Jérôme Keller

Passive speakers are traditional speakers that rely on an external amplifier to power the speakers and drive the sound. They do not have any built-in amplification or processing electronics.

Pros:

1. Cost-effective: Passive speakers are typically less expensive than active speakers, as they do not include built-in amplification.

2. Flexibility: Passive speakers can be paired with a variety of different amplifiers, allowing for more customization of sound quality and volume.

3. Upgrade options: The separate components in a passive speaker system can be upgraded or replaced as needed, providing more flexibility over the lifetime of the system.

Cons:

1. Complexity: Setting up a passive speaker system can be more complex and require additional components, such as an amplifier and speaker cables.

2. Performance variability: The performance of a passive speaker system can be impacted by the quality of the external amplifier and the accuracy of the setup.

Active speakers, on the other hand, contain built-in amplification and processing electronics, making them a self-contained speaker system.

Pros:

1. Simplicity: Active speakers are easy to set up and use, as they do not require any external components or complicated setup.

2. Consistent performance: Active speakers are designed to work optimally together, providing a more consistent and predictable performance.

3. Portability: Active speakers are often smaller and more portable, making them a convenient choice for mobile audio applications.

Cons:

1. Cost: Active speakers are typically more expensive than passive speakers, due to the built-in amplification and processing electronics.

2. Limited upgradability: The internal components in an active speaker system are not easily replaceable or upgradeable, so the system performance is limited by the original design.

3. Performance variability: The performance of an active speaker system can still be impacted by the quality of the internal electronics and processing, which may not be replaceable if they degrade over time.

Active and passive speakers have different trade-offs and are designed for different types of applications. Whether a passive or active speaker is the better choice depends on your specific needs and budget.

The noise level of active speakers can vary greatly depending on the design and quality of the built-in amplification and processing electronics. In general, well-designed active speakers will have low levels of noise and minimal background hiss, providing clear and detailed audio reproduction. However, lower-quality active speakers may produce audible noise, such as hiss or hum, which can detract from the overall listening experience.

It's important to consider the noise level when selecting active speakers, especially for critical listening applications where low levels of background noise are desired.

Researching reviews from reputable sources and listening to speakers in person can provide valuable insight into their noise level performance. The noise level of active speakers and passive speakers can vary, but passive speakers are generally quieter than active speakers. This is because the built-in amplification and processing electronics in active speakers can introduce additional sources of noise, such as electronic hiss or hum, which are not present in passive speakers. However, the overall noise level of a passive speaker system is also dependent on the quality of the external amplifier used to power the speakers. A high-quality amplifier will result in a low-noise passive speaker system, while a lower-quality amplifier may introduce more background noise. In contrast, the noise level of an active speaker system is determined by the quality of the built-in electronics and processing, which may not be replaceable if they degrade over time. Ultimately, both active and passive speaker systems have the potential for background noise, and the choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of the application, including budget, desired performance, and ease of setup.