Any thoughts on passive v. active speakers?

If you decide you need more power (or want more resolution, or whatever), an active speaker means you have to sell the speaker and start over.

Maybe if you gave some more info, we may be able to recommend some speakers to consider.

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.