I tend to agree with Diki...I only use powered speakers as a "needs must" deal..

I think it is far better to have the EQ -active x-over - amp - speakers system. If one item goes down, it is very quick to replace...in some case it can be replaced immediately, not to mention the complete flexibility and control over your soundscape, plus the ability to "mix'n'match components to suit your tastes...

Whereas the powered boxes usually use proprietary components, and even if one had the knowledge and experience to do the repair themselves, often the replacement part could take weeks or even months to arrive...

When I was running the sound for my 4 and 5 piece bands, it was ALWAYS passive speakers and subs...using the above system. But these days doing it as a solo, I find the powered boxes far more convenient.

I do run in mono, and as I have two FOH mains and the sub, there is a spare on any given night as I can quickly change the one on monitor duty over to FOH..I have rarely seen a sub go down...

I must say though that even now, I miss certain aspects of the "full" system...but if you are doing as a solo, then maybe the compromise powered boxes might be the go....I tested quite a few on the frontline and the best so far were the QSC K series, and don't laugh, but the M-Audio GSR Series (seriously) under-rated!!!

Dennis