$200 powered speakers? - Page 3

Here's a wiki article describing the technical details and advantages of an active system quite clearly

http://www.duffroomcorrection.com/wiki/Active_systems

Thanks Mauricio, Joe Bloggs. I now understand the difference between active and powered monitors. 

Mauricio: I still think the studio monitors (i.e. separate power per monitor, separate inputs) don't suit OP's requirements and preferences, but then again, OP doesn't seem interested in this thread anymore...

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowei006 

i actually am. i was on a trip today. i still want to know what to get :D thanks i skimmed through all that. well half read every post :D

 

say i get something like the AV40 or rockit's or something. what wires, things would i need? do i need some behringer usb...input device thingy so i can connect XLR or TRS ..things..things??

That really depends on what the back of the monitors look like.

Take the AV40 for example:

http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/media_hqpics/av40_back.jpg

Unlike most "studio monitors", you can see the AV40 only needs you to power one unit, and connect your PC to one unit. The left is the "master" unit, and has all the power and input jacks, and the right is the "slave", which only needs to be connected to the master. You can also see the AV40 takes RCA or 2x 1/4" plugs--for a PC soundcard, you'll probably need a 3.5mm-to-RCA convertor wire. 

Something like the Rokits would be different. Here's the KRK RP5 (Generation 2):

http://www.sweetwater.com/images/closeup/xl/1600-Rokit5G2_detail2.jpg

Both units will look exactly like this from the back. As you can see, this monitor takes RCA, 1/4" and XLR. I guess you could connect using a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable again, but bear in mind that wire must run to both units of the Rokit, separately. And that you need to power both units individually. Depending on your room, this could be a pain.

Also note that, unless you have some kind of volume knob (or use one in an audio interface), the volume control for something like that Rokit is not on one unit, it's one volume knob per unit (technically gain control, which is not the same as volume). Again, this could be a hassle. 

Additionally, note that the volume/gain knobs for something like the Rokit are at the back. Can you see where the AV40's is? Not from the picture I posted, because it's at the front. Power switches for both are at the back, however.

Reaching to the back of a monitor to adjust gain/volume and flick power on/off got old very quickly for me. It may for you, too.

Like I said before, bowei006, if you're clear on what you want, and it doesn't look like you really need speakers/monitors as sturdy or as robust or as technically good as these, just get something cheaper and more convenient, e.g. 2.1 PC speakers, since you don't like the sub you have now. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowei006 

sorry . can i get back to you tmmrw :D I have an essay i need to finish but i read your last comment. 

 

i don't ned the bass i have anymore. i just want .very good audiophile quality sound. and really ill only be spending $20 extra for these speakers. i got someone to buy my logitechs for $90. they retail for $150, and sell on amazon for $125

 

but yes. ill get back to you tmmrw. and have a question. thank you for your time though

That's a confusing explanation of your budget.

What is your budget?

^ So is your $200 budget just for speakers, or is going to split between speakers and the USB device?

The "USB thing that can connect the plugs" sounds like an audio interface--you'd best find out the exact name of the stuff you're looking for, because as it stands, you look like you're in real danger of buying stuff you completely do not need.

I would just connect the two monitors using a 3.5mm to RCA cable, turn the gain on both monitors really loud, then just use the PC's software volume controls to control volume.  And leave the monitors on all the time   Wouldn't that work?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric_C 

 

That really depends on what the back of the monitors look like.

 

Take the AV40 for example:

http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/media_hqpics/av40_back.jpg

 

 

Nothing more than a passing glance at those AV40s reveals that not only are they not active, but also that they only have one power amplifier for both speaker/monitors.  Contrast that with a pair of active KRK Rockits which would have four amplifiers per speaker/monitor pair, one for each driver.  You really do get what you pay for.

How do you control volume with an active speaker?  The same way you control volume on a passive speaker:  with the volume knob on your preamp

Regarding that Wiki article on active speakers, the disadvantage of needing more amplifiers is not altogether accurate.  In an passive system, you typically need only one amplifier (with two channels).  But, because the amplifier needs to drive a passive crossover and drivers of widely varying impedance, the amplifier needs to be over-built to cope with all possible loads.  So, in a passive system, you have to build and buy more amplifier.   Sure, an active system only has one amp, but that one amp is a brute, overdesigned on the principle of might-makes-right to compensate for the disadvantages of passive speakers.

Regarding complexity, the Wiki article confuses active designs with sorround systems.  Apples and oranges.

The Prodipe Ribbon 5 are almost in your price range ($229), not many reviews on them but their big bros the Ribbon 8 have pretty much all good reviews. Maybe worth a shot?

Anybody mention audioengine? I've owned both the 2 and the 5s, both built well and pretty clear. Great speakers for the money I think.

I use a KRK Rockit 5's. I had been using spdif out > Dac > RCA out of dac > Rockits, software volume control. 

I recently got a pretty good Pre-Amp for the rockits, and notice that they tend to clip on the same gain setting on the back. 

Should I lower this gain setting to the minimal? since my pre-amp is quite capable? 

I agree the simplest solution is a Mini 1/8 inch plug to RCA adapter, available at radio shack for about 4$. Straight out the sound card into the RCA of the Rockit. Software volume control. 

A better solution is a Pre-amp, but certainly not required.