Every speaker type, manufacturer and model has it's advantages and disadvantages, as well as it's fans and detractors. I consider myself lucky; over the years I've been able to indulge my passion and curiosity to try all types of audio gear, including many speakers. I like horns and I also like not-horns in the same way I like BBQ'd beef and pork.
I suspect that many audio guys are turned off by horns for one of two reasons:
1- word on the audio "street" is that horns suck, or
2- many folks are used to high power SS amplification and high SPL. Some horns can handle and sound great with high power amps, but by nature of their design horns do not provide high SPL. Play loud, yes. Paint the picture of the old Maxell ad where the guy is being blown out his seat, no. This is not a problem for me since I have never been to a concert or live music event that sounded anything like, (for example) a JBL L100.
The best horn speakers I have ever heard (owned, actually) were a pair of Earo 8 active, single point source, rear horn-loaded speakers from Sweden. Stupidly expensive (but for the show special price) but these were the best overall speakers I have ever owned. Not the best at everything, but the best overall. To my ears, no other speaker has sounded as natural and organic as the Earo.
Similar, yet different is the new Rethm Bhaava speaker. It's made in India, is of very high quality, sounds fantastic and is very affordable. I was blown away by a recent demo.
I still own a pair of both Altec Lansing Model 14s and Bob Crites' Cornscala "D". Both have been modded - the Altec by replacing the xover and the Cornscala by replacing the standard 15" woofer with a Faital unit and twaeking the xover. Both speakers sound great in a small to moderate room, have wide sound dispersion, terrific imaging and no honkiness.
If you are into the classic Klipsch Heresy-type horn speaker I will advise you to look at ampsandsound.com. Justin undersdtands horns for small rooms and makes a great speaker. I owned a pair of custom speakers he made several years ago as prototypes. I never should have sold them.
I suspect that many audio guys are turned off by horns for one of two reasons:
1- word on the audio "street" is that horns suck, or
2- many folks are used to high power SS amplification and high SPL. Some horns can handle and sound great with high power amps, but by nature of their design horns do not provide high SPL. Play loud, yes. Paint the picture of the old Maxell ad where the guy is being blown out his seat, no. This is not a problem for me since I have never been to a concert or live music event that sounded anything like, (for example) a JBL L100.
The best horn speakers I have ever heard (owned, actually) were a pair of Earo 8 active, single point source, rear horn-loaded speakers from Sweden. Stupidly expensive (but for the show special price) but these were the best overall speakers I have ever owned. Not the best at everything, but the best overall. To my ears, no other speaker has sounded as natural and organic as the Earo.
Similar, yet different is the new Rethm Bhaava speaker. It's made in India, is of very high quality, sounds fantastic and is very affordable. I was blown away by a recent demo.
I still own a pair of both Altec Lansing Model 14s and Bob Crites' Cornscala "D". Both have been modded - the Altec by replacing the xover and the Cornscala by replacing the standard 15" woofer with a Faital unit and twaeking the xover. Both speakers sound great in a small to moderate room, have wide sound dispersion, terrific imaging and no honkiness.
If you are into the classic Klipsch Heresy-type horn speaker I will advise you to look at ampsandsound.com. Justin undersdtands horns for small rooms and makes a great speaker. I owned a pair of custom speakers he made several years ago as prototypes. I never should have sold them.