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

Showing 2 responses by atmasphere

Aric Audio Custom 300b PSET and Aric Audio Super 6sn7 preamp. 

@earthbound Horns had better not be bright with that! In many rooms that amp would be a bit power shy on AN loudspeakers just so you know, based on the fact that any SET with zero feedback has about 20-25% usable power before distortion causes them to sound ’dynamic’. 

Subs are often a good idea. By getting the bass right, you’ll find the mids and highs to be calmer due to the built-in tone control of the human ear. IOW if the bass is lacking the highs will seem louder. 

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. 

@earthbound There's no reason a horn speaker should be bright. There's plenty of reason that if you combine the wrong electronics with a horn that it might be perceived that way. So you have to be careful. 

What sort of amplifier do you have?