Horn Speaker Recommendations

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. 

With all the blah blah blah presented by jsautter, in his 200 posts, he does not mention what speakers he owns. I am sure they are wonderful, but, probably a speaker not for everyone. Let’s have it, jsautter ? Let us know what your " benchmark " is, considering, a perfect speaker, does not exist, always having trade offs.  

My main speakers are Ascendo Model Ms. In other rooms I have older Kharmas (due to cheap price when purchased), Phase Techs in the garage and some modified Radio Shack 4 speakers with Lineum tweeters. In fact, the garage would be the ideal location for some horns. 

In a sense, as an enthusiast, you are only as advanced as the best system you have ever heard.

I dont feel it necessary to preface every statement with an "in my opinion" as this is a given.

I think that you all need to listen to what johnk says as he certainly to me seems to know the most about horns and speakers from a perspective similar to those that mentored me about this particular speaker design. 

My list of audio absolutes:

1) analog is better than digital

2) all things equal higher impedance speakers are better than lower impedance speaker and sealed speaker enclosures are better than ported or transmissions lines

3) all things equal first order crossovers are best

4) never mix dynamic low frequency drivers with horns or planar
speakers


I object to a number of riaa's assertions about JBL Monitors but I will address these at a later time. I will say that listening to recordings mixed on JBL speakers will still sound better through an accurate system that is neutral than through a system that is not.