Looking for input: Best material for mid range cone

Implantation is what it's all about. Been discussed already and it's nearly impossible to say no to, lol.  That said, I think if implemented properly, many of today's materials that weren't available years ago, can and do often sound better than the materials of yesterday. That will constantly be the situation. Even Ribbons are now using better materials to achieve better results IMHO.  I was never a ribbon guy, but I've heard some nice ones recently that don't make me want to walk out of the room after a half hour of listening.

It's all personal and as someone stated in the beginning of this thread, there is no one right answer or wrong answer.  My favorite speakers are using a carbon fiber sandwich with a balsa wood core for the stability etc... while some others like others.  Just like anything else, it's personal.  

The one material I WILL say is outdated is a pure paper cone that isn't treated.  It will sound different depending on the moisture in the room.  It really does.  

That's a loaded question as it depends on way too many factors. On a 3-way I prefer a 4-5" pulp cone for low mid as long as it is fully crossed over by 1200-1400 hz. I like the natural timber and tone of the pulp cone.  Electrostatics are nice for upper mid on up. Remember the early 70's SAE's with the electrostatic panels for mid and HF. They used a 4" between the 30 lb. Gauss woofers (Ceramic coated 12" pulp woofer cone with 17 lb magnet!) and the stats that was as thin as tissue paper with something added to the pulp that made them quite stiff. AR had a really nice  spider-less 2 1/2" paper cone in the AR12 that was strong and imo better than the dome in the ar10 and ar11. Some of the 2"-4" domes did work well. Got to love the choices.

The wood that my viola is made from, is the best material.

IT SOUNDS JUST LIKE AN ACTUAL VIOLA! ;)