I think now that active speakers will spread up from the bottom end of the market. I should have realized this sooner, as a sound bar is an active speaker.
I was really impressed with Shady's review of this
Kanto active speaker which sells for $700.00. It is clearly a very good speaker. Better yet it connects directly to a TV HDMI output. So there is no need for an AVR.
We all accept active subs, as a passive crossover at sub frequencies is a nightmare and a very poor performer indeed.
So I see potential demand for good systems that can be connected directly to a TV HDMI output like a soundbar.
This approach has the potential to return good audio to many homes. It will greatly reduce the demand for AVRs, and may see them the endangered species list.
Active speakers are actually nothing new. I installed a fully active system in a large hall as far back as 1974. My main listening systems have been partially active since 1976. So this is not novel technology. However zero phase active crossovers and class D amps will be the game changer that sweeps away the old.