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

earthbound

From reading everything here, if it were me. I'd first try the sub route with present AN. If that didn't work I'd listen to Volti's, (and listening anytime is great idea) with your present amp and pre, try to demo in your listening room. Other horns are an option as well. And not sure I like your idea of going with Pass. I think Pass is great and all but fairly recently I purchased Pass XP-22 pre to have as backup or replacement for my Coincident Statement (DHT tube) pre. While it was nice, all tubes for horns is best IMO, just lost a bit of that presence of live musicians in room that is calling card of DHT and horns. Now some people don't like this presentation, they prefer more distance from the musicians, this upfront sort of presentation too much in face. I get it, I've heard other presentations that I quite like, I'd have multiple setups if I had the money and room.

I have been using Altec Lansing 604Cs for 45 years. 

When they get honky, it means something is not set up right, or something is failing. 

As my entire system has been refurbished (except for the tonearm) from top to bottom within the last two years, the sound is now silky smooth and startlingly lifelike. No 2-3K bump whatsoever. 
 

See the about page:

https://theaudioatticvinylsundays.com

 

Thanks guys. The gentleman reached out and I will have a listen on Wednesday. So, no decisions with subs or speakers until then. I get to step back and reset. By this coming Thursday I will have a new perspective, whatever that may be. 

@earthbound sounds great, did he say which speaker he has for you to listen too?..If I go there it will be the Lucera or the Rival…

Sns, I will keep the amp and pre. Instead of doing my usual sell everything and start again routine. I do love the sound of the 300b set amp. Who knows, perhaps my bass issue can be resolved another way. This is my first foray into the set amp world so I don’t know what characteristics are attributable to which device. Caution, thought and slow action is probably prudent. I will listen to various speakers going through similar types of amps and see if I can achieve what I want without selling everything.