Active Speaker and Passive Speaker

Today, I am going to talking about speakers. In the world, there are many speakers and many types of speakers. However, we can basically define only two types of speakers Active(powered) and Passive. Active speaker is basically it has power supply, crossover component system it self. There for we do not need any power amplifier. Most commonly use for home audio system. Such as computer speaker, mp3, and I pod or Iphone dock. On the other hand passive speaker should need separate power amplifier. So audio signals are driven each different amp. It generally use for home theater system. There is advantage about if I want to upgrade speaker or power amplifier, I can upgrade separately.

This picture can explain that signal flow from source to speaker.

More easy way to define between Active and passive speaker is check rear side of speaker.

For active speaker we can find out many connectors such as electric power, XLR connector, TS of TRS, and RCA connectors from the picture that I post. However, it coulddesign more simple.

Passive speaker is designed very simple there are only one or two connectors. Because it need power amplifier separately.

Inconsequentially, when we check speaker back side we can easily define what type of speaker is. Also we can find what type of speaker is suitable with us.

Reference

Digital, A. (2010). Audiófilo Digital: Active Speakers: 2nd part. (Altavoces activos: 2º parte)..Audiofilodigital.com. Retrieved 7 October 2015, from http://www.audiofilodigital.com/2010/12/active-speakers-3rd-part-altavoces.html

Staff, E. (2015). Active Speakers vs Passive Speakers: Which to Use? - EH Network. EH Network. Retrieved 7 October 2015, from http://www.electronichouse.com/daily/home-audio/active-vs-passive-speakers-use/

Speakers, U. (2015). Understanding Active and Passive Speakers - For Dummies.Dummies.com. Retrieved 7 October 2015, from http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/understanding-active-and-passive-speakers.html Bibliography Yamaha DXR8 powered speakers. (2013). Retrieved from https://kenarah.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/yamaha-dxr8-powered-speakers/ SR Technology Live 350 Passive Speakers. Retrieved from https://shop.musical-money.co.uk/amplification-effects/3641-sr-technology-live-350-passive-speakers-pair.html Audiófilo Digital,. (2010). Active Speakers: 2nd part. (Altavoces activos: 2º parte).. Retrieved from http://www.audiofilodigital.com/2010/12/active-speakers-3rd-part-altavoces.html