Pro-Ject Speaker Box 5 S2 + Marantz Stereo 70s vs. PSB Alpha iQ

This episode is brought to you by T+A:
www.ta-hifi.de/en/
Shocked KZbinr Face inspired by Camera Conspiracies:
😱 • These Lights Change EV...
🎥 Camera: John Darko / Olaf von Voss
🎬 Editor: John Darko
🌈 Colour: Olaf von Voss
🕺🏻 Motion GFX: John Darko
💰 Ad segment: Jana Dagdagan
🎵 Song IDs? Playlists of all music heard in this video - and other videos - can be found on PATREON: / johndarko
0:00 The setup
3:55 The specifics
7:43 The subwoofer
11:01 The swap-out
Pro-Ject Speaker Box 5 S2
🛒 howl.me/clt1NR2p4QF
PSB Alpha iQ
🛒 howl.me/ck04TcPHGMC
PSB AST-25 stands
📖 www.psbspeakers.com/product/a...
Topping D10s
🛒 amzn.to/3QzinuQ
Marantz Stereo 70s
🛒 howl.me/clp8vE7SxbS
Solid Steel SS6
🛒 howl.me/cjlmVxj2TAp
Cables and power products by AudioQuest
🛒 howl.me/ckbW8ZBoZAg
Room treatment by Vicoustic
📖 vicoustic.com/
Darko.Audio may earn a small commission from items purchased via affiliate links, which are indicated with a '🛒'.
#project #marantz #psb
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[@nickroden]

One of my favorite things about your channel John is your lack of Shocked KZbinr Face. Keep up the great work.

[@sultantoure4220]

Thank you Darko for your time and job. Happy new year health and joy !

[@k-doggy1762]

You're missing a third and in my opinion best option. True actives containing just the amplification and crossovers with outboard DAC/preamp/streamer.

[@PerfDayToday]

yup, how I do it..

[@riccitone]

As in the Cabasse Rialtos 👍

[@chromaffin]

U Turn Ethos: Class A/B amp, passive crossovers.

[@myself61607]

I used to own a Linn system with crossover and dacs in one box and separate power amps wired to the speakers. It was a nightmare to set up and miles of cables in my room.

[@k-doggy1762]

@@razisn I just got the Quad Artera Play+ coupled with Acoustic Energy AE1 Active. Okay price for both is about £2k so double what these 2 cost but my setup can be relevant for many years whereas all in ones would be obsolete in no time.

[@jasonholding1726]

Thanks John. I have been waiting for a video like this for a while as I have been having a debate with myself about which option to go with. I am glad you added the third Segway with the Powernode. I was hoping there might be another "what if" moment by reducing the cost if the upstream equipment further (using a Wiim Amp) and I creasing the cost/quality of the passive speakers. Everyone's user case is different and budget determines our choices too. This video has helped me decide on the separates selection but also because it does give an upgrade path.

[@adsph]

Another concise review with great detail. Well done John. Thank you.

[@barneyrubble9309]

old school like me might not choose the "all in one" solution because we like tweaking but i genuinely believe that it is the future for getting new people into good quality hifi that fits the modern lifestyle. They are a very neat solution and the sound quality is getting very good indeed.

[@Pressure_23]

A delightfully nuanced video. I went for the middle ground - active Genelec 8331s, with external streaming (via a computer), and analogue sources via a Focusrite converter. At some point I’d like a passive system as well!

[@sean_heisler]

I'm liking the subtle filter you guys put on top of the video, really nice. Sort of a subtle matte.

[@assai74]

I favor passive as my main system for several reasons. If anything goes wrong with actives, the whole setup is out of business. If you want to upgrade, you have to start from scratch. Most important for sound quality is the room, matching speakers and their correct positioning. Therefore if you master this part of your system, it will outlast any other component upstream. Nearfield on a desk is another story…

[@jimalbruzzess2445]

Excellent video John !! I love my Marantz stereo 70s.

[@jamesberryman9893]

The ending was brilliant!

[@FANBOY41]

I'm rocking a Ultima 40 Aktiv from Teufel. Not a active but powered speaker. And I just love hehe convenience it gives me. Arc and Bluetooth input and just good sound for small money!

