Is there any Future for high-end PASSIVE multi-way

[JonBocani]

That comment made me think of how the whole active/DSP thing is now mandatory in my DIYer's life:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/multi-way/311433-multi-11.html#post5167370

Can't think otherwise anymore. Too convenient, too precise, too efficient and too fun to pass on.

I wonder if in 5, 10 or 20 years from now they will be any place for high-end speakers using passive crossover and single amp ?

Sure, the low-end stuff will remain (especially 2-way) but what about real multiway stuff ?

I'm talking DIY projects but also commercial, boutique, speakers.

 

[scottjoplin]

I wonder if in 5, 10 or 20 years from now they will be any place for high-end speakers using passive crossover and single amp ?

Yes, the world is full of simple rich people

 

[JonBocani]

Yes, the world is full of simple rich people

Then, active-room-corrected systems will win their hearts (wallets)

 

[JonBocani]

In fact, maybe there is more future in fullrange than passive two-wayers...

already the case with micro/mobile speakers, no ?

 

[Cal Weldon]

I wonder if the same question would have been asked about tubes when the transistor came along?

 

[JonBocani]

I wonder if the same question would have been asked about tubes when the transistor came along?

I think it's a bit different, though.

 

[CharlieLaub]

I wonder if the same question would have been asked about tubes when the transistor came along?

Could say the same thing for turntables when CDs came along!

OTOH that did sound the death knell for cassette tape! You can't even give away a tape player these days...

 

[scottjoplin]

If anyone has a reel to reel they want to give me let me know, I'm all ears.....

 

[JonBocani]

I only know people who took the direction from Passive to Active, but never the other way around.

It think it says a lot.

 

[JonBocani]

Could say the same thing for turntables when CDs came along!

OTOH that did sound the death knell for cassette tape! You can't even give away a tape player these days...

There is also carriages pulled by horses passing on my street everyday (no kidding) that doesnt mean cars didnt win over horses...

I'm not talking about the full complete disappearance of something on the market but rather a permanent decline trend.

I'm not sure it's even on the way right now, in 2017, that permanent decline (passive speakers, not horses...)

 

[JonBocani]

By exemple: i think the so-called ''Vinyl revival'' is an illusion powered by nostalgia. A little hiccup in the permanent decline. But a permanent decline nonetheless.

 

[Mike Gergen]

I went active years ago. Never looked back.

 

[scottjoplin]

But how high is your end?

 

[JonBocani]

People eventually die and are replaced by new humans.

So the chances that old obsolete technologies remain are very thin. Passive speakers included.

I think the answer of this thread's question is undoubtely NO.
I should've asked WHEN it will be over, instead.

My bad.

 

[JonBocani]

But how high is your end?

Good question to which i found a good answer few years ago:

Higher priced that our TV/screen.



People in general (non-DIYers, non-audiophile) will usually draw the line in comparison of their TV or projector set-up.

Low-end: cheaper than their TV
Mid-end: about the same price
High-end: more $

 

[scottjoplin]

I should've asked WHEN it will be over, instead.

You could always edit your first post, I don't care because I made sure to quote what I considered to be the relevant part in my first reply

 

[scottjoplin]

Higher priced that our TV/screen.

Yes, I was going to mention comparison to TV, but size...

 

[JonBocani]

You could always edit your first post, I don't care because I made sure to quote what I considered to be the relevant part in my first reply

Yeah, but i can't headline ''YOUR PASSIVE MULTIWAY WILL DIE, BE PREPARED S*CKERS!'' there is a certain way to tell people those kind of things, you know ?

Like when your daughter's dog get hit by a car you don't tell her the dog is now painting a bumper but rather ''he's in dog's heaven with the unicorns taking care, honey''

I'm not saying passive multi-way is ready to meet the unicorns ...but be prepared.

 

[JonBocani]

I went active years ago. Never looked back.

Me too, i never had the capacity to induct my self into going back. I resist the temptation.

 

[Lojzek]

I wonder if in 5, 10 or 20 years from now they will be any place for high-end speakers using passive crossover and single amp ?

As long as there is high-end amplifiers, high-end passive speakers will be there too, along with "high-end" wires. In the end it doesn't matter what will prevail.


For casual listening I am perfectly satisfied with a suboptimal smaller stereo setup made from scrap pieces of drivers of what used to be a mini stereo system (4" midwoofer, 2" cone tweeter) tweaked passively to sound transparent and a salvaged chip amp from a car stereo (4 watts/4 ohm) with a cd-rom drive acting as front end. This was the project of mine for the 2017. Mesh grille was also reused from another loudspeaker, fits not ideally but it does provide protection.