I couldn’t agree more. Even a term like “imaging” is very subjective, and depends on the program material. I currently have a diy system composed of front loaded horns that cover the entire audible range, all horn loaded (not a hybrid). It’s very similar to John Inlows designs on his website. Do they image well? It’s complicated.
Stereo separation is excellent. It’s a joy to let people hear “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk for the first time on these. They smile from ear to ear, and comment on all the different guitar parts that seem to come from all different angles. Same is true for Bohemian Rhapsody, and all the vocal parts.
Their presentation is different than anything else I’ve owned. Anything recorded in a large, or semi large venue sounds very convincing. The Trinity Sessions with Cowboy Junkies transports me right to that church where it was recorded, with all of its reverby goodness. Eric Clapton Unplugged is also very compelling on these. With large venue, and live performances, the walls in my room seem to disappear. Large orchestral arrangement sound great; jazz trios image well to my ears also.
If I had a gripe about imaging it would be in regards to recordings that portray an intimate setting. A solo vocalist with a piano or an acoustic guitar. It’s still enjoyable to listen to, but it does not sound like the person is sitting on a stool right in my living room. It sounds like a twelve foot tall presentation of that person if that makes sense. Is that good or bad? I don’t know. Depends on what you like.
Electrostats are also outrageously fun, but don’t image everything realistically. I owned a pair of Martin Logan ReQuests in the past, and had the privilege of listening to some of the flagship Quad ESLs that had been rebuilt. I loved them both! Pink Floyd’s DSOTM gave me goose bumps. But, again, when it comes to a solo performer it did not sound like they were right in the room. It sounded more like the Sound emanated from somewhere near the tip of my nose. That’s fun, and interesting, but feels artificial.
When it comes to solo performances, the most intimate, performer is in your room type presentation, some well designed back loaded horns are the best I’ve heard. A few very expensive direct radiators also. That being said, neither of these are my favorite across the board for all music style.
In conclusion, no one style of speaker does all things perfectly. I am having a great time with my horns, and don’t feel like they suffer from honky, coloration. All the components are made from 3/4 mdf that rigorously braced, so dampening doesn’t seem to be a factor. All my observations above are subjective obviously, ymmv. Keep the tracks spinning!
