Yes, it's passive (I have a pair, BTW). They kick serious butt if you use a subwoofer, but they don't push enough air to use in a single envirnment.
The new Yorkville powered cabinet is supposed to be pretty good. It's similar in size to the EV - 12" and horn, 2 band EQ, molded, plastic case ...... sounds like another contender, like most Yorkville products. Priced a bit higher than the EV ... more in Mackie range.