What are the differences between active speakers and passive speakers and their respective advantages and disadvantages?
FAQ

The difference between active speakers and passive speakers

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Update time : 2021-10-18 18:04:28
When buying speakers, everyone is always troubled by the type of speakers, that is, what are "active speakers" and "passive speakers"? Today, We will solve a doubt for you, and provide you with more help in choosing a suitable set of speakers.


What is an "active speaker"? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Active Speaker, a major feature of it is that it has a built-in electronic crossover system and a power amplifier. "Active speakers" usually mark the output power, input impedance and input signal level of the built-in amplifier, so all you have to do is Just connect the power and audio cable to make a sound.
At present, studio monitor speakers, engineering speakers or speakers for dance halls are basically "active speakers". Of course, they are now used in multimedia, such as desktop speakers, Bluetooth speakers, etc., all of which are active speakers.


Advantages
yes1. It comes with a power amplifier, no need to connect to a post-amplifier, the whole system is simple and clear, easy to use. You only need to connect a computer, Blu-ray/audio player, DAP, etc. to play. You don't need to consider professional issues such as power size, impedance matching, etc., just plug and play.
yes2. In addition to the built-in amplifier, the "active speaker" also has an electronic crossover system and a decoding system, which can systematically restore the original appearance of the sound, with less distortion, stable sound bottom, and will not be affected by factors such as wires and power amplifiers. 
yes3. The space is more flexible. Because of the built-in amplification system and electronic crossover, you don't need to place power amplifiers and other equipment, making your own space more concise.


Shortcomings
frown1. Since each speaker has an independent amplifier and electronic distributor, each speaker needs independent power supply. In other words, if you want to set up a 5.1.2 or 7.1.4 speaker system, you must have 8 or 12 independent power supplies make it work, which requires higher stability of the power supply. Of course, if it is only used on a computer desktop, the 2.0 system only needs 2 power supplies.
frown2. It is necessary to turn on the power of each speaker separately. Some "active speakers" even need to adjust the volume of each speaker. It is a little troublesome to coordinate with multiple speakers to adjust the volume. But not all active speakers need this, so be careful when choosing.
 


What is a "passive speaker"? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Passive Speaker, there is no amplifier circuit inside, but there will be a crossover network and impedance compensation circuit.
It cannot be plug-and-play, and it needs a post-amplifier or a combined power amplifier to promote it. The whole system is relatively more complicated.
Compared with "active speakers", "passive speakers" not only have bookshelf speakers, but also floor-standing speakers, satellite speakers and other types.


Advantages
wink1. No need to supply power, only need to connect the audio cable, but need to connect to the power amplifier.
wink2. Increased tuning flexibility. Due to the need to connect the power amplifier, it has a greater impact on power amplifiers, tube amplifiers, cables and other equipment, but this allows you to match the equipment to different people. Everyone's favorite tone is different, and the tuning effect can be determined according to the power amplifier and wire.


Shortcomings
blush1. The system is relatively complicated, not plug-and-play like "active speakers". You need to have more professional knowledge to make a match that suits you.
blush2. It takes up more space, and the volume is relatively larger, which is not applicable in some scenarios, such as computer desktops.
 


How should I choose?
cool1. Look at the application scenario, whether it is a computer desktop, a living room, or an independent audio-visual room, etc.
If it is a computer desktop, you can only choose active speakers. Basically, no one chooses passive speakers on the desktop. Not to mention the size of the cabinet, you have to have a special power amplifier on the desktop. This configuration not only makes your desktop not concise, but also takes up a lot of space. The display effect is not ideal.

If it is a living room and an independent audio-visual room, you can choose "active speakers" and "passive speakers" for both scenes. It depends on personal preference. If you don't like tossing, you can choose "active speakers". In addition to laying out the audio cables, the active speakers also need to provide multiple speakers power positions. The choice of power source is also extra important. However, the rear power amplifier is reduced, and only the front power amplifier is needed. Of course, it’s okay to directly connect to the player’s output, but the effect is different. If you like tossing, "passive speakers" are for you. You can invert speakers, cables, even front and rear amplifiers or combine amplifiers to choose the combination that best suits your taste. Of course, this time cost or capital cost may need to be measured. However, it should be noted that “passive speakers” are not like “active speakers”, which do not require wires. Once the wires are laid out, especially the wires of the middle and rear speakers or even the sky speakers, they are deeply buried in the soil. It is unlikely that you will consider changing the line at that time. However, the cable requirements of the center and rear speakers and the sky speakers are not as high as the main and center speakers. For most users, the 3D surround sound effect requires the main and center speakers to change wires more often.

cool
2. It depends on whether you like tossing or not. If you don't like tossing, then the one-step active speaker is definitely the best. If you like tossing and trying different styles of equipment, passive box is your first choice.


cool3. It depends on your budget...

cool4. You can also consult us. Sinbosen is an audio equipment company with ten years of experience. It has home systems, karaoke, churches, concerts, bars, various large, medium and small activities with application cases that can provide you with some references.




 
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