Passive Speakers

Passive speakers are speaker units that do not have a built-in amplifier and are subsequently powered by an external power amp unit.

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  1. Vonyx SL8 8-Inch Passive PA Speaker
    In stock
    £70.00
    Vonyx SL8 8-Inch Passive PA Speaker
    • 8” 400W passive PA speaker
    • 2-way bass-reflex with large woofer magnet and piezo horn tweeter
    • Robust build with acoustic carpet, built-in handles and metal grille
    • 1/4 inch (6.35mm) jack socket input and traditional spring terminals
    • Ready for tripod mounting or as a stage monitor
    In stock
    £70.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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    In stock
  2. Passive DJ Speakers - Vonyx SL6 6" Pair
    In stock
    £95.00
    Passive DJ Speakers - Vonyx SL6 6" Pair
    • 500W passive speakers
    • 2-way design with bass reflex ports
    • 6.3mm Jack or bare wire terminals to connect to an amplifier
    • 35mm tophat mounts to use them on speaker stands
    • Damping black felt material with metal grilles and carry handles
    In stock
    £95.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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    In stock
  3. 2x Vonyx SL8 8-Inch Passive PA Speaker
    In stock
    £115.00
    2x Vonyx SL8 8-Inch Passive PA Speaker
    • Pair of passive PA speakers
    • 2-way design with 8-inch woofers and piezo tweeters
    • Carpet-covered housing with built-in carry handles
    • TS Jack and bare wire screw terminals
    • Large metal grilles to protect the drivers
    In stock
    £115.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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    In stock
  4. 12" Passive PA Speakers - Max SP12 Pair - 1400W
    In stock
    Regular Price £190.00 Special test Price £180.00
    12" Passive PA Speakers - Max SP12 Pair - 1400W
    • 1400W passive speakers for high volume levels
    • 3-way design for preciseness in the sound
    • Bass reflex ports for deep bass definition
    • Carry handles and corner protectors for transport
    • Tophat for tripod mounting
    In stock
    Regular Price £190.00 Special test Price £180.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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    In stock
  5. Dual 8" Passive Loudspeakers - Pair - 1600W
    In stock
    Regular Price £160.00 Special test Price £145.00
    Dual 8" Passive Loudspeakers - Pair - 1600W
    • 800W of power per speaker, the total power for the pair is 1600W
    • Integrated bass ports for deeper bass
    • Two Jack inputs and screw terminals
    • Midrange driver and tweeter pick up middle and high-end frequencies
    • Portable design
    In stock
    Regular Price £160.00 Special test Price £145.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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    In stock
  6. DJ Amplifier & Speaker Package - Vonyx SL8 8" & SPL500 Amp
    In stock
    £209.00
    DJ Amplifier & Speaker Package - Vonyx SL8 8" & SPL500 Amp
    • Two channel DJ amplifier
    • Passive speaker pair with impressive power and full-range output
    • RCA inputs for connecting TVs, DVD or CD players and PCs
    • Included jack to RCA cable for connecting your smartphone or tablet
    • 500W maximum power output for small parties and events
    In stock
    £209.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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    In stock
  7. 2x Vonyx VSA15P 15" Passive PA Speaker
    In stock
    £269.00
    2x Vonyx VSA15P 15" Passive PA Speaker
    • 15” passive speaker pair
    • 1000W speaker
    • 2-way passive crossover design
    • Fit to speaker stands or use as stage monitors
    • Sturdy-yet-lightweight ABS plastic construction with handles
    In stock
    £269.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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  8. Max SP15 15" Passive DJ Speaker Pair
    In stock
    Regular Price £249.00 Special test Price £229.00
    Max SP15 15" Passive DJ Speaker Pair
    • Full range 15" woofer, bullet tweeter and midrange horn pair
    • Large woofer magnet
    • 2x Jack and 1x Clip terminal
    In stock
    Regular Price £249.00 Special test Price £229.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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    In stock
  9. Max Series 8" Passive DJ Speakers Pair 800W
    In stock
    £120.00
    Max Series 8" Passive DJ Speakers Pair 800W
    • Classic 8-inch passive speaker pair
    • 200W RMS / 400W max power
    • 2-Way design with piezo horn tweeter
    • Carpet finish with tough metal grille
    • Flush fit side carry handles
    In stock
    £120.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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    In stock
  10. Max SP212 Dual 12" Passive DJ Speaker Pair
    In stock
    Regular Price £299.00 Special test Price £269.00
    Max SP212 Dual 12" Passive DJ Speaker Pair
    • Full range 12 inch Dual woofer pair, bullet tweeter and midrange horn
    • Large woofer magnets
    • 2x Jack and 1x Clip terminal
    In stock
    Regular Price £299.00 Special test Price £269.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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    In stock
  11. SoundLab 5 Way Tweeter System 400W
    In stock
    £49.99
    SoundLab 5 Way Tweeter System 400W
    • Compatible with a range of PA systems
    • Improves soft, muddy PA systems by producing up to 400w of quality rich treble sounds
    • The wooden cabinet is finished in carpet
    • Comes in Black
    In stock
    £49.99

