Why do passive speakers still exist?

[LTig]

For the same amount of output power a power cable for an active speaker can be thinner than a speaker cable for a passive speaker. Higher voltage means lower current.

 

[dlaloum]

A refurbished set of B&O Beovox Penta speakers would be a perfect fit...

 

[Bruce Morgen]

For the same amount of output power a power cable for an active speaker can be thinner than a speaker cable for a passive speaker. Higher voltage means lower current.

Yeah, but the active speaker will also require an AC mains power cord. That requirement is why my four ambience/surround speaker are -- and probably will remain -- passive models even though my much less distant L+R speakers and subwoofer are active.

 

[LTig]

Yeah, but the active speaker will also require an AC mains power cord. That requirement is why my four ambience/surround speaker are -- and probably will remain -- passive models even though my much less distant L+R speakers and subwoofer are active.

I do talk about the AC mains power cord. With actives like the KEF wireless it's the only cable you need.

 

[levimax]

With actives like the KEF wireless it's the only cable you need.

Do you how much latency the wireless adds?

 

[Purité Audio]

I use my LS60s with the TV there is no lip sync issue if that’s what you mean.
Keith

 

[Bruce Morgen]

Do you how much latency the wireless adds?

...and even if latency is a non-issue, you'd still have to supply AC power, which means say goodbye to using a power strip to control overall system power unless you run an inconveniently long mains (or 12V trigger) cable.

 

[Chromatischism]

For the same amount of output power a power cable for an active speaker can be thinner than a speaker cable for a passive speaker. Higher voltage means lower current.

Is that true in practice with most of today's active speakers?

 

[EJ3]

You are kidding, are you not?
One extra power cord, against not having speaker cables, not having poweramps, and possibly a preamp or a DAC!

The last power cord I had visible in my living room my wife hid it with fake ivy.
I can't fathom what might happen with 2 (starter) & then 4 or more active speaker with power cords: perhaps divorce?

 

[EJ3]

I use my LS60s with the TV there is no lip sync issue if that’s what you mean.
Keith

Thanks, that's a helpful plus, as I am thinking about these for my next year audio budget.

 

[Penelinfi]

...and even if latency is a non-issue, you'd still have to supply AC power, which means say goodbye to using a power strip to control overall system power unless you run an inconveniently long mains (or 12V trigger) cable.

Use wireless control switches/powerboard?

 

[Bruce Morgen]

Use wireless control switches/powerboard?

My 6.1 configuration already has enough gizmos. Honestly, the function of my four DSP-EQed ambience/surround speakers is so undemanding that I doubt the effect replacing them with suitable active models would even be audible.

 

[Svet Angelov]

$100-200 for additional power points. Tail wags dog.

Oh wait, are you a tenant? Even landlords normally agree to this, as a safety and modernisation measure.

Nope,not a tenant, but in the near future I just don't see an opportunity to install one or two more outlets. Which I'm kind of sad about!

I also need heavy speakers that my 7kg cats won't topple over stands just don't cut it..

 

[Penelinfi]

Nope,not a tenant, but in the near future I just don't see an opportunity to install one or two more outlets. Which I'm kind of sad about!

I also need heavy speakers that my 7kg cats won't topple over stands just don't cut it..

You only need stands with a wide enough base and weight at the bottom. Firmly attach the speaker to it. Threaded insert maybe. "Alien Tape", blutack.

 

[Penelinfi]

My 6.1 configuration already has enough gizmos. Honestly, the function of my four DSP-EQed ambience/surround speakers is so undemanding that I doubt the effect replacing them with suitable active models would even be audible.

It was more a response to "not being able to switch on devices from one place" rather than improvements from active vs passive . I'm fine with passive too.

 

[Vacceo]

...and even if latency is a non-issue, you'd still have to supply AC power, which means say goodbye to using a power strip to control overall system power unless you run an inconveniently long mains (or 12V trigger) cable.

My LS50 WII are plugged to a strip which is conveniently hidden within the furniture.

That issue is dependant on room arrangements, and while an issue indeed, it can be fixed.

Going multichannel on actives? Genelec has shown cases of it and yes, it is harder to integrate than passives, but still doable.

 

[Eric Natural]

w/ the micro-ination of amps and digital processing ?
I imagine designers are busy atm creating integrated wireless/dac/amp/crossovers/eq/loudness curve loudspeakers for the next generation of KEF LS Meta or Neumann KH120 MKII-types. Can't wait to hear them : = )

 

[DVDdoug]

No. Standard home theater & hi-fi speakers are still passive, except for the subwoofer. I assume most people don't want to figure-out how to plug-in 5 or more surround speakers. Just getting the signal wires to the rear speakers can sometimes be tricky.

 

[kyuu]

Active speakers have a lot to recommend them. However, they have some significant (though not insurmountable) practical issues outside of desktop setups. There are also a paucity of architectural options in the active space.

There will still be plenty of passive options alongside active designs for the foreseeable future, I think. And passive designs with outboard amps and DSP can perform extremely well.

 

[ryanosaur]

I believe this was attributed to Jim Salk: “if you want to make a good Speaker not sell, put an amp in it.”
His least popular offerings were the Active Speakers.
*shrugs

Certainly times are changing and there are some obvious benefits of going active, especially if one is capable of programming their own DSP needs.

ASR also seems to be a bubble for the Pro-Active set.
*shrugs again

Passive Speakers are not going anywhere just yet, nor are they dinosaurs.