Horns?

IRLRaceFan
IRLRaceFan Posts: 172
edited March 2010 in Speakers
Hi all!
I've been really diving into researching speakers and trying to understand the different options...and I'm wondering what people think about horns??? And why Polk doesn't seem to utilize them at all???
It's probably obvious that I'm referring to a specific competitor (starts with "K")... I was at Best Buy tonight and listened to a set of TSI 400's (which I already own) while I switched back and forth with a set of speakers with horns - I was very impressed (but note that these other speakers cost 1.5 times more than the TSI 400's).

So for reasons other than possibly patent infringement, why don't other speaker brands (Polk specifically) use horns??? And what do other people on this site think of them???

I did observe that the "wow factor" of horn speakers seem (to me at least) to be dependent on the listener's relative position....

Thanks,
Shaun
HT
Onkyo TX-NR1008 | Magnepan 1.7 | Polk LSiC | Polk VM20 | Polk DSW microPro 2000 | Parasound HCA-2205A | Oppo BDP-93

2-Ch
Cary SLP 30 Tube Preamp | Polk LSi7 | Carver M1.5t | Audio-gd Digital Interface | W4S DAC-2 | MAC Mini | Denon DP300f & Pro-Ject Debut III TT's
Post edited by IRLRaceFan on
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Comments

  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited March 2010
    There are plenty of speaker companies that use horns aside from Klipsch.

    As to why Polk doesn't use them...I don't know. Probably because they don't like them.;) The vintage(way vintage) Polk Model 9 used Piezo horns for a short time before switching to the Peerless tweeters.


    I don't like them either.;) I find them to be much too abrasive sounding in the higher registers. Detailed, yes...but a bit too much so IMO.
    The nirvana inducer-
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited March 2010
    You can say the word Klipsch on this site!

    I have not auditioned the F3s which I think is what you are referring to...but I did audition the F2s against the TSI-400s and the Polks walked all over those Klipsch towers...Horn speakers are often one trick ponies...some detailed tinny highs and muddy bass...horrible mids. The F3s might sound better than the 400s but they should really go up against the 500s for an 'honest' comparison.

    That said...like Curt I don't care much for horns--they cause listening fatique and produce over etched highs--their mids are nowhere to be found?

    Curt is also right about other companies using horns...JBL also used them for a while--but mostly in theaters and live productions where you needed to THROW sound great distances. KLH after it started to go down hill used some electric piezo horns as well...I have a pair of those...guess what? No 'mids', sloppy bass.

    But it's really pretty subjective. Those Klipsch models are bottom feeders. If you're going to listen to anything you need to hear the 'Reference' series!

    One last thing to consider is that speakers with horns often have the highest efficiency rating...which means that they will sound MUCH LOUDER on the same amp than other towers will? You may just be hearing...'that' difference.

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited March 2010
    You like hons or you don't. Klipsch hasn't really designed a good speaker in a while other than the Jubilee and the older Heritage line.
    You're definitely not going to like horns with scratchy harsh SS amps and receivers.
    Most horns are NOT tame by any stretch of the imagination. Muddy bass isn't associated with only horns.
    All gear has to match up together to get a good sound. Even gear by the same company.
    Best Buy and similar companies only have Klipschs' lower mid level HT or PC gear and they're really not a good place to properly audition Klipsch or any horn speaker. Make that ANY speaker.
    With good amplification and set up horns can be amazing as with any quality speaker.
    I love horns and I also love a lot of speakers using different driver types. It's all in your set up and a good speaker selection.
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited March 2010
    Consider JBL also if you like the sound of horns. I've seen that Everest system in Japan and it is freaking amazing. Check out the LS60s or the LS80s.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited March 2010
    I believe horns are an aquired taste. I don't particularly like them.

    Here's the most recent horn speakers I've heard and from what I understand they were set up properly;

    http://www.questforsound.com/speakers/spkrs_sq_h-10.htm

    http://www.questforsound.com/speakers/spkrs_sq_h-12.htm

    http://www.questforsound.com/speakers/spkrs_sq_h-15.htm

    The last one being the most recent I heard. They were all driven by mono block tube amps.

    I've not heard the Avagarde but I understand they are in a whole other class of their own.
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  • JimKellyfan
    JimKellyfan Posts: 696
    edited March 2010
    Definitely no bang for the buck with Klipsch Krazy Expensive for not good enough reasons.
    I think the horns are more a long the lines of a 50" sub effect of intimidation only, not quality. Sounds great from 100 feet all the way up, but most living rooms aren't that big.
    Onkyo TX-NR636
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  • IRLRaceFan
    IRLRaceFan Posts: 172
    edited March 2010
    cnh wrote: »
    You can say the word Klipsch on this site!

    I have not auditioned the F3s which I think is what you are referring to...but I did audition the F2s against the TSI-400s and the Polks walked all over those Klipsch towers...Horn speakers are often one trick ponies...some detailed tinny highs and muddy bass...horrible mids. The F3s might sound better than the 400s but they should really go up against the 500s for an 'honest' comparison.

    cnh

    I'm pretty sure that these were VF-36, and you're right, these should be compared to TSi 500's.

    I did a similar comparison as you when I bought my TSi 400's (compared VF-35 at a different store) and had the same result. At first the salesman was playing everything with a PSW111 sub (I didn't realize this at first). The differences between the speakers were huge, once I had him turn the sub off!
    HT
    Onkyo TX-NR1008 | Magnepan 1.7 | Polk LSiC | Polk VM20 | Polk DSW microPro 2000 | Parasound HCA-2205A | Oppo BDP-93

    2-Ch
    Cary SLP 30 Tube Preamp | Polk LSi7 | Carver M1.5t | Audio-gd Digital Interface | W4S DAC-2 | MAC Mini | Denon DP300f & Pro-Ject Debut III TT's
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 34,020
    edited March 2010
    If you are interested in modern horns, check the "Econowave" thread at www.audiokarma.org (or the article that ran an issue or so ago in Make magazine).

    If you are interested in vintage horns, you can pick up a lot of info in a little time at www.lansingheritage.org (I am a big fan of vintage Altec horns and drivers... although I do still enjoy my 1978-vintage Polk Monitor 7As more than occasionally).

    openvalencia.jpg
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  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited March 2010
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    If you are interested in modern horns, check the "Econowave" thread at www.audiokarma.org (or the article that ran an issue or so ago in Make magazine).

    If you are interested in vintage horns, you can pick up a lot of info in a little time at www.lansingheritage.org (I am a big fan of vintage Altec horns and drivers... although I do still enjoy my 1978-vintage Polk Monitor 7As more than occasionally).

    openvalencia.jpg

    I love the Altecs. 604b, 14, 18, VOTTs.
    Your A models are sweet.
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 34,020
    edited March 2010
    I've got a pair of 604B Duplexes, too :-) They need crossovers and boxes... in due time.
    Amazing speakers, they be.
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  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited March 2010
    I've got a pair of Super Es that I need networks for too. I've put off building them hoping to find some reasonably priced. The longer I wait the more I realize that's not going to happen. Thats my next project. I've already built the cabinets for them.
    I'm sending you an email as we've already taken too much of this thread.
    Harry
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  • potee
    potee Posts: 610
    edited March 2010
    My son has a Klipsch 5.1 set up and my polks cost a hell of alot less and I think they sound about as good.
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