When we configure a sound system, speakers are essential equipment. When choosing speakers, sales staff will ask me whether I need passive speakers or active speakers. So what are passive speakers and active speakers? What is the difference between these two types of speakers? Today, I will introduce to you what are passive and active speakers, and analyze the difference between the two types of speakers.
What is a passive speaker
Passive speakers are also called "passive speakers". That is, the speakers we usually see. There is no power amplifier circuit inside the speaker, and an external power amplifier is required. Although passive speakers do not have amplifiers, they often have crossover networks and impedance compensation circuits. At the same time, we can also regard it as a "wooden box + horn", so that the advantage is that the sound can reach the best state and will not be disturbed by the external environment. Since the sound card of the playback device does not have a power amplifier and only outputs sound analog signals, a dedicated power amplifier should be connected when using this kind of 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.
![The difference between passive speakers and active speakers]()
The difference between passive speakers and active speakers
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 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 targeted for purchase, or it is more high-end It 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.
Wooden Speakers:
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