Why do most audiophile prefer passive speakers?

[jcbenten]

When I bought my Linn system, oh so many years ago, I wanted an active system.  ATC was too expensive (for me), PMC unobtainable, and the Paradigm Active40 seemed to be discontinued as soon as it was released.  I was really interested in the Active 40s but not obtainable.  The Linn and Naim active systems are a bit different where they mount the crossovers in another box or in the amps so not really reducing system size.  I have read where this xover mounting in external boxes can be done with numerous speakers.  I went with Linn as I liked the sound and I could go Aktiv if I desired.  I should have when upgraded with the 2250 amp a few years later.  Now I am not sure I want to sink money into a 20+ year old system.

 

Nowadays the active systems are obtainable.  While the Kiis and D&Ds are a bit rich for me, but if my system crashed tomorrow, I would look at the Dynaudio Xeo line.  May not have all the DSP the higher cost alternatives but I think I would be just fine.