I would never use passive components-Active seem to have too many advantages.I wouldnt bother with the 'perceptual dip'-it sounds like bad use of EQ -ie what everyone uses an EQ for- to unequalise
I havent had the chance nor the quality components to test 'resistor sound' - my highest peice is a jbl2226 but my main speakers are regular sonys-For now!
Your problem now-Is how do you measure 'quality' of components- because you can hear the difference- where as i cant/havent.
Cheers!