active vs passive speakers


I am looking at the Gradient Revolution speakers and I can't quite grasp what the active version does. In short, what is an active speaker?
csmithbarc

Showing 1 response by audiokinesis

The active Revolution calls for two amplifiers per side: One for the bass section, and one for the mid/high section. The preamp's output goes to the active crossover, and then the active crossover sends the appropriate signal to the various amplifiers.

In the case of the Revolution, one advantage of the active version is that you can independently control the level of the bass system, and can extend it deeper if you like (up to the woofers' excursion limits and/or your bass amplifier's power limits). If you want, you can add multiple woofer modules for greater bass extension and/or loudness.

Duke
dealer(including Gradient)/manufacturer