ATC active 10's sounded better IMHO with ATC's own $3,500 integrated than the internal power amp. Active is still the better concept but when you compare $3,500 amp to ~500 internal amp what can you expect.
The full size active 50's and 100's are a different story. I heard them with Naim CDP and preamp. Fabulous. They are about 82-84dB efficient so better to go with ATC's amps. Like 200+ watts per driver (not speaker).
Low efficiency speakers will give better bass and typically have better response curve. Going high-efficiency usually causes some brightness peaks - Lowther is a good example.