[@asan1050]

I'm only here for the facial expressions! 😆

[@DarkoAudio]

Full credit to Camera Conspiracies for that inspo. See link in description box.

[@user-mz6lt2pr9s]

Thanks for the video. The biggest difference in my experience is the shorter warranty in the active speaker electronics and the issues that will arise when the amp(s) in the active speaker need repair or replacement. Much easier to replace an external power source if needed. Separate passive speakers and amps last much longer without issues in my experience. Peace, love and music!

[@DynotoeTube]

The major reason to go for separates is that a bad capacitor won't take out your amp, your speaker, your dac and your streamer all at once. Way to risky. Plus if you want to upgrade any of them you have to throw them all out.

[@klotzey]

would have loved to see the wiim amp as the swap out - making it a 1000€ system which sounds like THE point to start a hifi journey! anyways - great video, as always. love your production quality and especially your take on things.

[@dal2258]

Thank you for the entertainment John! I'm on the active side (KEF) and probably will never go back. Upgrade path: Kii 7's 😍

[@myself61607]

Interesting test I liked Monolake thank you I remember you compared the active KiiThree to some Kef with amplified by Hegel and concluded you preferred that passive combo.

[@christopherviers8302]

Hey Hey...!!! Thanks for turning me on to Monolake's 'Silence' album which contains the 'Watching Clouds' song...!!! I learned of another new genre unbeknowst to me - "minimal, dub-influenced techno" - Most excellent and genuinely appreciated...!!! Great review too...!!!

[@christopherviers8302]

As a sidenote... Whilst enjoying Monolake's 'Silence' album, as per my personal habit, I did the Wiki-thing on Monolake and came across information about a documentary about the techno scene in Europe, namely Berlin... It's called "Speaking in Code" and is available on KZbin... It runs about 1:30hrs and is worth every minute of it...!!! If you are even slightly interested in different forms of music history, you'll be glad you watched "Speaking in Codes"... It definitely made my day...!!! Thanks again Mr. Darko...!!!

[@beefsflat7426]

I'm an active convert but i still keep my dac and preamp outside the speaker box. Best of both worlds. Atc scm50a actives, wiim pro streamer, rme adi2 dac/preamp/dsp room correction. Active and future proof. Good review of the atc's just out on audiophiliac from Guttenberg. He loves em...pursuitperfectsystem love them....Darko...when you catching up with the analogue active cool kids? 😂

[@timothymoorman7437]

I always thought it would be kinda fun to put my own system together,. Even though it has now spread out to consume my living room wall, floor and television, and contains a surround system, I still prefer it. Old school and messy, but nice to fiddle with and tweak while hearing some terrific tunes.

[@MrTuneCrave]

similar test I do and have done- take a selection of reasonably priced amps+ streamer with the passive equivalent of that brand to compare with the active pair. Eg. Ls50 passive Vs ls50wireless. The hi-fi systems usually sound better once you find an amp you like better than the one in built

[@TonyMacina]

Passive for me! Means I can grow or shrink my system as space changes but keep the amp/dac and just change the speakers without a concern for changing the streaming options

[@Johnnytrades101]

Great video! For me, I prefer the separates. A device like the Marantz, for 2 ch is great, with the HDMI and other connectivity. With that Marantz, there is an upgrade path with speakers, streamers, ect over time. Active can't do that other than a sub. Pair that Marantz with better speakers and the gains will be significant. Cheers!

[@olligps]

Excellent video. By the way, the amp sells at the moment under 900 Euros in Germany.

[@marcus1970]

Latitude absolutely granted for such entertaining content John, well done bandwidth limited amplified output to a well done active crossover should best a full range amplified signal into a passive crossover.... But even then there is STILL room for preference of presentation and function plus upgradeability... Interesting times and definitely the ears should make the choice... Great amazed reviewer face BTW 👍🏻

[@DarkFire515]

Interesting comparison! I tend to use active speakers but an external DAC fed from my computer. Reason being is that I can use the same DAC to feed the speakers or my headphone amp.

