Quote Originally Posted by Ajani View Post
Imagine trying to sell a commercial (audiophile) 2,3 or 4 way speaker with no passive crossover - It would require the buyer to purchase an active crossover and 2 to 4 stereo amps... even assuming the speaker maker includes a preset active crossover, the consumer would still need 2 - 4 stereo amps... That would be a major turnoff to many persons... Generally only audiophiles looking for statement products want to make such a commitment...

The other option is to sell active speakers. As you rightly pointed out; they lack flexibility - So no easy upgrade option by swapping out power amps...
While I think you're right, I also think that consumer, active speakers would be, (indeed are), quite feasible and could be sold relatively economically. Again, professional monitors are proof of this. Passive speakers and separate amps are much a traditional as anything else.

In the HT and low-end markets, people are used to buying receivers and integrateds -- it's a mind set and it's what the big companies are delivering. In the high-end market I think the tweaking aspect, not to mention the fixation on tubes, is more important.

But to me when you're in the $30k range, I think it's sane that a speaker ought to come with a custom crossover network & amps finely tuned to the drivers and box. My experience with digital amps demostrates to me that you don't need large, heavy, very expensive power amps. If you want to color you music, do it at the front end with a tube preamp.