What is the difference between an active subwoofer and a passive one?

The basic sound system of the radio often does not suit the owner of the car due to the sound, interference present, and unclear reproduced frequencies. Music connoisseurs definitely want to equip their car with a subwoofer - a device that allows them to hear the full spectrum of bass in any composition. Finding and purchasing the right device today is not the slightest difficulty, since there are many options. Therefore, it is important to know how an active subwoofer differs from a passive one, taking into account not only its cost, but also the features of sound and operation.

So, what is the difference between an active and a passive subwoofer?

Active subwoofers have a built-in power amplifier and simply require a power source (or battery) to operate, while passive subwoofers require an external power amplifier to operate. Simply put, you need an amplifier for passive subs, but not for active subs.

What does passive subwoofer mean?

As mentioned earlier, they require separate amplifiers or mixers to power them, as well as cables to carry the audio from the amplifier to the subwoofers. Since passive speakers are not an all-in-one system, you will need to ensure that your subwoofers and amplifier are compatible with the appropriate impedance and power ratings.

If you don't take this into account, you risk either blowing up your speakers or not getting good sound out of them.

What does active subwoofer mean?

An active subwoofer is an all-in-one system that powers your speakers, much like a combo amplifier used by guitarists or bassists. The amplifier is built into the speaker cabinet, so all you have to do is connect the speakers to a power source (or use a battery) and feed it with a line level signal.

A selection of active speaker systems also include built-in mixers with equalizer settings, so you can easily mix audio directly into the speaker to professional standards.

After we have learned what an active and passive subwoofer means, we can move on to their pros and cons to find out which subwoofer is better, active or passive, for a car.

Advantages and disadvantages of active subwoofers

Before you make a decision, let's look at some of the pros and cons of powered subwoofers.

Pros of active subwoofers:

Powered speakers are usually installed as a complete solution, meaning that all you have to do is connect line-level audio and you're ready to go.
In most cases, the amplifier is already fully tuned to the speakers. This means you get the best sound right out of the box.
You don't need any technical experience to use a powered subwoofer, it's easy to set up.
Most are battery powered, making them a great portable solution.

Disadvantages of active subwoofers:

Due to the fact that active speakers have a built-in amplifier, they can be a little heavier, but in the case of a car audio system this is not critical.
If the amplifier fails, you may have to have an engineer come to you to fix them. Because the amplifier is inside the speakers, you need to repair the entire unit rather than just replacing a broken element.

What will change if you install a subwoofer in a car?

Standard car acoustics, consisting of full-range speakers, have a decline in the lower frequency range. This greatly affects the quality of reproduction of bass instruments and vocals.

As the test results show, when comparing the sound of car speakers with and without a subwoofer, most experts give preference to the first option, even if the standard speakers are of fairly high quality.

For more information, read the article “What characteristics to look for when choosing a subwoofer for a car”

Frequency range

The range of reproduced frequencies depends both on the design of the loudspeaker and on the characteristics of the speaker itself. The upper limit of the playback band is usually in the range of 120-200 Hz, the lower limit is 20-45 Hz. The transmission characteristics of the standard acoustics and the subwoofer must partially overlap to avoid a dip in the overall playback bandwidth.

Advantages and disadvantages of passive subwoofers

Pros of passive subwoofers:

Since passive speakers and amplifiers are separate entities, you can easily expand the "scope".
You can upgrade your amplifier or subwoofer separately without replacing the entire system (this is the most important difference between an active and a passive subwoofer).
Passive subwoofers are lightweight due to the fact that they do not have amplifiers. This means they are easier to lift and install.
Maintaining your system is much easier! If the amplifier fails, you simply replace it. If it's a subwoofer, you can swap it out for another one while you fix the faulty one. Maintenance is much easier.

Cons of passive subwoofers:

Buying the right amplifier for your speakers in terms of power rating and impedance can be a little tricky.
If you use many subwoofers, there is a high chance of signal loss.

Do I really need a subwoofer? Aren't my speakers good enough?

Surround sound systems provide a wide range of pitches and sounds. However, most of these speakers don't have the range or ability to reproduce or produce truly deep, rich bass tones. This is exactly what subwoofers were made for. At the same time, the subwoofer enriches the home theater experience and helps the speakers reproduce the full range of sounds. In fact, subwoofers have become practically mandatory if you ask a home theater design expert.

Does size matter?

Subwoofers come in different sizes. A traditional subwoofer that was housed in a large cabinet may be too large for some rooms. However, newer technologies have helped manufacturers reduce the size of components, as well as the dimensions of many subwoofers available today. This makes them easier to hide and even install in a wall or closet.

What is better for a car owner to choose?

Which subwoofer is better, active or passive? We recommend using active subwoofers. They are easier to install and configure, and they provide fairly good sound. However, they are a little more expensive than passive ones, due to the fact that passive ones are sold without an amplifier, but you still have to buy one.

Returning to the question of how to recognize a passive or active subwoofer, we can say that it is quite simple. Just look at the box, it usually says so there. If this is not possible, then you need to pay attention to the power inputs; as already mentioned, the active sub has an amplifier, so they will differ accordingly.