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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  12. 2x Vonyx VSA12P 12" Passive PA Speaker
    In stock
    Regular Price £269.00 Special test Price £199.00
    2x Vonyx VSA12P 12" Passive PA Speaker
    • Pair of 12” passive speakers
    • 2-way passive crossover
    • NL-4 connections
    • Strong and lightweight ABS build with wheels and handles
    • Mount on speaker stand with 35mm socket or use as a stage monitor
    In stock
    Regular Price £269.00 Special test Price £199.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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    In stock
  13. Max SP15 15" Passive DJ Speaker
    In stock
    Regular Price £129.00 Special test Price £119.00
    Max SP15 15" Passive DJ Speaker
    • Full range 15-inch woofer, bullet tweeter and midrange horn
    • Large woofer magnet
    • 2 x Jack and 1x Clip terminal
    In stock
    Regular Price £129.00 Special test Price £119.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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    In stock
  14. Passive PA Speakers - Vonyx SL6 6" Pair
    In stock
    £95.00
    Passive PA Speakers - Vonyx SL6 6" Pair
    • Passive 500W speakers
    • 2-way design with integrated reflex ports
    • 6.3mm Jack and bare wire clamping terminals
    • 35mm tophats for mounting on speaker stands
    • Damping black felt material for reduced vibrations
    In stock
    £95.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

    More Info
    In stock
  15. Vonyx SL15 15" Passive DJ Speaker
    In stock
    Regular Price £200.00 Special test Price £159.00
    Vonyx SL15 15" Passive DJ Speaker
    • Trapezoidal 2-way Passive Speaker
    • 2-way Bass-reflex System
    • Piezo Horn for High and Midrange Frequencies
    In stock
    Regular Price £200.00 Special test Price £159.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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    In stock
  16. Max Dual 6" Passive DJ Speaker Pair
    In stock
    £120.00
    Max Dual 6" Passive DJ Speaker Pair
    • Full range 6" Dual woofers and tweeter horn pair
    • Large woofer magnets
    • 2x Jack and 1x Clip terminal
    In stock
    £120.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

    More Info
    In stock
  17. Passive PA Speakers with Stands & Cables - Max SP12
    In stock
    £229.00
    Passive PA Speakers with Stands & Cables - Max SP12
    • 1400W passive speaker set with stands and cables
    • Stereo audio when connected to a suitable amplifier (not included)
    • 3-way speaker design with bass ports
    • Compact system for ease of transport
    • Corner protectors and metal grilles to avoid damage
    In stock
    £229.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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    In stock
  18. RCL Add-on Tweeter Box Speaker
    In stock
    £28.00
    RCL Add-on Tweeter Box Speaker
    • RCL Add on Tweeter Box Piezo Speaker 100w
    • Weight (kg) 3
    • Dimension (mm) 496, 249, 130
    In stock
    £28.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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    In stock
  19. Vonyx SL10 10" Passive DJ PA Speaker Pair
    In stock
    Regular Price £175.00 Special test Price £155.00
    Vonyx SL10 10" Passive DJ PA Speaker Pair
    • 150W RMS Power/250W Max Power (per speaker)
    • Passive speaker pair each with 2-way bass reflex integration and piezo horn for wide range frequency dispersion
    • 10 inch woofer provides a perfect amount of deep and well rounded bass, handling low ranges with ease
    • Tough carpet covering and metal grill for added protection to the cabinet and driver
    • 35mm base top hat for mounting on speaker stands enabling better sound placement within a venue
    In stock
    Regular Price £175.00 Special test Price £155.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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    In stock
  20. Max XEN 3508 Red 8" Passive DJ Speakers Pair 500W
    In stock
    Regular Price £135.00 Special test Price £100.00
    Max XEN 3508 Red 8" Passive DJ Speakers Pair 500W
    • 8 inch passive speakers
    • Piezo tweeter and mid driver
    • 3-way design passive speaker
    • PTC protected crossover system
    • Supplied as a pair
    In stock
    Regular Price £135.00 Special test Price £100.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

