I think this is a great post from the Audiophiliac. I personally love powered speakers and have many but they are in my secondary system. They are great for that. Steve is right though a real audiophile should have separates. If you are into the "hobby" of being an audiophile and discovering what the differences different components can make then all in one takes a lot of the fun out of it. Now if your friend just want some good sound and wants to enjoy music then all in one is the best bang for the buck I think.
I Was Considering Active, Then I Watched This ...