Any thoughts on passive v. active speakers?

On average, I would guess that an active speaker outperforms a typical amp + passive speaker combination. But seldom does an active speaker include amplification at the same level as what a specialty amp manufacturer can deliver.

Imo you're already WELL ahead of the game with that amp, which is the stuff many audiophiles dream of. Wilson, Magnepan, SoundLab, DeVore, and Coincident are among the many top manufacturers offering speakers that work very well with the MA-1.

What speakers did you have before, and what improvements are you looking for?

Duke
dealer/manufacturer

passive speaker = open system
active speaker = closed system

an open system can evolve and grow with your tastes....and is more flexible for the next owner and therefore has better future value.

a closed system allows advances to pass it by and so it's ability to evolve with you is zero and it's future value is diminished.

at certain price points the manufacturing efficiency of an active system does result in cost/performance advantages. so at modest price points it can be a smart buy. as long as you accept it's downsides.

at the top of the food chain the likelihood of one builder getting both the amp and speaker all the way right are slight.

Do you really think there is a powered speaker with internal amps anywhere close to the Atma-sphere's? Who ever said you have to match amps to speakers anyway? If it really has become a "bother" consider something like a Geneva and be done with it. Your amps will sell in 5 minutes.

If your taste is refined enough for you to own the Atma-Sphere amps, are you sure there even IS a powered speaker you would be happy with?

Elvick, the Atma-spheres are really great and very musical.

The Krells are very good, but solid state just can beat a tube for sweetness and musicality - IMHO.

I agree with Mikelavigne on the benefits of staying with individual components, but I wanted to hear what people with more experience than me thought.

I was told the Atma-spheres run best at 16 Ohms.

I'm using a Cary SPL-05 to drive the Atama-spheres.

I'm using a Krell 280p & Krell 2250 on my second (incomplete) system.

The speakers & cables I have now aren't even worth discussing - that's why I didn't mention them.

I bought the Krells & the Cary on Audiogon at good prices.

Thanks for everyone's comments - keep them coming!