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

[LL21]

Yes, I heard several models over the last couple years. What do I think of them? I don’t as they really don’t leave much impression on me. All I remember was the highs sounded really weird in 2024 but the same models sounded a bit different this year, less overly soft. I think you can get as good or better sound for far less money.

I have PM'd you. Thanks for any advice.

 

[gleeds]

I would add that I see no reason DSP cannot be used to good effect on the bass section only, except that some purists will not like having paddle shifters on that particular gear

100% agree that an SE tube amplifier and an exceptional passive crossover are preferred for the mids and highs. At Trio's, Angie Lissi, the North American importer, utilizes Phasemation, although I have only heard that combination paired with the smaller Avantgarde offerings, and I really liked it. Ron has listened to the AG Trios in a dedicated room in LA and raved, albeit I'm not sure what the amplification is.

Vassill of Taiko NA and Chicago HiFi has an exceptional hybrid horn system with Cessaro's, which he has modified and continues to fine-tune, especially with his bass system. We will be testing his system with some new GM-70 amplifiers from Trafomatic later in the year. I'm a believer that most horns, regardless of efficiency, can benefit from a few more watts. Ron has also heard that system, but not recently, due to upgrades to the bass system and especially the room treatment.

 

[Rob181]

new GM-70 amplifiers from Trafomatic later in the year.

Now this does sound VERY interesting...

 

[mtemur]

I've never been inspired by box speakers. Only box speakers that I can last more than 30 seconds with are stenheim, kharma, and vivid. I can listen to them at friends' places, but would never purchase, excepting smaller vivids for a secondary home system. Rockports are ok, but sound dead to me; yet they definitely don't annoy me like other box brands.

I tend to lean slightly toward conventional, boxed speakers, but overall I agree with your perspective.

A couple of weeks ago, I joined a friend to audition a Vivid speaker for his system. About two months ago, I had a deal lined up for a Kharma Exquisite Galileo 3.0, but unfortunately it fell through. I’ve recently purchased the Stenheim Alumine Five instead.

I very much like Kharma Exquisite series especially with Kondo electronics and cables.

 

[bonzo75]

I tend to lean slightly toward conventional, boxed speakers, but overall I agree with your perspective.

A couple of weeks ago, I joined a friend to audition a Vivid speaker for his system. About two months ago, I had a deal lined up for a Kharma Exquisite Galileo 3.0, but unfortunately it fell through. I’ve recently purchased the Stenheim Alumine Five instead.

I very much like Kharma Exquisite series especially with Kondo electronics and cables.

The Stenheim is very good.

 

[mtemur]

IMHO/IME the problem with AG was plastic horns and flimsy support rods. They updated support rods with a more sturdy and stiff design and most probably solved the wobble issue. I don’t know what else they did to upgrade but newer AGs sound very good to my ears, especially the new AG trios.

 

[morricab]

IMHO/IME the problem with AG was plastic horns and flimsy support rods. They updated support rods with a more sturdy and stiff design and most probably solved the wobble issue. I don’t know what else they did to upgrade but newer AGs sound very good to my ears, especially the new AG trios.

Even the new Uno sounds very good and I haven’t really liked it much in the past.

 

[morricab]

I tend to lean slightly toward conventional, boxed speakers, but overall I agree with your perspective.

A couple of weeks ago, I joined a friend to audition a Vivid speaker for his system. About two months ago, I had a deal lined up for a Kharma Exquisite Galileo 3.0, but unfortunately it fell through. I’ve recently purchased the Stenheim Alumine Five instead.

I very much like Kharma Exquisite series especially with Kondo electronics and cables.

What electronics are you driving the 5s with? Here in Switzerland they tend to demo with crappy electronics and they always underperform. On paper it looks like a really good speaker but I haven’t heard a demo yet that reached their potential.

 

[mtemur]

What electronics are you driving the 5s with? Here in Switzerland they tend to demo with crappy electronics and they always underperform. On paper it looks like a really good speaker but I haven’t heard a demo yet that reached their potential.

I use Kondo electronics and cables to drive Stenheim Fives.

 

[bonzo75]

I use Kondo electronics and cables to drive Stenheim Fives.

The woofer still needs push though.

 

[mtemur]

The woofer still needs push though.

Amplifiers and other components really need electricity flowing fast and uninterrupted. Once you manage the electricity, woofers get all the push they need.

In fact, anyone who understands and addresses the issues related to electricity can achieve good sound quite easily.

 

[abeidrov]

The Stenheim is very good.

What is your view on Stenheim vs Zellaton Plural Evos?

 

[bonzo75]

What is your view on Stenheim vs Zellaton Plural Evos?

I haven’t heard plural evo the big Zellaton stage was excellent with FM acoustics. I wouldn’t go by how it sounds in Munich.

 

[morricab]

I use Kondo electronics and cables to drive Stenheim Fives.

SET or PP Kondo amps?

 

[gleeds]

Not sure how this thread turned to a discussion of dynamic speakers

 

[PeterA]

Not sure how this thread turned to a discussion of dynamic speakers

Cesar started this thread over three years ago. Perhaps now a few members think that some dynamic speakers sound as good as the best horn speakers with similar open and effortless sound, startling dynamics, and natural tone without any of the unpleasant collaborations.