Cornwall IV vs. Volti Rival, Razz; Razz v. 1, 2, 3 -- what changed?

@james633

Somewhat. The CW’s are very quick and exciting; I kind of expected that but it was really quite evident. I liked the way they sounded for drum kicks and bass but for things like violins and strings and vocals, they were a little bit brash or unfinished. I think they’d be hard to listen to for a long time. A friend suggested that trying it with my DAC and in my room could make a huge difference. I’m not that confident that those things could change what seemed endemic to the drivers of those horns.

I really like the size and the power of the soundstage but it was a bit diffuse. Compared to my Ascend towers (RAAL tweeter) instruments were vaguely placed. Of course, this room is not dialed in as much as mine is, so I realize this may be just an accident of the room.

I know there are Klipsch fans out there who will want to correct me, or let me know that amplifier pairings could be the ticket. I’m open to hearing about that.

My gut tells me that this is too much of a lateral move, the speaker’s ability to check all the boxes (tonality, prat, soundstage, etc.) is a bit too uneven. That’s kind of why I’m investigating the Volti.

All speakers are built to a price point, so perhaps I’m just fooling myself that I can get a luscious and fast horn speaker at just 6.5k. But maybe I missed something. Hard to tell with just one 45 minute audition.

I've not heard the Cornwalls but I quite enjoyed the Razz pretty sure it was v1 if not then v2. Having also heard the Rivals I'd call the Razz fun and a touch unrefined but just in comparison to the Rivals which are much more $$.  Not sure if that helps much but good luck with the search Hilde I remain a frustrated horn enthusiast with a too small room. 😉

@jond Thanks. I appreciate it. Those CW’s were just so huge. Of course: no pain, no gain -- probably goes for the Rivals, too -- but it almost seems like letting a gorilla into your house. At first, it seems fun but soon you can’t get rid of him and no one will step up to help.

@hilde45 

It really depends on your priorities. If dynamics are high on your list, you’ll learn to live with the imperfections. I did when I had them years ago, and that was much older ones, and my supporting gear wasn’t as good.

I’d suggest trying them in your system if possible. I personally think that they look good too.

Hilde45,

your remarks on the Cornwall match my opinions. I demoed them 3 times at different dealers on McIntosh solid state and their 275 tube amp. I find them a bit harsh and wore my ears out but they were cranked (by choice) in all fairness. I also find the soundstage changed width with frequency. After demoing the Klispch line I bought the JBL 4367. 
 

I have never heard Volti. The JBL 4367 keeps the good part of the Cornwalls but betters everything with better drivers and parts. Look up Google images of the drivers from both speakers… They have a very smooth response that never tires and highs and upper highs are adjustable. They have measurements to back them up too. There is a pair on here for $7500 right now.