio Aeris (one of the best sounding speakers available)... because... they weigh so much and are very difficult to move... and... I didn’t want to risk having to service the internal amp(s). On the other hand... if... you’re young and can "bench 300+ lbs" you may be delighted with the Aeris - I would have been!

Of course... if you listen to the electronics recommendations of the designer of the speakers... the results can be about as good... as if the designer also designs the electronics. Harbeth’s sound amazing with the amps suggested by the designer (e.g. Hegel, etc.) ... but... they can also sound amazing with selected other amps (e.g. such as the HL5’s with the Finalle Sesto Elemento tube amp - see You Tube video). If you’re up for the search for the right "synergy," then go for it!