[@carterleynes6380]

Ive been installing speakers in custom luxury homes for over 20 years. Started off with plenty of passive speakers but I can tell you in the last few years, the vast majority of speakers installed are Sonos active speakers and in-ceiling/in-wall passive speakers powered by Sonos Amps. These are for people who can afford any kind of speaker but they all choose Sonos - the Gold standard audio systems in luxury and everyday homes.

[@user-ej3ii8zm2b]

Interestingly on the active speaker side of the equation, KEF cut the regular (non-sale) prices of their entire LS Wireless Collection today, at least in the USA. LSX II now $1300 (-$100), LS 50 Wireless II now $2,500 (-$300) and LS60 now $5,000 (-$2000). Also introduced the LSX II LT last week at $1000.

[@alanschenk2087]

Having been burned by Sonos, with their active speakers ultimately being considered electronic components rather than speakers, I have taken a view that the passive speakers with separate components “old school approach” is the better solution for those people not wishing to change out speakers very often. Buy the best passive speakers you can afford and change out components as technologies change. A good analogy is high end camera gear, buy the best lens you can afford and change out the camera body as resolution increases. Provided the camera resolution is not limited by the lens.

[@beefsflat7426]

Or...analogue active atc's that came from the 90's and still servicable/upgradable today. Add streamer/dac of the moment and best of all worlds. 😊

[@itsPenguinBoy]

For me really the benefit of separates is longevity and flexibility - being able to only replace the parts you want or need to replace feels way more logical to me than a couple of mystery boxes.

[@howardskeivys4184]

We should come away from the concept of better or best. Embrace choice, different and preferred. When you ventured into passive, you had the choice of amps, you preferred the Bluesound. Choice is always good. Preference is always subjective.

[@michaelbooth6007]

I am trying the Kali IN8 pro 3 way actives, a tri amp speaker, fed by an Audiolab 9000CDT to a Geshelli Labs J2 Dac fitted with AKM 4499 chip + Sparkos Lab op amps run via XLR. It doesn't do all the connectivity of your rigs but it sounds great, and the speakers are yours for around £630. Slays my much more expensive passive speakers!

[@1957CRAZYDJ]

I tried active speakers and had ground loop problem that was kind of heavy. With such a bad experience, I'm not sure to go back to active eventually. I am very happy with my separate components that gives me versatility and option to change only one components if not happy of end result.

[@wabba67]

Whatever the performance, I have to say that the finishing options for the Speaker Box look phenomenal. Both the yellow and the green would look amazing in almost any system.

[@MathewBT81]

I have the KEF ls50wii with kc62 and its a formidable system. However have already had issues with the top touch-panel doing phantom presses. I do question the longitivity of this system as I can absolutely see the advantages of passive now (not having to swap whole unit) but its really a trade-off of space/convience vs longitivity/upgradability.

[@dimitrikatsaros9212]

That intro music very weirdly reminded me of Yaz's "Only You" and The Police's "Synchronicity". Wow!

[@Wuppie62]

@13:40 How is connecting al your sources, power and output via several cables to one loudspeaker - which often stands at a distance from your lowboard, 'cleaner and tidier'? 🤔

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

I am moving from active floor standing speakers to streaming DSP room correcting active speakers. I feel there is potentially some issue with digital services and hardware changing so rapidly. We have seen the HDMI 1.4 to 2.1 and ARC, eARC and now Bluetooth lossless, Bluetooth low latency and wi-fi 7 which promises low latency and more performance. Unless the systems have a modular approach to the hardware the only update is to change the whole system. If the system has a lot of wired inputs I prefer a hub that can be hidden away with all the cables to transmit to the wireless speakers. I also look for option of scaling up the system to surround sound. B&W formation does this and so do some WiSA transmitters; Dali have gone their own way but works similar to WiSA.

[@jay-remedy-plz]

I’m looking at Active spkrs and I’m more convinced I’ll be purchasing Powered Studio Monitors since I’ll be using them via PC and EQing them with software. Focal Shape has my attention.