Where to choose

You can buy a car subwoofer today at any car store:

Example of a car subwoofer

However, a problem arises with the choice, since there are many different subs - passive, active, separate, cabinet-mounted and others
First you need to make sure that you have the necessary components to create your future audio system
It is important to understand the fact that normal bass should initially be present, however, the subwoofer (photo above) does not replace the entire acoustics, it only complements it
Immediately evaluate your system to understand which sub can “pull” your amplifier and speakers, or whether you decide to do without an amplifier
To connect any of the subwoofers, you will need additional instructions (see Connection diagram for subwoofer and speakers: its features).

The correct choice of acoustics for a car should be based on the classification:

For example, there are separate speakers, and cabinet
These individual speakers are divided into Free air (“open air”, they are placed in the back of the rear seat or shelf)
Not Free air (should be placed in enclosures)
Subwoofers are also classified by size; there are four main groups: 8 inches, 10, 12 and 15 inches.
There are also passive and active subwoofers for cars.
How do they differ - simply put, a passive subwoofer is considered an ordinary subwoofer, it is a bare speaker, it requires a separate amplifier to operate (see The best amplifier for a subwoofer and how to choose it)
An active subwoofer is, in fact, the same passive one, simply equipped with its own built-in bass amplifier
This type of device is more popular among motorists than a passive one.
Before buying a subwoofer for a car with a built-in amplifier, pay attention to its main drawback - high cost
Therefore, not every driver can afford such pleasure.
But a passive subwoofer for a car is perfect if you have a separate amplifier
It is becoming a fashionable trend to make your own subwoofers for your car (see How to make a subwoofer: practical tips), these are also options for passive subs, but they achieve decorativeness and a unique design

It’s worth saying a few words about power:

We’ve already figured out what a passive subwoofer means, it’s worth taking into account the power of your unit, both purchased and homemade
Don't trust bright and noisy advertising
Any manufacturer, and even more so a seller, can lie shamelessly, as long as you purchase the product from him and from no one else
Therefore, you need to put aside everything that sellers recommend to you.
It is better to focus on the company’s reputation and the presentable appearance of the product
If you adhere to exactly these criteria, you can purchase a car subwoofer that suits you in terms of price and quality
The subwoofer enclosure is the main element of its sound system
It is thanks to him that you can get directional, diffuse or dull bass
A wooden case is considered the best

The main types of buildings should be highlighted:

Closed type - is a box in which the speaker is located in a completely enclosed space
At the same time, the vibrations of the speaker dampen the pressure that arises inside from the vibrations of the diffuser. In a closed case, the sub gives rich and deep bass
The inside of the case is finished with a special soundproofing material that absorbs heat and creates air pressure inside
The power of such a subwoofer depends directly on the internal volume of its housing, however, there is one significant drawback - this type of subwoofer has the lowest efficiency
Housing with a bass reflex - a special hole is made in the housing to remove air, which allows you to direct the sound wave, this significantly increases the sound power
And thanks to this, the speaker operates virtually without significant load, even in the lowest frequencies.
In it, a low-frequency sound wave arises due to air injection
Therefore, this type of enclosure produces powerful and very sharp bass
Bandbass housing (see Bandpass subwoofer - the best design) - when the speaker is located in the partition between two chambers
This housing combines the properties of the previous two and thereby significantly increases efficiency and sound quality.
Its essence is expressed in the fact that it can be configured simultaneously for lower and upper bass levels
This makes it possible to make the bass richer and more natural.
However, this type of design is also the most expensive; the high price is due to the fact that it is quite complicated to manufacture.

Good active subwoofers

Blaupunkt GTB 8200A

Blaupunkt GTB 8200 A is an active subwoofer with a maximum output power of 200 W. This is a great product for cars with a small trunk. Its dimensions are: length - 250 mm, height - 260 mm and depth - from 202 mm to 270 mm. So it won't take up much space.

The frequency response of the equipment is from 35 Hz to 500 Hz. The low-frequency reflective cabinet and built-in Class D amplifier means the bass is perfectly highlighted. Therefore, the subwoofer will especially appeal to people who like stronger sound.

Based on reviews published on the Internet, we can conclude that the Blaupunkt GTB 8200 A model enjoys great consumer confidence. They valued it mainly for its perfect fit for each car. The extremely easy assembly can also be considered an advantage, which means that you can do it yourself by installing the device.

Peiying PY-BB300X

The Peiying PY-BB300X subwoofer is equipped with an amplifier based on bipolar transistors, resulting in a relatively high power (500 W). For this reason, we could not miss it in our ranking. Since the device has a low-frequency reflective body, it perfectly emphasizes low tones. Its frequency response ranges from 20 Hz to 200 Hz, so high frequencies are also clearly audible.

The equipment looks extremely modern and original. All because of the combination of a black body with a bright orange membrane. The dimensions of the above model are: 35 mm x 52 mm x 35 mm. It will easily fit into any car. Moreover, the subwoofer can be connected directly to a radio with an RCA output. Thus, we will create a complete audio package that will allow you to enjoy your favorite music while driving.

Many consumers praise the Peiying brand for its interesting design and good sound quality. The advantages of this device are also: simple and easy installation, durability and compactness.

