Fluance's latest active speaker, the Ai61, a contender?

[@wattheheck6010]

Based on my research (active v. passive) and your review here, Steve, I bought a Fluance system: RT83 TT, Ai61 speakers and 12" sub woofer. I am the keep it simple guy you describe getting back into my 300+ original vinyl collection I started in 1963. The Fluance system is for my home den. It sits atop a credenza behind my desk. One feature I enjoy on the Ai61 is I connected them to my computer via USB Type-C port. I face my PC monitor, watch your videos, and your audio bounces back from the screen to me. The remote is an added bonus. Thanks for your assistance!

[@ankurmishra4307]

I never knew I could listen to someone this long talking about speakers, but damn this is some deep stuff, obviously I am not getting all of it, but I have a feeling that I can trust him.

[@garybarnhill2541]

Have the earlier ai60 model for the bedroom 65 inch tv. They go lower (bass) than any other "bookshelf" speaker 32hz which is lower than some subwoofers. Sure, they don't replace a subwoofer, but if you want simple and want deeper bass from 2 bookshelf speakers, no body beats this sound/simplicity under 300 without multiple devices and it's a small price point. The treble and bass are excellent for this category and certainly a sound bar killer.

[@modelotime3608]

I heard the mids are a bit recessed but idk i want them

[@ulmontsmith8365]

Dear Steve, It is nice to see you reviewing Active Speakers despite your earlier negative comments. Active speakers have their place in the audiophile community. Many are still entry level but there are a few high options as well. I enjoy my B&W Formation Duo Active Speakers running Roon in my dining room. They make great background music while enjoying my dinner. I believe that over time, active speakers will get much better and they have the potential to be cheaper than separates.

[@billd9667]

Fluance does make a very good and affordable series of turntables.

[@JC-lk3oy]

That they do. Love my RT85.

[@crimsonghost6454]

Good video. I dont like actives because I change amps and other gear sometimes. But I think Fluance is just what you said,value. Its not common these days to find a company that offers quality at an affordable price.

[@jeremyr722]

Feels like it’s been awhile since you’ve reviewed a speaker. You are big part of the reason I have a pair of Dirty Weekends.

[@dal2258]

There is lactose intolerance, there is gluten intolerance, Steve introduced active speaker intolerance 😄

[@westwater73]

That's what I have.

[@garybarnhill2541]

There will always be one to say "not for critical listening" comparing to a $2500 system...this happened on the review of the ai40..hence the qualified endorsement..

[@ld4974]

This video proves that Steve doesn't bash any audio equipment, even when he is obviously not enamored with it.

[@FelixtheMetalcat]

I am betting most people will use this with a computer or television, of which how loud it can play will not really be an issue. These speakers are nice and likely better than most soundbars. I for sure would grab these if I was a person looking to ditch the tv speakers.

[@richcampbell6808]

Great for apartments or man caves.

[@Landoverse]

“The other kind of classical music.” Love it!

[@clarification007]

Steve, is the only one to mention the Classical listening with the Ai61 from fluance. 👍🏼

[@shawnorjiakor]

So active speakers aren't audiophile speakers? I think they are with the right combination with a component that bring out good synergy. Fluance always make great products for its value.

[@Bootrosgali]

Thanks for this review.,, I've been looking at Klipisches and Audioengines 200 euros more than these in this category.. This is a very heartening review indeed.

[@billwalters9662]

Steve your the best,i am a big Raconteurs fan....When you named Jack Black i was dying(laphing) its actually Jack White,all in good fun and great review.

[@markcarrington8565]

Good effort, Steve, especially on something you're not that fussed on. Active systems don't have to be all inside boxes. The first one I heard cost more than my first house and had more amplifiers than most people with a system in every room! It used Naim amplification driving Linn Isobariks. Pre-amp, active crossover, six mono power amps plus a power supply for each box! So you can have fun switching amps with active systems. These days, using a modern DSP in place of the old active crossover would be a way to go.

[@TheToastedChannel]

Love the ai40 set and the newer ai81 that I own. Fluance makes awesome products.

[@AllboroLCD]

Id be quite content to know a brand did the research and built the best possible amp into an active speaker. To know it has proper amplification and can be driven to the max without damage is valuable to me. I can definitely see the distant future being dominated by active's. Class D seems only seems to be getting better and is right up there with Class A/B now.

