Horn Speaker Recommendations

Not a fan of horns but I do think that something from Cessaro would be worth a look. Best I remember hearing. If you get horns be sure to power them adequately. I strongly favor more power from an OTL design over the lower powered SETs especially if you go with Avantegarde. I wouldnt waste my time with anything from Klipsch unless you want to spend time and money modifying them. Others rightly point out that with horns you sacrifice many things to get those wonderful dynamics and you should make certain that what horns do well are your top sonic priorities.

Agree with much of what you say about the Sound Labs, however dont forget to mention that these speakers are dipoles which creates problems by virtue of this aspect. Not a small problem I might add.

As a person who really doesnt like horns but has heard many, please put Klispch on the bottom of your list. The Klipsch just arent worthy of mention in the company of many of the other suggestions given. At least not without major mods. I havent heard the newer JBLs, but based on their past sound I would avoid them with equal enthusiasm.

I dont know of a single horn enthusiast who has been around the block more than once that considers Klipsch viable or competitive. Kind of the like the McDonalds of horns. The criticism of my JBL comments may be appropriate if they dont sound like their older designs which logically they should due to the past success of this company. In any case my opinion is now known for what its worth.  

Well emotion is a large part of the experience and what we all seek, but I dont understand the reference to 70s sound. The goal should be truth and an honest and accurate representation of the original material. This is the only benchmark that is acceptable to me. 

My main speakers are Ascendo Model Ms. In other rooms I have older Kharmas (due to cheap price when purchased), Phase Techs in the garage and some modified Radio Shack 4 speakers with Lineum tweeters. In fact, the garage would be the ideal location for some horns. 

In a sense, as an enthusiast, you are only as advanced as the best system you have ever heard.

I dont feel it necessary to preface every statement with an "in my opinion" as this is a given.

I think that you all need to listen to what johnk says as he certainly to me seems to know the most about horns and speakers from a perspective similar to those that mentored me about this particular speaker design. 

My list of audio absolutes:

1) analog is better than digital

2) all things equal higher impedance speakers are better than lower impedance speaker and sealed speaker enclosures are better than ported or transmissions lines

3) all things equal first order crossovers are best

4) never mix dynamic low frequency drivers with horns or planar
speakers


I object to a number of riaa's assertions about JBL Monitors but I will address these at a later time. I will say that listening to recordings mixed on JBL speakers will still sound better through an accurate system that is neutral than through a system that is not.  

I have heard of East and West Coast sound, but never 70s sound. Live and learn I guess. 

Much wisdom in the last paragraph of Ralph's (atmasphere) last post. 

If a reviewer says something about a particular speaker being better suited to one form of music or another this is a really bad sign.