You make, as usual , a very cogent argument. Obviously putting electrical components between amplifier and driver is always going to complicate and degrade the sound - I am happy to agree with you there! Speakers however appeal to different people for different reasons. I like LS3/5A speakers which have numerous faults and one could argue have no place

I can and do see the advantages of active speakers. You are quite correct that using a cross over before the power amplification has a host of benefits. I will also agree that passive speakers have compromises built in by their very design. However I disagree that passive speakers can be simply written off as an anachronism these days. Many of the best

Completely different design, but outwardly very similar until you take the grilles off! The M70 is almost a monitor class S60 - similar layout but better drive units and a lot bigger. The M75 was almost the same size though a little less deep but resembled the M100 with all the drive units arranged above each other. The M70 also has the stunning trumpet

The M70 came with a variety of drivers which changed during production. I believe the surround of the woofer was subject to rot so may well need repairing. It is far better to have this repaired if possible than simply replacing the driver with a different type. That way you will keep the correct frequency response. Martin (Dillen on site) can give

Well I actually sort of agree with both of you! I agree that S45-2s will give any small speaker a very good run for its money, but the S45-2 has a volume of 26 litres compared to 4 litres of the Beolab 4000. A similar sized speaker in the passive range would be the CX100! And I know which I would choose!

[quote user="kimberley"] Coming very late to this discussion... Hi-Fi World reviewed some older B&O products a few months ago; not the usual 'put-down' but quite positive! [/quote] It could be that there are some B&O fans at Hi-Fi World! A certain Mr T. Jarman writes for them as does one of our own - Mr Adam Smith. I am still

The M70 is about twice the size of the S45 and has a fair amount more bass. The M series speakers are always the top of the range and will have the flattest frequency response and the best finish. The M70 is actually a generation before the S45-2 but is worth looking out for. The S45-2 is superb for its size and is very accurate but is bass light.

I don't agree with him, mind you! An iPod withalossless file will sound better than a Walkman - no tape hiss for a start!

Afraid I have deleted all the files. The SMMC20EN/CL has a pronounced lift compared the the old CL. Sounds more detailed but some might find it a little fatiguing to listen to. All a matter of taste! I prefer the MMC20CL.

He has missed out the 2400!