Top notch speakers with their own sub

Due to room modal issues I think you'll find most SOTA will recommend a separate sub that allows optimal placement. The main advance in the last 10 years has been the wider acceptance of active speakers in the market. Just as multiple drivers allow for complete and even sound projection at high SPL and low distortion, tailored individual amps paried with each driver can take things to another level.

I'm not aware of any speakers that are constructed like that anymore. I bought the last of that breed, the ACI Talisman SE, a couple years ago. ACI was ceasing production as production costs were rising and they weren't sure about marketing it at a higher price point. I'm blessed with a good room that supports bass well and the Talismans have proven to be an excellent speaker. Their design places the woofer sections at the side of the cabinets like some Coincident and Audio Physics designs. Front firing drivers are symmetrical, so they can be placed woofers firing in or out depending on the room. After having the ability to tune each speakers bass output to taste and experienced the benefits, i'm relectant to go back to traditional all passive designs. You are correct that this approach allows for development of easy to drive speakers. No doubt Shadorne is right as well. Perhaps one thing that holds many back from acceptance of having completely self powered speakers is that many of us like to be able to try different amps and enjoy experimenting. When you buy self powered speakers, it's too simple, nothing to confound us!

Listened to the new Wilson Sasha last week, which replaces the WATT/Puppy. Definitely one of the finest loudspeakers I've encountered, and people who have gotten to know me here know that I've not mentioned Wilson more than a couple of times previously on this site.