Horn Speaker Recommendations


I am looking for your feedback on what Horn speakers I should consider in the $15k-$40k price range.  Please describe the rationale for your recommendations.  
willgolf
I would highly recommend auditioning the Diesis Ludos, available at Rhapsody audio. Beautiful top to bottom natural dynamic sound for 29k. Gutenberg auditioned the 100k version and fell in love but Bob at Rhapsody told me this was just as good from his listening, I certainly loved it but out of my price range. There is also a slightly larger Aura for 35k. See details on Ludos below. Best of luck in your search

The transducers used for the low frequencies are two high-efficiency ten-inch woofers, assuring comparable performance to larger models as it reduces a few db of sensitivity because the slimmer design. Upper registers are entrusted to a 45mm compression driver, which is the same as in the Aura one-inch throat. The circular design of the horn, which allows for far more efficient sound diffusion in tight spaces, was designed specifically for this model out of a solid block of milled ARNITE which was then lacquered. The Ludos can be considered a two-and-a-half-way speaker with two identical woofers but tuned to different frequencies. As in other Diesis models, in the Ludos the crossover filter, the assembly of the components and the finishing are all made by hand with no compromises. The efficiency along with its optimization for cozier spaces causes a nearly-live experience even with low-output tube amplifiers.

2.5 way system with 3 speakers
Two dipole loaded woofers 10 inch

Understanding driver from 45 mm exponential horn loaded on specific Sharp Audio

Sensitivity 93 db 2.83 V/M
Nominal impedance 6 Ohms
Frequency response in environment from 37 a 26.000 hz a +/- 8 db
Minimum power 10 watts RMS
Max power 130 watts RMS
Acoustic crossovers to 180 Hz and 2000 Hz
Maximum dimensions width cm Height cm depth cm 32,8, 28,9, 104,2, single speaker Weight 40 kg
* Bearing frame Clad 58 produced on specific Sharp Audio (material composed of mineral powders, cement and special resins) cast in one mould

Trumpet by one inch fiberglass and abs made about specific
Totalfix proprietary system for fixing the woofer
Cross-over hard wired with high-quality components treated with dielectric resins to military standards
Removable front panel and trumpet to allow editing of the aesthetics of the speaker in order to customize its inclusion in environment



My room is 23' X 20' which I assume is smaller than most dedicated sound rooms.  That is what I am referring to as a small room.  In that space they work fine. Most venues where Trios are being displayed are much larger than that.  I should have specified that.  
Agree with much of what you say about the Sound Labs, however dont forget to mention that these speakers are dipoles which creates problems by virtue of this aspect. Not a small problem I might add.
Has anyone from around the world heard the Horn Universum 3 way that are made in Poland?  There are none in North America.  
Second question, audio stores are telling me you need to use tube amps with Horns.  Do you agree?  I recently purchased Mola Mola Kaluga amps with the Makua Pre amp.  I was going to use them with a totally different speaker, but the Horns have really caught my interest.  What would I be sacrificing if I didn't use tube amps?  My current system is a Raven Audio Reflection MK2 tube amp with Sonus Faber Amati Tradition Homage speakers.  I sold that system with my house sale.  
It might be helpful to know what you are pairing the speakers with.  Would you need new amp?  Be able to use higher demanding speakers? etc.  


I would take a listen to the Rethm Saadhana.  They are a beautiful speaker in both sound and looks. 

 Loudspeaker sensitivity: 100 db/w/m. 
Impedance: 8 ohms. 
Frequency response: 22 Hz to 20 Khz. (60 Hz to 20kHz from wideband driver) Below that from the powered bass (x 3 in each enclosure) that blends in seamlessly
Minimum amplification power: 2 wpc  (A low watt tube amp sounds wonderful - no need to spend the extra $ on high watt amplification)
They have a powered bass built in so no need for a subwoofer
Sound - great detail, tone, no fatigue.  My last speaker.  And < 20K.
Gestalt HiFi (no affiliation, I just have had great service from Mike there) in Santa Fe has if close enough to drop in there.