Powered speakers show audiophiles are confused


17 of 23 speakers in my studio and home theater systems are internally powered. My studio system is all Genelec and sounds very accurate. I know the best new concert and studio speakers are internally powered there are great technical reasons to design a speaker and an amp synergistically, this concept is much more important to sound quality than the vibration systems we often buy. How can an audiophile justify a vibration system of any sort with this in mind.

128x128donavabdear

@thespeakerdude Great info on the P20s really appreciate it. Also the JL Audio 113 speaker buzz happens with no audio inputs at all. Thanks

@donavabdear ,

 

@thespeakerdude Great info on the P20s really appreciate it. Also the JL Audio 113 speaker buzz happens with no audio inputs at all. Thanks

 

Well that narrows it down really quick. Sounds like the subs are faulty. Found a few people complaining about buzzing JL subs (with no input) and the only solution was replacement. I think I mentioned that here or in a PM. Long extension cord is more resistance and inductance. Net effect would be similar to using the AC filters you did to eliminate the buzz. That is probably why both methods worked.

@donavabdear

What started out as a thread about resolving confusion is becoming confusing as it is drifting off topic. Mixing positions? Subwoofer hum? Tube problems? Amps that sound like tubes but are not tubes? How to invest $200K? Problems with products that are not speakers?

Do you see why this is confusing in a thread on powered speakers?

These types of issues can be quickly resolved working with a local dealer/installer. You likely have someone local who carries both Lyngdorf and Paradigm, maybe even Meridien. With your budget that is probably the least risky, most productive way to go.

A question I have in that regard on my professional system is my mixing position, I do sit much closer to the front left, center, and right speakers as does most every mixer I've ever seen. So my question is the disconnect between the mixing position doing the original object based mix and the Dolby listening chart you have posted that shows an end listener sitting in the middle of the room? Thanks

 

No, DOLBY is well aware that a forward mix position would be more common in a mixing arrangement (especially multi-use), resulting in a more orthogonal layout than an equidistant layout. You still need to hit 85db + 20db headroom (minimum) at the listening position from all speakers, so if you have some distance to your rears, they better be capable of sufficient volume. Your processor will ensure equal arrival time. From experience, watch the side reflections from the rears if a lot farther away. It will affect tonal balance and the processor can only do so much.

 

@thespeakerdude I realize this but does it make sense to mix at one position and listen at another? Just thought that was an interesting thought, makes me think that so many things we do in sound has a coating of silly mythology in it.