We like to throw around "comparison" data but in reality, it's very rare that those comparisons are made in properly controlled situations. Quite often we rely on our memory of what we heard.
Actually most of my experience has been in a direct side by side, listen to system A, now listen to system B etc setups.
In other cases the differences (same place-same sources-different times) have been huge-even so far as the OWNERS of the expensive line array systems laughing at THEIR system because it was so much worse than what we brought.
Just a couple of the "system size" comparisons. These are all with the "top of the line" products by the manufacturers-NOT the "baby system"
36 line arrays and 24 subs vs 2 Danley tops and 2 subs. The line array only got halfway to the intended "target area" and was considered "unlistenable" at only halfway there.
36 line arrays, 32 subs vs 3 Danley tops and 4 subs. The owner of the system said he could barely hear/understand his system while the Danley system was clear.
24 or 28 Line array tops vs 2 Danley tops. WHen the line array system was turned on, it sounded like it took a 150' step backwards.
14 line arrays vs 1 Danley. The owner of the line arrays said his system was nowhere nearly as clear.
And there are more-but you get the idea.
So please explain to me how the sightlines are better with a line array (because it it physically larger)-or it is lighter-or less expensive-or takes up less truck space etc etc.
Or even the fact that it "sounds better". I have yet to experience a case that a line array sounded better.
I guess it depends on what you are comparing to what, but not all products are created equal.