I've always owned passive speakers (though I've used powered speakers and monitors at gigs many times) until I purchased the little Alto TS 110A so I can't speak with much authority. That said, I tried some EV , Mackie and Yamaha models before settling on the Alto. Bear in mind I was trying mostly 10" models. I found the EV to be pleasant but not particularly punchy. The Yamaha didn't impress me overly, and the Mackie was boxy-sounding. This was for guitar only, mind you; I was not concerned about the rest of the band.

The Alto may not be the best speaker out there for FRFR purposes but it does sound good and has certainly worked well for me.