Horn Speakers


After owning many different systems over the past 20 yrs or so, I’m coming to the realization that what I like most (at least right now) is lifelike dynamics, the kind that will make you jump.

I owned Maggies for several years. I love their big open sound, but missed the “punch” of dynamic speakers. About 3 yrs ago I went to Vandersteen’s, currently 3A’s. They still have that open sound and do offer some “punch”, not a ton, but some. Going to Nuforce amps gave the Vandies a little more kick, but I’m still missing the lifelike dynamics that I’ve heard with some horn speakers. The problem is, the horn speakers I’ve heard are a bit shouty & harsh.

My question, is there a reasonably priced horn speaker that offers the dynamics I’m missing, with a smoother, more refined sound? Used speakers are fine, I’m open to doing some mods (cross-overs, damping, etc) budget is $1500 +/-.
ecruz
After doing some research, it looks like Cornwalls are the more prefered of the two. Although it seems some people like the Forte's better.
Ecruz,

I think it's pretty safe to say, that all (Cornwall, Chorus, Forte, etc.) are going to be a great choice. It just boils down to which one you like the best. Hearing each one or as many as you can would be the best situation to buy from.
its down to a bit of difference in the base...the klipsch house sound is pretty cool
I've owned many and heard them all. There's a reson the Cornwall's were resurrected by Klipsch and the Chorus, Fortes, etc. were not.

They're very good speakers that have a smaller foot print, which is what they were designed for, but Paul knew what he was doing we he used the big cabinets for the CW's.

I read that he disigned the Cornwall's to have bass performance on par with the K-horns, but in a cabinet that was easier to place, i.e. didin't require two good corners.

Obviously the CW's are my favorites. I'll admit the K-Horns and LaScalla's are more sensative, more detailed, etc., but they can also sound very sharp to my ear if the cross over's are not modified.

I always felt the CW's were much smoother and represent a good compromise.
I only got rid of my Hereseys to buy Cornwalls. I got rid of my Cornwalls to please my wife! I now have much smaller but almost as efficient Coincidents. In my opinion, if size matters, the Cornwalls are the best Klipsch out there. Hereseys take up as much space once on stands. Khorns, LaScala and Belle are HUGE and only marginally more efficient.

Also, the Corwalls are "old school" klpsch cabinet design with 3/4 plywood boxes. The whole company changes when they went to using mdf and cheaper materials for the horns. Now that HK has them, it's even worse.

Forte & Chorus are not from the original line-up. I'm very partial to the original klipsch.

Final note: My coincident speakers are almost as efficient, very tight and clean, smaller & prettier but made with veneer instead of plywood, have less bass and only lose out to klipsch when listening to horns/jazz or cranking at 125db!