Stanwal says 'In theory the active should win hands down'. Forget about theory. Being a good speaker designer does not make you a good amp designer (jack of all trades, master of none). Here is yet a different tale of a highly regarded amp designer who became a speaker designer:
Nesterovic produced a very highly regarded amplifier years ago ($7,000 tube monos - received excellent reviews in TAS, etc.). I owned the Nestorovic 5AS MKIV signature speakers that I loved. I got a chance to try their amp with their speakers in my home (amp was fully broken in). To my surprise, my amp (VAC 90C monos) was superior in ALL ways to my ears in my room. I was expecting the oppossite since they made excellent speakers and amps and was expecting a match made in heaven. Therefore, I believe that you should maximize your flexibility and never go active.
Nesterovic produced a very highly regarded amplifier years ago ($7,000 tube monos - received excellent reviews in TAS, etc.). I owned the Nestorovic 5AS MKIV signature speakers that I loved. I got a chance to try their amp with their speakers in my home (amp was fully broken in). To my surprise, my amp (VAC 90C monos) was superior in ALL ways to my ears in my room. I was expecting the oppossite since they made excellent speakers and amps and was expecting a match made in heaven. Therefore, I believe that you should maximize your flexibility and never go active.