srb is correct. The amps are Hypex AS2.100d active amps. We looked at a variety of amps and this one had a great combination of features at a reasonable cost.
Who designed the DSP crossover?
I assume you are asking who programmed the DSP crossover. I did.
How is excess bass reinforcement from close to wall/corner setups accounted for?
It is not. But if that is an issue with a customer, it can easily be addressed. We can generate a new DSP file the customer can upload to the speakers to make any necessary modifications.
Again, crossover details (frequency/slope)?
The crossover is 2000Hz, 2nd order.
Why a C7 power input?
You would have to ask Hypex why they chose this.
What are the SPDIF and amp outputs for?
The S/PDIF output is used to feed the digital signal from the master speaker to the slave speaker. The amp outputs are not used in this implementation. They are provided in the event that the amp is used to power two passively crossed speakers.
What is the USB mini female jack for?
It serves two functions. 1) It is used to program the DSP and other amp functions. 2) It serves as a USB input for audio from a computer or music streaming device.
Why no XLR inputs? (Guess the design isn't balanced, so it won't be going to the studio.)
I imagine Hypex made this choice in order to control costs. As with any project, there is no limit to what is possible. But it comes down to what functions and features make sense for a product at a given price point. If XLR inputs are something a customer wants, we would simply use a different amp and the cost would increase accordingly. We had an application in mind for this project and XLR inputs were not something required for that application.
Again, any image of the remote?
I'll try and find some time to photograph it. I should also point out that the amps can be set to work with One-for-All remotes as well.
Any idea how they compare to established active monitors like Adam A7X, Dynaudio Excite X14A, Focal Solo 6 BE, Genelec M040, or Neumann KH120?
No idea. I have used Genelec Monitors while engineering recording sessions in the past. They are very capable but can be a bit on the bright side. Personally, I would prefer working these monitors in that situation. Beyond that, I have not spent time with any of these other monitors. Our goal was to build something we liked and fit our intended application. As is true with any of our speakers, we simply don't pay much attention to what others are doing. We take on projects that interest us and carry them out to the best of our abilities. We have found, over the years, that what we want is very often what our customers are looking for as well. I hope that makes sense.
- Jim