Active/passive monitors

[Palli-Moon]

I'm just thinking... I'm one of theese coocoo heads that would rather like to have passive monitors and a good poweramp. But, there is one thing. I really like the Alesis M1 Active MKII monitors, as it says in the name they are Active. I was wondering, can use them as pasive? That is, just turn of the power and use a poweramp instead?

[Obsidian Dragon]

Well, in theory you can open up the unit and disconnect the leads to the two speakers and connect your power amp to them with your own crossover but you are messing with the calibration and cross over that the manufacturer carefully selected. They carefully selected matching biamplifiers (one for the highs and one for the lows) along with the right power and load along with the proper crossover before the amplifier. Why not just use the Active monitors as designed or get passive monitors? Many other manufacturer make passive version of their active monitors. Unfortuantely Alesis is not one of them. Listen to several monitors. In my opinion, Alesis monitors are not that good to begin with. They tend to sound more like home stereo speakers with a enhanced low end and highs and a scooped midrange. This makes for poor reference monitors. If you're spending money anyways, get something that will help you mix properly. Sorry to put down your Alesis monitors but that is just my opinion and you may choose to ignore it. In general, the consensus is that properly designed active monitors are better reference monitors than passive because the components are designed to work with each other. Your mileage may vary. The most important this is to use your ears. If you don't have a well trained ear, get someone who does to help you. Don't buy into marketing hype.

[albee1952]

OD said it pretty well. I would add that unless you are talking about a high-class amp like a Bryston and some great speakers, you will be happier with good active monitors anyway.

[Palli-Moon]

Thanks for the nice answere, I know offcourse it all depends on the ears and that's what counts. But still I must wonder, what passive monitors would you personally choose? I don't mind if the suggestion is very pricey, I'm just wondering what you guy's would talk about as good monitors.

[JMS40]

In all honesty, everything on my wish list is Active.
But, if you insist, sample some of the passive mid-line KRK's.

Do yourself a favor though, even if you have to drive 200 miles, find a well stocked store and go listen for yourself.

[EGS]

Actives are better. Lots of reasons. Just listen at a store.