In this article, we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of both types of subwoofers and illustrate the differences between the two subwoofers for your clear understanding.
What Is a Subwoofer?
A subwoofer is a specialized speaker that can reproduce sounds that fall in the low-frequency range. Generally, the speakers in a home speaker are great for a high-frequency range of sounds. However, those speakers are not good by any standard for low-frequency sounds. Therefore, there is a need for a subwoofer for every home theatre so that the listeners do not miss out on low-frequency sounds. Moreover, a subwoofer can reproduce deep bass which is necessary for the dramatic effects in any song or movie. In fact, when you are watching movies, a subwoofer is a necessity to get any dramatic effect with perfect throw and vibration. When it comes to a subwoofer, you can have either an active subwoofer or a passive subwoofer.
What Is An Active Subwoofer?
An active subwoofer is called a powered subwoofer as it is self-contained having its own power source. In other words, it has its own receiver or amplifier within its system. If you are looking to purchase only one subwoofer, you better opt for an active subwoofer. This is because its in-built amplifier can meet the power needs of your speakers. Pros
Fully optimized to meet speaker’s needs. No external amplifier or receiver is required. Easier to set up and install. Does not need many cables.
Cons
Expensive than passive subwoofers. Heavier than passive subwoofers. Consumes more power.
What Is A Passive Subwoofer?
A passive subwoofer does not have a self-contained power source, and hence, it requires an external amplifier or receiver. Ideally, a passive subwoofer is perfect for a large room having multiple subwoofer units. You have to choose an optimal external power source such as amplifier or receiver to power the subwoofer to produce quality output. That is why it is perfect for those who want to customize their audio system to get desired output with powerful receivers and amplifiers. Pros
Can connect multiple units together. Allows customization of the audio Relatively light in weight. Perfect for large rooms. Cheaper than active subwoofers.
Cons
Setting it up perfectly takes time. It requires more cables and wires.
Major Differences: Active and Passive Subwoofer
Now you have enough idea about an active and a passive subwoofer. Let us check out the main differences between the two subwoofer types for more clarity.
1. Components
The main difference between an active and a passive subwoofer lies in their components. An active subwoofer has fewer components as it is self-contained. There is no need for an external amplifier or receiver. The fewer the components, the easier it is to set up due to fewer connections and cables. On the contrary, a passive woofer does not have an inbuilt power source. Therefore, it requires an external receiver or amplifier. Hence, the setting up process gets slightly complication with more cables to connect and the overall system needs more space. However, this helps in better customization and more control over the audio system.
2. Power
An active subwoofer needs more power wattage than a passive subwoofer. This is because the amplifier is inbuilt. But if you have a passive subwoofer and you buy a powerful external amplifier, the overall system can consume more power than the standalone active subwoofer. Therefore, in standalone comparison, power consumption is more in an active subwoofer than a passive one because the components are embedded within.
3. Setup
If you are looking to buy only one subwoofer for your audio system, you should opt for an active subwoofer. If you want to buy multiple subwoofers for your audio system because the room is quite large, you should opt for passive subwoofers. An active subwoofer is smaller but heavier than a passive subwoofer. While setting up a subwoofer, you should place it suitably in the room to get the best output. Therefore, you should experiment with its placement. Besides, while setting up a passive subwoofer, you have to deal with more cables and wires. Since the active subwoofer has fewer cables and wires, you can easily place it away from your TV or audio system as per requirement.
4. Connectivity
Both the subwoofers have hard-line connections. If you are looking for a wireless connection, an active subwoofer is preferred as they are more readily available. A wireless passive subwoofer is still quite uncommon in the market, but some come with a wireless kit. As far as connectivity options are concerned, a passive subwoofer has more options as you need to attach an external amplifier or receiver. If you do not like too many cables and wires, you should opt for an active subwoofer.
5. Cost
We have already stated in pros and cons that a passive subwoofer itself is cheaper than an active subwoofer. However, considering the external components, the overall system can cost you more when you use a passive subwoofer. But it is still true that an active subwoofer itself is more expensive than a passive subwoofer. In the long run, an active subwoofer will consume more power units than a passive subwoofer.
Conclusion:
If you are buying an audio system for the first time, you should go for an active subwoofer. If you already have an audio system and you want to add a subwoofer, you should go for an active subwoofer. If you are experienced enough with an audio system, and you want to upgrade the system for better output and for a large room, you should opt for a passive subwoofer. Comment * Name * Email * Website
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