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Cogent horns

Count me among those who have to say that the Cogent field-coil horn system is the single most realistic (and satisfying) speaker system I have heard. The system at RMAF 2006, powered by Welborne 45 (top) and 300B (bass) SETs, was *literally* jaw-dropping (for me).

(For whatever reason - I was not impressed to the same level the next year, in the very large conference room. Perhaps there is something about near(er) field listening these things. By all rights the Welborne room was *way* too small, but they sounded fabulous to me and many others.)

They are far beyond my price range.

How do the Classic Audio speakers with field coil drivers compare? And how come I see no mention at all of field coil options on Classic's site, including no pricing info? (I'm sure they're beyond me as well but just curious.)
paulfolbrecht
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Thanks for this great discussion! I don't often find much of any interest to me in this forum, but now we're talking HORNS!

I apologize if I pull this discussion in a bit of a different direction from FC. I would like to hear more about the difference in sound from a conical vs. tratrix horn. It is difficult enough to audition most cone and dome speakers, but horns?!? We're talking damn near impossible.

Is there really that much difference in the distortions that lead to the "horn" sound between these two approaches? Also, I have heard that this can be corrected to some extent with a tweak to the crossover, like raising the pole. How much can be corrected in this fashion?
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Hi Dan - Have you seen this?

http://www.lenardaudio.com/education/07_horns_2.html

Also the horn page:

http://www.lenardaudio.com/education/07_horns.html

After you've read this, call Bill Woods and ask your questions.

He's located up your way, incidentally. Hastings, Ontario.
Maybe you can go see him.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Thanks for the links, Macrojack. There is good information on horns. However, I still don't see anything that discusses the cone vs. tractrix sound. I'll do some googling.

Perhaps the answers I'm looking for will only come with hearing the difference between my current tractrix horns and some conical horns. The ante to play at that table is a bit stiff. :-)
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Dan - Bill can answer your questions. 1-705-696-2092

I hunted around for info for some time before I found him and he answered my questions without a sales pitch and without dissing anyone else. He will tell you about shortcomings and compromises in all designs including his own. You'll enjoy the experience.
weisselk
48 posts
 
There is a discussion on the sound of conical horns vs. LeCleach, which is a kind of extreme version of the tractrix, so you might find it of interest, at the OMA Forum under General Speakers.
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