Advantages and disadvantages of active speakers

What is an active speaker

The active speaker has a built-in power amplifier circuit, which can work when the power supply and signal input are connected. Active means that there is a group of circuits inside, which has the function of power amplification. For example, most of the speakers used in 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 to go through a special power amplifier. Such speakers are usually marked with parameters such as the output power, input impedance, and input signal level of the built-in amplifier.

Montarbo audio Montarbo fire10lp

Advantages and disadvantages of active speakers

Advantage 1: No need for later stage, simple system

There is no need to connect the rear driver, you can play songs as long as the audio is input, which is most suitable for friends who want a simpler sound system. Only the "player" and the "speaker" can form a complete system.

Advantage 2: Save space

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

Advantage 3: Complete package, sound quality is "guaranteed"

Since it already has a complete drive circuit and is equipped with decoding and partial sound, plus the digital interface input, the sound of active speakers will be more "stable", unlike passive speakers that are more affected by wires and amplifiers.

Disadvantage 1: Speakers need to adjust the volume independently

The output of some active speakers needs to be adjusted independently for the left and right channel speakers, so it will be a little troublesome to adjust the volume. However, if your preamp has a volume adjustment function, there is no such annoyance.

Disadvantage 2: Need to connect power cord and signal line

Although the active speakers have one less amplifier connected, in addition to the signal line, each speaker needs to be connected with an additional power cord for power supply. If the speakers are placed far apart, the wiring will be more troublesome.

Third, the difference between passive speakers and active speakers

The most essential difference between active speakers and passive speakers is whether they have a power amplifier.

1. Power amplification

Passive speakers do not have a built-in power amplifier circuit and must be connected to an external power amplifier to work. The active speaker is externally connected with a built-in power amplifier circuit powered by a power supply, which has sufficient power and can work when the power supply and signal input are connected, without the need for a power amplifier.

2. Output sound effects

The integrated sound card has nothing to talk about for the average user in terms of output. The integrated sound card mainly relies on the software debugging of the driver to output sound effects, while the independent sound card is only required for special sound effects to be purchased specifically, or it is more high-end Has hardware-level debugging capabilities. Therefore, the integrated sound card can also meet the requirements of the vast majority of users. If there is no special requirement, don't buy an independent sound card, and waste money.

3. In terms of box sound

Low- and mid-range speakers have a box sound. Good speakers will make you unable to feel the speakers. Passive speakers have more or less sound-absorbing cotton. For cost considerations, active speakers either have no sound-absorbing cotton or very little. Another reason is that the sound-absorbing cotton is too much, and the heat dissipation of the power components in the box becomes a problem. In addition, there is an amplifier circuit in the speaker, so the volume of the left and right speakers will be different, and the sound will also be different.

Four, other differences are

1. The effect of the output power of the audio source is different: when the output power of the audio source is large, the sound can be played very loudly, otherwise it is very small; the active loudspeaker has the function of power amplification, even if the output power of your audio source is small, there is The source speaker will also amplify the original small sound loudly because of its power amplification function.

2. The scope of use is different: multi-source speakers are mostly used in computer multimedia fields, and passive speakers are generally used in home theaters, combination speakers, and karaoke;

3. The size is different: multi-source audio is a simple audio system, which is generally small, and passive audio is a formal audio system, which is generally bulky and takes up space;

4. Different output sound effects: Passive speakers have a crossover network and impedance compensation circuit. With these circuits, the speakers have less internal interference, good anti-interference ability, and relatively better sound quality than active ones.