Why not horns?

Herman. I have one last thing to mention with regards to parallel amps in an effort to reconcile why we keep misunderstanding what each other is saying.....
If you take a look at BATs website and look at the following products: VK-255SE and VK-600. Scroll down to the bottom of each page and look at the specs. You will see that both amplifiers have 26dB of gain. Yet one is rated at 150W into 8ohms and the other is 300W into 8ohms.
The practical difference between these two amps is that the VK-600 is basically a chasis with two of the smaller amps fit inside. There are other differences but practically speaking, this is the crux of it. The 600 basically has double the output devices in parallel that the 255 has. Indeed, they previously offered a VK-250M which was basically the same as a VK-600 in two seperate boxes. Now, they go a step further. Just like the VK-75 and the VK-150, if you take the VK-600 and parallel its inputs/outputs you get an amp with the same gain but twice the current capability again.

Bottom line. I totally agree that paralleling identical amps does NOT change the gain (dBW) one bit. But clearly, BAT is a good example of how it does double the output power.
Perhaps we've been arguing over two very different things here. Whatever the case, if you still strongly disagree with what BATs website clearly states then, well, I have to admit I am curious to know why but this is probably not the best place to hash that out.
Cheers.

MrD,

Can you tell us more about the mods to the La Scala, how you determined them, and how these effected the resulting sound? Thanks.

Prez,

You said the power doubled. Since paralleling does not increase power as I demonstrated it was logical to assume you meant bridging since that is the only way to get more power. You scold me for not properly interpreting your mistaken idea that power went from 75 to 150 watts????

You've already proven you have no idea how amps operate with your assertion that the current doubles when you provide the same voltage to the same load. I do mean power, not gain. I completely understand the difference. Evidently you do not because paralleling amps does not affect the gain, it remains the same.

A distortion is an error and they do add up, they don't average. Two drivers distorting differently is more distortion than either driver by itself.

I've debated people like you in the past and will not do so again. You are now so hell bent on not admitting your mistakes you are embarrassing yourself with idiotic assertions.

Good day.

.

Prdprez - I started this thread with the hope that I might engender a useful and enlightening discussion about horn loudspeakers. I know from first hand experience that there are horns that do not pollute the air with what generally is called horn sound. Mine are as crystal clear and utterly precise as anything you have ever heard and in all likelihood significantly more so. It can be done and Bill Woods has done it. I gambled when I bought my horns and it paid off handsomely. Not all of my gambles have been so rewarding.

My reason for asking everyone to read Bill's article on horn geometry is an attempt to get all of us on the same page. It is a thoughtful piece around which we could center a debate. It could serve to take us beyond isolated anecdotal testimony and baseless claims.

Everyone:
Duke and Johnk are professional speaker builders who have found out first hand what they are trying to share with you. A bit of gratitude would be nice and a show of respect would not be entirely out of line. Ralph owns Atma-Spere, one of the most highly respected lines of tube amplification made in the U.S. For some years now he has worked closely with John Wolfe of Classic Audio Reproductions, a very highly reviewed line of horn hybrid loudspeakers. These guys know more than you do. Be grateful that they are sharing their views and experiences and stop trying to show off. Ralph, in particular, has attended every major U.S. show for more than 20 years and knows most products pretty well. Unlike me, he has a broad knowledge of how one product compares to another and in this area his knowledge likely surpasses any of us. Please be grateful. What these guys bring to the table goes beyond just theory - it is the voice of experience.

Mapman, it took me a few years to minimize the box resonance from the boxes. Simply, I used test tones with a microphone/spl meter, my feel of the box and my ears, as well as a wide range of music to come up with my mods. I originally started with a brace at the front corners of the bass horns. I than used some resonant free aluminum bars(found at a surplus parts place in town),applying them one pair at a time. Until they passed my criteria. The wife is ok with them, because of the paint and vinyl tile I have used to make them room friendly. Some of these bars face horizontal,some vertical. I had done another pair prior, but overdamped the boxes. Not much more to say. MrD