Critical oppositions made using inadequate equipment.

One audio guru, Nelson Pass of Threshold and Pass Labs fame, uses what most of us would deem to be really substandard speakers to test his changes.that his best sounding speakers do not. Even my current telvision speakers, B&W DM 14's I bought new in 1981 show differences between some excellent tuners I have tried (Kenwood KT-917, Sansui TU-707/717, and B&K TS-108), as well as differences between very good phono cartridges.  The limiationts of these speakers is shown when trying to tell the substantial difference between an Audire Diffet 2 or 3 pre-amp, but I doubt Nelson has that problem.  Also, many mobile van mixers used little Rogers LS series speakers for setting controls when recording.  These use the same Celestion mid-tweets and Coles Super tweeter as the KEF that B&W co-opted to improve the KEF crossovers, which they replaced  to make B&W's first speakers  teh early DM models.  These used not only the aforementioned drivers, but even the KEF, wide cabinet British tax evading, ovalish woofer.  So! I say YES! 

@tomwh, your first two paragraphs are very true. A great system has to be able to mimic all these genres and venues with authority. But I respectfully disagree on the overriding importance of the midrange. If you want the live experience the entire audio band from 18 Hz to 16 kHz is important. Certainly, if you have to settle for a limited system the last thing you can compromise is the midrange. But, for the live experience it all has to be there especially the bass. 

Quads were special because they were the first speaker that gave us a hint of what was possible. But, they then developed the speaker in the wrong direction trying to improve it's performance as a point source speaker instead of evolving towards a full range line source. The Europeans are more concerned about size than Americans as many more of them live in places with limited space. 

So we are back to  what do you want from your  music.  There is no one size fits all speaker.  If I wanted  to light up a big room with  rock and roll,  quads and book shelf  speakers are not where  I would start.  

You sound like bass is a big  deal for you.  Here is a test for you.  Go to what ever venue  you hear the big bass you like.  Then close your eyes listen to just the bass.  It just might change  mind about how tight it really is.  If  classical is your thing  what instrument  can  create loud tight bass?

Of course if real is not your thing then create the system  that  makes you happy.  

Enjoy the ride
Tom

"..whatdya want from Life?"

"A baby's' arm, holding an apple..."

Knew a woman who had a keychain fob of that description, so it is available.....;)

Carts 'n equipment?  Not so much...

The Tubes priceless!!!  White punks on dope!!!  Thinking Quads might not be the best choice for this album.

Enjoy the ride
Tom

PS

Monty Phahon may think a nice shrubbery is the meaning of life.