briskly
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2011
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To the best of my knowledge, the A5+ is a powered speaker. That is to say, it has an internal amp, but the x-over is a passive.
And you can't carry around passive audio system around easily. You would need to rent a U-Haul truck to transport them. With active speakers all you need is a backpack. Active wins. Next.
I haven't read through this entire thread yet but in general active speakers can be better in that the amp can be tuned specifically for the speaker, which can yield a more efficient, graceful and better sounding speaker design.
It's also better to get the power source (amp) close to the speaker rather than run power via speaker cables, especially for long runs. I know that in the pro audio world, Meyer Sound prefers and specializes in active speakers.
In a stadium for example, they power the speakers in place are and are able to run a clean line level signal, separate from power, into the speakers.
I have the active Audioengine A5+ speakers and am a lot more impressed with their sound over what I heard from the passive P4 speakers and their separate N22 amp.
I'm not familiar with the Q Acoustics 2010i. Don't hear much about them in the US.
But you need a regular amp, not a headphone amp, to power passive speakers. You would still need a DAC, but the O2 or the Schiit Magni are not gonna work to power speakers. For an inexpensive solution, look into the Lepai LP-2020A+ t-amp:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-57439115-47/build-your-own-desktop-stereo-for-under-$70/
http://www.head-fi.org/t/627161/my-very-low-budget-nearfield-desktop-rig-lepai-amp-and-dayton-audio-speakers
Otherwise, if you have for it, a used audio/video or 2 channel receiver is a great way to get an amplifier for a good price.
Questions are fine
First, stay away from 4 ohm rated speakers. They can be difficult to drive. ........
Normally, SS amps drive lower ohm speakers much more easily, i,e, more "W" amp power from lower Ohm speakers.
For tube amps, it is the reverse.
However, a lower ohms passive speaker can also be driven easily by Tube Amps.
It also depends on the impedance curve, the flatter (neutral) ones are more easily driven.
For e.g., my 4 Ohm rated Alesis Monitor 1 Mk2 passive speakers are easily driven by my 8W Tube Amp!