Are you looking for a new pair of hi-fi speakers but don’t know whether to choose Active or Passive Speakers or a Powered model? We’ve created this guide to take you through the key differences and help you choose the speakers that best suit you.
The terms active, passive or powered simply refer to the speaker amplification (how it is powered) or crossover (how the signal is sent to the drivers).
Powered Speakers
Powered speakers are often confused with active speakers. They feature their own amplifier and therefore plug into a wall socket. However, not all powered speakers are active as some have a passive crossover.
Powered speakers tend to be more compact and portable; ideal for desktop or wireless multiroom systems. Thanks to the built in amplifier, set up is easier and there is no need for additional components making this a more affordable and simple solution.
Active or Passive Speakers?
Active speakers are defined by electronic crossover components which use separate amplifiers to power the low and high frequency ranges. This is why they are often called powered speakers. Crossover components and amplifiers are usually housed within the speaker enclosure but can also be external in a bi-amp configuration with two individual amplifiers.
When choosing between active or passive speakers, a key benefit of active models is that the crossover, amplifiers and drivers are built to perfectly match each other. Active speakers are suitable for set ups where space is at a premium and ideal for use with a PC or laptop. Some models also feature DAC or wireless functionality. They can come in speaker pairs or as standalone wireless speakers.
Passive Speakers
Passive speakers feature passive crossover components. This amplifies the audio signal using a single power amplifier before splitting and directing it to multiple drivers that relate to different frequency ranges.
Passive speakers can be more prone to heat dissipation resulting in some loss of the amplifier’s power. The key benefit of passive speakers is the ability to swap out or upgrade the amplifier at any time.
Browse passive bookshelf or floorstanding pairs.
Matching Speakers and Amplifiers
Some amplifier manufacturers aim to accommodate a wide range of speakers, resulting in more costly and power consuming amps. This can make finding an ideal pairing seem like a daunting task. To take the hassle out of choosing, you can pick from one of our expertly matched hi-fi packages.
If none of these suit you, start by reading Q Acoustics guide to matching speakers and amplifiers or contact our sales team for personalised recommendations. You can also audition active, passive or powered speakers and amplifiers at our showroom or from the comfort of your home with our 30 day home trials.