Is there really a need for panel speakers in 2012

I have to give props to Magnapan for exactly that reason...the fact that they sound great but are utterly impractical in most rooms but still popular is testament to "audio geekdom" at its most classic. There's a restaurant nearby that has the smaller Maggies hung from the walls in at least 4 places...who does that? Cool. I love the sound of Maggies but am also in the "where the hell would I put them" school of thought...but people do find a way to use them and I'm glad they do.

"Was there really a need for the original question?"

You really have to consider the source. Anyone who knows Sudz from AA will know what I mean.

Shakey

Yep, Taters izzzz Sudz and vicey-versa. I just wish he'd stop asking his endless "in-depth", "probing", and meaningless questions. Givc it a break, luv...

-RW-

I'll fess up and admit I have occasionally wondered if there is really any need for any speakers that do not use Walsh drivers?

I guess they would not work very well mounted in ceilings or walls.

0-0
\_/

Honestly, I'm only half joking.

o-o
\_?

I love my 3.6 Magnepans. And would buy the 20.7s for my apartment in a heartbeat if i had the money at hand.
True the panels take up a little room, but the rewards are well worth it.
I used to have Infinity RSIIa in a tiny efficiency bac in the 1980s... So the Maggies are about the same size.

For folks who do not want to see the speakers.. i suggest buy Bose. Or some in wall units.
And most full range speakers take up as much physical room anyway. You still cannot just stick then against a wall. and the need to have space around them.. So what is the advantage anyway? None I can think of.
The fact the Manepans look bigger..? Turn them sideways.. LOL.