Speakers with Digital Input

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JohnR

Speakers with Digital Input
« on: 23 Apr 2012, 08:41 am »
I'd like to maintain a list of speakers with digital input. Price is not relevant - just that the speaker has a digital input. They will thus be "active" in the sense that the DAC and amplification are built-in to the speaker. An actual active crossover is optional. It also means that at least one of the following inputs is available:

* Coax digital (RCA, BNC, or XLR)
* Optical digital
* USB, Firewire, Thunderbolt etc that supports audio data
* Wireless streaming from a reasonably well-supported platform (i.e. not entirely/exclusively proprietary)

Furthermore, the speaker must support uncompressed audio at a minimum of 16-bit/44.1 kHz. iPod-dockable speakers do not count unless they support digital out from the iPod (or have at least one of the above).

If you have knowledge of such a speaker not yet in the list below, or additional information to provide, please post! Please at a minimum provide the name of the manufacturer and a link to the manufacturer's specification webpage. If possible, please also post the key specifications as in the list below.

NOTE: Speakers will not be listed if the digital input specifications are not stated on the manufacturer's webpage.

Prices given are typical "street" price from online retailers, or RRP if not commonly discounted. For consistency, prices in this list are always for a pair. Sample rate is typically maximum available, presumably lower rates are supported as well. Obviously, prices and specifications are subject to change, this list is intended only as a guide for those interested in this type of speaker.

Template: Speaker name. RRP. Two way, 6.5" woofer, 1" tweeter. Digital input type and sample rate. 



Adam ARTist 3. USD1000. Two way, 4.5" woofer, AMT tweeter. USB only, sample rate unknown. 

Adam ARTist 5. USD1200. Two way, 5.5" woofer, AMT tweeter. USB only, sample rate unknown.

AktiMate Maxi. USD1099, AUD849. Two way, 6.5" woofer, 1" tweeter. Streaming over Ethernet RJ45 or Wi Fi 802.11b/g; Reciva internet radio, FM radio; USB memory stick. 

Aktimate Micro. USD500, AUD335. Two-way, 4" woofer, dome tweeter. USB 16-bit 44.1/48 kHz digital input.

Alesis M1Active 320 USB. USD99, AUD159. Two-way, 3" woofer, 1" dome tweeter. USB 16-bit 44.1/48 kHz digital input.

Alesis M1Active 520 USB. USD199, AUD?. Two-way, 5" woofer, 1" dome tweeter. USB 16-bit 44.1/48 kHz digital input.

AVI ADM9T. GBP 1,000, AUD 1995. Two-way, 6.5" woofer, 1" dome tweeter. 2x 24-bit 96 kHz optical digital input. Subwoofer output, line output.

B&W MM-1. AUD 595. Two-way, 3" woofer, 1" dome tweeter. ?-bit ? kHz USB digital input.

Behringer MS20. AUD 179. Two-way, 3.5" woofer, 2.5" tweeter. 24-bit 96 kHz optical and coax digital input.

Behringer MS40. AUD 202. Two-way, 5" woofer, 2.5" tweeter. 24-bit 96 kHz optical and coax digital input.

Dynaudio Xeo. (Working on this one.... All I can say right now is they need a new web developer)

Geitan RL 906D. GBP 3259.20. Two-way co-axial, 5" woofer, 1" tweeter. ?-bit/? kHz AES-EBU digital input.

Grimm Audio LS 1. EUR10,000, USD15,495. Two-way, 8" woofer, 1" tweeter. ?-bit/192 kHz AES-EBU digital input.

JBL LSR4326P. USD1100, AUD1400. Two-way, 6.25" woofer, 1" silk dome in waveguide, 24-bit/96kHz Coax and AES/EBU. Inbuilt room mode correction w/mic.

JBL LSR4328P. USD1560, AUD1850. Two-way, 8" woofer, 1" silk dome in waveguide, 24-bit/96kHz Coax and AES/EBU. Inbuilt room mode correction w/mic.

