Now, as opposed to then, I'd have to guess that the execution of a speaker's chosen methodology and quality of materials is significantly more important than simply the methodology. There are some important questions about speakers (phase shift perhaps), but I don't think time and/or phase coherent to be among the make or break methodologies.
For example, the Vandersteen Model 5 and 5A are phase and time coherrent and come very highly rated by some and retail for about $15k. Some have even claimed the Model 5's to be among the very best speakers available at any price. (Although, I've always been bothered with the fact that the Model 5's have their own built-in bass amps. As if to say nobody can build a better amp than Vandersteen).
On the other hand, there's the Von Schweikert VR4 Gen III SE's that (I believe) are neither time nor phase coherent and employ 4th order crossovers. Some here may puke at the thought of these ingredients and methodology. Yet, there's at least 2 reviewers and some to many happy owners who claim the VR4 Gen III SE's to be the very best speaker available at the $20k and under price range. And they retail for only $6k.
And remember that the Vandersteen Model 5a's retail for $15k and therefore fall into the $20k and under category.
No matter how you look at it, that's quite a statement for a $6k speaker.
I've listened to neither and that is not the point as I'm all for have the best speakers possible within one's given budget. But personally, I think people put way too much stock into speaker design, etc. when in fact, it's the amplifiers where the more serious deficiencies lie.
It all comes down to priorities. And you can only have 1 top priority. And all other priorities will suffer for the number one priority.
Therefore, I'll take the best amplifier/mediocre full-range speakers combo over a mediocre amplifier/best full-range speaker combo any day of the week.
And, without a doubt in my mind, this chosen path would reign superior sonics every single time.
-IMO (of course)
