Is there really a need for panel speakers in 2012

Taters, conventional cones cannot reproduce the sound of an orchestra like panels can. Have you ever heard massed strings through a panel? That alone is a very good reason to have panels.

Taters brought up A.A (Audio Asylum) where he regularly gets banned. Right now i think he has three weeks to go on the current ban.
When someone over there mentioned Taters was Sudz. I though no way. Over here i thought he asks reasonable questions..
Nope. Back to the same sort as were on A.A.
Oddball questions meant only to elicite some response. with no actual redeeming value.
At least they can be fun for all...

Panels do do massed strings particularly well.

I've always been imprssed with panels although they don't work in my room. I think they'll be around for a long time. Wish I could own a pair and listen to them.

Taters,

an interesting question. The short answer is yes IMHO. The long answer is that some box speakers can have planar type aspects sonically these days. But just as drivers and materials have got better for cones and domes,so have planars.

My refurbished and modified Apogees are hard to beat. Graz ribbons which are made to higher tolerances than the original ribbons start to show up many other speakers.

Have a listen to the latest Magnepans and see which speakers can compete for the same budget?

You may need to rewrite your question to "Is there really a need for anything but panel speakers from now on?" Lol