ACTIVE Speakers vs PASSIVE Speakers || Which is Right For You??

[@ipmanoo9250]

Kirby’s a genius when it comes to speakers, yet still forgot that toilet paper should only be used for his passive speaker.

[@KirbyMeetsAudio]

🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@ipmanoo9250]

Kirby Meets Audio for real though love your videos! I’m an aspiring DIY speaker builder and have been following you for some time. Keep it up and lmk if I win best comment so I can finally put together my own speaker with flames or lasers or something 😜

[@Jmoneysmoothboy]

@@ipmanoo9250 Kirby doesn't know shit about speakers bro...

[@ShowInTheDark]

@@Jmoneysmoothboy What's the best resource to learn diy speaker building?

[@WineLad]

you pointed it out... i cannot stop staring at it. Y U DO DIS!!!? XD

[@KirbyMeetsAudio]

STOP LOOKING AT MY IMPERFECTIONS!!!! 🖤

[@antontrubadur299]

I didn’t see until he pointed it out! 🤣 can’t stop looking either

[@grupoaranzamusic]

I've considered switching over to active speakers, but just to think about all the extra time it would take me to set up by hooking up more electrical cords and extension cords, it just doesn't seem convenient to me. My current system is pretty old fashioned but is much quicker to set up, so if I'm ever 5 minutes late to a gig, it won't be much of a stuggle.

[@JamesEscobar]

Came across a channel trying to explain the mysteries of the DAC! It was boring, lackluster and the guy was trying to hard. I recommended your take which is quick to the point and much more entertaining, and mentioned they may want to pick up some of your speakers!

[@TruckerGlass]

Don't forget noise with powered speakers. I think powered speakers are good for stand alone purposes studio work and live bands. Passive for everything else.

[@peterjmcgee4680]

enjoyed the show doing my own speaker building repair work for many years now I like the way you explained things from normal people can understand you have to be a high-tech engineer to understand a lot of people just go on and on and on but you are precise and you explained very quickly which I like

[@KirbyMeetsAudio]

Thanks! I try to do just that. Thanks for watching!

[@JonathanRansom]

Why can't we have both? Maybe passive to active with the flip of a switch?

[@JonathanRansom]

PS: You have a few dingle berries on your face.

[@asunavk69]

Some PA speakers now have in the back panel for bluethooth and other active things in the back and still maintain their passive for inputs also

[@davidperry4013]

I love my Q Acoustics 3020i. The performance is just amazing for the price. I prefer speakers that require external amplification because I am willing to sacrifice convenience to get a more natural warmer sound from the ability to control the amplification. I have a vintage early 1980s receiver and when I hooked it up to the pair of q acoustics 3020is, I got a sound that is quite accurate yet, warm and rich. Someday, I would probably get Q acoustics concept 500s and a Primaluna vacuum tube integrated amplifier. Then play some offbeat psytrance music on the new system.

[@monsterGLL]

You didn't mention that good active speakers have the crossover before the amps. Which gives you much more control over the drivers. And most good active speakers have one amp per driver.

[@rodneycottrell7750]

Thank you Kirby! This video was perfect; just what I needed. I'm building a vinyl collection and trying to decide on turntable and speakers. Looking forward to more of your informative videos! RC in Tennessee!

[@terryhatziieremias]

best video in the category

[@GarrettCrosgrove]

Killing it Kirby!!! I like these videos where you share and explain knowledge to the "newbies" of speakers. Today I learned what the difference between passive and active speakers and I will forever sound smarter talking to my friends about speakers. Haha. -Ps. If you send me a kit I will built it!!!

[@fnkyfreak]

love your vids. only suggestion i have for this one is that a couple of diagrams or flow charts may have helped. look forward to the next one :)

[@JazzyMuggle]

I'll be honest, I've been confused on this for a while for the stupidest reason and you've just cleared it up for me! Thanks for the video!

[@JonathanSias]

I love where this is going! Can we get more visual cues of what the heck you are talking about? People like me need them.

[@realpdm]

I didn't notice the white stuff until you pointed it out, now I can't unsee it! It is like those old Sony Trinitron lines. Thanks for sharing as always.

[@davidperry4013]

I love my passive speakers specifically the Q Acoustics 3020i paired with my vintage Pioneer A9 non-switching integrated amplifier. I love my vintage Pioneer class AB integrated amplifier and it's staying with me for life. Such a blissfully warm and natural sound with visceral bass and sparkling crisp highs with my current setup. Playing "Trappin in Japan 16" on that setup gave me a very immersive and euphoric music listening experience.

