How come Horn + woofer designs are not more popular?


A couple guys on my audio discord really love the JBL synthesis 4367 and feel that all traditional 3 way tower speakers suck because they have poor bass response and are generally shy sounding. What I wonder is how come the majority of speaker makes do floor standers that are 3 way as oppose to the Horn +woofer design of JBL?

Is there any downsides to the horn + woofer design? Can a horn convey microdetail as well as a Be tweeter like say from magic A or S line? They claim 3 way floor standers are just trendy. But is there anything more to it then that?
smodtactical

Showing 2 responses by clio09

The Audiokinesis Jazz Modules were are good example of a well done two way horn. I owned one for several years before going over to ESLs. Given the chance I'd own them again but they are no longer made due to the TAD 1102 drivers being unobtanium. I was just in Long Beach for the audio show and Duke displayed his new Gina satellite speakers (using custom Emminence drivers made for him) which were demoed with his Swarm. A very nice set up using the round wave guide the Jazz Modules featured in a two way stand mount design.
@o_holter, I have heard both versions of the Dream Makers, the original with TAD drivers and the newer series. Yes, they are better than the Jazz Modules, but they are also much bigger and more expensive (although with anything Duke makes still a great value). I heard them with the LCS add on as well. While the LCS does everything it is intended to do, it wasn't my cup of tea. The Dream Makers on a stand alone basis were much more to my liking.

BTW - I have owned Atma-Sphere amps for quite some time and as you know they are a great match with Duke's speakers.