Thanks will review
If you were not impressed what was your reference point or what a passive speakers/DAC did you replace them with?
You're paying for the functionality and form factor, along with the DSP integration. They are fine if you play low volume, but they don't go very loud due to the limitations of the enclosure and drivers, and if you try to turn them up, the bass gets a bit muddy I guess due to the DSP trying to compensate? I've had quite a few since then, but at the time I replaced them with the KEF X300A, which are pretty good, if not a little bass light. I like to turn my speakers up from time to time, and the Ruarks, or even any other small enclosure speaker, struggle to do it well. I'm more than happy with my current system, especially after calibrating with a U-MIK 1.
I currently run a BT20A pro, M100 mkII DAC , with Acoustic Energy 301 (used) speakers mounted to the wall. Total cost under the price of the Ruarks, and way better.