Question for amp experts


Is it technically possible for Active speakers to sound as good as great separate amps? 
aberyclark
My Studio Yamaha active monitor sounds great with recordings. If Yamaha made tower versions, I'd be interested for a second system
Sure and add the Dutch&Dutch 8c and the Kii Three speakers, as well as some pro models.

There's no reason active speakers (with DSP) cannot equal and exceed the performance of passive loudspeakers.  It is only the influence of marketing and engrained bias that stands in the way.
Not for the same price (price of amp included in speakers vs. separate amp).  Amp designers have to envisage a wide range of loads, though not everything from very high to very low sensitivity.  Amp inside speaker--the designer knows exactly what all the measurements are, so in theory the match can be as perfect as possible ($$ permitting).  Add in digital correction, and we're going to see more products like the Dutch & Dutch.  Buchardt already announced...
There are a lot of variables. Theoretically 'yes', in practice yes if the separates aren't that good to start with (IMO).