What is the difference between active speakers and passive speakers? how to choose

What is the difference between active speakers and passive speakers? how to choose

The difference between active speakers and passive speakers is mainly whether the speakers have a power amplifier.

Active speaker: built-in power amplifier, it can work when it is connected to the power supply and signal input

It means that there is a set of circuits inside the speaker, which has the function of power amplification. For example, most of the speakers used on computers are active speakers, that is to say, they can be used directly by connecting them to the sound card of the computer. No need for a dedicated power amplifier. The disadvantage is of course that the circuit inside may cause some resonance, electromagnetic interference and the like.

Passive speakers: There is no power amplifier inside, and an external power amplifier is required to work.

It can also be regarded as "wooden box + horn", the advantage of this is that the sound can reach the best state without interference. Because VCD, DVD, and computer sound cards do not have power amplifiers and only output audio analog signals, they need to be connected to dedicated power amplifiers.

                                 Differences in market positioning and consumer groups:

Active speakers are mostly used in the field of computer multimedia and some occasions with special needs (such as electronic keyboard speakers). This type of speaker generally has a small output power, the volume cannot be turned up very loudly, and it is not very good in the circuit of the power amplifier. It is a simple audio system; the passive speaker is a formal audio system with high power and good sound quality, but the product is large and bulky.

Regarding the quality issue, in fact, there is no good judging standard for speakers.

Generally high price (>20000) passive more. In this regard, because a large part of the price is due to feelings and brands, it is not very good to judge the performance. High-priced actives are basically monitors, and their performance is relatively good. Recommended if buying active.

For mid-priced active and passive (2000~20000), the quality of passive is often better (because driving equipment, such as power amplifiers, requires cost).

The low-cost active and passive are more difficult to distinguish. Through the frequency division and equalization of the front stage, even the active 2.1 in the early 1000s can easily kill the passive 2.0 that is faster than 2000.