[@stephenbrowne33]

I wonder how practical a set of active tower speakers would be? Not sure there are components available to do one but it would be cool.

[@scottlowell493]

There are active towers out there and painfully expensive. ATC, Meridian etc.

[@KirbyMeetsAudio]

I'm thinking of making some towers with active subs for my home theater mains. Thanks for watching!

[@ELMtreeProductions]

Your channel first introduced me to the concept of DIY audio 2 years ago, and now I'm about to design my 4th pair of speakers

[@KirbyMeetsAudio]

That’s amazing! Thanks so much for watching!

[@ELMtreeProductions]

@@KirbyMeetsAudio Thanks for the great videos! I've always wondered, what's that little bundle of white cloth looking stuff you always use to apply finish?

[@FriedGames]

I had to pause the video at the beginning when you said "never connected" with the picture of the Sonos speaker. I was laughing my head off. 😁🤣👍

[@ricomeierringrose2794]

Hi I’m from Denmark. Really Like your videos, I’ve really learned a lot from watching them. Keep up the good work 👍🏼

[@umbertofurlan501]

are there any speaker that are passive and active at the same time? i would like to have speakers that i can connect to my tube preamplifier and either that i can use in bluetooth mode when i need to listen them in other places

[@crowcore]

Is an internal PC sound card like the Asus Essence STX II considered being an amp, that can therefore drive passive speakers?

[@willbrink]

Active speakers are the future. Some audiophiles resist that reality, but matching the amp(s) to the drivers will yield the best audio.

[@gregorijs3kivi]

The 4 way speakers you mentioned (and showed a picture of) are the radiotehnika s400m. They are made in Latvia. Radiotehnika used to be the best speaker manufacturer un the ussr. I have the older s400 (with diferent speaker baskers and surroumds) and they are simply awesome speakers for the money.

[@NicholasGreenwood]

One thing that I don't see people talking about is that some (how many? I don't know) active/powered speakers have "anti-shock" glue slathered all over the amplifier's PCB so the components don't move with the vibration of the enclosure. However, the stuff can break down over time and become conductive (!!!), shorting out components and causing burnout/failure. This is EXACTLY what happened with my Mackie CR5BT monitors. Check out "EEVblog #1072 - KRK Rokit 6 Studio Monitor Speaker Repair" to see what this looks like. Horrifying to think that you could spend $500+ on active monitors with a kiss of death inside.

[@Cheechmmksl]

Whats your favorite speaker brand, mine are JBL and harman/kardon

[@simonb.1962]

B&W or AR, for amplifiers Quad or NAD

[@isaacdelgado5169]

I am an 18 year old DJ and have 2 non powered loudspeakers 800 watts peak. Also have a 3000 watt amplifier and I am looking into 1000 watt JBL EON 610s. I dont have a subwoofer right now with my 2 non powered loudspeakers. Would it be better to just get new JBL EON 610s to replace my current speakers or just get one subwoofer to be with my loudspeakers?

[@richarddegannes2928]

Kirby, Which is better ATC SCM 100SL Active or SCM passive 100SL vs Harbeth 40.2 40th anniversary speaker?

[@bradisley517]

What about partially active speakers using active bass and passive mid and high frequency?

[@boominc0420]

I consistently like your vids and haven't missed one in a long time. Keep up with the good videos.

[@KirbyMeetsAudio]

That means so much! 🙏

[@obisraelngawani1373]

Why if I want to buy a montage 8

[@HongKongGhost]

can you talk about evaluating the sound from home built speakers? I made some ported passive speakers but I would like an objective evaluation of their sound.

[@janeth4943]

Help me! I bought an HCD-MX500i because it has a CDs and an iPod input already built in, but now I need speakers ( didn’t come with any). I figured I could buy some later. I have never seen these types of connections for the speakers. What kind of speakers go with a 4.2 mm connection?

