Powered or amplified bookshelf speakers are becoming a popular, compact and convenient alternative to the traditional separate amplifier and speaker configuration that has traditionally been required to deliver the atmospheric sound of playing vinyl or other digital or streaming sources in a high fidelity format. Active or amplified speakers have an inbuilt amplifier incorporating audio inputs and volume control as a hub for coordinating your music listening. Active speakers can vary in sonic performance and it is important that they are selected based on quality componentry and suitability for the living space they are required to fill with sweet,detailed,rich sound.

Some models incorporate an inbuilt phono preamplifier for direct connection of a turntable whilst other models require a turntable with an inbuilt phono preamplifier or the addition of a stand-alone phono preamplifier.This is due to the extremely low output signal of a turntable in standard format that needs its output signal to be boosted to normal audio line level. All active speakers all have at least one line level (auxiliary) input and some incorporate the convenience of wireless Bluetooth connectivity for Smartphone music streaming and playback.Some even have a digital optical input for direct TV input.