Modern loudspeakers have converged so far that choice among them is statistically a tie.

Evidence

It is clear that as the years passed loudspeakers became increasingly similar. Products with very similar anechoic measurements are sometimes difficult to distinguish in double-blind tests. Often it comes down to a decision between sounds that are slightly different, but comparably good. In those cases, program material become the deciding factor, favoring one or the other at different times, and the end result is a statistical tie. There is a point of diminishing returns. And, as pointed out, the listening room is a major factor at low frequencies. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1947

Categorization

• ADDENDUM: Extends the ‘Grafting & Growth’ theme only loosely; more directly relevant as a capstone on why loudspeaker design has plateaued—fits any audio-centric essay.
• XREF: Connects to the reader’s prior notes on double-blind listening tests and the limits of anechoic measurement as a differentiator.