narrow and wide baffles and imaging


According to all the "professional" audio reviews that I've read over the last several years, narrow baffles are crucial to creating that so-desired pin-point imaging.

However, over the last few weeks, I've had the opportunity to audition Harbeth 40.2, Spendor Classic 100, Audio Note AN-E, and Devore O/93.  None of these had deficient imaging; indeed I would go so far as to say that it was good to very good.

So, what gives?  I'm forced to conclude that modern designs, 95% of which espouse the narrow baffle, are driven by aesthetic/cosmetic considerations, rather than acoustical ones, and the baffle~imaging canard is just an ex post facto justification.

I can understand the desire to build speakers that fit into small rooms, are relatively unobtrusive, and might pass the SAF test, but it seems a bit much to add on the idea that they're essentially the only ones that will do imaging correctly.



128x128twoleftears
The baffle is part of the over all design too small like many designs  today requires BSC in networks and thus is inferior to those with proper sized baffles that do not require correction in network
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I've read through this thread and so far Bache and johnk are the 2 that have responded to the question at hand.  
Driver selection matters along with the baffle size In frequency bumps or dips, even the driver frame combined with the material that the baffle is made from can cause diffraction loss... 
Next,  If the baffle starts getting thinner,  you might have to deal with Baffle Step Compensation as johnk eluded to as (BSC).  
Overall,  there is no reason that you cannot have a wide or narrow speaker that are imaging champs. 
Well you must know something that Arnie Nudell (rip), Paul McGowan and Bill LeGall don’t...

Just going by what I personally hear and read about.
Good small two ways on open stands always have great image.
Audio Phyic's speakers very narrow baffle great imaging.
The IRS Beta (no baffle) to me was a master at imaging.
And the Infinity Prelude design is reviewed as an imaging master.
All these and my own experience with my friends Amati's v his Stradivarius.
Another with Wilson Alexia.
My own ELS's all say to me, little or no baffle is best for imaging.

And to top it all of placement, nothing between the speakers or close to the side wall for good side to side and outside imaging. And well out from the back wall for good front to back depth perception   EG: equipment racks, tv, even the back wall ect.
My system friends say has a holographic image you see and hear that you feel you can walk into and/or reach out and touch, because of the above.
 
Cheers George  

one of the reasons i like to own several speakers w widely divergent design philosophy but from competent designers....