Why not horns?

I hear you, Mapman. I'm feeling the same way now with similar circumstances.
I have one son in college and one who just decided it's not for him.

Participation on both of the audio forums I visit is down and the topics are mostly boring and rehashed rote. Hi end audio is withering on the vine. I have things to sell and can't seem to be bothered doing it. Any moves I can afford to make at this point in my life in regard to audio would be more lateral than vertical. The price of the dream equipment has moved beyond my wildest dreams. The carrot is out of reach and my interest has flagged because of apparent futility.

For a time, a bit of bargain hunting, downsizing and DIY kept my interest but now even those diversions have no effect.

I think I'm just going to like what I have. Multi-channel sound and special effects video have left me longing for simpler times. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like I'm going to be young again.

Meanwhile, I hope to attend Capital Audiofest again this year in suburban DC. Horn speaker systems had a more than healthy presence there last year and delivered some of the best sound in show. Maybe I'll hear something that will up the ante like the custom GOTO horns did last year, but I suspect if I do that the cost (not to mention size) will be astronomical as well in conjunction and the benefits over what I already have marginal at best as well. We'll see....

I have a neophyte question. (I admit I have not read every
response in this thread, maybe it's been touched upon .)

For a smallish mid- or tweeter horn, mid in particular,
would it be desirable to coat the metal casting with
some kind of goopy damping/deadening material ?

I have some horn mids I bought long ago to experiment with.

Thanks !

Given that my Lascala's might not be the "perfect" horn system, it was amazing how much more I wanted to, and did, listen to music after aquiring them, and, with each and every modification. I still own many "other" speakers that have taken up space in 2ndary systems(sold more than kept), but the system that draws me in are the horns. Aquire a pair (Fortes are not much 2nd hand), although I prefer the Lascala over all other Klipsch at this respective price point. The bass horn makes a huge difference over others....Just my opinion. And yes, I have a child that went through college, as well as other bills, so I understand the monetary constraints.

Horns blow.

:)