SET and horn lovers have to admit this presentation may not be for everyone. Generally speaking, this is a performers in room presentation, very immediate, up front, sort of like first few rows at concert. Some find this too up front, in your face presentation, may prefer being more distant to performers, instead of bringing performers into your room, you're taken to the recording venue. I've heard differing presentations that were quite compelling, there is no objectively superior presentation. we like what we like.
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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@sns wrote:
Generally, yes, but as you may imply it's not necessarily a trademark of horns to sound this way. I've found a range of in particular smaller horns covering the midrange on up to be relatively beamy or "hot" in their presentation, and most who listen to horns are treated to smaller variants of horns. Horn material characteristics also play a part here, the amps used, the horn profile, etc. Big, larger exit midrange horns that also act like horns and control directivity in their lower spectrum down to 500Hz or lower, depending on mentioned factors, sound less like horns and more like large panel speakers - with an added sense of physicality. They're present sounding, but from the plane of the horn front and back, not in front of it. Few however would consider horns that large for their home environment (and the midrange horn is the least of it compared compared to non-truncated horns from the upper bass on down), which is a shame. Seeing a 3' deep diffraction horn of pro origins with a mouth area of 2' x 3' may give most the association of it being terribly up front sounding, but it can be anything but. From your profile I see you're no stranger to horns (lovely setup, btw.). Does your own setup of modded Khorns + tube amps fall into the category of horn sound you describe? |
Easiest tweak for taming the treble in my Cornwall 4’s - applying 3/4 inch diameter punches of black Gorilla Tape to the midrange horns. The black makes them disappear atop the plastic of the horn, and experimentation with quantity and placement is infinite. Hole punch required. On my mid horns 4 circlets - one for each horn quadrant - solved everything. |
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