I think the basshorns are a supremely elegant match with the Trios. I've auditioned them twice, and with the basshorns the superb speed and liveliness of the upper range horns is preserved all the way down. I heard no integration problems. Both times I heard 'em the basshorns were in the middle of the room for aesthetic reasons; ideally they would be located in the corners, which would work even better.
The Trios with Basshorns are without a doubt among the most stunningly dynamic loudspeakers ever made for use in a home, and are probably king of the hill in that respect. My wife likes a bit more laid-back presentation, but I like their immediacy and excitement. Instead of picking between "musical" and "analytical" (either one having a somewhat negative connotation to some people), I'd rather say they are "exhilarating". And nope, I don't sell 'em.
As far as how they compare to the competition in the forty to seventy grand ballpark, to a certain extent it depends on what kind of presentation you most want. I think the monster Avantgardes are the front-runners for their type of presentation. In a more or less "conventional" format I'd probably pick the Intuitive Design Denali's, designed by Dale Pitcher (of Essence Audio). Among megabuck planars, pardon the plug but I think the Sound Lab U-1's with matching UB-1 subs are the front runner. I could probably live happily ever after with any of these.
Duke
The Trios with Basshorns are without a doubt among the most stunningly dynamic loudspeakers ever made for use in a home, and are probably king of the hill in that respect. My wife likes a bit more laid-back presentation, but I like their immediacy and excitement. Instead of picking between "musical" and "analytical" (either one having a somewhat negative connotation to some people), I'd rather say they are "exhilarating". And nope, I don't sell 'em.
As far as how they compare to the competition in the forty to seventy grand ballpark, to a certain extent it depends on what kind of presentation you most want. I think the monster Avantgardes are the front-runners for their type of presentation. In a more or less "conventional" format I'd probably pick the Intuitive Design Denali's, designed by Dale Pitcher (of Essence Audio). Among megabuck planars, pardon the plug but I think the Sound Lab U-1's with matching UB-1 subs are the front runner. I could probably live happily ever after with any of these.
Duke