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Horn based loudspeakers why the controversy?

As just another way to build a loudspeaker system why such disputes in forums when horns are mentioned?    They can solve many issues that plague standard designs but with all things have there own.  So why such hate?  As a loudspeaker designer I work with and can appreciate all transducer and loudspeaker types and I understand that we all have different needs budgets experiences tastes biases.  But if you dare suggest horns so many have a problem with that suggestion..why?
johnk
johnk's avatar
johnk OP
1,976 posts
 
https://www.stereophile.com/content/listening-125   2013 stereophile article about Altec Valencia

czarivey
5,946 posts
 
It rings in my ears for next few hours after listening horns. The biggest and the quickest listening fatigue. As outdoor speakers horns are OK.
mapman's avatar
mapman
23,608 posts
 
Obviously horn loaded speakers are used commonly in larger public venues.    Many of those sound really bad as well compared to a good home system, but in many cases it is due to poor or echo-prone acoustics commonly found in those places.  Still tends to give horns a bad rap.

My gym is a good example.    High efficiency horn loaded pro speakers are used in the various exercise rooms that are all basically big echo boxes.   Pretty hopeless to want better sound quality there.  
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