KEF X300. GBP599, USD799, AUD1385. Two-way, 5" woofer, 1" aluminium dome tweeter coaxially mounted, 24-bit/96kHz USB.

KS Digital ADM20. GBP2959. Two way, 8" woofer, 1" tweeter. AES/EBU 44.1 - 96 kHz.

Meridian DSP5200. ~USD13,000, ~AUD17,000. 2.5-way, 2x160mm woofer, 25mm tweeter. 24-bit/96 kHz coax digital input, Meridian Speakerlink digital

Meridian DSP7200. USD35,000, AUD45,000. 3.5-way, 2x200mm woofer, 165mm midrange, 25mm tweeter. 24-bit/96 kHz coax digital input, Meridian Speakerlink digital

Meridian DSP8000. USD65,000, AUD76,000. 3.5-way, 6x200mm woofer, 165mm midrange, 25mm tweeter. 24-bit/96 kHz coax digital input, Meridian Speakerlink digital

Neumann KH 120 D. Pricing: Not yet available. Two-way, 5' woofer, 1" tweeter (waveguide). 24-bit/192 kHz BNC/XLR digital input.

Neumann KH 310 D. Pricing: Not yet available. 3-way, 210mm woofer, 75mm midrange, 25mm tweeter. 24-bit/192 kHz S/PDIF and AES/ABU digital inputs.

Samson StudioDock 3i. AUD224. Two-way, 3" woofer, 1" dome tweeter. USB ?-bit, ?-kHz digital input.

Samson Studio GT. AUD274. Two-way, 4" woofer, 1" dome tweeter. USB 16-bit, 44.1/48-kHz digital input.

Vanatoo Transparent One. USD499. Two-way, 5" woofer, 1" silk dome tweeter. USB, coax and optical input, 24-bit/96kHz. Subwoofer out.
« Last Edit: 23 Apr 2014, 02:29 pm by JohnR »

JLM

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Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #1 on: 23 Apr 2012, 10:28 am »
Many studio monitors have digital inputs.  One of the better compact 2-ways is the Neuman KH 120 ($1500 USD/pair), it even has remote volume and digital outputs (to chain to additional speakers).  And there is a KH 120D (digital only input) version.

Neuman has been pretty much the undisputed king of microphone manufacturing for decades.  They now own Seinheiser and Klein & Hummel (that has built high quality studio monitors for a long time).

Thanks for providing an intro to active designs.   :thumb:

JohnR

Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #2 on: 23 Apr 2012, 10:53 am »
Thank you, added the Neumann  :thumb:

jtwrace

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Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #3 on: 23 Apr 2012, 10:57 am »

JohnR

Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #4 on: 23 Apr 2012, 11:20 am »
Thanks Jason, added to the list. I came up a bit short on concrete information on the LS 1, if you could help fill in any of the blanks - ?

USD ??, AUD ?. Two-way, ? woofer, ? tweeter (waveguide). ?-bit/? kHz ?/? digital input.

JohnR

Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #5 on: 23 Apr 2012, 11:35 am »
Added Behringer  :scratch:

Letitroll98

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Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #6 on: 23 Apr 2012, 01:57 pm »
AktiMate Maxi http://www.aktimate.com.au/maxi.html $1099.00 US, Two way, Woofer 6 1/2 inches, Tweeter 1 inch, FR 48 Hz - 28 kHz, USB, Ethernet RJ45, Wi Fi 802.11b/g, Reciva internet radio, FM radio. 

I don't know why the "Mini", the middle of the line, only uses USB for charging.  I mean, why bother when you have the DACs available in the other speakers.

Yes on the sticky.  When you posted your original thread on the AktiMate Micro I was struck by the possibilities.  This could definitely be the future of midfi audio for the masses, and possibly for high end audio as well.

dhrab

Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #7 on: 23 Apr 2012, 02:18 pm »
Sorry I don't have any of the facts or figures .. but Meridian has a few speakers that may fit well on your list ..

