Topic: A few questions about monitors

[echo1434]

I am considering buying some active monitors (ones that need to be plugged in), but I am wondering exactly what I'll need to feed them with.

Can I just use a mixer with standard RCA/XLR outputs?  I'm especially wondering if you can do this for the subwoofer, or does one need to connect this to a dedicated sub out?

Secondly, as monitors tend to be nearfield speakers, do they actually sound bad from a distance?  Of course I'd be right in front of them when using them for editing purposes, but how would they sound if I was 10 feet away and just wanted to listen to them for fun?

Thanks in advance.