Whether you're an audiophile or simply looking to upgrade your home theatre setup, understanding the differences between these speaker types is essential when selecting a sound system for your home.
In this blog post, we'll dive into the distinctions between active and passive high-fidelity speakers, exploring their features and benefits to help you discover which option is best suited to your unique needs.
What are Active HiFi Speakers?
KEF LS Wireless Collection
Honing years of acoustic knowledge, KEF has carefully crafted a selection of wireless audio systems tailored to bring you music the way it was intended.
This bespoke collection allows you to indulge in the seamless convenience of digital technology, where every chord struck and note played is rich with the realism of genuine high-fidelity sound.
What are the main advantages of active HiFi speakers over passive HiFi speakers?
One of the primary advantages of active HiFi speakers is their convenience and ease of use. Since the amplifier is built into the speaker, users don't need to worry about matching amplifiers with speakers or dealing with complex wiring during setup. This results in a more convenient, user-friendly experience, making active HiFi speakers an excellent choice with fewer HiFi separates cluttering your room.
Plus, with the freedom to position your speakers wherever works best in your room, you can enjoy a hassle-free audio solution with matched accessories, such as the B1 Wall Bracket for the LSX II or dedicated stands such as the S2 Floor Stands for the LS50 Wireless II.
Another key benefit is the potential for optimised speaker performance. With dedicated amplifiers for each speaker, the sound system can be fine-tuned for optimal performance, delivering a more precise and controlled audio experience.
And, of course, active HiFi speakers, such as the speaker systems in KEF’s LS Wireless Collection, have extensive connectivity options that allow you to listen from any compatible device or source. From accessing your entire music library as you connect to your preferred streaming service or seamlessly switching to an Optical input for immersive TV viewing or gaming, active HiFi speakers allow you to enjoy your music however you choose.
How do active HiFi speakers work?
Active HiFi speakers feature built-in DACs, DSP, and amplifiers, all in one package, that directly power the speaker's drivers. The speaker system receives the audio stream from the source, either digital or analogue, processes it, and then sends it to the amplifier to drive the speaker drivers, producing sound.
The result? It is an undeniably immersive sound as authentic as the artist intended.
Can active HiFi speakers be used for both audio and home theatre systems?
Yes, active speakers are versatile and can be used for various audio applications, including stereo setups, home theatres, and even professional studios. Their all-in-one design simplifies the setup process for both beginners and audio enthusiasts.
What are Passive HiFi Speakers?
KEF HiFi Collection
Each is unique in design but uniform in innovation, delivering a world-class sound wherever.
What are the benefits of using passive HiFi speakers in a sound system?
Do passive HiFi speakers require external amplifiers?
Comparing Sound Quality
It is always wise to speak with an authorised KEF dealer about which model is right for you. The in-store experts can advise on the best model for your space and budget and offer guidance on any matching components needed for your setup. Plus, many stores are also able to host in-store demonstrations of your preferred KEF model in their listening rooms. If you are ready to book a KEF demo, our simple online booking form makes it easy to arrange your listening session.
Some argue that active wireless HiFi speakers, with their dedicated amplifiers and optimised systems, can offer superior sound quality. However, high-end HiFi speakers paired with a quality accompanying sound system and a wired connection can also deliver exceptional audio experiences.
However, with the application of cutting-edge audio technologies in today’s wireless speakers, such as KEF’s Music Integrity Engine, the difference in sound quality is becoming less and both wired and wireless speakers can give a high-resolution performance.
Flexibilty
The design and engineering of active speakers are specifically tailored to work with their built-in amplifiers, and attempting to convert passive speakers may lead to compatibility issues and compromised performance.
Similarly, passive speakers come in a range of price points. When comparing prices, considering the overall system cost, including amplifiers and other components, is essential.
For passive speakers, external amplifiers and other components are necessary. Users should also consider potential upgrades or replacements when planning their audio system.
Active speakers with built-in amplifiers may have fewer components to maintain, potentially reducing long-term costs. On the other hand, passive speakers with separate amplifiers provide more flexibility for upgrades and replacements.
Discover the Joy of Sound: Explore KEF’s Active and Passive Speakers
Whether you prioritise simplicity, customisation, or specific sound characteristics, there's a speaker solution that fits your needs within the extensive state-of-the-art collection here at KEF.
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Find out more about our award-winning models and book a demo at your nearest KEF retailer.
