Speakers 5.1. What is the difference between active and passive speakers

Acoustics 5.1 active

Active acoustics 5 1 occupies a special place in the niche of audio systems designed for installation in a car. Competitor today active acoustics acts passive and in our article we will learn the difference between them.
In addition, we will conduct a review, where the test will be 5 1 active acoustics, the choice of which is a difficult task for many. This is not surprising, because on modern market there are dozens of similar products.

What is the difference between active and passive speakers

To begin with, we will find out what is the difference between active and in general, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Amplifier

This element in any speaker system, whether active or passive, plays an important role. The amplifier is often called a receiver, because it is through this component that the sound goes directly to the speakers.
Amplification of sound is carried out in the following ways:

• The sound of the speaker itself is amplified. Such amplification is often found in computer speakers or in expensive car speakers.
• First, the sound passes through the amplifier, and only then goes to the speakers.

Passive speaker and its disadvantages

The theme of the amplifier was not in vain. It is this component that highlights the difference between the two speakers.
Consider now the disadvantages of a passive speaker system:

• In a passive speaker system, for the most part, an average power amplifier is installed (see). The sound on different speakers is emitted not well and not badly.
• The second option is to install the amplifier in passive systems already implies the use of good and powerful amplifier, but working only with some models. This is easy to explain, because the manufacturers of such an amplifier cannot know in advance what acoustics it will work under.
• It's no secret that during the operation of the speaker, all electronics heat up, including the crossover, since it is on it that the output power. The amplifier loads the speaker electronics, which is why the sound quality in passive speakers suffers.

• Another disadvantage of passive speakers involves the selection of a powerful amplifier. As you know, so that passive speakers can handle critical moments with the incoming power of the amplifier, the power of the second must be less than the power of the speakers themselves.
  There is no feedback from the amplifier to the speakers in a passive speaker. So it turns out that this is a big drawback, because the amplifier, in fact, cannot track the load and when it is required to send less power.

Active acoustics

It is desirable to choose it.
Now let's find out why:

• The design of this speaker provides feedback between amplifier and speakers. There is a unique opportunity to change the load on the speakers at the moments of maximum concentration of the entire system. This prevents damage to the speakers, which last much longer.

Note. Even if the active speaker is small, it will have a good acoustic output. This can be explained by the fact that the amplifier is connected directly to the speakers, due to which the maximum efficiency is achieved.

• The crossover in active speakers, unlike passive ones, does not heat up. This component is capable long time filter the signal, thereby eliminating the problem of amplifier-to-speaker ratio. The amplifier in this case can simply be configured as required.
• Active speaker gives very high sound quality.
• The active speakers are not affected by long distances, because the speakers can be arranged as you like.
• An active speaker is capable of operating at heavy loads and for a very long time.

What is active acoustics 5 1

We figured out the difference between active and passive acoustics.
Now let's find out what it is active 5 1 acoustics:

• Speakers with a built-in amplifier, as mentioned above, are called active acoustics. It is enough to just connect them to a sound source, turn on the power and they will start their work.
• Set 5 1 is a ready-made set of 5 satellites and a subwoofer (see). In this case, a control unit and an amplifier are a priori built into the subwoofer case. The subwoofer is the main element here and the switching connectors are located in the back of its case.

Note. In most cases, the rear of the 5 1 powered subwoofer has multiple stereo inputs and a multi-channel analog input for connecting a DVD player, car stereo or other device.

What models of acoustics 5 1 are the most popular:

• Of greatest interest today for the buyer are sets of acoustics of the middle price category, the price of which does not exceed $ 250. The speakers of this system have a wooden cabinet.
  As for the dynamic speaker heads, they are more or less made with high quality. This also applies to the rubber suspension of the midrange and the domed fabric tweeter.
• There are cheaper models of this speaker, which are more of a decorative value and are chosen by buyers because of the beautiful appearance by photographs.

Note. Of course, there is an alternative to ready-made acoustic sets 5 1.
In this case, the kit is assembled from separate components, such as a multi-channel AV receiver, speakers and active subwoofer. In this case, the costs will increase significantly and you will have to count on the amount of at least $ 400.

• It is worth noting that the advantage of 5 1 acoustics, which consists in a set of miniature heads, supposedly giving a full-fledged sound, is erroneous. The fact is that the small size of the diffuser is in no way able to give a full-fledged strong sound.
  Full-fledged sound cannot be provided by decorative speakers, because there are restrictions imposed by the laws of physics. For this reason, it is better to purchase acoustics 5 1 with large speakers.
• Full frequency 5 1 loudspeakers with normal driver sizes will allow higher quality drivers and separate drivers for the high and mid/low ranges. The volume of air mass, among other things, which is collected inside the case, can be used to enhance low frequencies, if bass-reflex acoustic design is used.
• Obviously, the dimensions of the speakers themselves are not capable of providing quality. Today on the market you can find sets of inexpensive full-size acoustics, which are not far from decorative small speakers in quality.

