If you are like me, I am always searching for that "sweet spot", which requires "endless tuning" Like "my system sounds good, but if I tweaked this it might sound better haha

 

I think in your case you'd be constantly tuning your system regardless of whether you went passive or active. For me, I like my frequency response to be relatively flat with the subwoofer being a little louder.

 

I think you are 100% right I started researching active vs. passive, and realized that though there are a lot of variables, it is pretty neat how the settings affect the sound. Even more humbling: I think I am going to go active this weekend haha

 

You know what I take that back. I used to feel the way you do. With my old system I would always be thinking of ways I coud tweak it to sound better. Now that I have my new system, I don't feel the need or want to tweak it all. I think when you get it sounding just right, there's no need.

 

due to the economy and lack of a job, I still haven't been able to pick up any equipment...

what kind of audio components should I be checking out that fit a tighter budget?

 

cdt's are relitively cheap dls entry lines etc. I will have a pair of two way kicks for sale soon as im going a 3way active route by christmas. Just listen to Bing he will never steer you wrong and is very patient with new people to audio and does everything he can to help you out.