@op
Have to disagree that the speaker is the most important. The room is the most important followed by system synergy. Every part of the system is important. The speaker can have the biggest impact from a sonic signature standpoint, but that doesn't make it the most important. Whats important about a speaker in my mind is the it has the kind of sonic signature that is pleasing to the listener and that it is a good match for the room it is being placed in.
I am a big fan of full range drivers and have built many of them. They have their place, and sound amazing to my ears when matched with the right amplifier and music. They have their limitations however. And I think your logic around how much better a larger FR driver will sound, is flawed. As they get bigger, they have a greater difficulty with transients and sibilants. Go bigger than 8", and it becomes a factor. 6 1/2" seems to be a sweet spot for bass response (pending driver and cabinet design) while maintaining nice high frequencies.
Now, a 10", 12" or 15" coax is a different story. But, then you are dealing with a crossover...
Have to disagree that the speaker is the most important. The room is the most important followed by system synergy. Every part of the system is important. The speaker can have the biggest impact from a sonic signature standpoint, but that doesn't make it the most important. Whats important about a speaker in my mind is the it has the kind of sonic signature that is pleasing to the listener and that it is a good match for the room it is being placed in.
I am a big fan of full range drivers and have built many of them. They have their place, and sound amazing to my ears when matched with the right amplifier and music. They have their limitations however. And I think your logic around how much better a larger FR driver will sound, is flawed. As they get bigger, they have a greater difficulty with transients and sibilants. Go bigger than 8", and it becomes a factor. 6 1/2" seems to be a sweet spot for bass response (pending driver and cabinet design) while maintaining nice high frequencies.
Now, a 10", 12" or 15" coax is a different story. But, then you are dealing with a crossover...