Active speakers have great advantages over passive speakers. But how to choose them and what to look for? Consider the features, main characteristics and review popular models.
What are powered speakers?
Active speaker system is a kind of sound reproduction system that has its own characteristics. It already has an amplifier built in, so the sound quality is much cleaner and better than in passive counterparts. In addition, such a system is easier to set up and manage.
This type of acoustics is most popular for sound reproduction at home or in a car. Depending on the modification and the availability of options, such speakers can be used at concert venues, in a studio or at a disco. Among the lineup there are professional and amateur installations that can be bought in household appliances stores or specialized outlets. The price depends on the device model.
Characteristic
Let's consider the features and characteristics of active speakers according to the following parameters:
Material of production
The quality of sound reproduction directly depends on what material the speaker cabinet is made of. In modern models, wood, chipboard or plastic are most often used to make the case. The tree gives a high-quality sound, but the cost of such a system will be high. In budget models, the speakers are made of chipboard. In plastic, any design idea can be translated into reality, so that acoustics serve not only to listen to sound, but also decorate the room. But speakers with plastic casings don't play well at high volumes.
Number of lanes
There are single and multi-way speakers. If the user prefers surround but clear sound, then you should pay attention to single-band options. If the speakers will be used to watch films with a wide range of sounds, then the number of bands should be up to five pieces.
Power
Loudness doesn't really depend on power. The reliability of the columns depends on this indicator. The higher the power, the better the reproduced sound. But when buying, you also need to consider the dimensions of the room in which the speakers will be used. 60-80 W speaker system is suitable for a 20 m2 room2, 100-150 W for a room over 40 m22.
Advantages and disadvantages
Active speakers havetheir advantages and disadvantages, which must be considered when choosing.
| + | - |
| High quality sound reproduction | To connect multi-band speakers, you need a separate power supply and ground circuit for individual elements |
| Large selection of models depending on the price | A lot of wires, which does not look very aesthetically pleasing |
| Multipurpose | High cost compared to passive counterparts |
| Easy to operate | |
| Reliable and long lasting |
Despite having disadvantages, active acoustics are more popular among consumers than passive ones. According to customer reviews, motorists prefer just such a system.
What is the difference between active acoustics and passive analogues?
Active speakers have differences from passive counterparts, and this applies not only to the quality of sound reproduction, but also to settings and additional options.
- Amplifier: it is already built into active systems, it is selected individually for passive analogues and at an additional cost (some amplifiers may not be suitable for passive speakers and this should be taken into account when purchasing).
- The sound quality in active acoustics is much higher than in passive speakers, which directly affectsthe price of the item.
- Active acoustics does not require additional settings (you only need to know how to connect active speakers, the sound is adjusted automatically).
- Passive speakers are large devices, while active speakers are compact and mobile.
- Passive counterparts need "rest", while active counterparts are designed for a higher load and duration of work.
- In the event of an amplifier failure, it is easier to fix passive speakers than active ones.
Besides, with active speakers, even expensive ones, it is impossible to test the strength and reliability of the amplifier. Many expensive options have a budget amplifier built in, which can affect the quality of work. In the case of passive speakers, all additional elements are chosen by the owner at their own discretion, but they are difficult to set up.
Review of popular models
Let's consider the most popular active columns, which have only positive user reviews.
- PodSpeakers MicroPod Active Pack BT is a small audio system with built-in Bluetooth. It weighs only 2.9 kg, the power of each speaker, of which there are two in the installation, is 20 watts. Considered a budget option.
- Genelec 8030A - distinguished by the quality and fidelity of sound reproduction, while the speakers are quite compact and have an aesthetic design. The weight of the speakers is 5.6 kg, the power of each speaker, of which there are two in the installation, is 40 watts. It is in the middle price category.
- Adam Audio Compact Mk3 Active black –German-made active speakers for the home, which are of high quality, reliability and long service life. The weight of the speakers is 11 kg. They operate at a frequency of 35 to 50 kHz. The cost is above average.
- T+A KS Active black - high-class acoustics, the purity of sound reproduction is ensured by built-in stereo and multi-channel systems. The weight of the speakers is 26 kg, the power of each speaker, of which there are two in the installation, is 200 watts. Speakers are in the highest price segment.
- BEHRINGER B115D is a professional speaker system. Contains only high-quality components, thereby achieving high quality sound reproduction. Power over 1000W. The speakers weigh 17.2 kg and operate up to 80 m away.
Conclusion
When choosing active speakers, you need to be guided not only by user reviews, but also take into account many different factors. The price of active acoustics depends on its technical characteristics in the first place. If the choice is made correctly, they will not only decorate the interior, but will also delight for a long time with high-quality sound reproduction. In addition, active speakers do not take up much space, the sound is loud enough and they can be carried. You just need to decide on the device model.
