Horn based loudspeakers why the controversy?


As just another way to build a loudspeaker system why such disputes in forums when horns are mentioned?    They can solve many issues that plague standard designs but with all things have there own.  So why such hate?  As a loudspeaker designer I work with and can appreciate all transducer and loudspeaker types and I understand that we all have different needs budgets experiences tastes biases.  But if you dare suggest horns so many have a problem with that suggestion..why?
128x128johnk
I did something quite unexpected.....   I auditioned a pair of Klipsch Heresy lll.....   and I ended up taking them home.   With a good sub they sound fantastic and are the closest thing to live music I've ever had in this room...
As noted many of the main stream mags stay away from horns here’s a tid bit from Art Dudley for Stereophile on Charney Audio at CAF last month...

“After the Capital Audio fest vintage seminar and my visit to Vinyl Revivers, I looked at my phone and saw that time was running out: I had just over three hours left to cover seven or eight more rooms. Time to get cracking!
I remembered Charney Audio from a previous show: based in Somerset, New Jersey and run by designer Brian Charney, they specialize in horn-loaded, full-range speakers and low-power amplifiers—and the last time I heard their products, I thought the company had considerable promise. Based on what I heard at CAF 2017, Charney has upped his game even further: the sound from the company's Companion Mk.II loudspeaker ($12,000/pair as shown, with optional Voxativ AF 2.6 drivers and maple veneer and hardwood accents; other versions start at $5850/pair), driven by a pre-production Charney amp and fed by a Japanese Sparkler Audio 503 CD player ($1500), with cabling by Jena Labs, sounded clear, detailed, and very tactile and present—but without the shout that plagues other Lowther-like designs.

The system had a somewhat light balance, but was richer than the last Charney system I heard—and actually did a creditable job on a recording of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in d. Worth checking out.”

Read more at https://www.stereophile.com/content/art-wraps-it-caf2017#c3RxZYCjpA4YObBG.99

I came across the  JTR Noesis 210RT Speaker horn speaker on YouTube. They go for about $2300. They sound nice as far as I can tell and I'd like to hear them soon.

All the best,
Nonoise
With such interest and many major manufacturers starting to offer horns or wave guide loudspeakers its been my experience that horn systems for audiophile use are on the increase. Despite the obstacles to horn ownership. I see more interest in forums more offerings more options I see reviewers and industry folks running horns systems.