Active vs Passive Speakers: 4 Key Differences Explained
Active vs passive speakers: compare built-in amplifiers, power needs, use cases and sound control to pick the right speaker for your sound system.
When shopping for sound system equipment, buyers are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of devices on offer. Which product should you buy? Which one is better? What should you choose first? This happens a lot because of the wide range of options, and speakers are no exception. Should you get active or passive speakers? Here are the differences you should know before you shop at a store selling audio sound system equipment.
4 Key Differences Between Active and Passive Speakers
1. The Amplifier Inside the Speaker
The first difference, and the best known, is the amplifier built into an active speaker. An active speaker already contains an amplifier, subwoofer, woofer and tweeter for clear sound. Passive speakers do not have this. Without a built-in amplifier, a passive speaker needs a more complex audio setup, such as a full sound system with a power amplifier, an equalizer and other components.
2. Power Requirements
The previous point may already hint at how much power each type needs. To run the amplifier inside an active speaker, you need a stable power supply and cabling. Fortunately, the electrical power that active speakers need varies from model to model, so it is best to ask the sound system seller about the specifications. Passive speakers, on the other hand, need more power to match all the outputs and equipment in the setup.
3. Use and Sound Output
Active speakers are used mostly at home and in everyday life, thanks to their convenience and capability. You do not need complex equipment or a complete system, because these speakers work with nothing more than a power source. The downside is that lower-powered active speakers cannot produce a loud sound. For outdoor use, passive speakers are therefore the better recommendation.
4. Sound Adjustment
Because an active speaker is not part of a complex sound system, it offers only limited sound adjustment. The volume range is often preset at the factory, so the scale is narrow. Passive speakers give you much more freedom. A sound system store will explain that you can reduce or add passive speakers to improve sound quality and raise the loudness of the output.
In short, the two types differ in power and use. Both active and passive speakers have strengths and weaknesses that affect how you can use them. It is best to check the details of the product you plan to buy first. Goshen Swara Indonesia is one of the sound system distributors in Indonesia. Visit its official website for product information and the best offers.
