Passive speakers require an external amplification source, like an AV receiver, but, barring a major accident, should work indefinitely. Powered speakers take up less space than their unpowered counterparts, but their technical components may break down over time, at which place you'll need to have them serviced or replaced. For example, all wireless speakers are active. Powered speakers have an amplifier built inside, which means they can work independently from other pieces of stereo equipment.
Active: The best JBL speakers include a mix of powered (active) and unpowered (passive) models, which each have a set of pros and cons. Below are the factors we considered most highly when deciding which turntables to include in this buyer's guide. Our JBL speaker recommendations are based on a mix of research and hands-on testing.