Overview of the most popular models of active acoustics 5 1

Now let's move on to the test of the most popular models this acoustics.

Genius SW-HF5.1 5000

So:

• Genius SW-HF5.1 5000 has the following satellite dimensions: 14x21.5x15.5.
• Diffuser diameter - 9.
• The tweeter is equipped with a Mylar emitter.
• The subwoofer is equipped with a resonance chamber.
• Equalizer missing.
• Estimated price is $155.

plays this system in a pronounced coloration in the mid-frequency region. If this fact is considered a disadvantage, then we can express it in a tangible timbre change in the sound of various musical instruments precisely at medium frequencies. There is also a compression effect, leading to rapid hearing fatigue.
But the subwoofer of this system plays well. The resonant chamber allows you to get a characteristic hum-like sound.

Edifier S 5.1

So:

• A more expensive model with 15x23x16 satellites.
• The diffuser diameter is the same - 9.
• The tweeter is already in the form of a fabric dome.
• Subwoofer circuit - FI.
• The presence of 6.1 amplifier.
• Estimated price $260.

This system lacks high frequencies. As for the mid frequencies, they have a pronounced strong color.

Microlab H-500

• The dimensions of the satellites are 13x22x18.
• Diffuser size - 8.
• Polymer suspension material.
• Tweeter - fabric dome.
• The presence of an external control unit.
• Estimated price $280.

Many music lovers and quality sound prefer to listen to songs and watch high quality movies to use a 5.1 speaker system. This kind of acoustics essentially consists of six channels to which their speakers are connected - a subwoofer ( subwoofer), two front speakers (left and right), a center front speaker and a pair of rear speakers (also left and right). We will talk about how to connect 5.1 format speakers to a computer below.

Assembling and installing a 5.1 speaker system

The subwoofer is traditionally installed on the floor and contains an amplifier with a power supply to which all other system components are connected. But there are exceptions when the receiver is made separately, and all acoustics are connected to it. The outputs for connecting each column are marked. Front speakers are FR (front right) and FL (front left), CEN (center), RR (rear right), and RL (rear left). If the subwoofer is passive, that is, it does not include an amplifier, then it is also connected to the receiver itself, which has the corresponding SW marking. In accordance with this marking, the first step is to connect all the speakers and place them in the appropriate order in the room.

Connecting speakers to a computer

To connect a 5.1 speaker system to your computer, you must have a sound card installed on it that allows you to play sound in 5.1. It can be either a sound card integrated into the motherboard or a sound card installed separately in the PCI slot.

The 5.1 system is connected by three pairs of cables, which have a mini-jack on one side for connecting directly to a computer, and on the other side "tulips" (stereo RCA) for connecting to the receiver's inputs (Audio Input). Here you should pay attention to the fact that to connect the speakers to the receiver (subwoofer), “tulip” connectors with the Audio Output designation and speaker markings (FR, FL, etc.) are also used. Do not plug cables from a computer into these connectors!

The correct connection of the sound outputs of the computer to the desired inputs of the receiver will allow you to quickly set up the system and enjoy high-quality sound. So, the front channel (front speakers) should be connected to the green jack, the rear channel (rear speakers) should usually be connected to the black jack, and the subwoofer and center speaker channel to the orange jack. To ensure that everything is done without errors, you should first carefully study the manual for your motherboard or a sound card, where it should be indicated which of the sockets is responsible for a particular channel.

Setting up 5.1 sound in Windows 7/10

After all the cables are connected, you should proceed to setting up 5.1 acoustics in the operating room itself. Windows system 7 or 10. Open the "Control Panel" and go to the "Sound" section. Here, go to the "Playback" tab, where select "Speakers" from the list.

Next, click the “Setup” button at the bottom of the window and select “5.1 Surround Sound” in the window that opens. At this stage, you can check the correct connection of the speakers by clicking on one or another speaker and checking the correspondence of the speakers to the diagram. If necessary, check that the speakers and audio outputs from the computer are connected correctly. Complete the 5.1 audio setup by following the steps to the end.