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

True actives are more expensive than powered speakers but sound better. Consider Adams Audio active monitors. Powered speakers usually have a linking cable from the primary to the passive secondary speaker. Actives have mains power to both and each speaker has wireless or wired signal input. Adams Audio are analogue active. Kef lS50 wireless II are digital speakers as are wireless Buchardt, B&W Formation, B&O, Devialet, Dali and Focal. Latency i a problem with some DSP and wireless speakers even if they support USB audio or HDMI inputs.

[@AT-wl9yq]

I have a fair amount of experience with studio monitors like what you're looking at, and comparing them to home gear both active and passive. You have to take each speaker on a case by case basis, but my overall experience had been you tend to over pay for single box solutions. Keep in mind that my comments are based on using the speakers in a listening/hi fi setup, and not for their intended use as studio monitors. If the speakers are for listening, and you are going to pair them with some decent electronics, I would highly recommend not getting anything with DSP built in. If you have a good source, like a nice dac, you lose everything the dac did when the speaker converts the signal back to digital. If you are going to use the speakers as monitors and connect them directly to a mixing board, then DSP may be the right choice. Every time I've ever compared DSP studio monitors to analog only powered studio monitors, for regular listening, I've always preferred the cheaper, analog only monitors. And I'm not the only one. I've spoken to many people who also came to the same conclusion. My advice is to just keep it simple. Listen to several options and pick the one that sounds the best. Any other way and you are going to pick something for a different reason.

[@camhyde9701]

good question

[@crimlarksSteve]

Great video.

[@johanneskason]

According to me the biggest disadvantage with active speakers is that you have to rely on the electronics to meet the standard of tomorrow. If the internal hardware can’t handle new upgrades and beefier software I’m stuck with old streaming solutions and outdated performance. Hence the problem with the first generation of active Kef LS50. With a passive system you just have buy a new WiiM, cheaper, easier and most important - you are not in the hands of just one company. I don’t know why this isn’t brought up more but yeah my humble and inexperienced opinion.

[@mwahlert]

The appropriate middle ground are active speakers that only contains the necessary amplification - like most studio monitors. The choice of pre amplifier, etc, remain in your control.

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

Most reviewers of active and powered speakers point out the problem of not being able to just update the streamer or the DAC and if needing repairs you have to transport a larger box. Some manufacturers make the electronics user removable, like Buchardt A500 and A700. You only send off the electronics. If updates are needed that can be replaced. B&O claim a similar modular approach on some of their life style speakers. Some use a hub to transmit wirelessly so inputs and service changes mean replacing the hub not the whole system. Even with a component system of separates you can't always make changes that add new features and retain the quality even by spending a lot more cash. If you researched your original choice and matched amplifier, DAC and speakers for your budget to get the best performance you have to go through much of that effort with any changes you make. With the all in one streaming active speakers that matching has been done in the design. The user requested changes to the KEF LS50 wireless were achieved by using a more powerful computer inside the speakers. That is why the software changes could not be directly included into the original LS50 wireless.

[@johanneskason]

@@geraldmcmullon2465 I’ve only heard the issue been brought up by Darko and maybe someone more, but I’m just watching a handful of people so you might be correct. I just think this should be discussed more. BUT I’ve chosen passive speakers so I’m not really looking for the discussion either. Who knows. Even if it’s possible to change the electronics it seems like a hassle and you still count on one company. I haven’t look into this but it seems a bit expensive? Can we trust the brands? Do they keep updating old speakers firmware and electronics and not trying to sell the new generation. To me it sounds like speaker brands are making changes in the market to make us, the consumer, to update our speakers more often. Like everything els, I guess. I think the Kef situation illustrates this in good way.

[@rabit818]

I’ll take my separates any day. I can upgrade when I please to tailor fit my needs. 70s silver faced Marantz w Mission speakers and done. Hello Sonos?

[@leoestrela6831]

My experience with speaker boxes has been, the darker the yellow the better it sounds.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

It would be really nice if you could review the top of the range DS2 model and compare it with this. No reviews on that one that i can find.

[@AllboroLCD]

Cram in some amp boards and a power supply into an active speaker and call it a day. They keep getting tripped up trying to integrate the preamp\line stage as well. A 3 way full range speaker with fine tuned discrete amps to each driver will blow the doors off of a passive clone of itself any day of the week. The quality & tech are on the level now that actives make sense, its just a matter of the general public and marketing to catch up if you ask me.

