Is active speaker the future?

I agree with Kal. Part of this hobby is "cooking" - making your own sound and individually unique system - for many people that is where the fun and pride is generated.

The problem with high end active speakers is that you get a reference sound. The entire amplifier speaker system has been matched and calibrated for optimal sound production at ultra low levels of distortion. For professionals this is great - they can acquire an ATC SCM 150ASL, PMC, Meyer or other suitable system and hear the music in the same way as many other professionals and artists (Pink Floyd, Mark Knopfler, Telarc etc.) Professionals are often worried about how the sound of their recordings will "translate" - so a reference sound is actually desirable. Active speakers still differ but not nearly as much as what you can achieve with mix and match with passive systems.

A few audiophiles may want to hear the music as closely as to how it sounds to their favorite artists but the majority are interested in creating a unique sound that appeals just to themselves. So active speakers will never be as popular as passive speakers unless attitudes change.

The worst place for your amps is in your loudspeaker cabinet. I have own costly active models they can sound very good. But this is a weakness having to house amps in speaker. External crossovers are proven to sound better than same design mounted in cabinets this is true with higher voltage amps housed in cabinets. OK for subs but to me thats about it. Now active with external amps that is interesting.

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.