Active speakers not as good ,for the quality of the amplifier is night and day better with separates of good quality , I am not saying digital amps are all bad but n a speaker you are never getting their best efforts. The speaker cables too need to be of good quality ,any worthy Audiophile would already know this.
Active Speakers Better? No, per Michael Borresen
The best sounding speaker I have had the pleasure to hear is made by Borresen.
I recently spent time with Michael Borresen in Seattle at a show. It was slow so
I was able to speak with him for a time. I asked him if he plans an active speaker.
His answer was a definitive and immediate "No". He said separates sound better.
His statement flies in the face of what passes in most audio corners as commonly recognized facts.
Sadly I am too technically challenged to convey any of his further explanation.
I invite all intelligent commentary on this question. Theoretical or not.