[@keithjohnson2863]

I wish Steve would have connected a sub to these speakers. Doing so would have engaged a cross over network which would have changed the sonic characteristics of the speakers.

[@billymercey4654]

Do it up Steve!!!

[@morespinach9832]

Not really. You're stuck in the passive speaker land. Active DSP these days is about 15 years ahead :)

[@rreichar1]

I am the type of pseudo-audiophile who every few years gets sick of the whole thing and try to simplify their life by getting simpler gear that still fulfills their needs. I did that in August. I gave my son a lot of my gear and bought a pair of Klipsch Fives and a subwoofer and I use them both for 2 channel audio and in the HT role attached to our LG OLED. The fives, when combined with the sub, sound really good to me. You’re mileage may vary.

[@morespinach9832]

At the price of Fives, Edifier S3000 Pro will beat everything. Klipsch has stupidly coloured sound with accentuated bass. Sounds artificial like heck.

[@bradhuskers]

@@morespinach9832 Actually? You're dead wrong. The fives paired with the sub woofer, are insanely detailed and waaay above the Edifier. Which begs the question. What are you smoking?

[@morespinach9832]

@@bradhuskers I have both side by side in the same area. Wife likes Sonos along with subwoofer. So - I'm smoking 25 years of experience of listening to proper sound systems.

[@bradhuskers]

@@morespinach9832 But do you have the fives hooked up to a good sub woofer? Because if you did, they'd destroy the sonos. Who do you think you're conversing with here? I was listening to serious hi- fi long before you were born.

[@bradhuskers]

@@morespinach9832 Did you say Sonos? LMFAO I guarantee you that you don't have the fives paired with a good sub. Because if you did, you'd know that they'd destroy the sonos. Are you really this disconnected?

[@navrasicsi]

I have recently learned that I need dedicated bass and treble knobs, especially the treble. Some people say that EQ is not high-end, but there are situations, when you need some fine tuning. I will never buy an amp (standalone or built-in) without them. Maybe with a bypass option.

[@AllboroLCD]

"The Knick" was such an AWESOME show! Though the hospital in the show was fictitious, it was based off of a real one in the same area that once existed.

[@ProgRockKeys]

Oppo was very proud of their DAC implementation and those analog outputs, I would have been very disappointed if they didn’t outshine a budget level active speaker DAC implementation.

[@dksculpture]

Just to give you feedback Steve ... I’ve been an audiophile for about 40 years and I’ve got no problem with the active speaker concept. I’ve never owned them, but I’m curious about them and I wouldn’t be surprised if that is where the high end industry ultimately ends up. Buchardt’s new actives, for example, seem like they have potential. There will be others and they will get much better.

[@tomhirschel8524]

Ha! , I'm getting my first pair of active speakers Steve, the " Hedd Type 07" and DAC ( Soncoz SGD1) to plug into my laptop, to watch all types of "KZbin" videos. Especially the music demo ones. Still keeping my main system passive JBL 4367' & Mark Levinson......Keep on rocking in the free world !

[@charlesferguson6678]

I often prefer separates too, but on this one I'll ultimately defer to Bob Stewart. If I could afford his gear I would buy it and try it.

[@andrewdorow4431]

Much better than a phone speaker. My first stereo was a TOTL Walkman (Cassette) and a pair of active Sony Speakers...the square woofer type. I loved it and it prompted a search for better sound. Then Advent...DCM...PSB. We all start somewhere.

[@PrezidentHughes]

Only problem with that Sony stereo receiver is that it doesn't have a sub-out. Having a sub is ALWAYS better. Whether music or movies. It's physics. I would love to find a solid, reliable, entry level stereo receiver with FM, Bluetooth, and a Sub-out. I don't even need a lot of other inputs. 2 stereo RCA inputs and I'm good.

[@logtothebase2]

I think there is a good market ion folk who want great audio but not a bunch or electronics, wiring or an onward journey on the upgrade train, particularly if will double up as output for the telly

[@lmtrades]

i'm always temped to go passive and i can afford alot of stuff, the problem being, as mentioned here, i don't want to SEE all that stuff every day in front of me, so i'm stuck with active speakers for the convenience of it

[@jorgeolafsen4991]

Thanks Steve. Always a pleasure to hear from you...

