Powered speakers show audiophiles are confused

50 years ago when I was a little pup, half of the cost of an audio system went into the amplification stage (transistor or tube amplifier). Also, the main sound sources (radio, records) were VERY large (we had a roof antenna in our attic that was 10’ long!)

Today a good amplifier on an IC with decent power transistors can cost $3 and fits on a 2" x 2" circuit board! So under these circumstances, where the power amplifier is basically free & tiny, a speaker is more flexible if it has its own amplifier. Meanwhile the sources are mobile devices like smartphones which don’t produce enough power to driver speakers adequately.  Or the sources are things all over the house (remote TVs, computers, virtual assistants) where requiring an outboard amp would be a terrific hassle!

Under these circumstances, shifting the power amplifier from the source to the speaker makes perfect sense!

Ever since 1995 I have felt it was wonderful to be able to buy a $40 AM/FM SONY Walkman + $80 high-end computer speakers and have a $120 home stereo that beats anything less than $450 at the time. The ability to make such mongrel systems is the greatest thing about self-contained audio where only the signal (and not the power) is passed between devices ...

@kota1 

"I disagree that the OP's assertion is rude"

even the title of the post is rude and it goes downhill from there​​​​​​

@systembuilder22

I can hum songs in my head for practically $0. It sounds like like humming, with  amazing sound fidelity.

Due to incipient and clearly evil air born vibrations of all sorts, it's important to remember to never play music through any gear near any speakers. Further, it's also important to avoid the use of any speakers in the first place to listen to music as the internal wiring will be subject to the aforementioned vibrations and, seriously, who wants that? Only listen to acoustic instruments played by yourself or solo musicians nearby, and avoid any live groups of musicians as, clearly, their vibrations will be having an effect on each other while they play...yuck! Get springs for your shoes to help you to not vibrate, and never under any circumstances go outdoors as, man...there are vibrations everywhere.

Mr. W. Garcia

BINGO!

oops, bingo