I used to run these speakers passive and am now doing so active with 3 LK100s (discontinued Linn amp). Run active, they have much more punch, more clarity, and better sound and image seperation. I do not know why, but they are louder now (I do not raise volume as high as before)and the base goes a little deeper (and tighter). I used to have a set of the now discontinued Linn Keliedhs (sp?), which were a far better speaker when run active. With the 5140s, the change was significant, but not as transformative as with my older speakers. I suspect this is because the 5140s are a better speaker to begin with, reducing the margin for improvement.
the sound is more detailed, with more seperation
the sound is more detailed, with more seperation