ATC ACTIVE VS PASSIVE

First, I think chicken wire speaker grills are fine as they do keep chickens from damaging the drivers, which can be a nightmare…so there’s that. Also, by utilizing active speakers of any kind (yeah, I recently read the ATC review in the Absolutist Sounders) you wind up with amps that just sit there and do nothing. Collect dust..sad…*sniff*...My beef with active stuff has been mostly related to active P.A. gear which obviates my ability to Field Repair things (although that has rarely happened), and I’m seriously changing my mind about that anyway since working with computerized sound systems allowing a "musician specific mix" for monitoring using powered boxes…each person on stage can get their own independent mix in any monitor...cool. Also, active home gear means you can’t mess around with various amps and tubes and wires…what’s the fun in that? Sure, the active ATCs may sound better, but really, deny my right to waste time and money on amp stuff for Better Sound? No way man...

There could be a revolt among "stand alone" amp designers…imagine over half a dozen angry amp techs marching on Washington. 

Kind of like "amp designer's live's matter"....hmmm

I am a Pass Labs lifetime customer, but I too was enticed by the active atc story.  the amps are a-b not class a like pass so not as liquid sounding.
I had the 15" actiive three ways (5 years ago or so).  it was impressive in many ways but the integration of the drivers just seemed off a bit.  Maybe the newer ones are better.  I bought mine used and sold them in 6 months for what I paid for them so it was a nice adventure.  I would have to say that looking at the amps ( I took them apart) i wasn't impressed by the build quality.  Just the clutter, soldering wires etc. struck me as a bit dated.  I went back to Pass and passive speakers. Pass is known for really clean designs so maybe I am spoiiled.  But the active thing makes a hell of a lot of sense.  Even Nelson Pass made a big active speaker.......few bought it though...........