Yep, active. Active speakers get AC power from the wall and use a low voltage input analog or digital input to feed the crossover (typically much more sophisticated than found in passive speakers) which in turn feeds one channel of amplification per driver. The design, cost, and sonic advantages are undeniable. Warning - not the product if you're a flipper or want to show off your gear.
20 years ago compared Paradigm Studio 20 v.2 ($800/pair 2-way monitors) against Paradigm Active 20 ($1600/pair, same drivers/cabinet). It was no contest. The Active 20s were way more dynamic, had flatter frequency response (a revelation in itself), offered more detail and improved imaging, and exhibited mind bendingly deep/full bass. Passersby thought we were listening to the Studio 100 v.2 ($2200 4-way floor standers). That was my introduction to actives.
Nowadays actives come in a variety of configurations: simple analog input (use your preamp, turntable, CDP, and/or computer/DAC) usually with built-in crossover/amps; wired digital input (often found in studio settings, using built-in DAC of honestly questionably credentials); wireless digital input (usually via a transmitter box with formats limited to 24/192 PCM). Some even include digital room correction and other digital features.
Examples include JBL 305 Mk2 ($300/pair, XLR analog input); Dynaudio BM5 Mk3 ($1000/pair street price; RCA and XLR analog inputs); Neumann KH120 ($1400/pair, XLR analog input); Elac Navis ARB-51 ($2300/pair, RCA and XLR analog inputs, extra cost wireless digital input); Buchardt A500 ($3830/pair, XLR analog input, extra cost wireless digital input with additional features); Genelec 8050B ($3790/pair, XLR analog input); and on and on.
