Active Desktop speakers pick

[DuckToller]

You may want to look at these from the AE1 designer Phil Jones;
The new Airpulse A300 pro, dual active speaker, either driven wireless or hardwired with balanced input from your RME into each speaker. Although they aren't quite desktop ... ymmv
They are 1$ short of 2k. I have some doubts they are twice as good as the AE1s ..., ;-) .. however .. diminishing returns.
Well ... and then there are Genelecs ....

Cheers, Tom

 

[DuckToller]

It is not directly obvious, but most important advantages of the beautiful Buchard A500 are in connection with the Buchard Audio Hub, which includes a 24/96 DAC and digital Room correction. Your RME would be happily enjoy holidays ...

[DuckToller]

1 hour ago, Joerg D said:

Hello,

My recommendation for active loudspeakers is Abacus from Germany. The loudspeakers are also produced there. The service and the price is very good. I have owned the Abacus 5 X for 3 years.
 

https://www.abacus-electronics.de

 

Joerg

[DuckToller]

 

2 hours ago, Joerg D said:

Hallo Duck

 

The C Box 3 was my first abacus. In Ferrari red on my desk. Then came the 5 X. The best belongs earlier. Since the Gauder Vescova had to be influenced.

 

Joerg

 

Jörg,
thanks for the picture. Tthe b&w ensemble looks simply splendid! ;-)

In Ferrari red it might have been tempting for a moment, although too much on the long run, imho.
The GAUDER may have a tid bit more WAF ...
Best, Tom
 

[DuckToller]

18 minutes ago, nocrapman said:

Thanks for so many new suggestions guys!

It has been a pleasant surprise that my options are not limited.

1. AE-1 - well received and good size and price (1K). 

2. Dynaudio active bookshelves. However they seem to focus on wireless/BT/streaming none of which I need. I have a nice RME dac on the desktop feeding them. 

3. ATC SCM20 ASL Pro Mk2 - good stuff but hard to find and studio grade finish. Also dont go very low(5K).

4. Custom made by someone like Rick Craig of Selah audio or like. 

5. Airpulse series - good look, not sure about amp setup/design. Sub out is a huge plus.

6. Focal shape shape 65 vs shape 50 - good proven monitors. Can dig deep. ($1500 to 1800)

7. Focal Solo 6be - good reviews, well received Be tweeter. (2700)

8. KEF LS50 W - like the look/design and size. Dont like all tech packed in that box. Makes me wonder what part of the money actually is dedicated to the drivers and crossover. 

9. ELAC navis ARB-51: like the look, simplicity. Dont like the boxed look. 

10. Buckardt A500 - what a find: very tempted. Love the aesthetic/design/low end. Dont like price/wait or lack of track record. 

 

Currently debating between the ELAC and KEF and wondering if I should purchase both and audition them side by side and return the on I dont like? Anyone here have experience with both?

 

@nocrapman
Did you actually start the post to enhance your list or to narrow it down to a focus ??? ;-)))

Obviously if you have enough money to spend you have a lot of choices ... do you have a strategy how to find out what suits you best and do you have a time limit for the purchase ?
 

About the ELAC/KEF debate, afaik the ELAC aren't a complete solution like the KEF, which imho is quite a distinguishing factor.

As far as I am familiar with the ELAC Discovery series, I tend to advise you for checking out which non-ELAC hardware does have a good fit with the NAVIS. IIRC you have a RME DAC, which may do perfectly. Only caveat I'd see is the amplifier selection for the actives, the BASH amplififcation I have heard with the ELAC Discovery series wasn't convincing. YMMV.

Now that I have heard the A80 (which replaced the A100 on my desk) for almost two weeks, I need to admit that In haven't had a 2nd thought  to pass the A100 to my son who has fallen in love with their soft&smooth white laqceur finish (and their performance together with one of my subs when having his 17th birthday party end of August!).

While typing I am  listening to the lastest One Mic album from Carmen Gomes Inc. (it's DXD downsampled to the 96/24 of the USB entry of the Airpulse) chez Sound Liaison which is dedicated to Blues heritage and I am very pleased listening to the acoustic bass presented by that little speaker.  These hornloaded AMT drivers are kidnapping me in the nearfield.
Last April Airpulse were stimulating sales with rebates up to 40% for the A100, if you looking for bargaining it may be worth a wait.

Is there a reason why Genelec did not find an entrance to your list ?

Have a nice weekend, Tom
 

[DuckToller]

For those who can't wait, I've noticed today there is a iLoud MTM review available chez Amir. He doesn't sound sold to the concept.

[DuckToller]

Came to understand the extra software package and the "stealth" DSP were not to his liking, too ... ymmv

[DuckToller]

Let's put it this way, for reliable reviews about speakers I prefer @mitchco's articles here as reference points. 😇