Difference Between Passive and active speakers?

[sanchez taco]

Quite a self-explanatory title..... what is the difference?

 

[SomeLameStuff]

A passive speaker is someone who doesn't talk usually.

An active speaker is someone who won't shut his gob.

Or is that wrong?

 

[TCPirate]

Active speakers normally have an active crossover allowing them to produce a wider range of sound frequencies (E.g. Active speakers normally have a lot more bass). Where as Passive speakers have a reduced frequency range giving them a worse sound quality and they sometimes draw power from whatever they are plugged into.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powered_speakers
there is a better explaination here.