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    In stock
  21. Vonyx SL12 12" Passive DJ Speaker
    In stock
    Regular Price £139.00 Special test Price £109.00
    Vonyx SL12 12" Passive DJ Speaker
    • Trapezoidal 2-way Passive Speaker
    • 2-way Bass-reflex System
    • Piezo Horn for High and Midrange Frequencies
    In stock
    Regular Price £139.00 Special test Price £109.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

    More Info
    In stock
  22. Vonyx 12" Passive DJ PA Speaker Pair
    In stock
    Regular Price £249.00 Special test Price £199.00
    Vonyx 12" Passive DJ PA Speaker Pair
    • Pair of 12 inch, 2-way Passive Speakers
    • Ingressed side handles
    • Easy to transport. Connect the pair to an external amplifier.
    In stock
    Regular Price £249.00 Special test Price £199.00

    Free delivery and weekend delivery available

    More Info
    In stock
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Passive systems are very popular in the PA world, providing users with an affordable way to take control of sound signals and how they are distributed. Passive units will not work efficiently unless they are linked to an amplifier or better yet, a mixer amplifier to refine sound output from the speakers themselves. Passive systems do tend to have a few more cables to deal with, from the music source, amplifier and speakers respectively but if this is not an issue for you then this type of speaker may be the right choice for your requirements.

Buy Passive Speakers

Passive speakers are most often found in the home, but the PA style systems found here are tailored more toward live use. The amplified signal delivered from the power amplifier is sent to the passive units to deliver your music at volume. This type of speaker is very flexible too, in the sense that you can mix and match your amplifier and cable choices and upgrade them whenever appropriate.

As mentioned, these speakers have a fair few external components, which does mean the setup will certainly take up a little more room, in a vehicle for example. Also, passive setups can occasionally be restricted by cable length, if you plan on using multiple speakers in your line be sure to purchase enough speaker wire to avoid any issues. While not a huge downside, by their nature this type of speakers are prone to slight interferences during and in-between playback, this is minimal but those with a keen ear may detect the subtle changes as sound signals are sent through the speaker components and crossovers if applicable.

Passive setups can be freely improved upon by upgrading and replacing speaker components within the speaker itself, while a powered speaker is already built with appropriate components for that system. If a speaker undergoes these upgrades it may be necessary to match your signals again so that they evenly disperse from each speaker respectively. When used in a live setting passive speakers can provide an audience with a warm and rich sonic output, although this is often when bolstered through an external mixer or mixer-amplifier.

Types of Passive Speakers

We offer a varied selection of Passive PA Speakers for you to choose from, with the traditional wooden enclosures and more modern plastic speaker enclosures to suit most tastes. You'll find a large range of powerful speakers for professional and club installation purposes, alongside our DJ and party friendly, budget systems from brands such as Vonyx and Skytec to give you plenty of options. Our 15-inch passive units offer a tighter final sound and greater sonic control than other similarly sized passive speakers for sale elsewhere.

Established DJs or performers who already have an amplifier are often looking to replace or upgrade their cabinets. For beginners on a budget, passive PA speakers are significantly cheaper to purchase than their active counterparts and are sometimes seen as a better choice than an active speaker. They also offer a considerable weight difference from not having an amplifier, which also offers the benefit of them not requiring a mains supply, which can limit their placement.

With a larger system, it can also be tricky to individually control each component, thus a passive speaker system would be best placed during this particular setup. Using a centralised system control, where amplifiers can be bridged together and the entire system can be run through an active crossover network. This will make servicing and troubleshooting the installation a much simpler task as all the electrical equipment is on hand in one location.

Passive PA Speakers

As mentioned, a passive speaker is a speaker that requires an external amplifier to be connected and does not include an integrated amplifier, unlike their active equivalent. A passive speaker setup is a traditional way of doing things, it involves using a separate power amplifier, signal source and the standard 'passive' or unpowered speakers. Again, the passive speakers for sale do not have any onboard amplification, thus will always require an additional power amplifier for it to be powered.

