I'm glad I'm not the only person using the word "obviating." And I bristle at comments relative to musical style driving speaker preference... "Also remember orchestral and classical music which was more dominant at that time, which made different demands on speakers." No it didn't (make sound specific demands), and no it doesn't now, although I would imagine more financially successful classical (and jazz) freaks back in the day were more likely to have the money and space to buy gigantic folded horn cabinets for their parlors. Klipschorns and Altecs were dominant in movie theaters and concert halls...I had a pair of Altec A7s used for my band PA that were amazing when used for stereo things here and there (rarely) but were just too big for all but the grandest of homes. I once leant those to Loggins and Messina when we opened for them as they hadn't brought their "side fill" speakers to Hawaii for some reason (Clair Brothers were to blame)...that has nothing to do with this topic, but I threw it in anyway as it makes me feel "special."