Kef ls50 or avi adm9rs or other?
perhaps the AVi's are too niche a product for the average pc user. Pioneer have included a usb in put on the top ot the range AV amp.
I think most companies do, offer USB that is, in their DACs and usually in their AV amps where applicable.
Most AV receivers now have them including budget ones, as well as mini-systems like the Denon DM39 (£200), and many CD players from £150.
Although I have no need for USB, I agree an input would b good. AVI dropped its USB input as it wasn't particularly wanted.
perhaps the AVi's are too niche a product for the average pc user. Pioneer have included a usb in put on the top ot the range AV amp.
I think most companies do, offer USB that is, in their DACs and usually in their AV amps where applicable.
Most AV receivers now have them including budget ones, as well as mini-systems like the Denon DM39 (£200), and many CD players from £150.
sorry talking about USB b input
Apologies. Yes, Pioneer also have one on their A70 amp (a plus point then to my previously mentioned A70/LS50 system?), and Cyrus use them too. I believe the KEF X300 active monitors have one, as they're designed for PC users.
Every speaker technology is flawed somehow, even electrostatics.
really? how? tell me.
...why not put in your own counter argument about how passive speakers are not bettered by actives in the way mentioned in this post and others. Would that not lend you more credence to your position?
Mine: not necessarily practical and can require additional adapters to facilitate CD (or other) connectivity (e.g. if XLR or unbalanced 1/4" only available), appearance, inflexible, need to choose carefully to avoid a "sound" that doesn't suit the listener (e.g. too flat and better off in a recording studio for mastering purposes), can need a pre-amp if one not built-in...horses for courses.
Some good points, but also some non issues as well.
Connectivity for any speakers is well catered for and whoever sells the speakers should also sell the cables required to connect them.
The 'sound' of actives, ie being flat is as relevant as passive being too warm or too bright, etc. This is just down to personal taste and nearly all speaker units need some form of amplification. Aesthetics of monitors is probably the main issue that you raise, but my point was not that of highlighting any perceived shortcomings in general, but to counter a supposed inaccurate statement about the shorcomings of passives or the benefits of actives.
The ADMs and the Dyn Xeo speakers to my mind remain the only complete packages at the £1200-£1500 price range and therefore I would always recommend considering these as an alternative to more traditional HiFi, because there is nothing else. I tend to forget about the Xeos, because for me they are a sideways move over my system.
Every speaker technology is flawed somehow, even electrostatics.
really? how? tell me.
Phileas certainly has a point.
regards
Every speaker technology is flawed somehow, even electrostatics.
really? how? tell me.
I can only think of two. Need reasonable space around them (mainly behind) and can be fussy over amplification.
Apart from that, Panel/Ribbon speakers like Magnepan and Apogee and Electrostatics like the Quad 57/63 are some of the best speakers I have heard. They give you something no box speaker can give, but with the compromises listed above. If I had the room, I would make that compromise.
Every speaker is a compromise, out of Size, Bass Depth and Efficiency (SPL) and pick two unless you like wardrobes 
Back on topic, I can only compare the LS50's in a surround setup and the original ADM9.1's and honestly I would pick neither, I think there are better speakers out there for similar money, and thats just my honest opinion.
Every speaker technology is flawed somehow, even electrostatics.
really? how? tell me.
Comb filtering.
Every speaker technology is flawed somehow, even electrostatics.
really? how? tell me.
Comb filtering.
Comb Filtering / Poor Vertical Dispersion is one I forgot, only audible away from the sweet spot, if that matters to you. 
Mind you, Mr Spot, the AVIs get round the looks issue. Indeed, I wish other brands did, whilst also sporting DACs.
But DACs change.
Alec: good they may be, looks are a matter of taste and I prefer what Tannoy do in that regard. Much cleaner in my eyes.
Grilles on or off ?
Do all actives sound the same? If not, then they don't all represent ultimate accuracy, and therefore, aren't perfect. Just like everything else.
David @Frank Harvey Hi-Fi, Coventry
Mitsubishi HC7000 / Oppo BDP103 / Audiolab 8200AP / Rotel RMB1575 / kick ass speaker system