[@marcelomunoz4130]

Fluance Ai 61, kanto yu 6 or klipsch the fives?

[@youfoundsound]

Also hoping you will review The Fluance Fi70 Wireless High Fidelity Music System soon.

[@0x21co]

silent watcher of your videos, thanks for all your content. i would love to see your opinion on the Klipsch The Fives and perhaps how they hold up to the RP-600m. have a nice day!

[@0x21co]

@GeneralCurtis3LeMay I am not sure if I got your message :)

[@0x21co]

@GeneralCurtis3LeMay thanks for the clarification. but how is that related to my wish to hear steves opinion on the fives? :)

[@davidmiller1534]

I've owned exactly one Fluance product and I'll relate that it was defective on arrival and failed completely within 6 months. That's one brand I'll never consider ever again.

[@JohnJohn-lk4lq]

@@davidfromamerica1871 not even close

[@peterphan227]

I'm one of those crazy audiophiles who just wants to enjoy the music. All this mixing and matching is not very appealing to me. That's why I particularly like active speakers. Just imagine having to do this with a car: body, engine, tires, suspension, seats...all to dial in the driving experience. Some people would love to do that. Not me.

[@peterphan227]

@GeneralCurtis3LeMay You don't need to spend $70,000 to get a great-performing, well-engineered car right off the lot, without any endless tinkering.

[@peterphan227]

@GeneralCurtis3LeMay Your car analogy may be apt: decades ago we had to tinker with cars in order for them to perform well. These days, not so much. I think the same applies to audio -- or it should. And I'm talking about new audio, not "classic audio." All the "tinkering" should have been done by the audio engineers during product development so that when it comes into the hands of the consumer, we can just enjoy the music, without endlessly mixing and matching a myriad of components. In audio today, I think there are tinkerers and then there are people who would rather spend that time and energy just enjoying the music. I fall into the latter camp.

[@markrussell9235]

Why worry about picking the "perfect" amp for a speaker when the manufacturer has already done that for you and optimized it too? Plus the advantages of active crossovers compared to passive?

[@ulmontsmith8365]

I agree, the manufacturer can match an amp's output perfectly with the speaker and no interconnects are needed. In many cases, active speakers are bi-amped for even better performance. This is a nascent market but I am confident it will grow and find its place among audiophiles. Not for everyone but there are many places where active speakers running Roon are so convenient.

[@adamjj85]

Wouldn't the RCA inputs pass through an ADC stage to hit the internal DSP? That's my problem with a lot of these "budget" powered speakers. I'm surprised the analog inputs sounded better.

[@grantwilson9161]

Sooo... I have a music room with my higher end vintage gear. Looking for something simple to hook to the tv as I'm not into the home theater thing. Will the Ai61's be a good choice for decent sound for my tv? IE... hopefully better than a sound bar/base?

[@muzammelhaquemukul7089]

what is an audiophile speaker? if you can describe or do a video on that would great for general people like me.

[@grantwilson9161]

Would these be a good choice for 2 channel tv sound rather than a sound bar?

[@FelixtheMetalcat]

ANYTHING is better than a sound bar...

[@francescotenti193]

Great video and right on target.If space and having more boxes and wires are an issue, the Fluance fit the bill without breaking the bank, hook up a source, any source, and you have decent sound. On the other hand, for a similar price, the Sony STR HD190 and the Klipsch R-51M would offer better sound and more connectivity.

[@botWi]

"more connectivity" ?? The Sony STR HD190 don't even have USB-C input.

[@Harry-Giles]

Great review. I think these types of active speakers can really find their niche in side applications like a bedroom or kitchen/living area. Never using these for my main listening area.

[@acche-rc]

how about the Ai41? I hope they have addressed the loud hiss problem of the Ai40

[@juniorazeez702]

They have reduced the RCA hissing. The ai41 also now comes with optical input so if you connect with that there is zero hissing. Also there is a subout too. I honestly don't know how Fluance are even making a profit selling it for $250. Its a solid buy.

[@acche-rc]

@@juniorazeez702 do you have a set?

