When configuring audio equipment systems, speakers are essential equipment. When selecting speakers, salespeople will ask if we need passive speakers or active speakers. What are passive speakers and active speakers? What is the difference between these two types of speakers? Today, let's introduce what passive and active speakers are and analyze the differences between the two types of speakers.

1、 What is a passive speaker

Passive speakers, also known as passive speakers. That is the speaker we usually see. There is no power amplifier circuit inside the speaker, and an external power amplifier is required. Passive speakers, although not equipped with amplifiers, often come with crossover networks and impedance compensation circuits. At the same time, we can also consider it as a "wooden box+speaker", which has the advantage of achieving good sound without being disturbed by the external environment. Due to the fact that the sound cards of the playback devices do not come with power amplifiers and only output analog sound signals, it is necessary to connect a dedicated power amplifier when using this type of speaker.

PRS passive speaker

The advantages and disadvantages of passive speakers

Advantage 1: More flexibility in tuning

Due to the need for amplifiers to drive, the sound of passive speakers is greatly affected by equipment and cables. Conversely, this also means that tuning can be much more flexible, and the characteristics of signal cables and amplifiers can be used to supplement or improve the performance of the speaker.

Advantage 2: Only need to connect the speaker cable

Although an amplifier needs to be connected, passive speakers do not require an additional power cord. They only need to connect a signal line to the amplifier, which can be used to directly drive sound.

Advantage 3: Diversified gameplay such as dual amplifier drive and dual line sound splitting

Some passive speakers can support dual amplifier drive (Bi Amp) and dual line splitting (Bi Wire) wiring to improve the performance of the speakers.

Disadvantage: Need for subsequent promotion

There are too many types of passive speakers, each with different specifications, designs, and materials. If we want to talk about a common drawback, it is necessary to connect amplifiers to drive, which requires additional equipment and space.

2、 What is an active speaker

The active speaker has a built-in power amplifier circuit, which can work by connecting the power and signal input. Active refers to a group of circuits inside that have the function of power amplification. For example, most speakers used on computers are active speakers, which means they can be directly connected to the computer's sound card and used. And there is no need to use specialized power amplifiers anymore. This type of speaker is usually labeled with parameters such as the output power, input impedance, and input signal level of the built-in amplifier.

The advantages and disadvantages of active speakers

Advantage 1: No need for a later stage, simple system

No need to connect to the rear driver, as long as the audio is input, you can play songs. This is most suitable for friends who want a simpler sound system. Just use the "player" and "speaker" to form a complete system.

Advantage 2: Space saving

Due to the lack of amplifier connection, it can save a lot of space for equipment placement, making it suitable for popular CAS systems or desktop audio systems in recent years.

Advantage 3: Complete matching and guaranteed sound quality

Due to its complete driving circuit and equipped with decoding and sound splitting, coupled with digital interface input, the sound of an active speaker will be more stable, unlike passive speakers that are more affected by wires and amplifiers.

Disadvantage 1: The speaker needs to independently adjust its volume

Some active speakers require independent adjustment of the output of the left and right channels of the speakers, so adjusting the volume may be a bit troublesome, requiring the coordination of the left and right speakers for further fine-tuning. However, if your front end has a volume adjustment function, you won't have this trouble.

Disadvantage 2: Need to connect power and signal cables

Although an active speaker is missing an amplifier, in addition to the signal line, an additional power line needs to be connected to each side of the speaker for power supply. If the speakers are positioned far apart, wiring will be more troublesome.

3、 The difference between passive speakers and active speakers

The fundamental difference between active speakers and passive speakers is whether they come with a power amplifier.

1. In terms of power amplification

Passive speakers do not have built-in power amplifier circuits and require external power amplifiers to function. The active speaker is externally connected with a built-in power amplifier circuit powered by a power source, providing sufficient power. It can work by connecting the power source and signal input without the need for a power amplifier.

2. In terms of output sound effects

There is not much to discuss about the output of integrated sound cards for ordinary users. Integrated sound cards mainly rely on software debugging of drivers to output sound effects, while independent sound cards require special sound effects to be purchased specifically, or have more high-end hardware level debugging functions. Therefore, integrated sound cards can also meet the requirements of the vast majority of users. If there are no special requirements, don't buy an independent sound card specifically, it's a waste of money.

3. In terms of box sound

Both mid - and low-end speakers have speaker sound, while good speakers may not make you feel the sound. Passive speakers have more or less sound-absorbing cotton, while active speakers either do not have sound-absorbing cotton or have very few due to cost considerations. Another reason is that too many sound-absorbing cotton can cause problems with the heat dissipation of the power components inside the box. In addition, if there is an amplification circuit inside the speaker, there will be differences in the volume and sound of the left and right speakers.

4、 Other differences include

1. The effect of sound source output power is different: passive speakers can play a lot of sound when the sound source output power is high, otherwise it is very low; An active speaker has a power amplification function, even if the output power of your sound source is very small, the active speaker will amplify the originally small sound due to the power amplification function

2. Different usage ranges: Multi source speakers are mostly used in the field of computer multimedia, while passive speakers are generally used in home theaters, combination speakers, karaoke, etc;

3. Different volumes: Multi source speakers are simple sound systems that are generally compact, while passive speakers are formal sound systems that are generally bulky and take up space;

4. Different output sound effects: Passive speakers have a crossover network and impedance compensation circuit. With these circuits, the speaker has less internal interference, good anti-interference ability, and relatively better sound quality than active speakers.