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Is the dynamic advantage of cones just distortion?

I came across the viewpoint that panel speakers are inherently superior to most if not all cone based dynamic speakers and the often cited advantage of dynamics in cone speakers is simply just due to distortion (that is not inherently in the music). And the reason people prefer cones is because of this distortion.

Any thoughts on this? Also any thoughts on why cone based speakers dominate the market vs panels like magnepan and soundlabs?
smodtactical

Showing 2 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,780 posts
 
If we are talking about measured distortion in an anechoic room, I've never seen any panel come down as low as the best dynamic drivers, nor have I seen them get as close in smoothness of frequency response or dynamic range as equivalent dynamic speakers.

However!

Panel speakers often integrate much better in a room and provide more detail at the listening location, with less acoustic treatment needed.

So I'm not sure which the OP was asking.
erik_squires
16,780 posts
 
Nope, not at all. 

The big advantage of panels is the planar dispersion giving them a higher ratio of direct to reflected sound.

Otherwise, in almost every measurement, a top tier dynamic system will outperform a panel.

Buy what you like. Buy what integrates best for you, but lower distortion is not the answer you are seeking.
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