Horn Speaker Recommendations

@willgolf, with regards to the design of your new home, will this music room be a " dedicated " listening room ? A few examples are : dedicated and upgraded electrical, greater wall reinforcement, room acoustic panels, etc. As in real estate : location, location, location. As in audio systems / music reproducing systems : the room, the room, the room. Horn systems have a benefit of creating less side wall reflections, but reflections, slap echoes, bass modes / resonances ( nodes and antinodes ) will all be present, if not dealt with. Obviously, once the speakers are in the room, and the system is set up, fine tuning the speakers location, to the room, and to your listening seats, will likely take some time. Expect some issues, and I am just trying to help, with such a big expenditure. I hope, for your benefit, you have considered this with your room " design ". Think about driving your car on nothing but cobblestone roads ? Just something to think about, if you haven't. Enjoy ! MrD.

MrD --- i will have a totally separate theater room in my new home which will be acoustically perfect.  Unfortunately, my two channel room is a combination great room and kitchen. That is my current set up and the music still sounds incredible.  I understand it is not going to be acoustically perfect but I know when I am sitting 15 ft away from the speakers, I will totally enjoy the music.  It is also why I have to have the speakers close to the rear wall.  

Balancing aesthetics with sound will always be in play. Room size, amplification and emotional appeal all contribute to the selection. Many knowledgeable people have weighed in on what's right for them, the ultimate determinant is what's right for you. Having recently become part of the JBL 4367 club, I can say that the 70's sound I have been looking  for is now in place. I owned a pair of L166 Horizons for over 25 years and have spent the last 15 trying to improve upon them. Klipsch, Triangle, Sonus Faber and Harbeth have all been cycled through the process. The elimination of JBL due to the boxy look is shortsighted. I power mine with a Mac C2300 pre and MC275 power and could not be more pleased. Bob James at low volume is relaxed and precise with a dynamic range that brings the room to life. At volume, they present a percussive side that is akin to Dead & Co at the Hollywood Bowl in full swing. Literally brought tingles to my arms. No sub required, just a two way that is nothing short of amazing.

Well emotion is a large part of the experience and what we all seek, but I dont understand the reference to 70s sound. The goal should be truth and an honest and accurate representation of the original material. This is the only benchmark that is acceptable to me.