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Horn based loudspeakers why the controversy?

As just another way to build a loudspeaker system why such disputes in forums when horns are mentioned?    They can solve many issues that plague standard designs but with all things have there own.  So why such hate?  As a loudspeaker designer I work with and can appreciate all transducer and loudspeaker types and I understand that we all have different needs budgets experiences tastes biases.  But if you dare suggest horns so many have a problem with that suggestion..why?
128x128johnk
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johnk's avatar
johnk OP
1,973 posts
 
https://www.lifewire.com/vintage-horn-speakers-3135115  
bstbomber's avatar
bstbomber
73 posts
 
My understanding Horn based Loudspeakers are designed for distance and dispersion.
I would think they are overkill for the size of home listening room.
However i have heard some great ones.
wolf_garcia
6,635 posts
 
I do think the Heresy IIIs aren’t so great for near field listening, but then I also think anybody but an idiot knows that (I recommend smallish KEFs with concentric tweeters for near field as they’re cheap and sound better than most "pro" monitors). I’m maybe 9 or 10 feet from them with some toe-in…perfect! Ya gotta get yer toe in. Although I am going to try a couple of stands that raises them up a foot or so to get the bass driver off the floors and the tweeter at ear level…they’re now up a couple of inches as I have them on butcher blocks with Vibrapods under the speakers, and using the upward angling bases…having them on the floor of course reinforces bass, but I use 2 REL subs so bass is covered…the Heresys go to maybe 58HZ before dropping off considerably so subs are necessary for my tonal needs. Note that I feel these things don’t beam much at all anyway, and I’ve used sophisticated speakers with dome tweeters that seemed to beam more than these do…so there, horn deniers!
willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
" I do think the Heresy IIIs aren’t so great for near field listening"

@wolf_garcia ,

I can't say for sure about the Heresy III but the HI and HII are great for near field listening, IMO.  I think that is what I am most intrigued about these speakers.  In both my rigs(Heresy I and Heresy II), I sit at one corner of a 6' x 6' x 6' equilateral triangle and feel truly immersed in the music.  Great imaging and soundstage with plenty of thump.

Bill
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