Paper Cones in HiFi?

@gs5556 --

Not true at all. "Paper" tends to denote taking the cheap way out but is in fact a complicated mess of fibers, polymers, resins etc., engineered for light weight (has to react quickly), high rigidity (prevents deformation) and longevity. Paper's been a proven performer for decades - only recently have things like Kevlar and metal cones been introduced, and while they have advantages and disadvantages over paper, they alone do not make a speaker high end by virtue of their properties.

Very well put. 

I prefer high efficiency 15" woofers with paper cones (most if not all of this segment of drivers use paper cones anyway), preferably crossed not much higher than in the 500Hz vicinity - horn-loaded if possible or in duals (per channel) as direct radiators. In this frequency spectrum and sensitivity range the specific configuration would seem to dictate the material used.

Above that frequency compression drivers fitted to large horns are my choice, and mostly a variety of metal diaphragms are used in such drivers - apart from BMS/JBL ring radiator variants where polyester is used. Aluminum, titanium, magnesium, beryllium, plastic or paper compounds (the latter of which would be HF-limited) - I couldn't say which material in particular floats my boat. Some prefer aluminum here for its claimed tonal prowess (think Vitavox S2 as a prime example), others beryllium for its upper extension and overall relatively smooth response (Truextent diaphragms come to mind), the PA/cinema industry for years has preferred titanium for its durability, some domestic users favor non-metal materials for what they believe is less harsh/more natural sounding to their ears, etc. Inclusivity be damned; it's about preference, implementation and the specific use.   

@larryi --

Scanspeak makes some fairly expensive paper coned woofers. I don't think they think that paper is crap. A local dealer that builds its own custom speakers just finished a pair that utilizes 15" paper coned drivers from Scanspeak. The drivers cost the dealer $2,000 each. The speaker just came in and the crossover has not been mounted so I haven't heard them playing, but, I will get a chance.  

I wonder what the reason is for their 15" driver to be that expensive, and how the sonic results would ever reflect the price positively. I guess that's up to the individual to decide..

Arguments have been made that high efficiency drivers are more expensive due to the smaller tolerances required in the voice coil gap, but there are many great HE pro drivers that, when looking at their typically vastly bigger magnets, voice coils and overall size, compare favorably here to hifi drivers of smaller size and not least (much) lower efficiency. Go figure.

It's telling then that when Scanspeak sets out to make a 15" driver, likely only no more than moderately sensitive at that, the dealer cost is $2,000 (even more for the consumer, I presume). Not to dismiss their efforts prematurely, but that's hifi in a nutshell.