Why are the Infinity IRS, Reference 1b, Beta ect speakers passive on the mids and highs?


I would like to know why all of the classic Infinity's and most other brands use passive crossovers for the mid to high transition? I don't think it was for cost and that level. Is passive better? Has anyone compared both to know which is better?
partroysound
I don't think adding another amp would be too much in cost or space but it might be that the sound is actually better passive. Has anyone compared both ways all other factors being equal?
Marc
partroysound
I don't think adding another amp would be too much in cost or space ...
Well then, why not give it a try and report back to us?

Actually I am tri amped . what I don't have is the passive crossover. I wish I did and I would be able to tell.
Marc
No, Passive is not better.... I think the real issue is that these are all older speakers.  When these came out, small amplifiers were not abundant as they are today.  At Marcof, we were experimenting with building chip amps for just this purpose. If Infinity revamped these today, I would not be surprised to see the drivers individually crossed and amped.