horn or line array?

As others have correctly said "the implementation matters". The room in which they will be used in is very important. How directional the speakers are and how reverberant/damped the room is will largely impact the sound. Will the setup yield a more direct field where the source contribution dominates or a reverberant field where the room's reverberant contribution dominates. Horns will typically be more direct field and line arrays more reverberant field. OB line arrays definitely more reverberant field. Horns and line  arrays are very different. Pros and Cons for both designs.

We designed our OB line arrays with a relatively wide baffle to influence the directional characteristics and to control the rear sound. They are rated at 105 dB 1w 1m. Interestingly, a person at last year's CAF show commented that they sound like a cross between planars and horns. Not sure what he meant.

I say all this to point out that there are many, many different implementation of both designs. You will have to spend lots of time listening to both designs in different room to really know which you prefer.

If anyone wants to send us a pair of reasonably sized horns we will gladly set up a demo to compare the two designs. Might be kind of interesting.

Omni...line 2nd....

LOL Infinity IRS IV (1988), or the more modern Genesis 1 vs Klipsch Jubilee (2022) = Alien vs Predator.   

For jazz, i’d go with Klipschorn AK6 and a high quality Dennis Had Inspire 300b SET amp, stick them in the corner and pick your favorite source, vinyl, CD or stream, keep the chain simple and revel in Miles Davis visiting your listening room in person.

Cheers
 

Arion,

I heard your speakers at Capital Audiofest.  I am a fan/owner of a horn-based system, but, I like a lot of other types of speakers.  I really liked your speaker, even if I don't think it sounds like any particular horn system.  It is a BIG plus that it can be used with lower powered amps because I particularly like the sound of low-powered tube amps.  I liked your speakers with all of the types of music I heard, but was particularly impressed with its handling orchestral music; it managed to get the weight and scale of the music right without having to be cranked up to excessive levels. 

I hope you are back at this year's show. 

I have a set of Magnepans which are dipole, and they do pretty good with certain jazz. Pianos sound lovely in particular. But my cornwalls are my go to for horns and anything rock related. Horns may be your best bet all around for jazz music. Hope this helps