What Horn loaded speaker/ speaker system for $10k'ish and under


I’m looking to go potentially go back to a horn loaded speaker, or hybrid budget under $15k. I’ve had LaScala’s in the resent past (prior to my current Spendor D9.2’s that are for sale now) and loved them but I feel there is better out there for similar money.

JBL horns like the 4367 or 4349, S3900, S4700? Volti? LALS? others I’ve forgotten or not known.

I’d like to have efficiency above 90db,

extension to 35hz or close to it, I could live with subs though.

I’m not apposed to used in good condition, I will not buy black speakers though.

 

128x128glennewdick

Ha why won't you buy black?  just wondering.

 

What about the Klipsch Cornwall?  To me, it's the best of all worlds. Or the Forte IV which i find phenomenal.  

With your budget, you can buy a set of Cornwalls/Fortes and something else and swap them in/out as you get the itch.

@glennewdick --

From what you’ve outlined I’d suggest a pair of (used?) JBL M2’s for active configuration, with a pair of Crown I-Tech 5000HD amps with built-in DSP. To my ears the M2’s are the sonic winners over the other JBL models you’ve mentioned, hands down.

Or, perhaps even better than the M2’s try and seek out a pair of used (and now discontinued) Meyer Sound X-10’s. They’re actively configured with built-in amps and electronic crossovers. Dynamite speakers that don’t "sound like horns" either.

I own the JBL 4367 and use subs high-passed at 60hz but feel they are pretty good without the subs. I already owned the subs. 
 

Anyway I have demoed the current LaScala and Cornwall IV several times. I feel like the JBL is a better speaker. It is smoother in frequency response (downward sloping treble in room). I feel like the LaSala has a lot more box/horn coloration than the JBL 4367. I found the Cornwall harsher sounding in the mids and highs than the 4367, with the 4367 just being more refined in all aspects. the bass on the 4367 is better than both Klispchs to my ear. It is very detailed and has good leading edge impact. The Cornwall is not bad in the bass, just that the 4367 is better. The LaScala is in bad need of subs, I could not enjoy them long term without subs.


The only real flaw of the 4367 is the somewhat narrow soundstage but I kind of feel that is all horns. Honestly and all and all amazing speaker I have zero plans to sell. 
 

there is a used pair of Volti Vittora on audio mark right now for $11,000 that look nice. I have never heard them but it looks like a higher quality build than the LaScala.