[@DerrenHodson]

Bought the projects, marantz added wiim pro 2 and turntable.....just need a cd player and blu-ray player would love a all in one but do they make them still?

[@steveh545]

This is essentially the conundrum I’m facing now. Maybe some Klipsch 7s with a streamer. Or marantz (type) unit with mid price speakers.

[@davidgodal98]

When can we expect the KEF LSX 2 LT review? 👍

[@mikemurphy9269]

I like the idea of being able to change the sound of my system by changing speakers or components. Further i like physical music as much as or more than streaming. Thus, powered sprakers likely will not be for me. Also, I find it interesting that most reviewers say class d amps arent as good as class AB or class A etc. So why would they be better when placed inside a speaker?

[@davetester100]

😊 “You Mid-Range Lush” is my new complimentary phrase!

[@rongreen1538]

All the hype about isolation products to protect electronics from vibrations and then we stick all those electronics into a speaker !

[@myself61607]

Very good point but is it John going on about that?

[@sokrebis]

9:40 USB to SPIDF converter is not necessary, you can use one of the HDMI inputs on Marantz to connect the PC.

[@geraldmcmullon2465]

I have been using a CYP HDMI debedder from my computer that converts HDMI to 8 channel line level outputs for active speakers.

[@nacarp2000]

Nope, regular HDMI output is not guaranteed to pass Audio into an HDMI Arc input. You need HDMI Arc out signal, currently only from TVs in most cases.

[@sokrebis]

@@nacarp2000 I'm not talking about HDMI ARC, but other HDMI inputs on Marantz

[@AsenPetrov]

Apologies in advance for the question, and I hope I'm not the only one asking it, but I couldn't find one with the search engine, what diopter glasses do you use, especially the frame what brand is it? Thank you in advance for answering the annoying question that has nothing to do with the topic of your channel... which is first-class for audiophiles!

[@AsenPetrov]

Tom Ford... ok... Thanks.

[@bgolledge502]

Psb look like they could be my next PC speakers

[@jamesbrotherton5487]

A bi-amped system has the crossover between the pre and power amps. The speakers are still passive. They have either no crossover or the internal crossovers are bypassed.

[@SteveSmith0704]

Yes, you have compared a passive system with an active, but here is the big BUT... its not actually a comparison ! To make a comparison of active to passive you would need to use the same components organised in their respective ways. Thus, the same amp, speaker and crossover combo, which BTW is impossible since the crossover design ahead of the amp is a very different animal to what can be done after the amp..... so if that would result in being a crossover review lol. I'm a massive fan of active speakers having had them for over 40yrs now, but accept that compromise can result from squeezing everything into one box and these days we have streamers as well finding there way in there too so I worry about isolation and upgrades in music formats and sample rates etc. The example there is that DAC's have moved on since i jumped in and as a result i have to consider a complete change of speaker from what i know and love. Personal choice only!

[@paolosoddu9642]

What about SVS PRIME WIRELESS PRO speakers versus the PSBs?

[@syanhc]

Id go for racing green anyday

[@kerryfarrell2787]

Nice video! You said the Powernode had X watts of Class D power. But, didn't you go to great lengths to distinguish Class D from the "Power DAC" Hybrid Digital amplification in the Powernode in another video?

[@DarkoAudio]

That was the Powernode Edge. This is the Powernode.

[@kerryfarrell2787]

AHA! Thanks for the reminder.@@DarkoAudio

[@larryeckerdt9750]

Re: Active vs. Passive 1) Active is limited on hookups (phono, cd, whatever is next) 2) i’m old, it was hard enough to get me to streaming, much less speakers with built-in things that I could easily pay much more for pretty boxes to display while I watch my music.

[@andrewmay1041]

Kusos to whomever cleans John's apartment. Never a spec of dust, fluffball or sweet wrapper under the cupboards in any video I've watched yet. Not like my house...

[@r1p2m32]

Pro-ject _is_ an overachiever. I have a simple 'accidental buy' wall-power headphone amp from them, "Head Box S2". It completely changed the character of Sennheiser 660s -- for the better. I have listened to this pair for five years, and still haven't even searched for anything better.

