Passive vs. Active Monitors

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ILLbino - one of WA's finest
Member Since: Feb 10, 2004

I want to buy some new monitors for my studio setup. Since they'd be plugged into my PC, would I still need a PreAmp for passive monitors or does the line-out from the sound card power the speakers themselves? I notice passive monitors are far cheaper than active. Seems like I could save a little money by buying passive monitors with a preamp. Suggestions?

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Czar of Cheese
Member
Since: Jun 09, 2004


Oct 20, 2004 08:41 am

You would still need a decent amplifier, especially if you bought decent speakers. Even el-cheapo computer speakers require some kind of battery or AC amplification in order to work. I personally use a pair of Alesis active monitors, and I like them very much.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Oct 20, 2004 08:46 am

you don't need a preamp, you need an amp between the line out and speakers...unless you get active speakers, then the amp is inside the speakers.

guitar_jim, the packers rocked on Sunday...finally, congrats on your win :) That was one of only two games I missed in my weekly picks...

Do U Beleev in D-Flo?
Member
Since: Jun 15, 2004


Oct 20, 2004 10:27 am

Ill,
Active is probably the cheaper route after you factor in the cost of a good power amp. Plus the amps in active monitors are tuned and blanced for those speakers. With passives you have to deal with all of the quirks between your choice of speakers and choice of amp.

I am in the same situation myself. I think I'm going to go active mostly due to the cost of a good passive setup. I have heard very good things about Events TR8 active monitors.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Oct 20, 2004 10:30 am

Quote:
Plus the amps in active monitors are tuned and blanced for those speakers.


Yeah, that's what the marketing hype will have you belive, but it's not always the case, many times, espeically in budget models, it's just the cheapest acceptable amp they can find.

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004


Oct 20, 2004 10:34 am

Amp is correct...

Depending on what your power requirements are...you are looking at anywhere from $200up for a good amp.

Alesis makes a good monitor amp.
I own a Hafler monitor amp which I believe is owned by Rockford Fosgate...

Let us know which power option you decide and maybe we can move onto monitor brands if you need help there...

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Oct 20, 2004 10:39 am

I have an older version of this: service.bfast.com/bfast/c...mp;bfmtype=gear and it's been a great amp for many, many years.

Jack of all trades master of ___
Member
Since: May 28, 2004


Oct 20, 2004 10:54 am

Thats the amp I was to get...but the same GC in Roseville we spoke of said it didn't have enough to fully juice my monitors.....

So of course the sold me the Hafler for more $$$.

But it was a deal...I think the amp was like $600 and I got it for $280. They wanted to get rid of it. It had been a model used to amp demo passive monitors there...Still under warranty and flawless in operation and appearance...I am pretty sure I got a good deal on it...

www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/P3000/

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Oct 20, 2004 09:45 pm

I have heard several goo d active moniters, but I still prefer passive and a good amp. I used the same amp as dB untill I came to rest with the near fields I have now. KRK K-Rocks. I use the Alesis RS-300 now which is so clean and shiny with absolutely no noise.

My beef with the actives is as dB stated. You just dont know what your getting for an amp. I trust if you are paying $700.00 plus for a pair they should incorperate a good matched amp set but anyting below $400.00 I would be warry of.

I know and trust my set-up as a proven performer, and the fit in this room is excelant.

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