[@richardsisk1770]

How about the smaller Adam monitors? Thank you.

[@damianzaninovich4900]

Nice job again. I have that cd and it’s good but a different group but for me the pinnacle of Byrds music is Eight Miles High, one of my favorite songs. Just listen to the Gram Parson’s songs on Sweetheart of the Rodeo, several weren’t on the original album but are the real deal compared to what was originally put out. If you want to hear cosmic American music as Gram called it. Country with distorted pedal steel basically. Then “The Gilded Palace of Sin” which is his masterpiece if you’re still with me.

[@troywalt4834]

I would be very curious to know what steve thinks about the fives by klipsch and how he feels they compare to the rp600m.

[@iburley_]

I'm always curious about active speakers, even on the high end. I definitely understand the thought that people would rather match their own electronics and have them as separate boxes that can be easily upgraded individually down the line, but at the end of the day I care most about about which sounds better. If I spend $500 on an integrated amp and $500 on a pair of speakers, or $1000 on a pair of active speakers with DSP-corrected crossovers and all of that, which actually sounds better at the end of the day?

[@st.thomas5802]

Active speakers like JBL LSR, Kali etc will sound better than almost any receiver+speaker combo under $500 maybe even 750 or more...the bigger issue is having the right outputs if you're using them with a TV and controlling volume without having to buy extra potentially expensive equipment. That said...my JBL LSR306P hooked up to my TCL 55 headphone out with a $2 1/8 to Stereo 1/4" sounds amazing and better than any passive speakers I've used costing much more.

[@richcampbell6808]

These are $300. In that price point nothing compares to the quality.

[@wendyb9923]

Steve, i am thinking about buying a cd jukebox, can the sound coming from a jukebox be improved with any of the products you are familiar with? is there a place I can go to that explains what is needed for the sound to be very good coming from a jukebox? thank you

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

If the CD jukebox has a digital out (optical or coax digital output) sure, the sound can be improve with a DAC (digital to analog converter). Prices start at $99 for the Schiit Modi 3.

[@mihirchitnis905]

The lack of HDMI e-arc support is a missed opportunity for these speakers to be used with a tv as a soundbar replacement.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

The optical digital input serves the same purpose.

[@FelixtheMetalcat]

Although Steve is right, I certainly would prefer the HDMI connection also. In this day and age it should be a standard feature.

[@mihirchitnis905]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac The newer generation of consoles have gotten rid of optical outs. I would not be surprised if newer TV's also start getting rid of optical in favour of HDMI e-arc which has a much more advanced copy protection mechanism.

[@gigar9000]

TVs will not get rid of the optical output anytime soon.

[@williamcanada6195]

Thanx Steve, as usual ! Do you think you lay get to Review the Marantz PM 7000N? Bill the French Staten Islander

[@offason]

I would really appreciate a test of the Elac Vela BS 403.2

[@joshualieder7524]

Are these better than Edifier bookshelfs for a Rt85 turntable?

[@billymercey4654]

Id say

[@morespinach9832]

Edifier has a gazillion models. Better than R1280 or R1700? Yes. Better than S3000 Pro? Not a chance.

[@jzizmor]

Agree with Thomas. I’d love to find a good quality active speaker. I asked about Klipsch The Fives previously. Still interested.

[@rreichar1]

I have a pair of Klipsch Fives paired with a 12 inch Klipsch subwoofer. I was downsizing (as I do every few years) and am very happy with them so far. I thought they were a bit boomy without the sub but I had them too close to the wall in my room. I think it is a great sounding $1000 system. I have spent more for less. They probably are less negatively affected by source material than anything I have owned. They are somewhat volume limited but I play them pretty loud at times. I felt like adding the sub really positively helped the rest of the range. I liked they way they sounded without it but I really like the way the y sound with it. It’s not just the added bass. I don’t think Steve will ever review them though. I think Andrew Robinson did a nice job with that.

[@jzizmor]

@@rreichar1 Thanks. Appreciate your comments. Do The Fives have eArc capability?

[@FelixtheMetalcat]

Adding that sub to handle the bottom end opened up the 5 inch driver for better midrange response. Nice that it all worked out well, I had thrown that idea around recently for myself.

