hi guys. well i got a CDT 3-way set of speakers that i will hook up to a 2-channel amp. now im new the componant scene. but i assume this a passive set up, correct? i read a lot of guys going active, which i think is directly hooking up speakers to an amp without a xover, but not sure on that. what are the advantages/disadvantages for passive?? should i go active?? i got lots of bass in the trunk. and i want it as clean and loud as i can get it up front along with the best mid-bass i can get out of them.

thanks

Passive & active both refer to crossovers. Passive are after the amplifier while active are before in the signal chain.
More than likely some passive crossovers came with your component set & are the better choice to use for MOST applications as they've been designed by the speaker manufacturer to privide the best overall performance.
For those with a lot of experience, active crossovers can make for some better in-vehicle response but you're going to need a very flexible crossover/EQ & a lot of spare time.