As a rule, no further action is required from you, the only thing else you should pay attention to is the system mode switch on the receiver (subwoofer). On many models, in addition to 5.1, there are other modes of operation, such as stereo and, if there is a digital input, SPDIF. When connecting in the above way, the switch must be set to position 5.1. If your sound card does not support five-channel sound, then you can play normal stereo sound on a 5.1 system by simply moving the corresponding switch to the desired position. Of course, in this case, you will not be able to enjoy a truly five-channel sound. The same applies to the audio files themselves, which are recorded as stereo. Even when using a 5.1 sound card, they will sound like stereo, only on 5 pairs of speakers.

Today I will teach you how to connect 5.1 audio systems to devices without multi-channel audio support. Anyone.

So, imagine the situation: you already have a good multi-channel audio system. We emphasize - analog, classic connectors are used as inputs RCA (tulip). At the same time, as a result of upgrading device gadgets with suitable interfaces, the system cannot be used.

How to connect such 5.1-channel speakers to devices with HDMI/Toslink digital outputs, popular USB or use a stereo output? Or how to convert multi-channel digital audio signal to multi-channel analog?

Real and "virtual" multi-channel audio

A true multi-channel audio outputs the voice to the center channel, effects and music to the rear and front speakers. Or - in accordance with the distribution during recording (in some standards of multi-channel sound).

"Virtual" multi-channel audio is distributed according to spectral characteristic reproduced sound. Software and hardware decompose the signal into components according to predetermined algorithms, and distribute sounds around the listening point, creating surround sound.

Method 1. We spare no expense for high-quality sound

The easiest way is to buy a multi-channel receiver according to your preferences and needs. The simplest, most effective. And the most omnivorous.

The purchase will give a variety of video and audio I / O interfaces, be able to independently decode files and become the center of a home entertainment system. You can always choose a model with the required number of suitable inputs - and RCA in receivers is the liveliest of all.


Modern receivers support improved sound distribution algorithms, including Dolby Atmos, which can distribute any number of tracks to any number of speakers, taking into account the acoustic properties of the room.

The disadvantage of the solution is the cost. It starts from 10 thousand rubles for a used one and from 30 thousand for a receiver with Dolby Atmos support.

In addition, the receivers have impressive dimensions. Well, if the place and the interior allow. And if not?

Method 2. (Digital) Optical -> Multichannel Analog

For the sake of this, the article was started. I often get asked questions like: “How do I connect my home theater to a new TV? It has no analog audio outputs!”.

Mine only has a two-channel mini-jack and an optical Toslink. For a while before buying new acoustics, I connected the old 5.1 kit using such a Chinese converter.


A rather primitive digital-to-analog converter is hidden inside the device and DSP processor- a microcircuit responsible for mixing, equalizing and effects.

The application is very simple - we connect an acoustic system to the analog RCA outputs, on the other hand we supply an audio signal through a coaxial or optical connector and external power from the supplied power supply.


If the signal corresponds to the number of connected acoustic channels, it passes without mixing and processing. As it is.

That is, if the film 5.1 channel audio track, and we use the appropriate audio system - the sound quality will be the same as the original.

If a two-channel track is fed to it, then the signal is converted using a "virtual" mixing in the processor, and is distributed to all speakers.

Of course, this is very different from real 5.1-channel sound, but it still sounds nicer than regular stereo. Unless, of course, we are talking about films.

So you can connect acoustics and to other devices- for example, through the usual headphone output of a laptop, tablet or player.


But the output will only be virtual 5.1-channel sound, even if the original track is multi-channel. Nothing else can be obtained from the stereo connector.

If necessary, the converter allows you to play any incoming audio signal in two-channel. Suitable for standard music systems systems 2.1, as well as in cases where the DSP converter does not play the track correctly.

Method 3. HDMI -> Multichannel Analog

The option using HDMI is more promising, since this interface is used in modern gadgets much more often.

To transmit a multi-channel audio track, the jack on the audio source must support the HDMI Arc protocol. AT otherwise, a regular stereo signal will be broadcast, which will be converted to "virtual" 5.1 by software.

If HDMI supports this function, you can purchase such a converter. This box also supports end-to-end transmission of a composite signal: by connecting a source via HDMI, you can separately output sound to an audio system via coaxial, optical or analog connectors, while running the video sequence on a projector or TV.

Method 4. USB -> Multichannel Analog

Most of the Chinese “multi-channel USB audio cards” offered on the Internet are rather primitive tricks that produce processed stereo. Save will not work.

Another thing is external audio cards. Some of them are capable of issuing multichannel audio, and are suitable for connecting to tablets, laptops, desktop computers.


Unfortunately, even Smart TV, not to mention most devices with proprietary firmware (receivers, media players) will not be able to recognize it as an audio device. Therefore, Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 , Creative X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro or ST Lab M-330 USB is suitable only as computer accessories, or in the case of separate audio and video transmission from a computer. And this is a completely different story.

