I'm shopping for speakers suitable for stand-mounting, to use as mains in small-to-medium size venues.

If you go to any sound equipment store now, at least half of their stock is in "powered speakers", which don't need an amp because they have one built in that is perfectly matched to the speakers etc etc. OF course they cost 50% more than equivalent unpowered speakers, and the other obvious disadvantage is that you would have to find 2 more power hookups for a typical setup...but there must be some reason they are apparently popular--and I see that some mudcatters like them. I was interested to note in this thread that many of the same brand products are in the UK, US and Canada--not always true when we discuss instruments.

So who's used powered speakers for acoustic-oriented sound reinforcement? (oxymoron, I know). I don't know if I want to jump on the bandwagon just because all the stores are pushing them...who's tried em? Good or bad? Are there any issues with hum (or excessive power draw) from all the extra power cables running around?

I have a powered mixer right now, but I'm thinking of replacing it too...another set of issues.

Thanks
Bill
(cross-posting with Maplepost)