2. speakers
  3. 132484-293

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?
johnk
johnk's avatar
johnk OP
1,976 posts
 
I enjoy all types of loudspeaker all have uses all one can make synergistic systems out of. Horns have strengths weakness like all things to ignore strengths and only focus on weak points is self defeating with a system made of multiple devices playing towards strengths is the best way to get synergy. The more you know about audio the better your system will be those hating on horn loudspeakers without really experiencing maybe missing out on one of the worlds greatest pleasures or may also be saving themselves pain and $ but for me I want to know and I am glad I try most everything. I found what I like in audio what performance aspects have the most meaning for me and I hope you will or already have.
Post removed 
phusis's avatar
phusis
1,273 posts
 
… Most horn systems are physically large, and like a lot of other large speakers, they deliver a "big" sound. The sound seems to fill up a large volume of space and envelop the listener. I like this quality a lot. When one listens to tiny speakers, even when they play quite loudly, one can sense that the sound is coming from a small source and it does not seem to have realistic scale.

I wholeheartedly agree with the above. Being ’enveloped’ (a very fitting term here) by sound the way large horns can do while providing proper-ish scale is what really sets them apart from most others speakers, I find. Another aspect that is inherently linked to this sensation is that of effortlessness; it de-stresses the sound in a way that is both relaxing and more believable. Smaller, direct radiating speakers can sound "large" in a different, spatial way, but they don’t load the listening space in the same authoritative, solid and room-lock kind of way.
Post removed 
prof
3,528 posts
 
The most realistic sonic presentation of an orchestral piece I’ve ever heard came from a really good movie theatre system employing horns.  Eyes closed it was astonishingly like listening to a full orchestra!
More to discover