Apart from listening to a variety of bundled-package active speakers I’ve heard passively configured speakers that I knew very well being converted into active ditto, and it has certainly convinced me of the merits of properly implemented active configuration.
Most relate to "active" as bundled speaker packages - calling them simply, and rightly, active speakers - with built-in amps, DSP/electronic cross-over and sometimes DAC(s). However ’active’ per definition simply means the filtration is done prior to amplification on signal level, and not (passively) on the output side of the amp between that and the drivers.
That is to say: active configuration isn’t defined solely or even strictly as a bundled package (that one usually calls an active speaker), but can as well act - true to the definition of active config. - as a separate/discrete component solution; with a free-of-choice DSP/electronic XO, the number of amps necessitated to drive the respective driver segments, and DAC and cables - essentially as you would operate with separate components and cables with a passive speaker setup (sans DSP/electronic XO), the vital difference though being - to reiterate - that it would be actively configured.
With that out of the way my reference above to the passive speakers being converted into active is as a separate component solution - i.e.: fully and truly actively configured. Running them actively meant a more resolved, transparent, smooth/easy on the ears, transiently snappy, dynamic and tonally more authentic presentation. More accurate, in my understanding of the term, and yet more musical. The passive iteration by comparison felt sluggish, coarse and veiled (which to some may equate into more "musical"), and it wasn’t due to a badly implemented passive XO with so-so component quality.
Setting up a separate component, actively configured speaker setup without preset filter settings from a manufacturer comes with a caveat: you’re left to your own devices dialing in those filter values, and to a newbie this may come off as intimidating and even off-putting. It’s a learning curve and a process that takes patience to wring out the full(er) potential, for sure, but it’s very rewarding - not only eventually.
In my own case with my separate component, actively configured speaker setup, it came as a surprise how fast I was able to dial in filter values on my Xilica DSP unit for an initially quite satisfying sonic result, but as time went on I was able to refine the results much further with measurements, extended listening and gaining more knowledge. Having a horn that amplifies linearly (as opposed to some waveguides) no doubt helped with the pleasing initial results.
To me active configuration ultimately holds the bigger sonic potential, insofar one is able to harness it either finding the right preassembled and -configured active speakers, or going about it on a self-taught/collaborative separate component basis. The latter scenario has the advantage of a carte blanche plate; every parameter, physical as well (and not least), can be scaled and chosen according to desire. There are no limitations other than what you impose on yourself or am willing to learn in the process.