[@laala9147]

Can you put some research resources into the info box pls? Xx

[@waicongbo3470]

I have a question, does the terminal on the loudspeaker act as an audio input as well? Is that how to audio gets transfered to the loudspeaker from the power amplifier? can someone help me out? Thanks :)

[@vasileiostsalkos6174]

The problem is that YOU mentioned the problem with the paper on your face. Personally I didn’t notice it at all. BUT... Do not ever forget: you can wipe the paper pieces of your face, but you CANNOT wipe the passion for the speakers off your face. This is why we are all here subconsciously. Trust me on that. An excellent video once more. Thank you for reminding us that we are not alone in this planet. There are others like us who truly CARE about sound...

[@salamelvisual6270]

working with hk audio L5 115 active and the plug'n'play is realy cool when you dont have time to install

[@justins.1283]

I like my passive speakers because I'm always switching them out depending on my source material my mood and what I'm listening to at the time

[@seandoherty2067]

Hey Kirby, was wondering if you could review the SOUNDBOKS 2 or 3. They’re expensive and wondering what you’re expertise has to say about the product. Thanks!

[@redrum666]

same brand speakers - whats louder? passive or active???

[@dannydessert5147]

An interesting video would be on preamps for active speakers that lack Bluetooth, DAC...

[@lilyvaneersel8222]

If i buy an active subwoofer like the HS 8S, what kind of speaker should i plug it on it? Active or passive and why please? I REALLY need to know that =x

[@tylercall358]

I feel like you have become what I wish I could have been, I love the videos. Its inspirational on a level I cant describe. Thank you for taking the time to be so giving too.

[@diebackmischung503]

I want to buy those wharfedale diamond 12.2s but idk what av receiver I need Also Ill use them with my tv which has an optical port aux and hdmis ofc lol

[@dnguyen4633]

Hi Kirby: Should I use active or passive speakers for my karaoke system in the basement? Any recommendations? I want good/pro quality. Basement is about 900 sq.ft. Thank you.

[@963prince]

great videos Kirby always check what you have to say first then surfing the internet, one question though, might sound a bit silly. drivers from active speakers can be used with different more modern amplifiers boards right. and same withe the passive speaker..thank you

[@simoncross40K]

ok so i want dj decks plugged into an atmos amp whats the best passive speakers to replace say KRK Rokits?

[@sheelmirji5494]

Which are Good Active speakers ? Will it produce high quality sound ?

[@juanantonioiii8669]

I purchased a set of Onn bookshelf speakers where one of them is active and the other one is passive. A couple days ago when I went to power on the active one, the blue power light came on for a second and then shut right back off. Since then I can't get it to turn on and therefore both are currently rendered useless. What could be the reason the power turned on and right back off on its own, and now I can't get it to power on? One person said it was probably the power cord, however, I don't see how since I was nowhere near it for the last several days the speakers worked fine. Then the active one just powered off and won't come back on, and I was nowhere near the power cord when this actually happened as well. What do you think the problem could be? Thanks for your time!

[@DMonZ1988]

thanks for the advice Kirby. i've got some beautiful active speakers that i love, but you've been inspiring me to build some for a long time now. there's just one thing i need... :-D have you ever tried building sound optimised speakers using exciters? i bought some after watching tech ingredients' video but then he went and changed the plans and i didn't buy the additional drivers....and been hoping to make some kind of hybrid setup since then. it would be really really interesting to see your take on it, or exciter project in general.

[@KirbyMeetsAudio]

I haven’t done much with exciters yet. I know Nick over on 123Toid has done a few projects with it. Maybe I’ll look into it! Thanks for watching!

[@TheBdm106]

Love your speaker insight and want to see some more builds as you have time!

[@KirbyMeetsAudio]

Thanks! Builds are in the workz. Thanks for watching!

[@catlord69]

TLDR was awesome

[@bonzaimolly]

Answered questions I was thinking about, cheers 👍👍.. keep it up. What do you think of the tannoy 635 D50's? Iv been rocking a set for the past 10 years and love them! Smooth warm sound.

[@SoccerFreakIsMe]

Is anyone else still waiting on a kit from his website? Seems to be a problem with a couple of people and he doesn't seem to respond to anything.

[@ixjxjxjjxjxjdklsk639]

Are bluetooth speaker that is mic input passive or active

[@xerogear]

Cool video 👍. Learned a lot. I think I would go with an active speaker w/Bluetooth and rechargeable battery, so I can take with me. Keep up the good work and look forward to your next video.

[@KirbyMeetsAudio]

Good call 👌

[@angeloredoles1255]

If I want to connect an electric guitar with a preamp pedal, an amp pedal and a cab sim simulator direct to a speaker, wich one is recommend for this case?

