Yes, combo amps are using small speakers with terrific effect. Speaker size is relevant to amp output power: to get the same dB volume, an amp has to work harder to move the smaller cone. Think of larger cones as more efficient, however, smaller cones have more detail and refinement in the mid- to upper-ranges. Andrew Jones for example is kicking butt with 6.5" inch cones in his newly designed Elac Debut speakers which rival the sound quality of substantially larger and more expensive cones. And with new materials like neodynium, and efficient class-D amplifiers, why not minutiarize and lighten the load?
Small Speakers
Yes, combo amps are using small speakers with terrific effect. Speaker size is relevant to amp output power: to get the same dB volume, an amp has to work harder to move the smaller cone. Think of larger cones as more efficient, however, smaller cones have more detail and refinement in the mid- to upper-ranges. Andrew Jones for example is kicking butt with 6.5" inch cones in his newly designed Elac Debut speakers which rival the sound quality of substantially larger and more expensive cones. And with new materials like neodynium, and efficient class-D amplifiers, why not minutiarize and lighten the load?