Calling all Horn lovers

It may be the case that some of the characteristic horn coloration and "shout" has to do with crossover/amp compatibility, but, clearly, some of it has to do with characteristics of horn reproduction itself. I have heard big changes in sound from use of different damping material on the exterior and interior of the horn itself. Also, the same driver used on different types of horns can deliver completely different sound.

I also suspect that, to some extent, it is the midrange peak of typical horns that, to some extent, creates the impression of great dynamics and liveliness. Those horn systems where such peaks are tamed and tonal balance is actually quite decent also tend to sound a bit less lively.

Shakey - Thanks!! I gotta assume that the C version also does well with the initial reason for the Cornscala - the expanded midrange of the Lascala paired with the deeper bass of the Cornwall. (All versions should do that). Will check out the C version more closely.

Chuck

I have never heard Lascalas, but I can hear how they improve on the Cornwalls.

What version are you going with?

BTW, Bob is a great guy to deal with.

Shakey

Larry, WRONG! The distortions do not have to be there, they are very avoidable with good throat design, good phase plug design, and good horn design in both shape and materials. It is not "characteristic" in general, it is characteristic of flawed design.

And flawed design is not why horns are often very dynamic. That comes from very low excursion, resultant great linearity, and the fact that the horn is an acoustic transformer, matching the impedance of the driver and the air.

I wish I could say the number of folks who have heard horns in my place and said "that's the most sweet gentle, subtle, yet most powerful system I've heard".

Atma, some of that sound has to do with poor horn design. I have had them, and your amp does not fix poor horn/throat/phase plug design, no more than they fix poor cone speakers or poor electrostatics. Like stupid, for which there is no cure, poor driver design has no cure.