Be wary of manufacturers Voltage sensitivity ratings, they can be quite misleading see here page 1 sec: C 
Mike
Attention Horn Owners
Hey guys. I’m in the middle of making a few changes and seek your wisdom and help. Doing my research for speakers, I currently own Audio Note e/lx, and I think I might need a little more bass presence. These are wonderful, natural sounding speakers but I’m debating a change. Slightly more efficient would be nice, the AN’s are listed at 94db but some say measure closer to 92db. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Now for the post title. Doing my research I came across Volti. I like purchasing American made when I can, my amp and preamp are Aric Audio. I’ve never heard a horn speaker before. Reviews of some say they tend to be bright, which is a no go for my sensitive ears. Reviews did mention that Volti are not bright. So, any comments regarding ear fatigue and horn speakers or Volti speakers would be fantastic.
‘Finally, I live on Long Island. If there is any nearby who would be kind enough to allow me to listen to a horn speaker, there’s a six pack or bottle of wine in it for you! lol. I’d love to hear a pair before I spend 1 million hours researching different ones. Thanks in advance. Earthbound
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Thank you Ralph. I thought I was crazy. Having had an AB push pull prior to this and feeling the grunt a bit more, I felt like I might be missing something. On songs with a lot of bss, Sade Ordinary Love for example, the bass is great. It really just disappears with some songs and particularly any 80’s rock unless it’s cranked. Now I’m not blaming anyone but myself or saying AN or Arics gear isn’t great, because it is. I’ve learned that I’m not a low powered set amp guy. I will probably miss that awesome sound and presentation when I move to whatever’s next, but hopefully I can find a happy medium. |
I don't know if you've seen measured specs and/or reviews from Stereophile, but here is one account, https://www.stereophile.com/content/audio-note-e-lexus-signature-loudspeaker-audio-note-espe-he-august-2008 May, 2006 issue has specs on Lexus version, Atkinson measured 92.5db sensitivity, also stated, "I don't think the speaker will make significant demands for current on the partnering amplifier, which, in combination with the high sensitivity, makes it very suitable for use with flea-based single-ended amplifiers". Based on those specs and Atkinson's conclusions the 300B should work with the AN-E. I'd try out some subs before concluding your not a SET guy. I'd also suggest REL's, they are unique in their designed to connect to high level connections on amp binding posts. I use two with my modded Khorns and they made all the difference, not just lower fundamentals in bass, but sound stage, imaging, better tonal balance as well.
Now I did run Merlin VSM speakers some years ago, somewhat similar specs to the AN's, used those with both push pull and 845 SET amp, always preferred them with 845, bass much better than any EL34 and mids better than any KT series. Just for kicks tried them with some 2a3 monoblocks I had, no way, sounded like one of those pocket transistor radios. Of course 300B somewhere in the middle. I just wouldn't be so quick to get rid of what you have, your Aric audio amp and pre are fine pieces, almost pulled the trigger myself on his two enclosure 300B amps. |
What 300B's are you running? The 'premium' tubes make all the difference. I originally ran the Shuguang Black Treasures, generally considered one of the best or best of the 'affordable' 300B. Then moved to Psvane Acme, wow, that woke up my custom build 300B monoblocks, just far more insight, micro, macro dynamics, then I move to the Western Electric, notable increase in transparency. Power tubes make a big difference in SET, the same with my 845 SET's.
I should also note since REL's designed to connect to speaker binding post, they take on sound characteristics of amp to some extent, most seamless integration of subs I've tired, this vs. far more powerful subs using dsp. Some speakers just need a little bit more oomph, reach in bass, these not like bookshelf speakers that need crossover set at higher freq. don't need these massive subs My listening room 13'W x well over 30' L, I sometimes listen to electronic dance music and hard rock, my 'little' T9x pair of REL's do just fine, don't shake the room like my larger Genesis clone subs (Wyred4Sound), but the integration on all genres of music better.
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