[advice] Active speakers made for public spaces as bookshelf speakers for home?

2 months ago by Imhotep to c/budgetaudiophile

Hi,

Although I'm not an audiophile, this post might still fit the "budget" part of the sub.
I can buy a pair of active speakers, reasonable size, with standby mode (which is maybe common, I don't know), for cheap.
There are the Audac Ares5A. Targeted at background/music applications: classrooms, meeting rooms, bars, restaurants, retail, etc.
They says it's fine for music, but of course they would say that.
I would use them as desktop pc speakers.

Is it completely idiotic of me? I like buying professional products, it's often very sturdy. The "buy it for life" stuff.
Is it something people do, or am I in effect asking if it's a good idea to buy an 18-wheeler to commute to work?

Botzo 3 points 2 months ago

In general, no, you're not crazy for considering active speakers. In fact, most desktop PC orientated speakers are active.

I think your specific selection is a bit suspect for nearfield audio and definitely for full spectrum listening (the 80hz bottom end of the frequency range will leave you looking for bass if you care at all).

To extrapolate on your metaphor, this is more like buying a farm tractor as a commuter vehicle. Sure it has wheels, an engine, and a steering wheel, but it isn't exactly intended for on road use.

I went with active studio monitors for my desktop PC (Adam Audio T5V and a matching subwoofer) after fighting with interference from various other electronics and the mini amp I was using.

These are amazing speakers, but also quite large. They have standby mode and both xlr and rca inputs. They are wild overkill for what I do with them, but it made me happy.

I would consider their desktop system if I were to do it again to save some space. https://www.adam-audio.com/en/desktop/d3v/

There are dozens of other even cheaper options with great reviews that similarly fit your needs.

save

path: 0 25571500, hotness: undefined, score: 3, children: 2

Imhotep 3 points 2 months ago

Yeah it was not so much the active speaker part as the PA speakers part that had me doubting. although I'm not a basshead I noticed also the 80hz

I just stumbled upon the D3V while browsing second hand speakers! not knowing what I was looking at. They're new, selling them 200€ instead of retail 250€. I was hoping to spend half that. Maybe if I can talk them down a bit...

Thank you very much for your input. I think I'll cancel the Audac order.

save

path: 0 25571500 25571712, hotness: undefined, score: 3, children: 0

Bloodyhog 1 point a month ago

All thumbs up for Adam products. In my opinion - the best you can get at that price point (depending on where you are, of course. Regional pricing may screw that). Use it just for desktop music, and - if you, like me, are up with flat curve, - these are enjoyable even without a sub.

save

path: 0 25571500 25736343, hotness: undefined, score: 1, children: 0

Reverendender 2 points 2 months ago

I like my Fosi mini-amp with bookshelf speakers for my computer. They’re affordable and really open up the speaker options for you.

save

path: 0 25573942, hotness: undefined, score: 2, children: 0

ReluctantlyZen 1 point 2 months ago

Are you able to try them? I'd do that first. If you like the sound of them, then no, it's not at all crazy.

save

path: 0 25580121, hotness: undefined, score: 1, children: 1

Imhotep 1 point 2 months ago

Unfortunately I couldn't test them, and couldn't find any reviews.

save

path: 0 25580121 25599753, hotness: undefined, score: 1, children: 0