[@r1p2m32]

When I first time heard HD 660s, with a mere good-ish computer mainboard amp and some portable amps, I was in tears. But I tended to use more and more volume, to hear more, and my ears fatigued, and rang like whistle next day.. With Pro-Ject amp, volume almost never rises. No morning bells!

[@r1p2m32]

If Sennheiser had given this amp for free with 660s, they would have sold roughly a billion sets.

[@patrikbjorling4391]

I cant stop stairing at those Klipsches...

[@kevinmoore9757]

A refreshingly nuanced review. My mouth didn't fall open in shock, but I did learn something.

[@stephenpeel2945]

Bonnie Prince Billie, BBR and Bill Callahan in one vid 👌

[@alferro3149]

With the rate things are changing, I still prefer separets. The supposed practicality of active speakers is still to be demonstrated. Maybe if you are young or normal (read not "audiophile"😊).

[@jedwards5860]

I am starting to go in this direction too - having come in with a prejudice that I would go with an active streaming speaker as a 1-stop solution

[@NeilBlanchard]

Here's what I don't understand about powered speakers - how can more/all of the electronics fit inside *one* of the speakers - and not affect it's tuning vs the other speaker, that has less/none of the electronics in it? Edit: obviously there is already a lot to compare here, but I do wonder about the practicality of using a turntable with the PSB powered speakers? And then how does the same turntable sound on each of these systems?

[@supernovaf1]

True but there are also lots of powered speakers have separate amps in each so that they have the same tuning, especially active speakers for studio use. My main issue is all the vibration and the magnetic fields of the drive units affecting the delicate circuitry of the built-in amps/DACs etc.

[@Maver1ck911]

Both powered and active have the electronics outside of the acoustic chamber but inside the enclosure. They're voiced with this volume of air. Sure the enclosure is smaller for acoustic reproduction but you must trade for convenience (simplification at the cost of an upgrade path)

[@cjansson]

What I gather is that you can tune everything to the speaker's and crossover properties when it's built in. Technically you could also do that in a passive system if you either make all the discrete components (dac, amp etc) or choose a dac and amp combo to tune against. I guess the loss in air volume and acoustic properties inside the enclosure is not that big of a deal. Also another point, I think most active speakers are powered by Class D amps, which I've also read, has the biggest benefit when as mentioned, are tuned to a specific speaker, enclosure and crossover etc.

[@thomasalexand]

Powered speakers are two speakers. One has an amplifier whilst the other is passive. They are connected by one speaker cable. Active speakers are two speakers each having their own amplifier. @@supernovaf1

[@Maver1ck911]

@cjansson class D is just very predictable for low impedance loads, power efficient and therefore small and doesn't require a heat in units like a book shelf. Floor standers and woofers running higher VRMS will have heatsinks usually mated to the chassis.

[@mreddieau]

Help me decide. ProJect SB 5 S2 with the new WiiM Amp or just the PSB Alpha iQ on its own. Both systems coupled with a micro SVS 3000.

[@joenovak6393]

Only your ears can tell you and YT reviews are just given those some information to what they hear.

[@dangur1]

PSB is a cleaner setup

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

Passive with good gear all the way!

[@MarcinNiedzwiedzki]

Please review Audio Pro A28

[@funkyfurballs1078]

Can you get the Cabasse Rialto for review?

[@erics.4113]

The Rialto have fantastic tonality. And bass! I don't think it would be a fair comparison, but if you're looking for actives at that price range I highly recommend Rialto

[@Birmingham_racing]

I've got the Powernode running B&w 707 s2

[@TreyKindlinger]

How are you liking that set up? Are you happy or is there anything you’d change?

[@Birmingham_racing]

@@TreyKindlingerI love it but I'm changing to a Sonos soundbar set up simply because I rarely have time for music anymore. Music wise not even a comparison but movie wise Sonos is better

[@bryanpaulgilbert7308]

all I want to know is which little yellow speaker blows the other out of the water💥😇

[@bassandtrebleclef]

Seems that active speakers almost universally use class d amplification that produces a nice clean sound but lacks some of the warmth associated with AB, A or certainly tube amps. I'm assuming this is due to cost, heat management and packaging requirements. These compromises reveal themselves in this type of comparison. And for audio and music enthusiasts, is the trade-off really worth it short of going really high end a la ATC active speakers?

