They still make these kind of speakers for pro audio markets. Big Boxy and not at all aesthetic; Adam, Meyer, ATC, Genelec etc...consumers will often not consider them no matter how good they sound because they look ugly and are often much more expensive due to the higher quality drivers - usually very square, rarely come with exotic finishes but will play loud (realistic live levels) with low distortion and plenty of dynamics. These are generally more reliable than consumer designs. They are often mistaken for PA Wedding DJ type speakers because they look similar - another reason they are unpopular wth consumers.
In the 60's and 70's liberated disco generation, copies of studio speakers (such as the WHO's JBLs) became popular and affordable at home (this is before aesthetic consderations took over the home market). In that era speakers often imitated studio gear but with cheaper woofers and light weight cabinets in order to keep costs down - this gave large woofer speakers a bad name in consumer circles.
Today there are two very distinct markets with tall small woofer aesthetic tower designs well suited and dominating the home market until you get into the really high-end consumer range (become more boxy and generally have 12"+ woofers)
In the 60's and 70's liberated disco generation, copies of studio speakers (such as the WHO's JBLs) became popular and affordable at home (this is before aesthetic consderations took over the home market). In that era speakers often imitated studio gear but with cheaper woofers and light weight cabinets in order to keep costs down - this gave large woofer speakers a bad name in consumer circles.
Today there are two very distinct markets with tall small woofer aesthetic tower designs well suited and dominating the home market until you get into the really high-end consumer range (become more boxy and generally have 12"+ woofers)