[Construct]

You could make the generalization that all loudspeakers with ruler flat frequency response due to complicated crossovers are lifeless.

It's a combination of the internet, and the ability of it to transmit someones own bias as fact across the world in an instant.  My favorite speakers all use crossovers, none of them sound lifeless or boxy--and they coincidentally, measure very well.
Generalizations accomplish nothing.  Then again, the inability for people to separate their own opinion from fact is another reason the net can cause mayhem among fragile egos. 

[Quiet Earth]

Does the sensitivity of a speaker affect more than just its speed and dynamics?

Maybe some of the de-coloring techniques such as extensive bracing, resonance free cabinetry (or planar without cabinetry), and complicated filtering are responsible for low sensitivity. So, as you undo these techniques to get back to higher sensitivity, you are left with the problem of how to use the color in a constructive and pleasing way.

[Aom-Uom]

BobRex,
again, very objectively, no dynamic compression gives low coloration (that is distortion).
Your presentation is incorrect.

[Quiet Earth]

Zingali horns (wood omniray round horn apertures)  Are subtly colored, but very pleasantly.

I really enjoyed mine during the five+ years I owned them.

[Construct]

BobRex,
again, very objectively, no dynamic compression gives low coloration (that is distortion).
Your presentation is incorrect.

After hearing them for years, I'd have to say BobRex was dead on.  Hence the reason I chose not to own any.  That, and I like realistic spl and bass slam, all absent in that speaker. Other than that, they sound pleasant.

[Construct]

I really enjoyed mine during the five+ years I owned them.

I would love a set of the massive butterfles. There was a lot about them I really liked, from the sound to the appearance.

[Aom-Uom]

Construct,
how many gadgets have you got?
 

[Construct]

Construct,
how many gadgets have you got?
 

Since I have been messing with audio and electronics (1978-ish)  I have amassed a few, and sold a few.

[BobRex]

BobRex,
again, very objectively, no dynamic compression gives low coloration (that is distortion).
Your presentation is incorrect.

So given the well documented dynamic issues with Maggies (frequently written about in reviews and even acknowledged by Jim Winey - the most recent mention being Jonathan Valin in the latest TAS) you agree that the speakers are colored?  Which conflicts with your initial claim.  Which one is it?

[cujobob]

Most horns/waveguides are colored due to HOMs.  Many high sensitivity speakers use horns or waveguides.  Single driver speakers can also be high sensitivity speakers but as everyone knows, no one driver can do the entire frequency spectrum at an extremely high level.

Compression is a huge issue in speakers of low sensitivity, though.  No speaker is perfect.  Pick the tradeoff you can live with.

[Letitroll98]

Construct,
low coloration. Start saving.

A perfect example of taste.  No high efficiency, need that slam speaker lover would consider Maggies and would view them as colored.  Maggie owners like Aom-Uom and myself shy away from the shoutiness encountered (as a generality) in high efficiency speakers. 

Go for what you like, you have only to please, in order, Yourself, Your spouse or cohabitant, Your friends, Visitors from AC taking you up on that invitation to drop over and listen (you know, that one you never really meant), and lastly, Inlaws.  Come to think of it, no speaker would foot this bill, go buy an IPod.   

[Construct]

A perfect example of taste.  No high efficiency, need that slam speaker lover would consider Maggies and would view them as colored.  Maggie owners like Aom-Uom and myself shy away from the shoutiness encountered (as a generality) in high efficiency speakers. 

Go for what you like, you have only to please, in order, Yourself, Your spouse or cohabitant, Your friends, Visitors from AC taking you up on that invitation to drop over and listen (you know, that one you never really meant), and lastly, Inlaws.  Come to think of it, no speaker would foot this bill, go buy an IPod.

Not sure, but it sounds like you are declaring maggies as the ultimate in flawlessness otherwise we should give up and own an ipod.  Did I just read that declaration? 

[jriggy]

I think (?) he is saying no speaker will please the inlaws.

And I also think I learned more about Audio Circle than I did audio today   

[Aom-Uom]

BobRex,
no conflict, I just stated a simple fact as an answer to the original question and pointed to a technique not utilizing dynamic compression. Distortion has many causes, compression is one.
In physics, we don`t get something for nothing, efficiency always comes at the price of distortion.

[Construct]

Let's consider that line source-line array (hybrid ribbon/dynamic)  are also high efficiency speakers, not just those with horn loading.  I have noted over the years, magnepan and horn owners are polar opposites.  Maggie threads often turn into horn-bashing, and extreme exaggeration.  That is...painting horns with a broad brush and exaggerating the "shout"  aspects while ignoring shortcomings in the magnepan sound reproduction.  Often the debates tend to be dismissive and polarizing to no positive conclusion except that maggie and horn owners have different tastes. (Oddly, I have met plenty of people that have owned both---going to one or the other...back and forth). 

[eclein]

Speaking of Maggies...they really need to be out in a room-correct?? More open area the better?? I have never owned any so thats why I'm asking- in general do they do better in large rooms?

[BobRex]

Speaking of Maggies...they really need to be out in a room-correct?? More open area the better?? I have never owned any so thats why I'm asking- in general do they do better in large rooms?

Correct.  Correct, and correct.  That's why I said that they have variable bass coloration - it depends upon their proximity to the wall.  Because they are dipoles the distance from the back wall defines their bass cancellation point.  Move them close to the wall and the bass response drops off, somewhat opposite of a closed box.  Also their sense of depth diminishes as you approach the wall.  But this isn't just the case with Maggies - all dipoles act the same way.

[TheChairGuy]

Compression is a huge issue in speakers of low sensitivity, though.  No speaker is perfect.  Pick the tradeoff you can live with.

Sage advice here..especially picking a tradeoff you can live with

John

[cujobob]

BobRex,
no conflict, I just stated a simple fact as an answer to the original question and pointed to a technique not utilizing dynamic compression. Distortion has many causes, compression is one.
In physics, we don`t get something for nothing, efficiency always comes at the price of distortion.

High efficiency also allows more amps to stay in pure Class A before switching out or running out of gas.  Crossover distortion in an A/B amp is likely more of an issue than measured distortion for a modern loudspeaker.

[Quiet Earth]

 I would bet real money that we all prefer a little bit of compression because that's the reality that we live in. Someone recently mentioned (in another thread) that the ear compresses sound anyway. I have no clue if that's true but I know that a little compression goes a long way when you make a recording.

The logical mind needs transparency and linearity, but the soul requires character, color, and personality.