Active S400
Posted by: Jimbo78 on 12 June 2016
I was just wondering if it is possible to run S400 in active mode, looking at the 362BMR manual it suggests you can, I guess you need to purchase a two or three way cross over and a 362BMR cross over and of course additional amps. Does anybody know if this is correct and has any done this and what was your experience. I must say though my s400 sound very good in passive mode.
AFAIK not, despite the Snaxo manual saying this. There is no way to convert the S400 to active operation. Which means you can't bypass the passive crossover nor is there a Snaxo with the necessary crossover frequency (700 Hz according to the S400 whitepaper).
I think the Naim website used to suggest that an active solution for the S400 was coming. Now that the Ovator range has stopped production I guess it never will.
If I recall correctly this has come up before and the answer is no active S400. A shame in my opinion. The 400s are really good passive and would be phenomenal active.
I'm willing to bet it's possible, albeit DIY. I watched when my S600's were being converted from passive to active, and it was pretty straightforward to remove the crossover board (it sits in the base). For the S600 there is a replacement board which connects the speaker drivers to the rear connectors. I would have thought it would be pretty easy to do a DIY version for the S400's.
A section from the S-400 white paper:
'For bi-amp or tri-amp active operation the entire crossover can be removed and replaced with an active wiring loom adaptor. The terminal panel is also exchanged for one carrying three sets of input terminals'
MDS posted:I think the Naim website used to suggest that an active solution for the S400 was coming. Now that the Ovator range has stopped production I guess it never will.
When the merger was announced, Active Fans like myself, was concerned about the future of Naim Active Systems.
Articles was popping up like dandelions:
""Currently I think that only Linn and Naim promote active technology in the domestic hifi market, although it is common in pa/concert rigs. It will be interesting to watch developments as to whether the Focal/Naim merger leads to more or less active systems?
This very specialised expertise means that in practice few people will ever own an active system, even though the rewards are great.""
""It's a good buy for Focal. Focal has mostly loudspeaker experience but they also have powered speakers and automotive amplifiers. Naim is skilled at making compact, clean amplifiers and digital gear, so they can help further develop the amplifiers used in the Focal lines. Focal also produces powered subwoofers of course and all need amp modules, so having a top quality source is a good thing. They also push the envelope with regard to state of the art loudspeaker innovations and we might find an active x-over or powered woofer, etc in use in their home loudspeakers as well as pro monitors. Further, it gives Focal a strong presence in the UK...""
Is the Glass half empty, or half full?????
Time will Tell !
I for one would sure like to see Active Sopra’s or Scala’s V2!
Well, it's been awhile, Naim has stopped producing their Active Speakers, and Focal, Acts as if they never heard of Manufacture who goes by the Naim of Naim!
Perhaps the glass is half empty!!!!!
Allante93!
Adam Zielinski posted:A section from the S-400 white paper:
'For bi-amp or tri-amp active operation the entire crossover can be removed and replaced with an active wiring loom adaptor. The terminal panel is also exchanged for one carrying three sets of input terminals'
But AFAIK this adaptor has never existed, at least not as an official product/upgrade.