Zero9. If the traditional looks/tone and logo etc are important why aren't you looking at the real deal, a proper Fender that has all the boxes ticked?
For what it's worth I do agree, the Sire is almost a normal Jazz bass, but not quite. It feels big to me, and yes, the headstock is needless large. Saying that, maybe the size of the headstock is the reason i can't find any dead spots in places ive had the, before on other jazz basses.
I'm also much more of a passive bass guy. Ive never really liked active basses. Saying that, I will use the active EQ as its there, and does sound good. If there was a passive version I would have got that though. Same with my TRBX.