"As for the differences between the 2404 and the 2405, I think the horns on each make a considerable sonic difference, more than just dispersion characteristics.
You know it reminds me of the differences between the 2344/2307+2308. Almost the same dispersion charateristics and diferences. What Ian has said the 2344 puts it all over the room where the 2307/2308 has a more defined and focused listenning area. As such I wonder if some of the micro dynamics gets lost or dilluted in the wide angle horns between the lower spl at your listenning position and the room reflections clouding things up a bit. On axis either combo is not the same just one more of those subtle differences we get to choose.
"What one likes is the most important factor, though!"
Yeah I would say so.
Rob