If we design for imaging, detail, and small size, that is what we will get. If we design for dynamics, presence, and beauty, we can have that too. However, our emotional response to musical program will be very different on these two types of systems. With this foundation it becomes possible to understand why audiophiles might choose horn loudspeakers and low-powered triode amps. At equal acoustic outputs, as compared to conventional dynamic or electrostatic loudspeakers, horns offer a dramatic increase in dynamic capability, image size, and presence.
Harmonic distortion drops to a quarter of the value found in audiophile direct radiator systems.
In contrast, most direct radiators severely compress dynamic contrasts and reduce image size to the proportions of a symphony on a table-top. These are both severe distortions for which there are no measurements. More importantly, these are distortions which reduce the fun and excitement of music. But without weight and body, the transients fail to startle and lose most of their emotional power. A system capable of reproducing an enormous soundstage, that showcases dynamic contrasts, and presents music with realistic presence, weight, and body will never fail to excite and arouse.