opinions on modern horn speakers

Duke,
Try to audition Avantgarde Solo active monitors and you'll know that transition issue had been resolved.

Marakanetz,

The Solo is indeed an ingenious design with its equalized coaxial driver complement. That 18" diameter shallow horn around the woofer starts to progressively lose precise directional control below about 750 Hz, though, so directionality at low frequencies isn't all that great. Walk around behind the Solo to test my theory. I suspect you'll hear the tonal balance change and become more bass-heavy. If precise directional control at low frequencies was maintained, the tonal balance would not change as you walk behind the speakers.

Please don't take the foregoing as a detraction from the innovative design of the Solo's - just a commentary on the inevitable physical limitations. I haven't actually heard the Solo's yet, but my impression at this point is that they're very well thought out.

Duke

I have heard a pair of Rethms being driven by a low wattage DNM amp, and it was the most dynamic and detailed setup I have ever heard. And my setup is no slouch when it comes to detail and imaging. I am getting some Loth-X Ion 1's early next week and am interested in hearing how they sound with my new low watt tube amps also...

Justin

I'm by no means an expert on horns but recently had the oppotunity to spend some quality time with the AG Solos at their Manhattan dealership. BTW, the owner, Bob, is a super guy and a total pleasure to deal with.

The Solos are an extermely dynamic and detailed speaker and produce a soundstage which is quite impressive given the not huge size of the speaker. The horn tweeter and woofer implentation was excellent which is to say seamless, in my view. With the Burmester #2 CD, the Solos were impressive wether it be with Steve Ray Vaughan's guitar or Radka Tareff's gorgeous voice on "The moon is a harsh mistress." It would not be an exaggeration to say that this was one of those speaker auditions where I felt totally taken by the music without any care of the equipment used.

The downside is that these speakers can totally destroy anything less than a high quality recording. The Eagles "Hell frezes Over" redbook is considered to be a quality recording and I have always believed this. On the Solos, the recordings digititis came through loud and clear. After two tracks, we had to switch to the Burmester which was followed with DCC golds.

It would be interesting to someday see a passive version of the Solo at a price point which would be much easier on the old wallet.:)

Jet

Jet, the beauty of Solo is in its active integration imo.