No doubt using full on horns for all ranges is the way to go but size and room? Correct me if wrong, but even the re-booted vintage WE adds bass reinforcement beyond the horns, doesn't it? (Presumably those were bandwidth limited given their original application). Better drivers, yah! Aren't we really talking about a custom built system at this point rather than an existing product?
For what it's worth, my years of experience listening to the Duo +Lamm SET makes issues like "soundstage" and "imaging" largely beside the point. On a good recording, the instruments have an in the room quality. My speakers are a bit out from the back wall.
I was very impressed with the JBL K2 when I heard it years ago with ViVa.
Liked the Cessaro too, when demo'd by Jeff from High Water in a show.
I listen to every kind of music, from old psych to modern classical, country to dumb '70s pop songs. Not advocating any one approach. What's the practical answer there Bonzo- to get the speaker you want to hear? And, sorry didn't look up your profile, what are you presently using as benchmark? (Not into 'gear talk' per se, in the sense of playing one upmanship, those who know me know I'm actually pretty agnostic).
PS: and what is David using for bass with his Bionors? He's got a big horn system and has been around the block a few times....
The Bionors are full range, they go down to 50hz but in room measure in 30hz range.50hz is workable frequency range that I can properly augment the sound with passive subs. Currently I'm using JBL B460 subs (18") with a custom low pass tube crossover. I was getting away using Lamm ML1's (90w push/pull) on the subs when Steve was here but I've tweaked the room since and replaced the low pass xover's tubes with NOS vintage ones and am back to the SET ML2's. Contrary to popular belief properly designed SETs have the purest and most realistic bass, you can still hear/feel? the difference in subs even at these extremely low volumes. The bass is quite excellent with the ML1 but I now find that its a little bit too good with an unwanted wow factor that is noticeable.
You're spot on with your Lamm+Duo observations Bill and the K2's are phenomenal speakers but also the last low wattage SET friendly K2's was the M9500, you need a lot more power and current for the subsequent models.
david