[@steelpaladin]

Keep the content coming! I look forward to seeing your videos pop up in my feed!

[@michaelporter4669]

I find your videos very professional also no one comes close to your information.

[@t1mm3h]

Kirby got out of bed. But little did he realize before filming his clip of the day that the bed bugs had an orgie on his face. The clip turned out nice, but the tp was the shining star this time!

[@gurratell7326]

Fyi, the definition of an active speaker is that it have active crossover. That's it. Thou in fairness that mostly leads to that it also have built in amps, but amps till don't have anything to do with it being active or not :)

[@woody9283]

What about ground loop noise anyone know? Do you get it from active speakers

[@Porokai]

Hey kirby it's been 4 years. how are you doing?

[@glennbmendoza]

Can you put external amp to active speakers?

[@siniteanrazvan3298]

This did more trouble than good, thanks

[@beardington3rd]

Kirby re-enacting his acne years, you said on Insta you wanted a roast...this is the best I could think of.

[@DVZNMedia]

I've done the tp thing before and didn't realize I had it in my beard through a whole video, as for the video...great work as always.

[@ej-mo5xz]

Here's some more love for ya brother, also have you thought of making a passive sound bar that would take up both channels on an amp with 2 full range woofers and a tweeter on each side?

[@daddydominguez7822]

Thanks got some info now very helpful

[@Tokomak_5]

Hi. I just bought a passive pair of speakers (Polk S15) and now I need an amplifier with bluetooth capabilities. I've seen your previous video about the DIY amp but unfortunately, the main component it is not available anymore for purchase. What will be the best/cheapest amp with bluetooth that you recommend?

[@MrJMagoo]

Kirby needs TP for his port hole!

[@jotasgasco]

i´m learning to build speakers and you are the one that got me inspired!

[@Figrin]

hey, a quick question, kida related to a video, but not quite if my audio interface has a trs output for monitors and my speakers take bare wire, can i just strip one end of a ts cable and connect them like that? or will i have some issues?

[@cprcprcpr]

thanks your videos are helpful for starters :) do you ship to europe from your store?

[@darensweeney5925]

Nice video, Kirby. I really like your approach to your videos. You provide knowledge without pomposity or blathering on and on and on about irrelevant things. ) BTW, would you consider making some videos about tricks to using your equipment? For example, If I have an amp that doesn't have a 'sub out," and a sub that has RCA inputs but no speaker inputs, how can i hook up the amp and the sub? Alternatively, are there amps that are 2.1 and completely separate the frequencies that go to satellites and those going to the sub? (Is this what they mean by "low pass filter?) thanks. )

[@johnbiggs9561]

For me the biggest benefit of active speakers is the sound quality. If you take passive speakers and convert them to active with decent amplifiers and crossover, the sound improvement is extraodinary. This was done a lot back in the 80's. Drums and cymbals have an attack I have never heard in a passive speaker. Sure, cheap active speakers use cheap components and cheap amps. But get a decent pair (like Meridian), with quality inbuilt amps and the sound is amazing. But even with Meridians my preference is for non-digital crossovers as I am analogue fan.

[@mrezuniga80]

Kirby! New Subscriber here! Thank you for all the good info!

[@seppeclijsters6433]

Thanks for the video Kirby, subscribed! I'm a newb with audio but would like to play around around with passive speakers. What passive speakers and subwoofer would you suggest (€500-600)? I can't make a decision, already overthinking it for a month :)

[@argelatlarge]

Thanks. Very informative.

[@Skyprey]

I would love a diy Build I could order from you with floor speakers one for each side of my tv 😊

[@misael2649]

This guy is a gem. I'm glad for the find

[@aikonomic]

Hmm. So, isn't it possible to combine both active and passive? Take an active speaker, design it such that with the flick of a switch (or two), disconnect the drivers from the internal components and connect them to external amps. And just like that, bada-bing bada-boom, you've got yourself some Pactive Speakers. I call dibs on that name. Pactive®™

[@Billy123bobzzz]

They have been making Pactive speakers for years⛔️

[@aikonomic]

@@Billy123bobzzz I see what you're doing.

