Powered Speaker
Definition
A powered speaker, also called an active speaker, includes its own power amplifier (often one amp per driver) inside the cabinet. You feed it a line-level signal from a DAC, preamplifier, streamer, or other source. Volume may be on the speakers, upstream, or both.
It does not connect to an external amp's speaker terminals unless the product specifically lists speaker-level inputs.
In a stereo system
Powered speakers collapse the power stage into the speaker. Volume still has to live somewhere, but it is often on the speakers themselves: a front-panel knob, a remote, or an app. If the speakers are fixed-gain line inputs only, you need volume upstream, for example a preamplifier, a DAC with a volume control, or a source that can attenuate. Source switching follows the same pattern. Some powered pairs accept several inputs and switch locally. Others expect a single line feed from a preamp or DAC.
Build HiFi does not score powered speakers against external amplifiers. The amp is already chosen by the manufacturer. Passive speakers are the ones that need an external amp match.
Connecting a speaker-level output to a powered speaker's line input can damage the input. Use line-level cables. For subwoofer options with powered mains, see the Subwoofer Connection Guide.
