Of course, active crossover systems, because they utilize two or more amplifiers are much more complex, and require more careful engineering and component matching to pull off properly. When done right, they can be quite good. These days, one is tempted to go fully digital-- use DSP to not only accomplish driver crossover, but to also apply room correction, driver correction, etc., all in one step. I have heard such systems, but none that really bowled me over (that is not to say that the DSP was the cause of any sonic issues).
The closest I heard to an apples to apples comparison occurred MANY years ago. I head the Advent Loudspeaker and the powered version of the same speaker (same drivers, same internal volume cabinet, but one with active crossover and built in amps) in a direct comparison. I could not believe that these were similar systems-- the powered version was so much more alive and engaging.