Why not horns?

"There isn't much finished product for sale under $10,000, even used. "

That likely helps account for limited interest.

Why talk about the benefits of something that few can afford to do well?

I see Oris150 horns with bass cab sets on Audiogon every now and then for $3-4k. I expect those could hang pretty well with the best as long as the drivers are good ones, and the crossover point is done well.

Mapman - Part of my intent here is to elicit testimony from people like myself who found an affordable way to put together a good horn system.

T-bone - I suspect you are right. I know a couple of guys in other parts of the country who have Oris and swear by them. Both are seasoned audiophiles and highly credible.

But for $1500 you can purchase Altec model 19 in good condition. Add fostex t900a tweeters a few parts adds about $1100 more, performance of this combos hard to beat under 10k no mater what you buy. And can be tweaked to be even better for not much outlay or skills. Heck most guys who complain about DIY a horn kit or adding a super tweeter easily can assemble there computers or modern furniture that seems be most DIY kit in itself.

To Johnk or any other person knowledgeable about Altecs - could someone briefly describe the differences between the Altec model 19 and the A7 Voice of the Theater? I am very familiar with the latter, as my uncle owns a pair, but I have never heard the former, and I keep hearing a whole lot of Altec fans saying they are the best. Why?