How do Active Speakers Work?

There’s a lot to be said about the convenience of active speakers.

Some music aficionados prefer to build their sound system piece by piece with separate speakers and amplifiers. By choosing each independent part, it has to be acknowledged those serious audiophiles do get the benefit of a bespoke system and one which can have products upgraded as times and technologies move on.

However, active speakers function differently in that they have an inbuilt amplifier and only need a power source to function.

In active speakers, also sometimes referred to as powered speakers, the in-built amp performs the whole amplification role. The system sees the signal from the source modified, and then amplified, all in one self-contained piece of equipment.

While some music fans prefer to have more control over how their sounds are produced, having an active speaker which is intrinsically bound to the internal amp is not necessarily a bad thing. It ensures the elements of the drivers, crossover and amp have all been chosen to work optimally together so there shouldn’t be any concerns about over or under powering the speaker.

In an active speaker, the in-built crossover splits the frequencies and sends the signals to the internal amplifier, which in turn sends the amplified audio signal to the speaker drive units – so all the work is carried out within the speaker enclosure. The majority of active loudspeakers that have been designed for use within the home will require connection to a separate preamplifier, in order to adjust the volume and change the input source from the turntable, CD etc.  

Studio monitors are good examples of active speakers because they have an internal crossover and amplify the signal inside the speaker itself. Active speakers are often seen in PA systems and monitors and some active PA speakers include in-built mixers, which are best suited for the professional market.

The quality and convenience of active speakers make them popular with some people, but the ultimate preference for active or passive speakers lies in the ear of the music lover, their listening habits and the specifics of their hi-fi setup.

Our friendly team are audiophiles through and through and are best placed to advise on which speakers, and type of components, may best suit your requirements and preferences.

You can browse active speakers on our online shop or visit us in person on Union Street Maidstone to explore the best of the best brands and products in person.

For guidance on speakers, and much more, get in touch on 01622 676703 or email us on sales@homemedialimited.co.uk – we can even arrange a free Home Demonstration for you to test out the kit you have your eye on, in the comfort of your own space.