Active Speaker Choice

Just like passives, Active dsp systems will have their own sound. I really like Meridian for the rich full midrange and bass. Used M is competitive and established. The models get upgrades over the years so it's worth taking some time to find out what the .2 or se add to the product, or the different tweeters over the years. 

I actually demoed a pair of $20,000 Meridian DSP 2500 SE’s and the three of us listening thought the $1600 pair of Genelec G3’s sounded better...go figure?

The dsp5200se was probably against the wall and they’re the only pair of the 3 current floor standers that are rear ported. I won’t buy a new pair of speakers without hearing them in my room first. Genelec is pretty impressive and they have their fans.

For the OP, I suspect that those Meridian DSP5200SEs you demo'd were not set-up properly.  Not questioning what you heard, but when properly set-up and configured, the Meridians are really impressive.  

I’ve run the ATC 40A speakers for over two years and there is no turning back from the immediacy and dynamics active produce.  It is truly a different and wonderful world.  With each upgrade they move forward reflecting the chosen improvement.

These are sealed box so integrate well into a less than optimal room.  I chose Isoacoustics Gaia footers coupled with carpet discs and placed GIK diffusers behind for even greater effect.

Approaching the cost factor;  you need no longer chase amplifiers, speaker wire or ride the upgrade carousel.  Transducer satisfaction guaranteed.