How to choose the right subwoofer for your home?

To successfully select a subwoofer model, you need to take into account the size, configuration of the room and even the arrangement of furniture. All of these factors are individual and cannot be determined in absentia. Despite the lack of input data, I would like to give some basic tips for choosing.

Recommendations for choosing a good subwoofer:

High quality and durable case. Plastic models do not fit this description. During operation, the flimsy material creates vibrations that undesirably affect the quality of the bass. It is better to give preference to a case made of MDF. True, it is not completely protected from distortion; powerful systems can lead to rattling of the case. The best option is a wooden base. You can determine the quality of a material by weight; wood is always heavier than its substitutes.
Price and model type. Closed design models are much more expensive than open ones, but have a richer and clearer sound. Bass reflex devices (without speaker protection) cannot show similar sound dynamics, although they still produce good sound and are much cheaper. However, they are not characterized by a sharp change in volume, unlike the closed type.
Power. For small rooms and apartments there is no need to take a powerful subwoofer. Instead of high-quality audio, there will be unnecessary rattling of objects and an unpleasant hum. For home use, it is optimal to use models with a power of 5-8 W per 1 m2.
Frequency range. Numbers will help you understand the issue. Frequencies in the range of 20-40 Hz are responsible for deep bass, frequencies from 40 to 80 Hz are responsible for mid-bass, and high frequencies are considered to be 80-160 Hz. Subwoofers operating in the 40-200 Hz range are widely used and do not support low frequencies. For home, the optimal value is 30-60 Hz.
Depth and realism of sound. Apart from the frequency range, there are no characteristics that allow you to determine the quality of audio in absentia. Before buying, you should listen to how well the device copes with its task - reproducing low frequencies.

Important! Not all characteristics are listed above; you also need to focus on the availability of settings, additional options, ergonomics, ease of control, etc. All of these parameters play a minor role and affect the final result.

Good passive subwoofers

Alpine SBG-1244BP

Introducing the Alpine SBG-1244BP 12-inch subwoofer. Its maximum output power is 800 W. This is an extremely effective piece of equipment that is designed to be installed in the trunk of a car. In this case, the Band Pass design is used. This solution allows you to output stronger and lower sound.

A distinctive feature of the presented model is its design. The black body matches perfectly with the acrylic window and blue lighting. All this makes the subwoofer extremely elegant and modern. Its dimensions are: length - 473 mm, height - 380 mm and depth from 314 mm to 414 mm. The device belongs to the group of passive products.

Consumers say that one of the most important advantages of the equipment described above is its original appearance. The subwoofer looks great in the car. In addition, it provides high-quality sound with clearly emphasized bass. This makes listening to music while traveling by car more enjoyable.

JBL CS 1204B

We would like to introduce the JBL CS 1204B model, which has a peak power of 1000 W. This equipment is extremely powerful and guarantees high quality sound. The subwoofer has a closed cabinet that enhances the bass. Thanks to its small dimensions (380 mm x 410 mm x 370 mm), the product can be easily installed in a car with a small trunk. It certainly won't take up much free space.

The device is equipped with an aluminum cover that perfectly protects the low-frequency membrane. The model described uses a special coil that transfers heat more efficiently. As a result, the equipment can play much louder and at the same time longer, without the risk of overheating and damage.

Consumer reviews of JBL car subwoofers most often contain a lot of flattering words. The CS 1204B product is also very popular. This is influenced by both the simple and elegant design and the very good workmanship. Although the device is small, it delivers clear and powerful sounds.

Blaupunkt GTT 1200 DE

People planning to find a good and cheap car subwoofer should check out the Blaupunkt GTT 1200 DE model. Its maximum power is 600 W and its frequency response ranges from 35 Hz to 500 Hz. The tubular body means that the equipment can easily be adapted to the shape of the trunk, while still gaining some free space.

The dimensions of the device are: height - 484 mm, width - 328 mm and diameter - 300 mm. Since this is a passive model, it was not equipped with an amplifier. Despite this, the subwoofer guarantees good sound quality with clearly defined bass. Therefore, it can make every car trip a pleasure.

Consumers who have installed the presented model on their cars guarantee that it works perfectly. The subwoofer not only does not take up much space, but is also extremely durable and resistant to damage. Moreover, the subwoofer is easy to install as the kit includes all the items needed to install it.

Petr Alekseev

Regular author of articles for the magazine rating cars.

Best Home Subwoofer Manufacturers

The following brands are at the peak of their fame and enjoy the love of users:

Yamaha. The company comes from Japan. It is a benchmark in the world of musical equipment. A company with more than a century of history began producing acoustics in 1971, when it invented the first integrated circuit of its own manufacture. It produces subwoofers for various purposes, including household models.
Pioneer. In terms of popularity and quality of products, it is practically not inferior to the leader. The company is focused on developing all kinds of acoustics, but the greatest emphasis is on receivers, speakers and subwoofers, including automobile ones.
JBL. The world leader has its head office in America. It is distinguished by the production of advanced, multifunctional subwoofers. Mainly engaged in the production of high-end systems, but there are also budget analogues in the range.