A thermoacoustic device is provided with a housing having at least one open face. An active element is supported within the housing, and at least two electrodes are provided in electrical contact with the active element. A membrane is provided to cover each open face of the housing. The housing and membrane assembly is filled with a liquid. A signal lead is joined to the electrodes within the housing to communicate with the exterior of the housing. The active element can be made from a carbon nanotube sheet, and a gas can be provided in contact with the active element.