How well do the best powered speakers compare to a system of a passive + receiver?

It was really interesting reading this thread about passive vs. powered speakers https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/18kqt4c/do_you_prefer_passive_speakers_or_powered_speakers/

I personally favor powered, though this is partly due to both convenience and budget considerations. [I dont know if I would consider myself an audiophile (yet) but Ive always appreciated a good stereo.] One issue brought up is the built in amp of powered speakers is usually inferior. My question, as stated in the title, how well do best powered speakers on the market compare to set up of receiver + passive speakers? The KEL50 for example are up there, but there were mixed reviews among this subreddit.