[@DarkoAudio]

Universal use of Class D in active speakers is not my experience.

[@nacarp2000]

Using a different mic for this vid? Or just the room sound?

[@DarkoAudio]

It's the corner of the room into which I am talking. There's a video coming about it....

[@AdiMaco]

Please, I didn't catch it, which album is the best electronic music album that you have? I am also interested in electronic music. Thanks!

[@tmckenzie555]

Silence by Monolake

[@workshopninjathe1st]

Isn’t the DAC also the crossover (using DSP)? So the path is stream - DAC(where the DSP crossover happens)- amps - drivers. Vs stream - DAC - amp - passive crossover - drivers? So only the amps come after the crossover?

[@DarkoAudio]

AFAIK, in a digitally active system: stream to DSP xover to DACs (one per driver) to amps (one per driver) to drivers.

[@workshopninjathe1st]

I’d be interested in more info about DSP (like room correction and system tuning) - as a 90s kid I feel I have a reasonable idea of what a DAC does but the main difference, the “secret sauce”, in most of todays systems, seems to be in the DSP.

[@markcollier9279]

Where would the Klipsch The Sevens stack up to these?

[@davids2214]

He said in his year-end video that he liked the Sevens better than the PSBs (I think it was a bit more qualified than that but that was the gist as I recall)

[@MohsinWadee]

A system like the Stereo 70s is actually more convenient than an all-in-one active speaker system which requires power outlets on both sides, and with more dangling cables visible as inputs are usually all on one speaker. With passive speakers you have more scope to hide the cables, and with a Marantz as a 'hub' all the cables are hidden behind from the middle.

[@redstarwraith]

I'd be afraid the only song the Speaker Box 5S2 would only play Coldplay's, "Yellow" and nothing more, and I'd have to kill myself. 😅

[@TatoGURIELI]

Mister Plz make one video about Super Rare German made speaker 🔈 called PILOT Plz ! Plz ! Plz

[@AlexandreLollini]

There Will Be No Armageddon Album by Union Jack

[@badkid73]

Passive any day. Passive speakers almost never fail and last decades (okay you can overdrive an amp and clip and blow a driver). Active speakers fail all the time due to electronics issues. Just buy a WiiM amp or Bluenode equivalent or Sonos equivalent. A well designed passive with extreme attention to detail on the crossover is not inferior to an active system.

[@johnpischedda6951]

I like the idea of active for maybe a second system! But passive for the main system! Otherwise, your pretty much done and the tinkering is over! Where's the fun in that?

[@P0WERMIC]

I think a more fair comparison would be something from System Audio. Literally the same speaker with/without the silverback amp part.

[@pheunthai]

Unfortunately, from my past experience with project TT and CDP, I found their product QC truly appalling

[@truesouth4784]

The audiophiles are going to hate the idea of integrated speakers.

[@SenSimha]

Project Speaker Box in short P S B 😊

[@michaelrossmaessler200]

I like the yellow. The world has enough boring looking speakers.

[@pietromanno8916]

PASSIVE!!!!!! ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!

[@tobefree3718]

Appreciate the effort darko. But this video misfired. Far too much description of the hardware as a back n forth. Completlely lost track of the core ideas.

[@buckethead84]

They're both yellow, so let's compare them?

[@_fakeklg]

They’re box-shaped, so let’s compare them?

[@Larstig81]

He should have use a yellow amplifier, that would be a better comparison.

[@herme99]

A sense of humour is required

[@RenRenification]

Why does this look identical to an Elac speaker with orange paint.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

china mass assembly.

[@_fakeklg]

@@TriAmpHiFimade in Europe

[@superdougie10]

So sorry John, that mustard was just ugly. 2.1 systems are certainly more adaptive to different rooms. Still, I admire passive speakers over the active. I'm just old school that way.

[@Audfile]

Nobody is going to say "future fi". That's all you bro.

[@HungryEatNow]

2 years too late...