Active Speakers

Active speakers are speakers with a built-in power amp, where the amplifier already sits in the housing and is perfectly matched to the drivers.

The result: fewer devices, fewer cables, less agonising over the right amplifier combination, and still sound right up to the high end.

Why active speakers?

Because manufacturers develop power amp, crossover and drivers as one unit instead of hoping for an unknown third-party amplifier. That gives precise control and a very direct sound. Plus the everyday advantage: plug in the source, done, no rack full of boxes.

What you should know

Active is a design type, not a compromise: there are active bookshelf and floorstanding speakers, some with built-in streaming. What matters are the connections, since they have to match your sources. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we look together at which model suits your room, sources and wishes.

Who are active speakers for? (Straight talk)

Ideal for purist setups, small footprints and anyone who wants good sound without a zoo of devices. Straight talk: if you love the tinkerer's fun of combining amplifier and speaker, you'll be happier with passive. If you simply want music that plays immediately and cleanly, you're spot on here.

Our verdict

Active speakers are the most elegant shortcut to very good sound: a thought-through system instead of a collection of devices. Tell us which sources you use and what your room looks like, and we'll find the active speaker that plays without detours.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between active and passive?

With active speakers the power amp sits in the housing, perfectly matched to the driver, so a separate amplifier isn't needed. Passive speakers need an external amplifier but are more flexible to combine. Active is usually simpler and more precise, passive more expandable. We work out together which path makes sense for you.

Do I still need an amplifier for active speakers?

No, it's already built in. You connect your source, so a streamer, turntable or TV, directly to the speakers, and the system plays. That saves devices, cables and the search for the perfect amplifier combination. Some models even stream on their own.

How does the music get into active speakers?

Depending on the model, via RCA, XLR, optical, HDMI or directly over WiFi and Bluetooth. Turntables need a phono input or a small preamp depending on the active speaker. We'll show you which connections match your sources so everything works together in the end.

Are active speakers a compromise in sound?

Quite the opposite, often. Because power amp and drivers are matched at the factory, they work very precisely. Straight talk: anyone claiming active automatically sounds bread-and-butter simply hasn't heard the good models yet. Active goes right up into the high end.

Why buy active speakers from HD Zürisee?

Because active is convenient, but the range of connections is worth getting advice on: which source, which model, multiroom yes or no. We'll set up your setup so it runs without a technology degree, with delivery, installation and your own technician. Advice on Lake Zürich in Wädenswil, listening sessions where possible.

Goes well with

If the speaker should also stream on its own, take a look at the streaming speakers. Compare with classic floorstanding speakers and bookshelf speakers from the speaker overview, and find the right connection at the cables.