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What is the difference between passive and active speakers?

April 26, 2017active difference passive speakers

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What is the difference between passive and active speakers?

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Passive speakers have a non-powered crossover between the power amp and the drive units, whereas an active speaker has a powered crossover between the preamp and power-amp. This means that a single stereo amplifier can control a two or three way speaker pair, while an active design requires one channel of amplification per drive unit. So a two way active design would require 2 stereo amplifiers and a three way active design would require 3 stereo amplifiers to power the speaker pair. PMC active designs are given the ‘A” suffix in the name e.g. BB5-A. Activated speakers use passive crossovers, but have a separate amplifier for each speaker. This eliminates cross-talk between the channels giving a clearer sound. The DB1S-A and TB2S-A are both activated designs.