Are dome midrange better than cone designs?

Thanks Shadorne for the link.

Cdc: "I was really enthused until I read Jtgofish's problems with imaging."

Keep in mind, that's just Jtgofish's opinion and maybe so with those Yamaha models. Several speaker design (not neccessarily the driver) issues could be the culprit of stated negatives as well.

Shadorne and I both have ATC 100's, and I'm not sure I/we agree with Jtgofish's generalized statement. But that's just MY opinion.

Shadorne?

.........

I really like the ATC's I have heard. One problem for me is the need to be played loud before they come alive. Shadorne's ATC link also mentioned this.
Is this true with all dome mid's? I only listen at 60-70dB and 75 is getting pretty loud. That is why I have been able to live with tang-bands 3' ~full range speaker.

I suggest you discuss this on Selah Audio's AudioCircle site. Rick Craig has a lot of experience with dome mids and is very approachable.

Metro04,

I am not sure about the general poor imaging of dome mids. This may be one of the design challenges, I don't know. The ATC's image as well as anything I have heard but that is not what really differentiates the dome mid sound. The easiest way to explain it is to hear the speakers from outside the room or far off axis...unlike almost all other designs the sound remains completely natural and does not change character or timbre no matter where you stand/sit. The other striking feature is the way vocals sound completely convincing (not recorded) and not just in a narrow sweetspot too.