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Attention Horn Owners

Hey guys. I’m in the middle of making a few changes and seek your wisdom and help. Doing my research for speakers, I currently own Audio Note e/lx, and I think I might need a little more bass presence. These are wonderful, natural sounding speakers but I’m debating a change. Slightly more efficient would be nice, the AN’s are listed at 94db but some say measure closer to 92db. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 
Now for the post title. Doing my research I came across Volti. I like purchasing American made when I can, my amp and preamp are Aric Audio. I’ve never heard a horn speaker before. Reviews of some say they tend to be bright, which is a no go for my sensitive ears. Reviews did mention that Volti are not bright. So, any comments regarding ear fatigue and horn speakers or Volti speakers would be fantastic. 
‘Finally, I live on Long Island. If there is any nearby who would be kind enough to allow me to listen to a horn speaker, there’s a six pack or bottle of wine in it for you! lol. I’d love to hear a pair before I spend 1 million hours researching different ones. Thanks in advance. Earthbound

earthbound
larryi
4,578 posts
 

I have never heard a Zu speaker that I could stand--very bright, lean and harsh sounding.  I think it gets attention because it is extremely lively sounding, and that is a BIG contrast with most modern speakers which tend to sound lifeless.  

earthbound OP
295 posts
 

Yep. They are good party speakers for big rooms and young ears. I enjoy my buddies when I’m in the next room but not in front of. 

earthbound OP
295 posts
 

What’s weird is checking the frequency response of the all Zu’s, they have a spike at both the 2 and 5khz. This is total ear fatigue area. Not sure why any speaker designs it this way. From my very limited understanding, it’s not necessarily the curve but spikes in that region that humans are susceptible to ear fatigue. Please don’t quote me though. I did read up on it when I was suffering but that was awhile back. 

mapman's avatar
mapman
23,608 posts
 

I like Volti I have heard.  Zu not so much. Agree with the ear fatigue comment from what I have heard over the years,  but will say they finally sounded more acceptable to me last time I heard at CAF 2024. 
 

Personally for better bass, if I were you, keeping the ANs and adding a powered sub or two is a very practical option to consider. Or Volti might be a nice change.  Either way.  Have fun!

sounds_real_audio
1,099 posts
 

It would be wrong not to listen to DeVORE speakers. They are manufactured near you. Not horns but you are looking for speakers that offer more resolution and perhaps a little more bass...check out the o baby's.. do not underestimate the output or the bass they are capable of. 

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