Active Or Passive

[allenlondon]

Is there a way of telling from an amp’s description if it uses passive or active speakers?

Most don’t say.

Ta.

Allen

[jaydj]

Not sure what amp you are talking about but if using an amp then it would be passive speakers because active speakers have an amp already built in.

[allenlondon]

Thanks, jay. That helps - I’ve been searching for an amp (see my thread above ‘A Simple amp’) and getting thoroughly confused.

A

[derek-33]

passive speakers are driven by an external amp
active speakers have a built in amp,
think your getting things mixed up

[allenlondon]

Derek: that much I DO know.

It's the DESCRIPTION of the amp (on for example Amazon) that I'm on about - how can you tell from the description if it needs active speakers or just passive ones?

And although Jay's point is valid, there are some amps I've come across where they specify 'active speakers'.

As I said to Jay, I'm confused by all this!

Help appreciated, as I still haven't found the amp (see above, 'A Simple Amp').

A

[richtee]

Derek's answer is normally correct- active speakers have a built in amp, passive don't. Have a look at the output power of the amp- if its above 10amps- often 50 or more for a domestic amp, then it can drive passive speakers. If the output is in milliamps, then the amp is effectively a pre amp, and needs active speakers on the end of its output. Hope that helps.

[allenlondon]

Richtee - good clue, perfect for a numpty like me.

PS don’t suppose you can recommend a compact simple amp? Line in, speakers out, headphones out? Don’t need all the bells and whistles.

Ta
A

[Zacs-Master]

'how can you tell from the description if it needs active speakers or just passive ones?'

No amp needs active speakers. That's what the amp is for.

This is what you get on the Richer Sounds website when you add the filters 'Phone in' & 'amplifiers out'
https://www.richersounds.com/hi-fi/separates/amplifiers-receivers.html?connectivity=3954%2C3936

[Fitzer]

I have a couple of these which work fine, they come with a US plug on the power supply but they're just 12VDC 2A so I just sourced a couple of UK power bricks (can't remember where) or you can use a plug adaptor. Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[Fitzer]

Darn, just realised you wanted headphones, scrub those then, sorry

[allenlondon]

Thanks zacs, that Richer Sounds filtering is very handy.

A

[royfromaus]

What speakers have you already got?

[allenlondon]

Passive, simple Panasonic ‘bookshelf’ speakers. They do us.

[royfromaus]

If you have an Ebay account I would look there for a vintage amp.

Old but quality...I had this for 40 years and it is still perfect.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164290570384?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&fromMakeTrack=true

[allenlondon]

Thanks roy - looks the business, I’ll investigate further.

[richtee]

Hi again Allen,
I agree with Roy- a second hand amp as suggested would be the way to go- here's another example for you
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Denon-PMA-350SE-Stereo-Integrated-Amplifier-hifi-amp/143659056479?epid=110917885&hash=item2172bf3d5f:g:sFEAAOSwGTNfD5WC

[allenlondon]

Thanks richtee. eBay does seem handy (and you can always look up the full specs through a google).

A

[royfromaus]

Just watched two decent amps go for less than 40 quid each.
I shouldn't look really because I will end up buying another hi-fi
(I haven't got one in the shed)

[allenlondon]

Your shed sounds a bit like mine, roy. Oddly, I've got an old (still functioning) Technics unit down there (amp, radio, cd - used to have a turntable on top, but it's long gone). Fine pair of speakers, which I still use when I can make it to the shed for a bit of DIY.