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It is just an artefact from the non-correct addition of the nearfield bass measurements to the windowed measurement above at all Stereophile measurements, the Soundstage one is less flawed there:
The directivity seems well controlled. The new smaller midrange + tweeter waveguide combination seems to be beneficial to the performance of the new Silver range. Impedance and electrical phase also seem to be correct, without any overly current-hungry combination. I would be very eager to see the new range measured by amirm !
I can confirm from personal experience that sound absorption vastly improves stereo (and multichannel) playback. I have listened in my old listening room (20 x 28 x 10ft) while it was being constructed, from no absorption to most of the walls having 5 1/2in of rock wool and front half of the ceiling 11 inches of rock wool, all the way up to a large anechoic chamber, More absorption = better sound. Also, when available, better and better reconstruction of the recording venue ambiance. Of course, even that much absorption does not do much for very low frequencies, but every little bit helps
I've always been a fan of the Bronzes and Silvers, although they've both creeped up in price over the years. I'd like to see both Stereophile and Soundstage review the new Silver 7G bookshelf models too. I find the new Bronze series to be disappointing, as they seem to be voiced more like B&Ws, with a rather V shaped sound, with recessed mids and a too hot tweeter, two attributes that I didn't experience from the older Bronzes, which, like these new Silvers, were well balanced. Apparently MA has seen how well this type of design does in the market place, judging by Klipsch's and B&W's popularity in the under $1000 market segment