RBH PM-8 Notes for the record

[Bartleby]

I'm guessing this will be a no brainier to a lot of you experienced folk out there, but I searched Google for 3 days, called clear water, and spoke with a non-engineer at RBH and none of them knew the answer. Shane answered my email and I thought I'd post it here on the off chance some other newb is looking for the same thing.

The question is what intermediary equipment is needed to connect your PC to the powered PM-8s.

The reason it wasn't easy for me to find this is that the PM-8 description indicates it has a DSP and converts to analog just before playing. So, I searched for answers to questions like;
1. Is a DSP the same as a DAC? Or do I need a DAC if my powered speaker has DSP
2. Does the PM-8 accept a direct digital signal - and hours reading through various equipment to find some piece of gear that transmits and preamplifiers a digital signal without converting it to analog.

Shane responded yes, you need a DAC. PM-8, at this time, does not accept AES format though "the line SVTRS speaker system does use a DSP processor that includes both AES and Dante Digital inputs."

 

[shadyJ]

I'm guessing this will be a no brainier to a lot of you experienced folk out there, but I searched Google for 3 days, called clear water, and spoke with a non-engineer at RBH and none of them knew the answer. Shane answered my email and I thought I'd post it here on the off chance some other newb is looking for the same thing.

The question is what intermediary equipment is needed to connect your PC to the powered PM-8s.

The reason it wasn't easy for me to find this is that the PM-8 description indicates it has a DSP and converts to analog just before playing. So, I searched for answers to questions like;
1. Is a DSP the same as a DAC? Or do I need a DAC if my powered speaker has DSP
2. Does the PM-8 accept a direct digital signal - and hours reading through various equipment to find some piece of gear that transmits and preamplifiers a digital signal without converting it to analog.

Shane responded yes, you need a DAC. PM-8, at this time, does not accept AES format though "the line SVTRS speaker system does use a DSP processor that includes both AES and Dante Digital inputs."

Most powered studio monitors only accept analog connections, but, curiously, many active home audio speakers have digital inputs as well. I guess the reason for this is that pro-audio manufacturers expect you to connect the speakers through balanced outputs from the mixing console. Also, if you do a DAC in-speaker, what would normally have to happen is that one speaker does the conversion for both in the pair. That would be awkward to do in pro-audio gear.

 

[Bartleby]

Yea, the target audience is audiophiles who are likely to have existing receivers, or professional studios who are already using a DAC/Preamp for recording and monitoring sound. Or at least that's my 2 cents after thinking about why it's interface is analog.

 

[shadyJ]

Yea, the target audience is audiophiles who are likely to have existing receivers, or professional studios who are already using a DAC/Preamp for recording and monitoring sound. Or at least that's my 2 cents after thinking about why it's interface is analog.

Well, if you are interested in the PM-8s, I have some good news for you. Guess what speakers I just took delivery of for review this week? The review won't be done for awhile though since I have a bunch of other products to go through first...

 

[Bartleby]

Oh hurray! Yes I am. My main questions are;
1. Strength/weakness/comparison to to SVTR line.
2. What's the base like?

 

[shadyJ]

Oh hurray! Yes I am. My main questions are;
1. Strength/weakness/comparison to to SVTR line.
2. What's the base like?

To answer your questions:
1. I couldn't say, except to state the obvious that the SVTR is going to have much greater dynamic range.
2. Assuming you mean 'bass,' you will have to wait for the review. No spoilers!

 

[Bartleby]

XD, pfffts of course I want all the juicy details of how the bottom of the unit performs .

Thanks, and I look forward to the review!

 

[Mpsafranski]

@shadyJ this is awesome news...I have been toying with the idea of setting up a pair of bookshelves in another room. First thought was the KEF LSwireless which can be had for $1500 on accessories for less. Tough to beat having EVERYTHING except stands in the box. (Sans another sub)

I keep coming back to the review of the Revel PerformaBe bookshelves on this site though and my mind wants those, though $4K + cost of an integrated seems too rich right now.

Obviously the PM-8s are also $4k but I was looking at them as well. It’s really good to know the above information and the need for add’l equipment.

Likely will go with the KEFs, since the passive model is so well regarded, and think about adding a new sub.

In any case, looking forward to your review of the RBH and all those before it in line. Little else these days beats opening the website in the morning and seeing a new full on review