Karaoke Forums

whats the differance, what do you need  and not need?

Uh, powered speakers have their own internal amp and non-powered speaker (passive) require a separate amp.

The advantages to powered are:

#1 The amp is perfectly matched to the speaker, so they are going to sound better right out of the gate without having to EQ them much, and they will be on the "safer" side to run without blowing (in theory). In my experience, however, I have seen many more powered speakers blow than passive speakers. Also, since the amp is built into the speaker, there are less connections and less things to carry around.

Passive speakers are obviously much cheaper, sometimes even after you factor in the separate amp. Passive speakers are generally larger cabs meant to handle more power and higher volumes, and more bass, while powered are generally designed for better audio translation/replication in the mids and highs (of course there are large cab powered speakers out there, but this is generally not their purpose). If a passive speaker blows, you just have to replace the speaker, and not the amp (or vice-versa). If a powered speaker blows, you have to replace the whole thing at a much higher cost!!

For karaoke functions, I would recommend passive speakers and a separate amp in most cases. The exception would be if you were playing smaller venues (like coffee houses, smaller VFWs and the like, etc.) and the quality at lower volumes would be at a premium, in which case something like a JBL or Mackie powered set would definately sound better. Running a powered set OVER a set of subwoofers also makes up for the powered set's shortcomings in the bass realm and takes that pressure off of them, so that is a good combo for larger places. In most cases, however, if you require a BIGGER louder sound, passive speakers with external amps sound better in larger venues.

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C Mc
KJ, FL

Agree with TopherM.  I use the Mackie 450's with the 1501 sub and the CFX-12 mixer.  Great setup IMO.  I've never had anything but the powered system so I can't really say anything bad about the passive.  They each have their merits.  I have had a couple times where I failed to turn on one of the speakers and didn't realize it until about 5 songs into the gig.  What that did tell me is that with a powered system, IF you had a speaker go out you could at least make it through the rest of the night.  Most times when a powered speaker blows I think you can trace it down to operator error.  Not alway; but more times than not.

With passive, if you blew your amp, you're dead in the water.

Kelly

Not true. It all depends on what goes. I own JBL G2's and i fryed the coil and it cost me $65.00 for part and to replace. For the most part it is pretty inexpensive to repair the powered speaker (jbl anyway). Complimented with a sub these speakers can handle small or large venues you can even add on.

For those who want a detailed description on how to change the diaphram in a JBL I have a detailed post on my forum complete with pics.  Mackie and JBL both still provide customer assistance including access to tech manuals and schematics. They both use standard USA parts which are replaceable by generics or subs. You can order whole boards or you can order individual components (availible in this country) Powered speakers or mixers are relatively easy to repair unless it involves the circuit board which is more and more sublayered and uses surface components.. (notice I said above circuit boards are availible)  

As far as the original question powered versus passive.... I could  light your whole town with a 100 watt amp and a 70 volt system or powered speakers and daisy chain them from bar to bar.... The average band attitude is power power power....And 18" 3kw subs  I have lit many bars and with a distribution of speakers I can provide a constant volume from one end to the other. Using either passive or powered speakers this is plausible.... For those starting out I would recommend using powered  speakers even though they are more expensive..Over the long haul they will stand up to all conditions and usually hold their resale value more than passive. When a passive speaker is popping they are done and my JBL eons have survived tornadoes   high temps rugged use and they are still kicking....

Perhaps this the last selling point... my system is configured either balanced or non to go into powered speakers via a snake I can tap into the house system or provide any any amount of PA power needed with powered speakers daisy chianed and located strategically...

The Cactus Canyon here in Greeley has 20 plus JBL eons hangind on the ceiling  along with a big bass bin on the end of the dance floor You want to hear a system?

There are advantages & disadvantages to each type.  SOme have already been touched on.  Here are a couple more on powered speakers.

Pros:

Each speaker is designed with components & amps specifically designed for that speaker making it more efficient.
Most are properly crossed over for their drivers & are usually bi-amped.
Uses standard microphone XLR cables - no expensive speaker cables.
Can hook multiple speakers to one line output of a mixer via the thru output on each.  
If 1 speaker blows, you can limp by the rest of the night on the other.

COns:

You need to find a power outlet for each speaker.
You can't ever upgrade your amps - as they are internal (i've heard rumours though that a company is working on making aftermarket amps for powered speakers - JUST A RUMOUR at this point).


With standard passive.

Pros:

You can generally get higher power handling speakers.
Bi amp capable (many models), but even the models that aren't can be wired to be so.
They are generally cleaner sounding properly crossed over & amped.
You can upgrade the components & amps when needed.
No additional outlets needed.

Cons:

Need speaker cables - if you bi amp, you need 2 per speaker.  
You can only hook a certain load (generally 2-3 speakers max) to an amp.  You can technically hook more up, but have to know how to wire in different configuartions.
Separate amps are typically very heavy.
The wood in good passive speakers are typically very dense making them very heavy.

These are just some.

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