Today, we will 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 are also known as "passive speakers". That is, the speakers we usually see. The speaker does not have an internal power amplifier circuit and requires an external power amplifier. Passive speakers, although not equipped with amplifiers, often come with frequency divider networks and impedance compensation circuits. At the same time, we can also regard it as a "wooden box+speaker", which has the advantage of achieving the best sound state without being disturbed by external environment. Due to the fact that the sound card of the playback device does not come with a power amplifier and only outputs analog sound signals, a dedicated power amplifier needs to be connected when using this type of speaker.

PRS Passive Speaker

Advantages and disadvantages of passive speakers

Advantage 1: More flexibility in sound tuning

Due to the need to connect an amplifier to drive, the sound of passive speakers is greatly affected by equipment and cables. Conversely, this also means that the tuning can be much more flexible, and the characteristics of signal cables and amplifiers can be utilized to supplement or enhance 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. Simply connect the signal line to the amplifier, and the latter can be used to directly drive the sound.

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

Some passive speakers can support dual amplifier driver (Bi Amp) and dual wire splitter (Bi Wire) wiring to enhance speaker performance.

Disadvantage: Requires post promotion

There are too many types of passive speakers with different specifications, designs, and materials. If we want to talk about a common drawback, it is the need to connect amplifiers to drive them, 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 set of circuits inside that have the function of power amplification. For example, most of the 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 a specialized power amplifier. This type of speaker usually indicates parameters such as output power, input impedance, and input signal level of the built-in amplifier.

Advantages and disadvantages of active speakers

Advantage 1: No need for a backend, simple system

No need to connect the backend driver, just input audio to play songs, which is most suitable for friends who want a simpler audio system. Just use the "player" and "speaker" to form a complete system.

Advantage 2: Space saving

Since there is no need to connect an amplifier, it can save a lot of space for placing equipment, which is quite suitable for popular CAS systems or desktop audio systems in recent years.

Advantage 3: Complete package and guaranteed sound quality

Due to having a complete driver circuit and equipped with decoding and sound splitting, coupled with digital interface input, the sound of active speakers will be more "stable", unlike passive speakers that are more affected by cables and amplifiers.

Disadvantage 1: The speaker requires independent volume adjustment

Some active speakers require independent tuning of the output of the left and right channel speakers, so adjusting the volume can be a bit troublesome, requiring coordination between the left and right speakers before 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 lines

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

3、 The difference between passive speakers and active speakers

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

1. Power amplification aspect

Passive speakers do not have built-in power amplification circuits and require an external power amplifier to function. The active speaker is equipped with a built-in power amplifier circuit that is powered by a power source. With sufficient power, it can work simply by connecting the power supply and signal input, without the need for a power amplifier.

2. In terms of output sound effects

Integrated sound cards are not worth discussing for ordinary users in terms of output. Integrated sound cards mainly rely on software debugging of drivers to output sound effects, while independent sound cards are purchased specifically for special sound effects, or higher end ones with 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 a dedicated sound card, it's a waste of money.

3. Box sound aspect

Both mid-range and low-end speakers have box sound, and good speakers make you feel that you don't have the sound of the speaker. Passive speakers have more or less sound-absorbing cotton, while active speakers either don't have sound-absorbing cotton or have very little due to cost considerations. Another reason is that too much sound-absorbing cotton is placed, causing problems with the heat dissipation of power components inside the box. In addition, there is an amplification circuit inside the speaker, so there will be differences in the volume and sound of the left and right speakers.

4、 Other differences include

1. The effect of audio output power is different: passive speakers can play a lot of sound when the audio output power is high, otherwise it is very small; Active speakers have the function of power amplification. Even if the output power of your audio source is very small, the active speaker will amplify the originally small sound due to its 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, and karaoke;

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 come with frequency divider networks and impedance compensation circuits. With these circuits, the speaker has less internal interference, better anti-interference ability, and relatively better sound quality than active speakers.