BEST HORN LOUDSPEAKER TO PURCHASE


I am a 73 year male with normal hearing as per my  ENT doctor.  I am comfortable  listening to music at  50-55 dbs, with occasional peaks of 60-62 dbs.  Looking for the music to sound alive at these levels. Did some acoustic treatments, purchased an equalizer which did not help(workaround of Fletcher Munson Curve). Finally I made a change and purchased a pair of JBL 4349 horn loudspeakers, which is a 2 way speaker with a horn midrange and a large dynamic woofer.  Sensitivity was 91. I was able to get full bodied sound at lower levels, but the bass driver did not wake up until  70 decibels. I have 2 SVS subs, the DB4000. I  adjusted the cross over and volume which improved the bass.  When I put my ear next to the bass driver of the JBL at 50-55 db there was very little bass to be heard, in a piece that had substantial bass . This is my den system. I now firmly believe that a horn loudspeaker is the best way to go.  My main system consists of 15 year old Vandersteen 5A's, Thor Audio Monoblocks 150 watt tube each side, and a Thor Audio linestage.  The Vandersteens are absolutely wonderful speakers, featuring built in subs. You get top to bottom sound that is full and rich,  but not at comfortable listening levels. Uncomfortable levels lead to ear pain.  I have tried and tried, but in my system the Vandersteens require about 70 DBS to come alive.  I have been researching and I believe I need a high sensitivity. I have been thinking about the Volti Audio Luceras. My budget is $15,000 per pair.  I've watched Greg of Volti speak on You Tube and he seems to be perfectionist and seems to really know his business. I believe the Lucera has a 99 db, which should help the dynamic bass driver come alive at lower listening levels. I also believe that the sound will be rich and full bodied at my listening levels. Has anybody heard or own the Luceras?  Would be interested in anybody's thoughts. Thanks for reading and responding to my question. 

kjl1065

It would be nice if you lived near me, Plainfield, 07062.

You could borrow one of my 3 Chase RLC-1 Remote Line Controllers that has low volume features that I think will improve things for your low volume listening.

It’s primary function: add these remote control features to any system with manual controls: remote power; volume; mute; balance; treble; bass; select any of 4 line level inputs. Either optional use thru a tape or processor loop, or use thru any line in.

Low Volume Feature: As you lower the volume below it’s default low volume start, it automatically and progressively adds bass boost. Lower a bit more, it boosts bass a bit more. It has many many small increments up or down. Raise the volume, bass boost automatically lessens, and does not occur after you exceed the default low volume start. (note: no treble boost that Fletcher Munson also does).

Setup: Chase at default low volume start.

Your Preamp Volume: raise to your normal volume whereby no bass boost is needed, never change that.

Now use the Chase to lower or raise the volume.

When I listen to Jazz at low volumes, this feature is what keeps the Bass Player audible thus still part of the group, much more enjoyable.

If not a member of hifiengine, you could join for free, then download the manual here, although the bass boost is not well understood.

https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/chase-technologies/rlc-1.shtml

here’s one for sale, $135. with the remote which is needed as there are no controls, just indicators on the unit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/257022464525?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=6cab09f4-54ac-11f1-b7a1-643737653536

this expired listing has good photos

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649736266-chase-technologies-rlc-1-remote-line-controller-in-excellent-condition/

here is the inside of one of mine: no moving parts, a single Philips processor does everything, it is noiseless at 105 db s/n ratio. I was adding a toggle on/off switch to the front panel, as the unit has remote standby, but it needs full power off to reset to defaults which I like to do occasionally. Otherwise, unplug it, add a power cord switch, ....

I use one with my Vintage 15" woofers and horn mid and horn tweeters in my main system; and in my office system and in my garage/shop system.

Perhaps, do some AI research about Transmission Line Subwoofers.  They may (or may not) provide an alternate solution to your SVS subs.   Here’s an example for sale.

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A bass wave at 55 Hz is 6.25 meters long. A bass wave at 35 Hz is 9.7 meters long.

Quality bass response at your listening chair, @50-55db, is a physics and mathematics challenge.  With some homework, it can be figured out.   Good luck in your quest.

+1 Volti - I own the 100db Rival which I’m using to discover tube midrange magic including flea watt SET amps. 

Klipsch LaScala AL5 speaker with Accuphase Class-A amplifier for me.  I listen to a lot of jazz,  jazz Trio's, acoustic guitar some classical music and these spkrs bring the performance to your room.  They are musically and emotionally engaging. Highly detailed and resolving and all about PRAT. No the bass isn't subterranean, but  the bass is quick, defined and punchy and not muddy and sloppy. And they are absolutely GORGEOUS. I will never part from them!