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Full-range/horn loaded on a budget?


I'm desperate to find a full-range driver, horn loaded designed, wood cabinet speaker in the next week or two. I'm depressed since having to sell my beloved Horning Agathon Ultimates and not being able to enjoy my music. I need speakers. Something to get me by for now but still satisfy my spoiled ears. I was set to purchase the Zu Omen (Standard or Def) but disappointingly they don't have stock and build time is 4-6 weeks. That's frustrating because it's rare that I find something I like so quick - aesthetic wise. I can see that kind of wait for $10K speakers, but $1500?

Let me know your suggestions for $2800 and under. I have a few brands in mind but would like to hear from others who have possibly owned/auditioned various ones.

-
sakahara
clio09
3,362 posts
 
The Sonist speakers were on exhibit at the Bay Area audio show and RMAF in the dehavilland room. They made my top 5 room list a both shows.

The Tonian Labs TL-D1's are $2500. The other model I like, the 7.1 is $5500.

For pictures of the Rhythm Prism speakers go here:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=78557.0
sakahara OP
181 posts
 

Thanks, Clio09. You've done some research on these speakers.

I had considered the Tonian Labs speaker a few years back but ended up with Horning. I'm very intrigued again after reading reviews. Skeptical of it matching the Horning (and it better not at 7x's the price), but I feel it would have a very similar essence of sound I enjoyed so much with that speaker.

At this moment it's between Tonian Labs TL-D1 or D2, Sonist Concerto 3, and Zu Essence.

The Audiokinesis Rhythm Prism is interesting but that finish looks like cheap furniture veneer.
clio09
3,362 posts
 
Don't underestimate Duke. My Jazz Modules might not have the finest finish, but IMO they offer up some of the finest sound out there. As an FYI, the TL-D1's I have don't offer the best finish either.
sakahara OP
181 posts
 

Clio09: I noticed that you had those speakers. I like them. What about the TL-D1 finish didn't you like? I'm checking out a pair soon. Maybe coming home with them too.
clio09
3,362 posts
 
The original TL-D1's came with a basic finish. Nothing special, does show some flaws, but overall they look decent. You could have special ordered them with a premium finish, I think birds-eye maple was a popular one, and those looked quite nice. These days Tony is paying a lot more attention to the finish and it shows.

Let us know what you think after you hear them.
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