[@charlesmchenry4738]

Thanks for the information

[@ChampTruex]

i need your help Kirby.. i wanna build the best sounding 3D printed portable Bluetooth system but im having a hard time matching speakers and a amp board i went with 6.5s and 100w board 50w per channel two channel amp and it was under powered.. i need help.. i want to use it at work so it would need to be super loud lol

[@arvestigen53]

Great video, Kirby! I got a pair of Focal CMS50, active studio monitors, with 5'' woofers. They are great mid-low budget speakers for studio-setups. They come with å built in high-pass filter, shelving and notch aswell. They tend to be a liiiittle bright some times though. As for your toilet paper face: I would recomend air condition or a fan as a passive way to prevent sweat. If there is no way out but active removal, I would recomend a towel for this job. Towels absorbe the sweat and does not leave leftover-towel on you face. If you are on a budget you might wanna use your hand, but the result may vary as there are no absorbtion in the hand. It could even have the opposite effect. There are many other ways to remove sweat, so do your research before buying sweat removal gear. Have a niiiiiice day!! :)

[@johndough7160]

I'm curious about those Bose 802's. $1600 bucks right there. Then I gotta find a power source. I can only imagine what that's gonna cost. I wanna experience high quality stereo sound before I finish losing my hearing. 😊

[@sprig6043]

Learnt something within the first 2mins. Love the straight talking.

[@meltedfusitediy6625]

You know us to well, just kidding, i find your build videos therapeutic.

[@rk47_beats]

Wow I literally made a beat with the same sample in the background 😂😂😂

[@tonytiger2004]

Great video quick and simple explanation. But informative. Keep them coming!

[@MaykTime]

Thank you bro for the knowledge that you shared.

[@joshuasagraves9594]

This is a wonderful video explanation. Thank you!

[@KirbyMeetsAudio]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@russmaleartist]

One still has control of an active system if the amps are not a part of the speaker. If one uses an active crossover before the amps and the passive crossover is eliminated . . . then the heat dissipation of resistors, the distortion of the caps (and their high cost to get quality), the problem of cable resistance, inductance, etc. are pretty much eliminated. What you do get is problems solving the driver balance, the time alignment, and being able to do all that the passive components do to adjust speaker driver abnormalities such as frequency curve dips or peaks, room abnormalities . . . however, with a good controller/active crossovers like a DBX and some patience -- you do have great flexibility to achieve what much higher priced speaker do with such higher-priced components. I've no doubt that there are those who disagree for the sake of disagreement, but who cares. Get what works for you and suits YOUR ears, your budget, and grow with your system.

[@abhishekrohera]

Confused between Edifier r2000db vs Edifier r1850db with a active sub both are almost the same price Passive speakers are out of the budget & speaker building is kind off complicated

[@mihaleban1323]

i am gonna build by first pair any suggestions?

[@gsevent7285]

I love your videos. Personnaly I own passive speakers but I have to repair their tweeters because my amp is too powerful for them.

[@t1mm3h]

DJ BALANCE when the tweeters say goodnight it might be a sign of clipping in the amps. And a reason to this is that you have too little power...

[@bradisley517]

Tweeters are usually sealed. Why not add another or 3 more and a pot to turn them down to match the output? You may need to do some crossover mod but probably not. If the mentioned distortion is eating them up then you are over driving your amp. If not then you are over driving your tweeters.

[@gsevent7285]

My amp wasn’t clipping and I have crosshovers but it was very loud and after that the tweeters blew I notice that the treble were set to max on the amp

[@gsevent7285]

I had these speakers for several years and the tweeters never blew even when the amp was to max but the treble knob wasn’t turned to max

[@bradisley517]

So they are close to being over driven and turning them up/turning down the resistance cooked them. I have access to top of the line equipment so if the added tweeter loudness was needed i would add a second in series. This will only add a little more output but increase the impedance. It should be with the potentiometers range but if not you would need a slightly bigger pot.

[@colinw2093]

You should start doing speaker reviews, like the newer Bluetooth speakers and maybe like towers or something great video btw👍

[@KirbyMeetsAudio]

Keep an eye out! 👀

[@dalem444]

Great video. You answered a lot of questions I had.

[@philvale5724]

Hi Kirby , I no most of your territorials that I’ve been watching recently have been from two or three years ago not sure whether you ever get this message going back in time do you do do do do do do do, ??? . Great territorial by the way, Just recently I saw a pair of focal 806S bookshelf speaker about €270 obviously secondhand in recently good condition, Do you think they were fine as it will give me something else to play with. Phil from the moulin France.