Do Bookshelf Speakers Need An Amp?

Do I need an amplifier with bookshelf speakers? It’s a question many find themselves asking once they’ve already purchased their speakers.

Bookshelf speakers are one of the most versatile types of speakers. They can achieve much better sound quality than Bluetooth speakers but require a little more setup. Those looking to incorporate bookshelf speakers into their setup often have a lot of questions. In this article, we’re here to clear up any confusion you might have in regard to amplification. We also have a lot more information about bookshelf speakers which you can find here.

Do I Need An Amp For Bookshelf Speakers?

Here’s the simple rule in regard to amplification and bookshelf speakers. An amp is required for passive bookshelf speakers to function. An amp is not required for active bookshelf speakers. Active speakers or wireless speakers already come with internal amplification. For this reason, those looking for desktop computer speakers may prefer active bookshelf speakers for convenience. If you buy bookshelf speakers that are passive, you will need an amp or receiver to power them. There are still benefits for passive bookshelf speakers though. Most bookshelf speakers are passive or wired speakers. Active and passive bookshelf speakers are often identified as such when shopping. It’s not always clear in advertising though. There are other ways to identify the type of speaker you have.

How Do I Know If My Speakers Are Passive or Active?

You should be able to identify if your bookshelf speakers are passive or active pretty easily. Looking at the rear panel of your bookshelf speakers is the quickest way. Passive bookshelf speakers will typically have identical rear panels. You should see a binding post with 2 places to connect the speaker wire. This is my passive speakers are also called wires speakers. Many passive bookshelf speakers nowadays have dual binding posts to allow for speaker wire connections in 4 places. This is for bi-wiring capability.

The rear panels of active bookshelf speakers will look very different. One of the bookshelf speakers will have a power cord. This bookshelf speaker must be plugged in to connect a power supply to the internal amplifier. Depending on the model, an active bookshelf speaker may have several different inputs and outputs on the rear panel. Some possible inputs include RCA, Optical, and AUX (3.5mm audio jack). You will even find a pre-out for connecting a subwoofer on some active bookshelf speakers. Many also have wireless capability and can play music via Bluetooth. This is why you will hear some active bookshelf speakers referred to as wireless speakers. The Edifier S2000MKIII is an example of an active bookshelf speaker with wired and wireless connectivity.

For those choosing bookshelf speakers, which is better? That depends on what you’re looking for in a bookshelf speaker.

Should I Buy Active or Passive Bookshelf Speakers?

It’s important that users know the pros and cons of both passive and active bookshelf speakers. While both can reproduce great sound quality, it’s important to realize their limitations. Let’s start with active bookshelf speakers.

Active Speakers Are Plug and Play

The simple fact that you won’t need an amplifier makes setting up active bookshelf speakers a little easier. Active bookshelf speakers make the most sense in a stereo or 2.1 set up with an added subwoofer. An example would be speakers for desktop computers or even a dedicated listening area with a vinyl record player. Their ease of use is one reason these are ideal use cases. Another reason is one of their limitations. Expanding past two speakers can be cumbersome with active bookshelf speakers. People building a large multi-speaker surround sound system typically use an AV receiver to power speakers. This is much easier with passive bookshelf speakers. Including active speakers requires the use of pre-outs, which not all receivers have.

Matching home theater speakers with similar sound signatures is also more difficult with active bookshelf speakers. Speaker manufacturers create collections of speakers for this exact purpose. These collections almost exclusively use passive bookshelf speakers.

Passive Speakers Provide More Options and Versatility

While active bookshelf speakers allow for convenience, you can keep your options open with passive bookshelf speakers. A single bookshelf speaker can be seamlessly used for front speakers, rear surrounds, or even Dolby Atmos. This can all be achieved with an AV receiver making passive bookshelf speakers ideal for a home theater system. On the other hand, a pair of active bookshelf speakers must be used together. They also don’t integrate as seamlessly with AV receivers. Two passive bookshelf speakers can also be paired with a stereo amp for a dedicated listening setup. While they need an amp to function, passive or wired bookshelf speakers can serve a ton of use cases once they clear that obstacle.

While passive or wired speakers are versatile, they don’t have the same plug and play capability as active or wireless speakers. If you ever plan to use the bookshelf speakers in a larger surround sound system, passive speakers are the safer choice. Another benefit of passive bookshelf speakers is choice. Most bookshelf speakers are passive bookshelf speakers. However you plan to run bookshelf speakers, you will have way more options with passive bookshelf speakers. Deep bass, frequency range, audio quality, design, speaker drivers, etc. No matter what you’re looking for passive bookshelf speakers will provide the most options.

Conclusion: Amplifiers and Bookshelf Speakers

In conclusion, a good pair of bookshelf speakers can serve a number of purposes. It’s just important to realize that passive speakers will need an amp to function. While this may seem like an obstacle, passive or wired bookshelf speakers provide the most versatility once they have amplification. Cost is one factor we didn’t touch on. Bookshelf speakers cost can vary substantially, but passive bookshelf speakers will typically get you the most value in terms of sound quality. Wireless speakers come with small in large price tags and many sound great. Just realize that you are also paying the onboard amp and connectivity options.

Amps, Bookshelf Speakers, and Sound Quality: FAQs