Hi-Fi passive speakers are traditional speakers that require an external power amplifier to drive them. They are called passive because they do not have built-in amplification.
Passive speakers consist of a speaker driver (woofer, tweeter, or subwoofer) enclosed in a cabinet along with a crossover network. The crossover divides the audio signal into separate frequency ranges, directing high frequencies to the tweeter and low frequencies to the woofer. The power amplifier receives the audio signal from a separate audio source, such as a receiver or amplifier, and provides the necessary power to drive the speakers.
On the other hand, active speakers, also known as powered speakers or self-powered speakers, have built-in amplifiers. These speakers have the amplifier directly integrated into the speaker enclosure. They receive the audio signal from a source, such as a computer, smartphone, or audio interface, and the built-in amplification system powers the speaker drivers.
The key difference between passive and active speakers is the need for an external amplifier in the case of passive speakers. Active speakers eliminate the need for a separate amplifier as the amplification is already integrated into the speaker cabinet.
There are several advantages to using active speakers. One main advantage is convenience and simplicity. With active speakers, there is no need for a separate amplifier, reducing the number of components and cables required. This makes active speakers ideal for situations where space is limited or when setting up a simple audio system.
Active speakers also benefit from having amplifiers that are specifically matched and optimized for the speaker drivers. This ensures that the amplification is perfectly suited to the speaker's characteristics, resulting in improved sound quality and accuracy.
Additionally, active speakers often have built-in signal processing features, such as equalization (EQ) controls or digital signal processing (DSP) capabilities. These features allow for fine-tuning of the sound to suit the room or personal preference, without the need for external devices.
Passive speakers, on the other hand, offer more flexibility in terms of speaker selection and amplifier choice. With passive speakers, users can mix and match different speaker models and amplifier combinations to achieve the desired sound and performance. This flexibility can be advantageous for audiophiles and sound enthusiasts who prefer more control over the system's components.
In summary, passive speakers require an external power amplifier, while active speakers have built-in amplification. Active speakers offer simplicity, convenience, and optimized performance due to integrated amplification, while passive speakers provide more flexibility in speaker and amplifier selection. The choice between passive and active speakers depends on personal preferences, system requirements, and the desired level of control over the audio system.