05-27-2014, 07:44 PM
I have been using an older Aiwa sound system that I got 20(!) years ago as my primary computer audio output device. The tape decks have failed, the 3-disc CD changer has failed, but the Aux inputs and speakers still work just fine, so I've stuck with it.
I also have a completely separate setup that I use in my professional audio recording business. A variety of input devices on the front end feed audio into the computer and output to a nice pair of Focal studio monitor loudspeakers (http://www.focalprofessional.com/en/).
I'd like to work towards simplification, which means getting rid of the Aiwa system (dang thing just keeps going, and going, and going) at some point, and hopefully using my nice speakers for both my casual listening and pro audio stuff. I'll get a TRS switch box (something along these lines: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SLW333/ ) to switch between sources.
It is possible to route everything through my pro audio interface, but I'd rather not have another powered device always on. So, it would seem that going the route I'm planning would be a better choice.
So my question is this: Is there any downside (speakers wear out more quickly, etc) to using my nice reference speakers for my normal day-to-day usage (mp3's, streaming video, DVDs, etc), along with the pro audio stuff? They reproduce sound so well when compared with the Aiwa speakers, so I know there will be an appreciable difference in sound quality (at least to my ears). But I want to avoid doing anything that will compromise the quality of the speakers for my pro audio gigs. I can't think of any reason not to make the change, but wanted to see what you folks thought.
Thanks!
I also have a completely separate setup that I use in my professional audio recording business. A variety of input devices on the front end feed audio into the computer and output to a nice pair of Focal studio monitor loudspeakers (http://www.focalprofessional.com/en/).
I'd like to work towards simplification, which means getting rid of the Aiwa system (dang thing just keeps going, and going, and going) at some point, and hopefully using my nice speakers for both my casual listening and pro audio stuff. I'll get a TRS switch box (something along these lines: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SLW333/ ) to switch between sources.
It is possible to route everything through my pro audio interface, but I'd rather not have another powered device always on. So, it would seem that going the route I'm planning would be a better choice.
So my question is this: Is there any downside (speakers wear out more quickly, etc) to using my nice reference speakers for my normal day-to-day usage (mp3's, streaming video, DVDs, etc), along with the pro audio stuff? They reproduce sound so well when compared with the Aiwa speakers, so I know there will be an appreciable difference in sound quality (at least to my ears). But I want to avoid doing anything that will compromise the quality of the speakers for my pro audio gigs. I can't think of any reason not to make the change, but wanted to see what you folks thought.
Thanks!