In other words, let's say a manufacturer offers the same monitor, but one is active and one is passive.
I understand the argument that their own amp or amps (in the active version) might be matched to that speaker, voiced to that speaker or otherwise optimized for that speaker blah blah blah.
But wouldn't it also be manufactured to a price point, with some concern for the overall price (and/or weight) of the active monitor?
If so, why wouldn't the passive version - if paired with an ultra high end "audiophile" power amp or amps - potentially sound even better?
ATC makes an SCM 20 passive and an SCM 20 active and once told me at a show that their active monitors would always outperform their passive versions.
They said something about crossovers which despite > 30 years in this hobby made no sense to me, especially since they also sell external amps. I should have asked if their SCM 20 passive with their amp would under perform their SCM 20 active.
Of course, like any self respecting audiophile, I covet placebo effects, overpriced enclosures, cables and jewel like switches, meters and dials if anyone could please advise?