Thank you for the comments.

I have a E320 coupe with stock sound system, so presumably it is the so-called 'high performance' one. It sounds alright to my undemanding ears. However I have not got a chance to compare it to the 'active base' version.

I am quite curious as to how the 2 systems differ in terms of equipment specs or real-life experience -- more input from other members?

PS. Double checking the brochure, it lists active 'base' (rather than 'bass'). Not sure if there is a typo in the brochure though.