Horn based loudspeakers why the controversy?

mrdecibel,
I agree with that description, in particular, the word "effortlessness." I have tried to understand for years why a horn would display that characteristic, and I can only assume that as some who know a lot more about it than I do have postulated that it is because of the way that a horn couples to the air. I have 2 good direct radiating speakers that I listen to occasionally, and each time I do, there is a something missing in the feeling of openness, that makes me feel that the music is "here" instead of "there."
I understand how personal these perceptions are, and that even if someone else perceived it in the same way as I do, they might not prefer it, but to me, it makes reproduced music sound more authentic in an important and very enjoyable way.

kosst,
I understand that you feel strongly and in a negative way about horns, but it seems to me that if you understood that human perception varies in what makes music sound real to an individual, you would feel less frustrated and (it seems) annoyed at listeners who enjoy horns. 

johnk,
Good points, and I agree. I would also take issue with kosst's comment about horn speakers having "hyperdynamics." I'm not sure that that is even possible; although it may seem so after listening to many direct radiating or panel speakers. 

I never heard any monitor or slim floorstander ever yield proper scale to musical play back or proper dynamics.I have only heard large loudspeakers approach realistic scale and dynamic range and some of those loudspeakers are horn based.I can see were such realistic images sizes and dynamics could overwhelm some rooms or those used to conventional playback. I understand that horns are not for everyone and I do not hate other loudspeaker types or there performance aspects. I feel controversy in horns is mostly due to bias and inexperience. If you have experience it’s just another loudspeaker type, if a friend wanted a pair it wouldn’t be a issue to talk them out of, if you have bias you troll horn posts and threads in forums, you try to talk others out of owning horns using bias as argument only to find others seeing through the bias and wanting to explore and learn for themselves. I am happy for anyone who finds what they enjoy is this audio hobby to me if it’s making you happy its working for you and that’s the end goal. But by refusing to fully explore available options due to preconceived bias is doing a great disservice to yourself.

Let us be clear, here and now, that on 12 / 1 / 17, at 12 : 08 PM, kosst says ( in a response to a post of mine ) " I can't say I've ever heard an ideally set up horn system in a residential setting ". Kosst, if you are ever in the central part of Florida ( Orlando, Daytona Beach ), you are welcome to come by. Anyone else for that matter. Enjoy ! MrD.