Acoustic Energy AE22 Active
Just Tested
DACs
Chord Electronics QBD76 HDSD
Chord’s QBD76 HDSD is a top-class converter that delivers a brilliant sound from a well-built package. It has plenty of visual appeal, too
Read
Hi-fi speakers
B&W 685
There are more talented rivals on the scene, but the veterans are enduring greats
Read
Home Cinema in a Box
Panasonic SC-BTT460
Cracking value for an all-in-one home cinema system with only a few spec and performance gripes qualifying our praise
Read
In this month's mag
July 2013
SUPERTEST: Soundbar solutions £250-£450
GROUP TEST: 46-47in smart TVs
GROUP TEST: Standmount speakers £350-£450
© 2013 Haymarket Publishing
Comments
"That said, we're smitten. Judged solely on sonic ability we can't think of a better alternative."
Being a sound engineer the benefits of active speakers are worth pursuing and there are some great monitors are there.
Unfortunately not many good active designs are known to the HI-FI world. The best examples at a similar price to the AE's are by Adam, KRK, Dynaudio and Focal.
The best i've heard is the Focal Solo 6BE which has 250 Watts of bi amped power, an inverted Berillium tweeter and a "W" cone woofer, the same drivers used in the £2300 Electra 1007 Be. It is a seriously good speaker for £1200 a pair which is a bargain considering the technology and more importantly the sound.