[@rreichar1]

@@jzizmor Yes they do. It works great. I got mine in August and it has worked perfectly every time with my 2018 LG OLED.

[@delvalle9256]

I think you should review the Buchardt a500 , Steve

[@De_La_Soto]

Currently own the Ai40 for my simple turntable setup (RT81 w/ Schiit Mani Preamp). Considering upgrading to either Ai61 or JBL LSR 306p

[@clarification007]

The new Ai41 is better in low frequency, a bit more base: from 35Hz ...

[@morespinach9832]

Those JBLs are studio monitors. Nearfield listening. And sound stage etc is horrible.

[@inherent777]

When would you buy an LG V60 ThinQ, Steve?!

[@youfoundsound]

So Steve, wouldn’t you review or at least give a comment to multiroom systems? Or what about in-ceiling speakers? A growing segment which needs more enlightening from your side.

[@simianinc]

I’d still love to hear your ears considering the ls50 mete vs ls50w II

[@DanielleEmberley]

I have noticed the approach for consumer active speakers always seems very different than the approach used for active studio monitors. The home audio market often seems to have this master and slave type of setup. For studio monitors we often see identical units for each channel. Not sure why the approach is so different for the two different markets.

[@russellharvey7096]

Well, you could listen to a mono mix or a stereo mix with the latter.

[@DanielleEmberley]

@@russellharvey7096 That's the type of configuration I am used to. I have used active live sound speakers and it's always comforting to know you could limp through the remainder of a gig with one speaker if one of the speakers was to fail during event.

[@johnshepherd708]

Steve, I realize the resistance to active monitors/speakers, however, you should search out and at least listen to a PSI monitor. PSI were the OEM behind the Studer active monitors before Harmon acquired Studer. At that point, the sold a range of monitors under their own name. They have been doing this for about 35 years. These simply are of a different class and no DSP...all analog. Be open minded to just listen.

[@fubartotale3389]

Jack Black? Jack White perhaps....?

[@millmoormichael6630]

👍

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Oops

[@StellarAudyssey]

Was about to comment this

[@paznewis107]

Randy the cheapaudioman does this every time.😸

[@StellarAudyssey]

@@paznewis107 haha, that he does!

[@Lilas_Life13]

Steve, you did review the B&W, PSB and Audio Engine actives...just sayin😉

[@Usercehdbf]

5:02 jack black lmao

[@tonykernighan9175]

actually they beefed up the wattage from 100 watts to a 120 watts :)

[@tonykernighan9175]

from the Ai60

[@kedduff1814]

I don't want to figure out what amps match well with my speaker or what DAC matches well with which preamps into power amps. I want to play my music not play with equipment.

[@dilbyjones]

I hear the record players are great.

[@stimpy1226]

Are we true lovers of music? Technology always has continue moving forward even if it puts us in reverse . I want separate components in an audio system. Steve does a good job of reviewing all types of audio components and there are plenty of viewers who want to hear reviews on active speakers but I am not one of them. Never will be. May sound snobbish, perhaps I am although I don’t usually act this way.

[@montynorth3009]

I wonder how the Bluetooth sounds.

[@clarification007]

Some comment on the net give a very high positive note with the Bluetooth 5 the Fluance have now. "

[@themastroiannis]

very very nice you brought Horowitz to audio enthusiasts attention! probably awful speakers to listen to Horowitz (!!)...you would want a full range honest speaker to really appreciate all his amazing palette of colors with the piano....i still cherish Horowitz's rendition of Schumann's "Album for the young" Op. 68 (Kinderszenen) as the ultimate interpretation of those apparently simple tunes... all the innocence and awe of that music moves through Horowitz hands like water from a stream... honest and heartfelt, but not affected, if you know what i mean....

[@cnhhnc]

lol! I have the AJ Pioneers and his matching center in my basement rig on an older Pioneer AVR with a Polk sub in a 3.1 config. They do the job and then some for a second system!

[@jimshaw899]

Tone controls? For publicly laying your hand on a tone control, you have been placed on Audiophilic suspension. Redemption will only come after posting 8 positive reviews of powered speakers and 24 repetitions of "holy Pass Labs full of grace, Andrew Jones is with thee" as a tone ment. -The Auditalia Council Of Tweeterdom

[@KBoneZone]

Flatulence is known for good value except for rear ported models which often have uncontrollable chuffing issues.