"Chinese box" or a full-fledged receiver?

In fact, the choice is ambiguous. If you need to link multiple devices in single system the choice is obvious.

5.1 speaker system consists of five speakers various types and subwoofer. This set of add-ons allows you to make the most of the possibilities of separate speaker placement and make the sound as voluminous as possible. The presence of a subwoofer makes it possible to separately control the power of bass and low frequencies.

System Features The 5.1 home theater speaker system makes watching movies and listening to music very comfortable. This effect is achieved due to the following characteristics of the device:

• Maximum power up to 500 W;
• Various options system placement - ceiling, floor;
• Additional panels controls to adjust volume settings;
• A large set of outputs for the most simple connection to any type of device;
• The ability to connect not only to the TV, but also to the computer.

Buying a system

The price of a 5.1 speaker system varies depending on many factors - its power, design, manufacturer, and other properties. Most models are presented on the market in classic colors - gray, silver, black, white.

You can buy a 5.1 speaker system in the Eldorado online store. In our catalog there are models with different power, differing both in design and cost. You can pick up the purchase yourself - from the nearest offline store or order home delivery. We provide a delivery service in Moscow, the Moscow region and other cities of Russia.

Various acoustic types recommend to use depending on the destination. So, the most common option for watching movies are 5.1 speakers. The six-channel system allows you to provide the highest quality sound covering the entire frequency range. It is this set that is recommended to be guided by when purchasing home theaters and the desire to listen to pure music from different directions. True, the price of such a kit is already much higher than for simplified options.

System components 5.1

The 5.1 system package says that it includes five speakers and one subwoofer. The speakers in the kit are the same, but they are used for different purposes depending on where they will be installed. So, they are divided into:

• frontal (include two speakers, set in front so that the sound goes to the viewer);
• side (also include two speakers that are placed on the sides to enhance the surround sound);
• central (the remaining column is a voice channel that distributes sound waves between the remaining elements of the system).

The subwoofer is a device that converts low frequencies. The human ear cannot recognize the direction sound is coming from a subwoofer, so it can be installed anywhere in the room. At the same time, it is he who adds color to special effects due to bass and outgoing vibration.

Examples of quality systems 5.1

To reproduce high-quality sound, preference should be given to trusted manufacturers and their models. Examples of the best 5.1 speaker systems are:

• Konoos KNS-CS200Fm;
• SVEN HT-200;
• Microlab M1910;
• Edifier C6XD;
• Logitech Z906.

Connecting 5.1 systems

System 5.1 includes six columns; as a result, they will need large quantity connectors than a stereo pair or 2.1 system. It will not be possible to combine all the speakers with one cable and connect the entire system to one line output on the sound card.

Connecting a surround sound system to a computer

Both discrete and modern integrated sound cards are capable of dividing audio into multiple channels. A typical analog sound card designed to connect 5.1 speakers will have several 3.5mm outputs:

• for front speakers;
• for center speaker and subwoofer;
• for rear speakers.

Paired speakers will be connected by connecting to a common jack. In total, therefore, you will need 3 connectors, each of which will have a corresponding color coding. Additionally, the sound card may have a satellite output, a microphone jack and a line input, but in this situation you will not need them.

To connect all the components into a single system, you will need a set of RCA cables - mini-jack. Connection is carried out in the following order:

1. All speakers are connected to the sound control module - all the connectors on it are signed, so it's almost impossible to get confused. The only one important point- you need to connect to the jack block labeled Audio Output.
2. Cables from the three colored sockets go to the corresponding sockets on the sound card - front speakers to green, rear speakers to black, subwoofer/center to yellow.

With digital sound everything is simpler - after combining the speakers in the control module, only one cable goes to the computer - coaxial or optical S / PDIF.

Connecting 5.1 speakers to a TV

As a rule, connecting such a system to a TV is done in one of three ways:

• an HDMI cable going to the receiver connecting the speakers;
• optical cable;
• coaxial cable;
• through one of the analog interfaces.

In any case, before connecting speakers with sound card TV they need to be combined. For this, either an AV receiver or an audio amplifier is used. On its surface, you can find a lot of RCA connectors - thus, an analog signal always goes to the speakers, which is converted from digital using the digital-to-analog converter built into the receiver.

As with a computer, you will need a lot of cables. All of them are inserted at one end into the connectors on the speakers, and at the other end into the corresponding outputs on the receiver. Then the digital interface on the receiver is connected to the corresponding connector on the TV case.