Is there measurement that correlates with cohesive/pinpoint imaging?


I am currently using single-driver Omega alnico speakers which have the most coherent imagining that I've ever heard.  However, if I wanted to compare them with other speakers (including multi-way speakers with crossovers) in that regard, are there any specific measurements to account for?  Would measured delay between driver signals in a multi-way speaker be a useful proxy?
redwoodaudio
Hey OP:

You really should at least start to read about HRTF. It will help you see the problem of imaging in a whole new light, and why it is so hard to measure.


  Do phase alignment/time alignment correlate?


Not in my experience, but clearly the fans of speaker brands like Thiel and Vandersteen feel strongly they offer special features you cannot achieve otherwise.  Personally I vote with the literature, that says we aren't that sensitive to phase or time alignment. We _are_ sensitive to badly matched drivers however.

There's also some research saying that making the frequency response dip around 2.4 kHz enhances the experience with the trad off being a neutral frequency response.

It is also important to include the room in these discussions. Not only does controlling reflections matter but enhancing diffusion in areas also helps a great deal.  I find that imaging is enhanced in the same plane as the room treatment.  Want wider?  Treat the sides.  Want taller?  Treat the ceiling.  Want depth? Treat behind the speaker and behind the listener.

The best speaker in the world can be ruined by a poor room.  Conversely, some speakers reduce the interaction with the room, like line sources, planars, horns and open baffle.



Time and Phase. Study how the highly evolved ear brain function to localize food and threat sounds and you will understand it is small timing differences. Add in low diffraction because a large baffle destroys time information while functioning as a mechanical averaging machine ( frequency response )
read what JA has to say about Vandersteen “imaging champs”.... 
I will say if your references are studio multi track efforts you might be leaving a bit on the table relative to expectations, especially image depth

enjoy your speakers ! And the music
because a large baffle destroys time information while functioning as a mechanical averaging machine

Wait, what? Some of the best sounding, best imaging speakers I've ever heard are the Sonus Faber Stradivari and Snell A/IIIs. 

You can make a wide baffle with low diffraction, and if you can go for it. :)

Best,

E
Look at active speakers using DSP like Kii and Dutch and Dutch as well as studio monitors. 
I had a pair of Snell back in the day.... and Thiel, ESL63, Vandersteen..... I still have them, except....for the Snell. I certainly recognize the genius of Peter and they were quite good....

a curved baffle helps but I don’t think it’s SOTA any more....