Here is a link to the  DSP5200  with 3 75w amps and Digital in ...

 http://www.meridian-audio.com/the-collection/loudspeakers/dsp5200-digital-active-loudspeaker.aspx

I also saw a DSP7200 .. but only gave it a quick look .. I'm sure there are more in the line that may interest you 

 

srb

Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #8 on: 23 Apr 2012, 03:12 pm »
JBL LSR4326P USD $1330 (~$1100 street) 6.25" woofer, 1" silk dome in waveguide, 150W/75W, S/PDIF Coax & AES/EBU, 24-bit/96KHz

JBL LSR4328P USD $1910 (~$1560 street) 8" woofer, 1" silk dome in waveguide, 150W/75W, S/PDIF Coax & AES/EBU, 24-bit/96KHz

http://www.jblpro.com/catalog/support/getfile.aspx?doctype=3&docid=571

Both have Room Mode Correction with microphone, Remote Control and Control Center software through USB

Steve

wagnju

Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #9 on: 23 Apr 2012, 04:57 pm »
here's some info on the Grimm LS-1
price is 10,000 Euros that's about 13,000 USD

 http://www.hifinews.co.uk/news/article.asp?a=9814





JohnR

Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #10 on: 23 Apr 2012, 11:55 pm »
Thanks! Added Maxi, JBL, and Meridian.

I don't know why the "Mini", the middle of the line, only uses USB for charging.  I mean, why bother when you have the DACs available in the other speakers.

A note: The USB on the Maxi is for a memory stick, not for computer connection.

JohnR

Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #11 on: 24 Apr 2012, 12:03 am »
here's some info on the Grimm LS-1
price is 10,000 Euros that's about 13,000 USD

 http://www.hifinews.co.uk/news/article.asp?a=9814

Thanks! Found a retailer online - USD15,495

randytsuch

Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #12 on: 24 Apr 2012, 12:25 am »
Alesis makes the 520
http://www.alesis.com/m1active520usb

They also make a smaller, cheaper 320. 
http://www.alesis.com/m1active320usb

Randy

JohnR

Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #13 on: 26 Apr 2012, 01:13 pm »
Thanks Randy!

Price wise, the list so far spans from $99 to $65,000. So price is not a factor in this class of speaker.

James Romeyn

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Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #14 on: 1 Jul 2012, 01:36 am »
I often like Dynaudio speakers.  Unfortunately, the Xeo premiered at 2012 CES was dog-poop top to bottom.  Reminded me of the worst type of sound from audio cassette tape.  Absolutely no idea if its inherent in the design or just a show anomaly, which is very possible...may have just finished assembling them the night before.  Dynaudio are known for needing long burn-in.  IIRC I briefly heard my own source after hearing Dynaudio's awful program, and results were similarly bad. 

Donald

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Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #15 on: 1 Jul 2012, 02:13 pm »
Here is another offering:

http://www.makeraudio.com/

Heard these at Axpona 2012 in Jacksonville. Very impressive!

Letitroll98

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Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #16 on: 2 Jul 2012, 02:53 pm »
Here is another offering:

http://www.makeraudio.com/

Heard these at Axpona 2012 in Jacksonville. Very impressive!

At $35,500 to $56,700 depending on options I would hope they're impressive.   :o

Thanks for the addition.

JohnR

Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #17 on: 2 Jul 2012, 03:03 pm »
Awesome, thanks! I'll update the first post in a day or two. Also to add B&W MM1.

JLM

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Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #18 on: 3 Jul 2012, 10:44 am »
BTW the AviHiFi ADM-9T does include a DAC, so just add a PC, Mac, or server.

JohnR

Re: Speakers with Digital Input
« Reply #19 on: 3 Jul 2012, 11:16 am »
BTW the AviHiFi ADM-9T does include a DAC, so just add a PC, Mac, or server.

To be on this list, the speaker has to have a DAC included.

On that note, I'm having a little trouble figuring out what exactly the specs/capabilities of the Maker Audio speakers are. The specs of the Model 10 say "Input Type RCA/ Balanced".