Passive cabinets are effective in many ways, but the biggest usage is in installation, nightclubs, bars and workspaces are all perfect for a passive setup. Multiple speaker installations such as a nightclub, which will often have placements on walls or in ceilings and benefits from the modular nature of a passive system. Also, the input levels, gain and EQ can be set for the whole system from one location, rather than needing access to the rear of every speaker.

Live PA is not an unnamable beast, although at times it can feel that way as different issues occur stemming from venue locale or other unchangeable acoustic situations. If the passive route is desired, we always recommend customers pick up a mixer amplifier to go with the speakers, this additional unit does more than just power your speakers. Mixer amps allow a deeper control of your final sound output, allowing you to customise the bass, middle and treble in your mix among multiple other ways to get the very best sonic results from your passive system.

Do passive speakers sound better?

This depends on the speaker, passive systems are much more sonically controllable than typical powered speakers, especially if there is a mixer amplifier connected. Active speakers are often built to suit the amp inside, so having full reign of bass, mids, and treble is preferential to good sound. Also, you can freely upgrade your passive speakers however you see fit, mostly by improving wiring or at the component level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a passive speaker?

There are many benefits of using passive speakers rather than their active counterparts. One being that passive speakers will generally be lighter in weight due to not having a built-in amplifier. Another advantage is that they are much easier to upgrade, as you can use different power amplifiers with the same speakers to achieve a varied sound.

Are passive PA speakers better than active?

Yes and no. Passive speakers will be better for specific uses, such as permanent sound systems in event venues, while active speakers would be the better choice for small DJ parties, for example. In terms of actual sound quality, there is little to no difference between a passive and active version of the same speaker, as long as you are using a suitable amplifier to power the passive unit.

Are passive speakers louder?

The volume level of a speaker is not determined by whether it is active or passive - you will find that an active and passive version of the same model of speaker will reach the same loudness. That being said, passive speakers have more room in their cabinets due to not having a built-in amplifier, which provides extra space for larger speaker drivers, therefore resulting in better volume levels.

Do passive speakers need to be plugged in?

Yes, passive speakers will always need to be connected to a suitable amplifier in order to work. There are some active speakers that have powered outputs, which enable them to power one separate passive speaker unit without needing a dedicated power amplifier, but this will depend on the model of speaker and available connections.

Can you mix passive and active speakers?

Yes, passive and active speakers can be used at the same time, but you will also need a power amplifier for the passive speaker unit(s). Firstly, connect your audio source (mixer, CD player, laptop, for example) to the line input of your active speaker. Then, connect from the line output of your active speaker to the line input on your power amplifier. As long as your passive speakers are connected to the amplifier, they will reproduce the same sound as the active units, creating a complete PA system.

What’s the difference between passive and active speakers?

Active speakers have a built-in amplifier, meaning that they connect directly to the mains with no additional equipment required. Passive speakers, on the other hand, do not have any inbuilt power, so they will need to be connected to a suitable amplifier in order to work.

Can a TV power passive speakers?

No, you would not be able to power passive speakers directly from a TV output. To use your TV with passive speaker units, you will first need a suitable power amplifier for the speakers. Once the amplifier and speakers are connected together, you would connect from the audio output of your TV into the line input on your amplifier.

How do I connect passive speakers to my amp?

To connect passive speakers to your amplifier, you will need to use the powered outputs of your amp using suitable cables. If your amplifier has bare wire (red and black) outputs, you will need to connect from the positive and negative output on each channel to the corresponding inputs on your speakers. If your amplifier uses 6.3mm jack or NL2 Speakon connectors, you just need one cable per channel to be connected to each of your passive speakers.

Can you use passive speakers without an amp?

No, unfortunately, passive speakers will always require a connection to a dedicated power amplifier in order to work. If you connect passive speakers to a standard line-level output of a CD mixer, for example, there may be a very low-level sound being produced. Always ensure that your passive speakers are being powered properly - this could be from a power amplifier, or a powered output of an active speaker.

How many passive speakers can be connected to one amplifier?

For general low-impedance power amplifiers, you will generally only be able to use two or four passive speakers at a time. It is extremely important to check that your amplifier is capable of powering four speakers at the same time, which can be found by checking the impedance level of the amplifier, as well as the wattage per channel that it is capable of providing. Please contact our knowledgeable team if you have any questions about powering your speakers.