Is it better to choose active speakers or passive speakers?

                      Is it better to choose active speakers or passive speakers?

The difference between active speakers and passive speakers

First of all, let's figure out the concept of active speakers and passive speakers. Active speakers refer to speakers with built-in power amplifiers, also known as active speakers; passive speakers refer to speakers that have no power amplifier inside and need an external power amplifier to work, also known as passive speakers.

Market positioning and consumer groups

The market positioning and consumer groups of active speakers and passive speakers are different. Generally speaking, the output power of active speakers is small, the volume cannot be turned up very high, and the power amplifier circuit is not too particular. It belongs to a simple audio system. It is mostly used in the field of multimedia digital consumption.

This kind of active speaker is generally small in shape, such as Bluetooth speakers, computer digital speakers, etc. for daily use. Of course, there are also big shapes like trolley speakers and active subwoofers (note: the design of the shape is mainly based on the needs of the scene), and the consumer group tends to be popular.

Passive speakers are a formal audio system with high power and good sound quality, but they are bulky and occupy a lot of space. They need to be used in a complete system with audio equipment such as speakers, microphones, and effectors. It is generally used in the complete system of civil and professional consumption scenarios such as home, entertainment, conference, stage, etc. The consumer groups tend to be enthusiasts in the industry.

Advantages and disadvantages of active speakers and passive speakers

Advantages of active speakers:

Advantage 1: no post-stage power amplifier, simple system

Active speakers do not need to be connected to a post-amplifier, and music can be played as long as the audio is input. The "fool-style" operation is suitable for the public to use easily.

Advantage 2: complete set, stable sound quality

Active speakers already have a complete drive circuit and are equipped with decoding and crossover, and the sound quality is stable, unlike passive speakers that are affected by wires and power amplifiers.

Advantage 3: save space, easy to connect and control with mobile phone and computer

Active speakers do not need to be connected to power amplifiers, which saves a lot of space; many active speakers are also very convenient to connect to computers, mobile phones, tablets, etc.

Disadvantages of active speakers:

Disadvantages: need external power supply and signal line

Although there is one less power amplifier connected to the active speaker, it needs an external power cable and signal cable.

Advantages of passive speakers:

Advantage 1: More tuning flexibility.

Since it needs to be driven by a power amplifier, the sound of passive speakers will be greatly affected by equipment and wires. But at the same time, it has the flexibility of tuning, and can use the characteristics of audio cables and power amplifiers to supplement or improve the performance of speakers.

Advantage 2: Only need to connect the signal line

Passive speakers do not need to be connected to additional power cables, but only need to be connected to the amplifier with signal cables, and the latter can be used to directly drive the sound.

Disadvantages of passive speakers:

Disadvantages: Requires post-amplification and takes up extra space

There are many types and specifications of passive speakers, but the common disadvantage is that they need to be driven by an external amplifier, additional equipment needs to be configured, and space is taken up.

After so much introduction, is it better to have an active speaker or a passive speaker? This question still depends on your own positioning and the needs of the scene.