Guide to active loudspeakers

As soon as you start looking for suitable digital active speakers, you will realize that the choice is surprisingly large. The easiest way is to seek advice from a specialist dealer. During the consultation, you should make sure that these criteria are met.

If you want to find the best speaker for yourself, we recommend the following steps:

Get an overview

Find out about the market for active loudspeakers. There are several ways to do this:

  1. The classic Google search: The search query link:https://www.google.com/search?q=Active loudspeaker%20hifi%20digital["active speakers hifi digital"] is a good place to start. You may need to refine the search query a little by adding other terms, such as "store".

  2. Of course, you can also take a look at which speakers are often used in recording studios. Active loudspeakers are also used in recording studios. These speakers are not always suitable for your own living room. However, some manufacturers also offer appropriate speakers for private use.

  3. Printed specialist audio magazines often contain a list of the best speakers, which also includes active speakers.

  4. Many publishers also publish their audio magazines online. Here too, it’s worth searching for such magazines on Google and having a look.

Many magazines publish lists of the best. However, best lists should only be used as a guide. For one thing, the evaluation is always subjective. Secondly, not all speakers are tested. It therefore makes sense to check the websites of interesting manufacturers to see whether they offer any other active loudspeakers. Some manufacturers do not even appear in the best lists, even though they also produce active speakers. This is why searching with Google is always a useful addition!

Check criteria

The speaker must fulfill the following criteria:

  1. The loudspeaker is within your own budget.

  2. The loudspeaker is active, i.e. the amplifier is integrated in the loudspeaker housing.

  3. The active loudspeaker must offer at least one digital input, e.g. TOSLINK, AES3 or coaxial connection. The sound card itself only offers TOSLINK connections as an output. However, you can convert the signals between these connections. We have explained this in more detail here.

  4. The digital input supports the SPDIF protocol. There are also other digital protocols in the professional audio sector. However, these protocols are incompatible with SPDIF.

  5. The active loudspeaker does not emit any annoying noise at the maximum volume you want to hear. Some manufacturers explicitly state this characteristic. You can also ask your dealer about this. Alternatively, you can also find out in a listening test. It is important that the speaker receives the signal from the digital input, as this input will only be used later.

We recommend the following features for active loudspeakers:

An active loudspeaker does not necessarily have to fulfill the recommended characteristics. Ultimately, only the sound is decisive for the purchase.

Decision making

Before buying, we strongly recommend that you listen to speakers. You have the option of listening to the speakers at a dealer or trade fair, for example. Some manufacturers keep a list on their website of all dealers who stock the manufacturer’s products. Some manufacturers also sell the speakers directly. They usually also offer the opportunity to test the speakers.

If you haven’t listened to many speakers yet, you are probably unsure what a good speaker sounds like. The more speakers you have heard, the more you will develop a feeling for which ones sound good and which ones sound bad. Choose the speaker that you like best.

When listening to speakers, there are several aspects you should pay attention to in order to make an informed decision. We have compiled some important points for you here:

  1. Sound quality

    • Clarity and richness of detail: Pay attention to whether you can hear all the details in the music. Can the speakers reproduce subtle nuances and quiet background noises?

    • Tone balance: The sound should be balanced. No frequency ranges (bass, mid-range, treble) should dominate or be drowned out.

    • Spatiality and stage imaging: Test whether the speakers produce a clear spatial image. Can you locate the position of the instruments and voices in the room well?

  2. Bass reproduction

    • Depth and control: Check whether the bass is deep enough and still remains precise. Booming or distortion is a bad sign.

    • Integration with the rest of the frequency spectrum:** The bass should be harmoniously integrated into the sound and not appear detached or dominant.

  3. Center area

    • Voice reproduction: Voices should sound natural and clear. Distortions or a muffled reproduction are negative.

    • Instrument sound:** Check whether instruments such as guitars, pianos and strings are reproduced authentically.

  4. Treble reproduction

    • Clarity and brilliance: The treble should be clear and brilliant without sounding sharp or shrill.

    • Details: Pay attention to fine details that can be heard in the higher frequencies, such as cymbals or high strings.

  5. Dynamics

    • Volume changes: Check how well the speakers can reproduce dynamic changes in the music, from quiet passages to loud outbursts.

    • Speed: The speakers should be able to reproduce fast impulses cleanly and without delay.

  6. Precision and timing

    • Timing accuracy: Make sure that the speakers reproduce the timing of the music correctly. Poor timing can severely impair the musical experience.

  7. Comfort and room acoustics

    • Listening position: Test the speakers from different positions in the room to see whether the sound is good everywhere or changes significantly.

    • Volume level: Listen to the speakers at different volumes and check whether they sound clean and undistorted even at high volumes.

  8. Personal taste

    • Music genres: Try out different music genres that you normally listen to to make sure that the speakers are convincing in all areas.

    • Personal preferences: Ultimately, it’s your personal taste that counts. What sounds good to others doesn’t necessarily have to match your preferences.

  9. Additional tips

    • Comparisons: Listen to several speakers in direct comparison to better perceive differences.

    • Take your time: Take enough time for the hearing test. Quick decisions can lead to misjudgments.

    • Your own music: Bring your own music that you know well. This will help you to assess the speakers better.

If you keep these points in mind, you should be able to find the best speakers for you.

If you’ve found a cool speaker, let us know and simply drop us a line in the contact form.

We wish you every success with your purchase!