Is active or passive speakers better? - Shopping guide

One of the most frequent questions when choosing a sound system is whether active speakers or passive speakers are better.

The answer is that it depends what you want them for. In short:

When to choose passive speakers:

If you have already made a big investment in devices for your music system

  • If you already have a sound amplifier or power stage that you want to continue using
  • If you are going to want improve the quality of the amplifier later, without implying a change of speakers
  • For installations of fixed sound outdoors
  • If you want to place them in a place where the weight can be a problem, being lighter than self-powered speakers

What to use active speakers for:

To use online streaming services or digital files as the main source

  • To have the minimum possible cables

  • To reduce the number of devices of your sound system

  • For an easy installation if you are not interested in trying different technical settings

  • If you want a portable speaker (with battery) or wireless (transmission without cables, for example Bluetooth) - passive speakers are not available with these features

That's the quick speaker buying guide. But if you want to know more about each type of speaker, we will expand a little more below. Here we offer you the pros and cons of the speakers and other important information.

Passive Speaker - Towers Dynaudio Evoke 50

What are passive speakers?

The passive loudspeaker or passive box is the classical model, and the most used throughout the history of High Fidelity. To work it needs to be connected by cable to an amplifier. Thanks to this, they receive a previously amplified analog sound signal.

They usually have at least two different drivers. The tweeter is responsible for reproducing the treble tones (high frequencies) and the woofer the midrange and bass. The crossover filter included in the passive speakers is responsible for dividing the sound wave. Thus, it sends to each driver the part of the wave that it has to reproduce.

Advantages of passive speakers

Since they are not a stand-alone device, needing a sound system to connect to in order to work, they take up more space than a self-powered speaker.

You have to connect them to an external amplifier that can drive the passive speakers withthe power they need, or the sound will be too dim.

Also they need the wired connection to work, which can make installation difficult and interfere more with the decoration.

Using cables can cause interference in the signal if audiophile-grade wiring is not purchased.

Passive loudspeakers can be eternal, and that is their great advantage over active loudspeakers. A pair of passive speakers can play for decades. Their secret is that they adapt to the improvements in the components of the Hi-Fi equipment. Using a better cable, or better external amplifiers, will make them play better.

Their price in comparison can also be an advantage , since some passive boxes are cheaper than an equivalent self-powered model. However, the passive speaker needs an amplifier to work, which could make the end result more expensive if you don't already have one.

You can get better sound compared to active boxes of the same size, which together with its cheaper price means a better quality/price ratio. A passive speaker only includes the drivers and the crossover inside. The asset further includes the amplifier, which takes up space. More free space inside the case usually offers a more spacious sound.

Although there are models, such as DALI Rubicon LCR, that achieve spectacular sound with an ultra-thin casing.

In addition, passive loudspeakers are usually the usual choice for fixed outdoor audio installations. For example, in a garden. This is because by not having internal electronics they are less susceptible to breakdowns, and there are weather-resistant models.

Disadvantages of passive speakers

Since they are not a stand-alone device, needing a sound system to connect to in order to work, they take up more space than a self-powered speaker.

You have to connect them to an external amplifier that can drive the passive speakers withthe power they need, or the sound will be too dim.

They also need the wired connection to work, which can make installation more difficult and interfere more with the decoration.

The use of cables can cause interference in the signal if audiophile-grade wiring is not purchased.

KEF LS50 WIRELESS II Passive Speakers

What are powered speakers?

The active loudspeaker, or self-powered, includes inside the electronics necessary to amplify the sound signal. This makes it a stand-alone device, which can function on its own when connected to a sound source.

Their electronics include, in most cases, a DAC converter to directly receive files in digital format. They are also often equipped with wireless receivers, such as Bluetooth, to facilitate wireless audio transmission. And if you want to connect them by cable to the computer, television, or any device that emits audio, there is no problem. Practically all of them have a mini-jack input so you can do it without any problem.

Currently, their sound quality is so good that they are a common option in the professional field, such as recording studios. There are many options for self-powered studio monitors, ready to connect to the mixer and offer all the details.

In Concerto we also have a list of the best active speakers and what to use them for.

Advantages of active speakers

They have a very simple installation, especially for wireless use. Simply connect them to the mains, or charge their battery, and turn them on.

In addition, it will not be necessary to invest or choose the rest of the electronics, since the Most models work practically independently. They only need to connect to a sound source.

Having internal amplification, this type of speaker has less cables compared to that required for some passive boxes. This means less investment in cables, and less possibility of interference due to wiring.

All these features allow you to design portable models, with battery, that can be used anywhere even if there is no power outlet.

Disadvantages of active speakers

It is not possible to improve your sound by changing cables or amplification, but you have to change the entire speaker.

Having a large part of the electronics integrated, it does not allow you to benefit from certain audiophile technologies, such as room correction, if you purchase another device that includes it.

Internal electronics reduce available space inside the case. This can mean a more closed sound compared to passive boxes of the same size.

They are more expensive than equivalent passive boxes, although buying active speakers avoids having to purchase sound electronics.

Passive Speaker - Cinema Sonus Faber Sonetto Center 1

What else to consider when choosing speakers?

What else to keep in mind

Once you have decided if you need passive boxes or self-powered speakers, pay attention to the following details to choose the ones that fit your needs:

  • Speaker type - a pair of speakers are suitable for stereo audio, but many other speaker models also exist. speaker. Subwoofers for bass, central for cinematographic voice, height speakers... Choose a model made for the use you want to give it.

  • Dimensions - Take into account not only the size of the speaker, but also the size required for its installation. The connectors can add centimeters to the bottom. There are also models that need a minimum distance from the wall to achieve the best sound. Everything is indicated in its specifications.

  • Needs of your room - The sound wave also reaches a certain size, and it is best to choose speakers suitable for the size of your room. Large towers in a small room will generate resonances and sound disturbances. Tiny monitors in a huge room will wash out the sound. At Concerto we can advise you in this regard and with any questions you may have.

  • Accessories - Many speakers come with optional customization accessories. From carrying cases to grids of different colors or batteries. If you'd like to change the style of your speaker later, they can be a key addition to your decision.

What about choosing speakers?

At Concerto Audio we are a Loudspeaker store with decades of experience in advising and installing sound equipment. Our showroom is located in Alicante but we make free shipments* to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and all of Spain.

If you need help To buy passive or active speakers, you can contact us.

*Free shipping if they meet the stipulated conditions.

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