[@SS-wo6de]

@Krone Zone.. Flatulence is passing of gas or 'farting'..

[@KBoneZone]

@@SS-wo6de darn autocorrect got me again!

[@SS-wo6de]

@@KBoneZone 👍

[@ibassnote]

Hahaha! This was hilarious. You are really not an active speaker monitor guy! Thanks for trying.

[@HareDeLune]

@GeneralCurtis3LeMay HPSREE!!

[@ibassnote]

@GeneralCurtis3LeMay Of course. I've seen every single Audiophiliac video. I'm just teasing Steve because it is abundantly clear that he is not really a powered monitor type audiophile. But there have been requests for this type of review from him and he has responded. Great channel, great guy.

[@yuckysamson]

It's not active. It's powered, but not active.

[@pkal244]

@@ibassnote he gave the previous model AI Fluance a glowing review

[@yuckysamson]

@GeneralCurtis3LeMay Keep on trollin', big man. Love your work.

[@PrezidentHughes]

😮 $100 stereo receiver!?

[@hudo]

If something is great in this review, then that’s todays shirt!

[@tonykazz2779]

EVERYONE on the Internet avoids the "Made in China" aspect. I had to do an Fccid search to learn is Manufacturer. The Importer claims a Lifetime Manufacturer Warrantee, which I doubt since Fluance isn't the Manufacturer. The "designed in Canada" claim is Marketing BS. Tony in Venice Florida.

[@tomons8059]

C'mon, Fluance is a Canadian company and just like almost everyone else, have their products made in China.

[@offason]

My actives are even cheaper :) $240 Argon Audio Tempo A4 but no, I didn't buy them because they were fantastic, I bought them because I had no audio at home whatsoever.

[@muzammelhaquemukul7089]

That is definitely an upgrade and I'm thinking of doing the same.

[@westwater73]

I believe if you don't posses you don't own it, 🎵 that is so, if it ain't got cable's or I can't hold it.

[@JazzInvaders66]

Right there with you, Steve .... unenthusiastic.

[@leon23leon]

Jack *White 😉

[@stonefree1911]

I'm not really sure if you liked these speakers or not.....

[@TorToroPorco]

This is sort of a brush off review kind of like someone reviewing a date and saying he or she was nice but bland.

[@FelixtheMetalcat]

😆

[@paulkelleway8032]

‘Audiophile products’ as you so continually refer to them are simply products for people who like sound, hence the suffix ‘phile’, but sadly they are also the biggest rip off in the entire universe, and so called audiophiles get conned into the utter snobbish bullshit that says if it doesn’t cost the earth or weigh a ton it’s not worthy. Such snobbery is sickening!

[@yaoyaotigeraudio7299]

Хорошая работа, мы профессиональные поставщики высококачественной продукции, вы заинтересованы в сотрудничестве?

[@johnsweda2999]

That makes no sense you still choosing your components DAC preamp doesn't matter if it's high-end or not. What is an audiophile speaker then? that's just hyperbole who says audiophile speakers are any good anyway you could say they're plasticy in their sound signature don't give a true representation of the music so who's kidding who here! Just take those silly panels behind you do they pay on commission how often you show them in your videos!!!! if you want to isolate the screen you use natural wool fleece throw over the telly is best not some panels that are not tuned into any resonance. if you want proper sound resonance absorptions cancellation unit have to design them for a particular room equalisation only a quadratic diffuser would do that is calculated to your room as a bass trap. You might as well hang rugs on the wall look nice and do better than those panels my tip for the day Steve you need to get the Dutch in Dutch 8c then we'll see what you think of active

[@JohnJohn-lk4lq]

You sound like someone who can’t afford to move out of moms basement, daffy muppet.

[@timjaffray1536]

Purists Rule.

[@CharleyClose]

Why is this here?

[@HareDeLune]

What is the meaning of a flower?

[@paznewis107]

You posted it.

[@benjaminwelsh1287]

Steve i get it you dont like some equipment but if your going to do reviews then you really need to learn how to see the good in everything even home cinema setups.