Is active speaker the future?

I would like to see more speaker manufsacturers do hybrids (Zu Audio, Avantgarde)with powered subs... and throw in room correction for the lower registers.

Now active with external amps that is interesting.

Good point. That is how active speakers originated - I believe Westlake and ATC and others still use this approach on large models especially where severe heating from high levels of amplification can be an issue. In order to place amps inside a speaker cabinet there are definitely additional design considerations and limitations. Nothing "microphonic" like tubes, some caps and some pots could be used - the use of cheaper surface mounted components may be an issue also. Of course electronics works in airplanes, cars and countless other environments with severe vibration or heat but John is right that this will be the toughest environment. It would probably be advisable to stick with companies that have been using active designs for at least 10 years - as design limitations from a tough enviroment might not be expected to show up immediately but through extended use.

not if you want sweet tube sound... the myth that one sound will eventually be available that all will find pleasing is what drives some.... but as noted, people at this site are hobbyists who want to fine tune sound to suit an ALWAYS subjective ear and environment. as a voice over artist, my active mini monitors are great but if i want to listen to a musical performance i want tubes and a soundstage that seems organic to MY tastes.

We of the curmudgeon and proud of it persuasion probably will not give up our separates in our stereos, but HT is the area that really matters for most folks. I too cain't wait to get rid of the wires and the mess and the bother in my own HT. Soon we will simply set the stuff down and it will adjust itself (or yell to be moved to a better location). No Wires no bother. You bet!

In one respect, they are the present. Check out the speakers hooked to your PC or Mac. However, I'm assuming that this isn't the part of the speaker market to which you refer:

Active, digitally corrected speakers from companies like B&O and Lyngdorff probably represent one of the few opportunities to get measurable benefits (i.e. flat in-room FR) from a big dollar speaker purchase. In this respect, they are IMHO actually a better mousetrap. However, it seems that most people spending this kind of $ on speakers (or at least the ones w/virtual systems posted on Audiogon) aren't convinced by this type of measureable benefit. It's just not the main focus for most audio hobbyists. Since I suspect that big $ purchases will come disproportionately from hobbyists, the answer to your question is no, it is unlikely that active speakers are the future.

They may be - in certain ways - measurably better, but for most people they're simply less fun.
Marty