Horn Speaker Recommendations

I do not think it is necessary to use tubes on horns.  At Axpona this year the Avantgarde room was using an Esoteric integrated amp, 30 watts per channel with AG Duos and it sounded terrific.  Perhaps others on this forum heard that room and can comment on the sound.

AG amplifier designs have all been solid state.  However, in my experience a moderately priced tube amp (~$5000) will sound better than a moderately priced solid state amplifier.  I drive my Trios with a Sophia integrated tube amplifier that costs under the $5000, which uses a 206 Sophia Princess output tube (a 300B hybrid) and puts out about 5 watts and sounds wonderful with a large dense sound field similar in sonic character to the Shindo tube gear.  I highly recommend Sophia Electric tube amplifiers.

There is one horn system that I have heard over the last three years at Axpona which is most impressive at a price point, and that is the Sadurni horns, a three way system similar to the AG Trios.  The problem is one never knows how long some of these boutique audiophile companies will stay in business.  

@willgolf --

Has anyone from around the world heard the Horn Universum 3 way that are made in Poland?  There are none in North America.  

I've heard a previous iteration of the hORNS Universum (and once owned the smaller sibling model, the Mummy), and the midrange in particular was wonderful. The large JMLC mids horn presented this frequency range quite unlike anything I'd really heard before - in a positive way. 

Second question, audio stores are telling me you need to use tube amps with Horns.  Do you agree?

I disagree, but I'd urge you to audition a variety of both SS- and tube-based amps with the Universum's, and then make your assessments in the wake of this. You may end up agreeing with the audio stores you have conversed with in regards to their advice on the pairing with tube amps (or you may not), but most importantly you'd have formed your own opinion to either agree or disagree with them. I know Lukasz Lewandowski of hORNS prefers tube amps in general, but regardless seek your own experience here. 

I heard  Avantgarde Duo and Uno on Montreal Audio show:
The sound was a huge, fast and detailed. But I didn't like bass quality and tone wasn't natural:
https://youtu.be/-cjmSP574Y4
https://youtu.be/3tbErIPQiXQ
https://youtu.be/4s8AeLSdk2M

I liked Tune Audio Marvel speakers.
they have excelent, natural tone. But the sound is not as big as  Avantgarde speakers:
 https://youtu.be/JCLuH_NeVgI

Regards,
Alex

@phusis

" once owned the smaller sibling model, the Mummy "
Can you provide some insights about the Mummy's sound ,etc and what you drove them with?

@willgolf
If your in the NJ,NY CT, PA area make an appointment with Charney Audio and listen to his outstanding creations. Full range single driver rear loaded horns based on the Tractrix theory. No crossover and no sub needed! Sweet clean highs with engaging midrange and full notes to the bass. Yes that’s notes not note! No need for room correction and very little in room treatments. Depending on the driver chosen Solid state and tube will sound exceptional. I’m currently listening to a pair or Maestro Companions Omega RS7 driver with a Digital Amplifier Company stereo Maraschino with fantastic results! High, deep and wide sound stage with pinpoint imaging that will draw you into the music. You’ll "get" what the artist is conveying with Charney Horns. Charney will custom make his horns with any wood and color scheme you want to fit your decor and budget. True works of art that sound exceptional! Go and give them a listen...you’ll be glad you did!
http://charneyaudio.com/
BTW What’s your handicap?