Tbg --
Indeed no small measure to pursue. I can very much attest to this demand, ultimately speaking, but have come to live in a satisfying manner with less. I much prefer a point source (or two pr. channel) over a line source, though my experience with single point source units is too limited to form any conclusion. Where I have heard them they've lead to compromises too severe to warrant a purchase over a 2-way system, but there are alternatives still to be sought out - the BMS 15CN682 being one of them (http://bmsspeakers.com/index.php?id=bms_15cn682). Where the cross-over frequency is around 1kHz in a 2-way system, give or take, I find the outcome can be made to ensure a very capable performance with more pro's than con's. A pair of subs can accommodate the need for the last octave while providing positive influence upwards as well; though demanding to integrate the subs properly, it's certainly possible with some effort. SPL is no issue without banging ones head against the distortion ceiling, and I'd wager frequency extension upwards is less important than the impact of thoroughly implemented sub-terrain performance. Of course, all of the above is relative to my own performance needs, and is not supposed in any way to be seen as a "lecture" delivered in your direction.
With regard to a proper listening distance with horn/waveguide speakers I suppose it's dependent on the different incarnations and their implementation (2-way or more). My own 12" OSWG waveguide-based speakers have no problems integrating at a listening distance under 10 feet, though I suppose 10-12 feet distance (or slightly more) could be preferable. Unfortunately my listening room doesn't allow for experimentation much over 10 feet.
What I think is needed is the counterpart to a microphone, namely a point source capable of 110 db peaks and flat from 20 to 100,000 Hz. I know of no such device.
Indeed no small measure to pursue. I can very much attest to this demand, ultimately speaking, but have come to live in a satisfying manner with less. I much prefer a point source (or two pr. channel) over a line source, though my experience with single point source units is too limited to form any conclusion. Where I have heard them they've lead to compromises too severe to warrant a purchase over a 2-way system, but there are alternatives still to be sought out - the BMS 15CN682 being one of them (http://bmsspeakers.com/index.php?id=bms_15cn682). Where the cross-over frequency is around 1kHz in a 2-way system, give or take, I find the outcome can be made to ensure a very capable performance with more pro's than con's. A pair of subs can accommodate the need for the last octave while providing positive influence upwards as well; though demanding to integrate the subs properly, it's certainly possible with some effort. SPL is no issue without banging ones head against the distortion ceiling, and I'd wager frequency extension upwards is less important than the impact of thoroughly implemented sub-terrain performance. Of course, all of the above is relative to my own performance needs, and is not supposed in any way to be seen as a "lecture" delivered in your direction.
With regard to a proper listening distance with horn/waveguide speakers I suppose it's dependent on the different incarnations and their implementation (2-way or more). My own 12" OSWG waveguide-based speakers have no problems integrating at a listening distance under 10 feet, though I suppose 10-12 feet distance (or slightly more) could be preferable. Unfortunately my listening room doesn't allow for experimentation much over 10 feet.