What are the Top Horn Speakers in the World Today? Vox Olympian vs Avantgarde Trio vs ???

[bonzo75]

Absolutely lousy dynamics on the Scheherazade. Compare (at about 38:30):

Of course, the iPhone recording could be limiting. Yet in any case, this is not the way to show off a "high efficiency" speaker And what if the real life dynamics of the system are that bad? Maybe the Kondo just can't drive the speakers....

I have heard the LP and recorded across many systems, and there are others too who have uploaded their system videos of this, all on phone. so there is no need for me to do the YT comparison with the recording you are doing. But feel free to let your video bug loose, like Dexter’s dark passenger you have been keeping it suppressed for a while

 

[Al M.]

Iphones have a built-in limiter in their recording system that cannot be disabled. Plus the microphones are Ok but not great. Its not a good idea to make pronouncements based on an iphone recording insofar as judging speakers or amps is concerned.

Sure, that's why I mentioned the caveat. However, I have heard system videos with better dynamics than this on that piece.

 

[bonzo75]

Sure, that's why I mentioned the caveat. However, I have heard system videos with better dynamics than this on that piece.

I didn’t say that was the best in dynamics at all, or that there aren’t more dynamic systems and associated videos. It is an excellent system for the price, superior to any duo, Wilson, Magico etc system I heard

 

[morricab]

If you've already heard them, ignore my post. The Analog Domain Argus speaker 99db/1 watt are phantastic in dynamic . Even the smaller Aura speakers are phenomenal that really impressed me.

The Argus

-*- The Analog Domain -*- Home of the craziest bunch of audio engineers on Earth!

analogdomain.eu

P.S Bastanis adds another dynamic layer

A friend has Bastanis. They are fun. Haven’t heard this other brand you mentioned though. Looks like pro drivers…can be great if used correctly.

 

[morricab]

The second best horn system i ever heard in my life was the VOTT set-up by Jean Hiraga in the dedicated room (in Lille, France) .

View attachment 157350

This is what he uses as amplifier:

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And this is his custom made DAC (with integrated volume control): bottom left you can see what he always uses as a source (TEAC DV-50)

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Sound was utterly realistic, those shiny CD's revealed an amount of information as if we were listening to their master tape!

It is not a 5k system I must admit, because the parts he uses are very sought after. But when it all comes together as Mr Hiraga does, it is an absolute no-brainer and first choice, if you have a room suited for it. I think you need a room about 100 m³ to let such system sing its songs...

Nice VAC 30/30 amp…I used to own one of those…quite a powerful sounding amp and a good example of Class A PP triode.

 

[microstrip]

Iphones have a built-in limiter in their recording system that cannot be disabled. (...)

I have addressed the AGC (automatic gain control) of mobile phones and its dependence of previous history several times in the past ...

 

[Atmasphere]

Sure, that's why I mentioned the caveat. However, I have heard system videos with better dynamics than this on that piece.

If the volume of the system is a tad high, the phone will limit. So its unwise to make any comparison since you don't know the sound pressure level that was present when the recording was made.

 

[morricab]

I just wanted to say that tubes aren't always the best choice. A good device performs excellently, regardless of whether transistors or tubes are the amplifying element. Just give it a try; there are so many good single-ended transistor amps.

This I simply can’t agree with. The type of active elements has a profound effect on the sonic signature. It’s inherent in the transfer function of the devices.

 

[morricab]

Sure, that's why I mentioned the caveat. However, I have heard system videos with better dynamics than this on that piece.

Recorded with an IPhone or something better?

 

[Al M.]

Recorded with an IPhone or something better?

iPhone

 

[Al M.]

If the volume of the system is a tad high, the phone will limit. So its unwise to make any comparison since you don't know the sound pressure level that was present when the recording was made.

Sounds reasonable, thanks for the info.

 

[morricab]

If the volume of the system is a tad high, the phone will limit. So its unwise to make any comparison since you don't know the sound pressure level that was present when the recording was made.

Any idea what the SPL limits are where the limiter kicks in? I guess this doesn’t apply to apps that measure SPL…or does it? If this upper SPL limit is known then it could be requested that all videos made are done with SPL below the limiters so that a better comparison could be made.

