Speakers

Active vs Passive Speakers

TL;DR

Active speakers have built-in amplifiers - just add a source. Passive speakers need an external amp. Active is simpler; passive gives more upgrade flexibility.

Active speakers have amplifiers built into the cabinet. You just add a signal source (streamer, DAC, phone) and audio comes out. Examples: HiVi-Swans M300 MKII, HiVi-Swans H6, HiVi-Swans OS-10.

Passive speakers need an external amp to drive them. Examples: Klipsch RP-500M II, HiVi-Swans D3.1 MKII, Sony SS-CS5M2.

Which to choose

Active: minimal boxes, matched amp/driver design, plug-and-play. Downside: replace whole speaker to upgrade.

Passive: upgrade path (change amp separately from speaker), wider speaker selection, DIY-friendly. Downside: more components, more cables.

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