No, I have not tested those specific models.
I would be interested if you did (source type, as I said, rather than specific model, as you said). However, I would also understand if you didn't, given their market share, as well as potential market share (due to mandated positioning).
Now I understand your question. We don't recommend you use multiple subwoofers beyond about 120-200 Hz for reasons you suggest.
Equalization above that frequency will either be based on a single seat or a spatial average made across several seats. You can't make every seat perfect with multi-point equalization, contrary to what some people may suggest.
Yes, I know
. Which is why it may be preferred to start with a source less influenced by the room.
I can think of several reasons why wider uniform horizontal dispersion might be more important than uniform vertical dispersion: the most important reflections are off the side walls since they contribute spaciousness. The ceiling/floor reflections don't contribute to spaciousness, and the carpet (if you have one) will absorb much of the first floor bounce at higher frequencies. But I am speculating because I have not done an experiment where only the vertical radiation was manipulated while other factors were kept constant, and to my knowledge, no one has yet.
But I'm not disputing that horizontal is most important, it is. That certainly doesn't mean that what I said wouldn't hold true. That uniformity in the entire polar field(s) and the resulting reverberant spectra might not be preferred. Quite true that the absorption coefficients of the room planes will differ. But cognitively, do we/have we adapted to this? Our brains seem pretty good as filters.
I have tested some loudspeakers with co-axial/coincident drivers that meet the criterion you suggest, yet there was nothing special about them that made them sound superior in any way. Some of them were downright awful.
But is that indicative of the format or the particular DUT's?
Did that include the latest generation KEF, TAD and now even Genelec?
Doubtful, but surprise me
It seems that loudspeaker compromised of well-designed vertical driver arrays seem to do pretty well. The CBT arrays developed by Keele et al, are a good example where good horizontal and vertical dispersion can be achieved. They also have desirable directional properties that make them good candidates as surround speakers, as discussed in Floyd Toole's book.
Can't argue that the vertical monopolars in the market are innumerable. No doubt, but one always wonders if there is a better mousetrap (though not necessarily a more marketable one).
cheers,
AJ
