[daniel_ronquillo]

Hello Danny,

I am recently being drawn into the merits of active/powered monitors.

Is there a possibility that GR Research will design an active speaker?

All the best,
Daniel

[Wind Chaser]

What would really be cool is if there was a manufacturer who gave the customer the option for choosing the internal amps.  Who knows, selected amp manufacturers might be willing to sell their product without the chassis on a board at a reduced rate.

[Danny Richie]

Is there a possibility that GR Research will design an active speaker?

Not likely. It's a tough sell. Most audiophiles won't go for them due to the limited quality of most amplifiers used in these applications.

Most people in the budget range are using receivers for their front end so they already have power.

[jtwrace]

Funny to see this thread.  When I designed the Class D amp case my next project was going to be just this.  I was going to design / make aluminum plates that would hold a Class D amp for an active speaker design. 

I thought it would be really cool but didn't think it would be that popular either.   

[Danny Richie]

Yeah technology is always changing and next year when that new class G type amp is really refined and said to be even better then you'll want to try it.

[dvenardos]

I prefer external amps for subs/speakers especially for older homes where it may be tough to have an outlet near every speaker, besides the fact that we like to try different amps/power sources.

[Doublej]

Isn't the question more one of do you believe that an active crossover has significant advantages over a passive crossover?

[jtwrace]

Isn't the question more one of do you believe that an active crossover has significant advantages over a passive crossover?

Why does this have anything to do with the OP?

[srb]

Why does this have anything to do with the OP?

Because the majority of powered monitors are bi-amplified and actively crossed over.  I assumed the OP had both of those in mind when he said "Is there a possibility that GR Research will design an active speaker?"
 
Steve

[lord dubious]

How 'bout this for an idea.  Tweeter in a big wave guide, open baffle the rest of the way down with servo controlled drivers, active crossovers and powered by amplification by Gary Dodd.  Not cheap and might turn out like Frankenstein's monster, but VERY interesting.  I would trust Danny and Gary to get it right.

[Wind Chaser]

'Tweeter in a big wave guide, open baffle the rest of the way down with servo controlled drivers, active crossovers ...'  Emerald Physics!

[HT cOz]

'Tweeter in a big wave guide, open baffle the rest of the way down with servo controlled drivers, active crossovers ...'  Emerald Physics!

Bingo, or you could build a Super V with a battery powere Dodd amp and be done!

[JLM]

"Fully active" monitors (active crossovers) can be killer designs.  But audiofools prefer to pick their own amps. 

[lord dubious]

Bingo, or you could build a Super V with a battery powere Dodd amp and be done!

I agree that would be plenty good enough, but I am talking about servo controlled mids.  I remember reading that Danny experimented with this, but he said that the amplification had to be better than your average plate amp.  I doubt anyone else in the world is doing this.

[Danny Richie]

How 'bout this for an idea.  Tweeter in a big wave guide, open baffle the rest of the way down with servo controlled drivers, active crossovers and powered by amplification by Gary Dodd.  Not cheap and might turn out like Frankenstein's monster, but VERY interesting.  I would trust Danny and Gary to get it right.

You haven't been hacking into my computer have you?

How about an all new MTM design with some new and really top level drivers made just for open baffle, and right below that, three 8" servo controlled woofers...

[Wind Chaser]

"Fully active" monitors (active crossovers) can be killer designs.  But audiofools prefer to pick their own amps.

More than ever before I can appreciate the option to pick my own amp, but I don't understand why somebody can't offer that option (within reason) when it comes to powered speakers.  Is it a lack of imagination?

[persisting1]

How about an all new MTM design with some new and really top level drivers made just for open baffle, and right below that, three 8" servo controlled woofers...

 

[lord dubious]

You haven't been hacking into my computer have you?

How about an all new MTM design with some new and really top level drivers made just for open baffle, and right below that, three 8" servo controlled woofers...

Is it too early to ask for details?

[Danny Richie]

Is it too early to ask for details?

Yes, right now I have custom drivers being made. I will have to approve them, then test them, then place a production order... It takes time and I usually do not let on about anything at this early of a stage.

[rsa]

More than ever before I can appreciate the option to pick my own amp, but I don't understand why somebody can't offer that option (within reason) when it comes to powered speakers.  Is it a lack of imagination?

Mark Seaton doesn't lack imagination...