 

[Al M.]

I didn’t say that was the best in dynamics at all, or that there aren’t more dynamic systems and associated videos. It is an excellent system for the price, superior to any duo, Wilson, Magico etc system I heard

Even with the caveats mentioned by Ralph and myself you defend the system. Interesting.

But if it really isn't that dynamic as you say, what's the point of the Sigma MAAT being a "high-efficiency" speaker? What's the point of calling it a good system? If it doesn't have dynamics, it is dead. Literally -- sounding dead.

 

[microstrip]

If the volume of the system is a tad high, the phone will limit. So its unwise to make any comparison since you don't know the sound pressure level that was present when the recording was made.

Probably we should add that the iPhone Measurement Mode can be activated by developers to bypass AGC at the system level - but it will no be user friendly to users wanting to record in normal conditions. But mandatory in a soundmeter app!

 

[morricab]

Probably we should add that the iPhone Measurement Mode can be activated by developers to bypass AGC at the system level - but it will no be user friendly to users wanting to record in normal conditions. But mandatory in a soundmeter app!

What is the SPL limit for normal recording to prevent limiters kicking in?

 

[microstrip]

Any idea what the SPL limits are where the limiter kicks in? I guess this doesn’t apply to apps that measure SPL…or does it? If this upper SPL limit is known then it could be requested that all videos made are done with SPL below the limiters so that a better comparison could be made.

It is not a limiter, it is an automatic gain control - a sophisticated dynamic expander /compressor optimized to keep the voice clear.

There are some sound recording apps said to bypass the AGC but I have no experience in this field.

 

[Zero000]

Are you referring to trios or below models

I just like the house sound over all the models to be quite frank.

Always have going back decades.

I don't like the look of any horn systems, though.

That huge Acapella at Munich 2025 is the most vile thing I have ever seen.

 

[LL21]

TBH given a choice of any horn system I'd go with AG.

Why? Because generally they do scale and dynamics, sound exciting/are fast and generally have too much bass. Excellent for the sort of stuff I listen too. Also, they are good off axis.

That includes the likes of the Olympian and lots of other major brands, which for the most part I have heard many times.

I have to say, I respect your honesty, clarity and simplicity. And I also have to say...I also like your description of what you are looking for! In some respects, I also really really like the AG Trio G3s due to their effortless scale, macro and micro dynamics including their effortless alacrity (which effortlessly reveals the tiniest nuances and musical inflections in music)...as well as their bass! I think I would really really want to hear them a lot more before being more definitive. But the first 1+ hour long impression practically alone was exceptional.

 

[Zero000]

I have to say, I respect your honesty, clarity and simplicity. And I also have to say...I also like your description of what you are looking for! In some respects, I also really really like the AG Trio G3s due to their effortless scale, macro and micro dynamics including their effortless alacrity (which effortlessly reveals the tiniest nuances and musical inflections in music)...as well as their bass! I think I would really really want to hear them a lot more before being more definitive. But the first 1 hour long impression was exceptional.

Correct. LOL.

I must admit I walked into a room of 3 bass horn layers and a pair of Trios at Munich one year (I can almost certainly find a pic of it) and the bass was so insanely over the top it was mad. Good top tier mid size dance club set up, though, I would say.

I kinda wonder if they ever sold to that market.

 

[LL21]

Correct. LOL.

I must admit I walked into a room of 3 bass horn layers and a pair of Trios at Munich one year (I can almost certainly find a pic of it) and the bass was so insanely over the top it was mad. Good top tier mid size dance club set up, though, I would say.

I kinda wonder if they ever sold to that market.

Whoa! From a personal perspective, if I can get beautiful midrange magic, loads of musical nuance and just crush the orchestral scale…and THEN play club music and soundtracks where my pants flap in the 20hz wind…for me, that really is having it all!

I heard SBTX Todd’s video of an EDM track on his AG Trio system and I immediately came away with a strong impression of what those AG bass horns can do when set up well…extraordinarily impressive.And that was not 3 bass horns either!

I heard the AG Trio G3 with 2 bass horns per side.