ear ear

I agree with the above 3D, but although this is slightly beside the point, I'd like to suggest that it is often possible to overcome certain theoretical limitations of a particular technology by careful application and ingenuity. The most obvious (to me) example of this is the Porsche 911. Starting in theory from such a disadvantage of carrying a heavy lump in the rear to become such a great handling beast (allegedly), by careful engineering, albeit over 4 decades. So ATC might not use the best of everything, but that doesn't mean the end results aren't excellent. I realise you never suggested that ATC were bad speakers.