Active Speakers
Want a novel
idea? Why not match the amplifier to the speakers at the
distribution end rather than the source end? We do, and call them Active
Speakers.
Here's what they look like:
The analog input is coming from your pre-amplifier (tube?), iPod, computer, digital music server or network music device (Transporter, Squeezebox, etc.) The active crossover does a better job of sorting the frequencies low, middle, high andd assigning them to the output amplifier, which is mated in terms of power to your speaker.
Active speakers work with today's most popular method of music distribution - the personal audio player like the iPod, Zune, iPhone and others. Plug them in (and we provide you with the necessary cables) and you are on your way to a quality sound. You don't need to lug around a heavy receiver and amplifier. Plug your laptop, iPod, or cell phone in, and you are ready to go. Listen and really hear iTunes, Rhapsody, or Pandora. You can run a complete surround sound system off your DVD or PVR without the bulk and weight of a separate amp.
Active speakers work with:
Sound Quality
Powered speakers (or active speakers) are speakers that have built-in amplifiers. They can be connected directly to a mixing console or sound source, without the need for an amplifier.
Powered speakers avoid the necessity of speaker to amplifier matching and power limiting is built in. You can't turn the volume up loud enough to break them- they shut down before that point! Another advantage of powered speakers is reduction in slew rate, the slewing of audio signals dependent on the length of speaker cable (negligible in powered speakers) and the impedance of the driver. Powered speakers, to some extent ease the set-up of a system.
The powered crossover in active speakers is active rather than passive and bass, midrange, and tweeter can each have their own amplifier married to the capacity and needs of that speaker. Rather than the crossover electronics drawing power from the speaker line- it takes it's power from the house power grid, thus everything that comes down the speaker input, drives the speaker, alone, rather than the crossover electronics and the speaker. See TNT Audio Active Speakers for more info.
Less line noise and a cleaner, more compact sound package are attractive for those with tight space requirements. In older homes, apartments, condos, home offices, they offer space saving ways to have quality audio. Road Warriors, who appreciate good sound, have to demonstrate products with sound tracks, play PowerPoint, training DVD's or address a class with a microphone, use them.
It's also the way a rock band, church choir, or band can hear themselves play. Look down front at your next concert, chances are- you'll see a speaker aimed back at each band member. Each is an active speaker, with a separate volume control for that band member.
How Loud can They go?
The least powerful speaker we carry, has 30 watts per channel, or enough power to fill the average classroom or office with music. Some of our active speakers have up to 500 watts per channel. Some home active speakers go as high as 2500 watts of power.
How soft can they play?
Because active speakers marry the amp to the speaker- they have full accurate reproduction of sound from the softest to the loudest playback. Because the amp is on the speaker side of the crossover- the crossover has already determined what is going to give accurate sound reproduction, and the appropriate volume. When the kids are finally asleep, you can play your iPod without disturbing them, and get the full upper, mid and bass ranges while you do the dishes, or settle in for the night.
Recommendations?
For home or office? Audioengine or Tannoy
For kitchen, workshop, guest room? Audioengine, Tannoy, Genlec in-wall
Home studio or office? Tannoy or Genlec
Road Warrior? Genlec
Small home theater, TV room, gaming room? Tannoy or Genlec
For the HIGH Concept Studio, office or premium home listening room or home theater ?
Tannoy, TPS-Tube, Genlec, Genlec in-wall
Here's what they look like:
The analog input is coming from your pre-amplifier (tube?), iPod, computer, digital music server or network music device (Transporter, Squeezebox, etc.) The active crossover does a better job of sorting the frequencies low, middle, high andd assigning them to the output amplifier, which is mated in terms of power to your speaker.
Active speakers work with today's most popular method of music distribution - the personal audio player like the iPod, Zune, iPhone and others. Plug them in (and we provide you with the necessary cables) and you are on your way to a quality sound. You don't need to lug around a heavy receiver and amplifier. Plug your laptop, iPod, or cell phone in, and you are ready to go. Listen and really hear iTunes, Rhapsody, or Pandora. You can run a complete surround sound system off your DVD or PVR without the bulk and weight of a separate amp.
Active speakers work with:
- · AirPort Express (WiFi-Fi ready!)
- · iPod, Zune, other digital music players
- · Internet radio (Rhapsody, Pandora, iTunes, Podcasts)
- · Network music players (Squeezebox, Transporter, Linksys, Sonos, etc.)
- · Apple Universal Dock and all other docks + remotes
- · Laptops, portables, and notebook computers
- · Flat panel TVs
- · Mobile phones and PDAs
- · CD and DVD players
- · Videogame players
- · Digital radio and satellite receivers
- · All other products with 1/8" mini-jack or RCA outputs!
Sound Quality
Powered speakers (or active speakers) are speakers that have built-in amplifiers. They can be connected directly to a mixing console or sound source, without the need for an amplifier.
Powered speakers avoid the necessity of speaker to amplifier matching and power limiting is built in. You can't turn the volume up loud enough to break them- they shut down before that point! Another advantage of powered speakers is reduction in slew rate, the slewing of audio signals dependent on the length of speaker cable (negligible in powered speakers) and the impedance of the driver. Powered speakers, to some extent ease the set-up of a system.
The powered crossover in active speakers is active rather than passive and bass, midrange, and tweeter can each have their own amplifier married to the capacity and needs of that speaker. Rather than the crossover electronics drawing power from the speaker line- it takes it's power from the house power grid, thus everything that comes down the speaker input, drives the speaker, alone, rather than the crossover electronics and the speaker. See TNT Audio Active Speakers for more info.
Less line noise and a cleaner, more compact sound package are attractive for those with tight space requirements. In older homes, apartments, condos, home offices, they offer space saving ways to have quality audio. Road Warriors, who appreciate good sound, have to demonstrate products with sound tracks, play PowerPoint, training DVD's or address a class with a microphone, use them.
It's also the way a rock band, church choir, or band can hear themselves play. Look down front at your next concert, chances are- you'll see a speaker aimed back at each band member. Each is an active speaker, with a separate volume control for that band member.
How Loud can They go?
The least powerful speaker we carry, has 30 watts per channel, or enough power to fill the average classroom or office with music. Some of our active speakers have up to 500 watts per channel. Some home active speakers go as high as 2500 watts of power.
How soft can they play?
Because active speakers marry the amp to the speaker- they have full accurate reproduction of sound from the softest to the loudest playback. Because the amp is on the speaker side of the crossover- the crossover has already determined what is going to give accurate sound reproduction, and the appropriate volume. When the kids are finally asleep, you can play your iPod without disturbing them, and get the full upper, mid and bass ranges while you do the dishes, or settle in for the night.
Recommendations?
For home or office? Audioengine or Tannoy
For kitchen, workshop, guest room? Audioengine, Tannoy, Genlec in-wall
Home studio or office? Tannoy or Genlec
Road Warrior? Genlec
Small home theater, TV room, gaming room? Tannoy or Genlec
For the HIGH Concept Studio, office or premium home listening room or home theater ?
Tannoy, TPS-Tube, Genlec, Genlec in-wall
