[grsimmon]

I am looking to pursue fully active speakers and these are 2 that are on my list.  I have only been able to read reviews etc. but not able to hear either for myself.   Anyone been able to audition both?  All other things ignored (appearance, warranty,  tweakabililty, etc.),   any comments, comparisons, stories of your auditions and listening impressions would be most helpful. 

[Bob Reynolds]

Isn't the AML-1 a small satellite speaker that would need to be paired with a sub to compare to the Orion?

[Rafal]

I would put a pair of Tannoy Ellipse 10 on your list. I have Tannoy System 800A actives an dthe are awesome. I hear,though, that Ellipse 10 are much better.

Even though I didn't hear either, I think I'd go with AMLs. I in fact may do that (orI 'll go with Ellipse 10s)

[Dracule1]

Here are very positive comments about the Orions on the Audio Critic.

http://theaudiocritic.com/blog/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=33&blogId=1

Not sure Audio Critic did a formal review.

[Russell Dawkins]

I would say this is an extreme apples and oranges situation!

[ctviggen]

I think so, too, as the Tannoy Ellipse appear to be box (not open baffle) speakers that use DSP room correction:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun04/articles/tannoyellipse.htm

The Linkwitz Orions are open baffle speakers with no DSP room correction. 

[Rafal]

I think so, too, as the Tannoy Ellipse appear to be box (not open baffle) speakers that use DSP room correction:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun04/articles/tannoyellipse.htm

The Linkwitz Orions are open baffle speakers with no DSP room correction. 

Tannoy Ellipse come with DSP or without DSP. I personally think that Ellipse 10 would be spectacular. Granted, it's more similar to PMC AML-1 than to Orions, but it is a 3-way active design with a super tweeder. The amps are also quiet large and seem to allow for a lot of headroom.
It's only apples vs oranges if you concentrate on the type of speaker. If you look at the options as music reproducing devices, than they all apply. They are just different flavours.
Either way, I don't think you can go wrong with either choice.

[ctviggen]

That is true, although I think they're going to sound quite a bit different.  Open baffle speakers are just different than box speakers, no matter if they're active or not.