Speaker Analysis for Armchair Critics

I did not read the article but everything is usually built to a price point so the possibility of improving the B&W cross-over is not out of the question.  Very few manufacturers use the top line capacitors, resistors, wire, etc.  I have been repairing audio components with my partner for a long tome now.  There are so many ways to swap out some parts to improve the sound in many areas.  I recently repaired an old Counterpoint power amp that had both the Plitron transformer and Plitron choke upgrades.  At the same time I had the same amp without those upgrades in stock form and another amp with just the Plitron transformer.  Being a comparison person, I was able to listen to each and get handle if there were any improvements. So now I know what each prat contributes.  So the B&W X-over could be improved IMO.

I was recently at an Audio Society where I met the owner and speaker designer of Genesis.  The amount of time, research and development he went through to make the current line was incredible.  Over $3 million spent.  I learned so much I never imagined. He also spent time researching and understanding the recording and playback processes for vinyl.  He brought along different vinyl recording to demonstrate the process.  I was amazed at what I heard and what I learned.

So I take everything as a learning process that can only help me develop a better system for me.  I also don't always believe that speakers are the cause of brightness, or bass issues.  To me the causes is what is feeding them.  For example I placed one of my power amp designs recently on Thiel speakers.  Everything improved.  Installed my DHT DAC and the sound was even better, last my preamplifier and I have to say that now I realize the potential of Thiel speakers were before I mostly read that they were bright sounding.

So IMO don't take what you read of advise you receive for granted, there is something to learn from each and everyone of us.

Happy Listening.

So the B&W X-over could be improved IMO.

by swapping the parts for ones that cost a few dollars more?

@kenjit Possibly - I would have to take a look what is in there now but IMO probably yes.  My old Alon Model V MKIIs used such basic parts that although they sounded good at that time, just changing out the resistors to mills, replacing the caps, etc.  made a nice improvement for not much more costs (a few hundred if I remember correctly).  Bass had better impact and clarity, mid-range improved although I liked the mids to begin with, and highs were clearer and more transparent.  It was more balanced and musical.- 
Swapping parts is not hard to do and you can always change it back if you don't like the sound.