Opinions and recommendations on active loudspeakers

If you want ATCs and are worried about built-in amps you can just order them with the remote amplifier option.  They also sell passive speakers and stand-alone amps, and some active models that come with remote amps standard.  

http://atcloudspeakers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ATC-Tech-Note-Remote-Amp-Mounting_revA.pdf

I've been told that a passive crossover allows for more precise control compared with active.  My understanding is that ATC builds such good drivers that they don't need a particularly complex crossover to make up for driver anomalies. 

@lonemountain - it was Tom Thiel, brother of Jim Thiel of Thiel audio.  He hangs out in the Thiel thread sometimes.  He's long removed from the business at this point, Thiel no longer exists, he's not selling anything.  I'm a fan of both brands and it's funny because both designers have a fair amount in common.  Both were piano players.  I think I like listening to piano more than anything and both brands excel there.  Jim Thiel had wanted to build active speakers but since he was building for the home audio market he didn't because he didn't think he could sell them.  I assume ATC builds passive speakers for the home market for the same reason.