Hornsolutions Horn Loudspeakers

[Ron Resnick]

Bob Neill of Worldwide Wholesales sent me photos of a new Hornsolutions installation.



I was not aware of this brand. It looks very interesting!

Hornsolutions creates the extraordinary. Western Electric horns

Hornsolutions, the perfect synthesis of the past and the future in horn design and development. Western Electric replicas adapted to the latest hifi standards

www.hornsolutions.de

 

[Synaxis]

Yes - I received the same photo and spoke to him about them.

They are tri-amped if I understood him correctly which means you just need a pre-amp with them.

For me personally, that is a no-go as I want to be able to use my 1.6 and 3.5 watt tube amps with them.

I heard the Avante Garde self-powered speakers at SWAF and in my personal experience and my personal opinion is they loose the tonal and textural magic when self-powered. The AG's sounded thin in comparison to how they sound when powered by tube gear.

Just a personal opinion.

 

[Ron Resnick]

The Hornsolution is 118dB sensitive!

 

[Synaxis]

The Hornsolution is 118dB sensitive!

I agree on AG. Todd makes the iTron sound very good (his system sounded great at SWAF!) but I personally always would use tubes on AG.

In my PERSONAL opinion - buying a horn speaker that sensitive only to be forced into using their electronics rather than the tube magic of your choice defeats the purpose of them.

I know that is why some of the largest AG dealers dropped them along with the doubling of their prices.

 

[Kingrex]

Peoples responses make it clear why speaker manufacturer use crossovers, even if they do mess with the sound and require a massive amp to power them

 

[DasguteOhr]

Elysio horn tweeter 3d printing + big sato horn sounds really impressive.
Drive to hamburg, germany listen to it it's worth it.
Thread AAA forum

Das Satohorn - Analogue Audio Association

Hallo liebe Analogis, vor einiger Zeit habe ich angefangen mich mit Exponentialhörnern zu beschäftigen. Da ich nun schon seit 20 Jahren ein ACR Eckhorn mein Eigen nenne habe ich mich entschlossen das gesamte Konzept zu überarbeiten und was ganz anderes…

www.analog-forum.de

A lot good people there, who know to make good horns.

 

[sbnx]

In my PERSONAL opinion - buying a horn speaker that sensitive only to be forced into using their electronics rather than the tube magic of your choice defeats the purpose of them.

I know that is why some of the largest AG dealers dropped them along with the doubling of their prices.

Hello, I need to step in to clarify this.

The Avantgarde, Uno, Duo SD, Duo GT, Mezzo and Trio all offer two options. The buyer can choose either the passive crossover or the iTron solid state amplifier. As shown at SWAF the Duo GT with iTron is $83,000. With the passive crossover it is $68,500.

Solid state amplification isn't for everyone. However, worth noting, the iTron amplifier is not just another "plate" amp screwed to the back of the speaker. It was designed and is manufactured in Germany. It has one channel of amplification for each horn and is 3 Watts per channel, pure class A, single ended (one output transistor), with no negative feedback. It is also a current amplifier which means the amplifier is directly controling the voice coil which reduces distortion by over an order of magnitude.

When I set up a system I am trying to reduce the noise as much as possible -- both acoustic and electronic. I am striving for a precise set up and sound that is capable of reproducing large orchestral peices as well as jazz and vocals. I can understand why people like tubes but for me they are simply too noisy. To each their own. Maybe next year I will bring the Phasemation 300B's and connect them for one of the days of the show.

Please exercise caution when judging a system setup at a show.
(All you really know is that specific grouping of equipment can sound at least that good.) There is one day to move in and setup a system. I know there was a lot more to be had with that system but simply not enough time to get it.

~Todd

 

[Synaxis]

Hello, I need to step in to clarify this.

Please exercise caution when judging a system setup at a show.
(All you really know is that specific grouping of equipment can sound at least that good.) There is one day to move in and setup a system. I know there was a lot more to be had with that system but simply not enough time to get it.

~Todd

I'm not sure what you are stepping in to "clarify".

I've heard several times AG's that are amped with iTron. In every instance to my ears (IMO) you can hear the signature of their amps which I am not a fan of.

It doesn't make them bad speakers. This is just my personal opinion.

I stand by my personal feeling - and that which is backed up in discussions with people on my FB. page, YT channel and IG page that most people when buying large horns do so for the ability to run lower power tube amps of their choice: not to be stuck with the amp in perpetuity that comes with the speakers.

I don't make judgements based on a one time listen at a show. If I did then I would come away thinking most gear sounds like crap.

 

[sbnx]

I'm not sure what you are stepping in to "clarify".

I've heard several times AG's that are amped with iTron. In every instance to my ears (IMO) you can hear the signature of their amps which I am not a fan of.

It doesn't make them bad speakers. This is just my personal opinion.

I stand by my personal feeling - and that which is backed up in discussions with people on my FB. page, YT channel and IG page that most people when buying large horns do so for the ability to run lower power tube amps of their choice: not to be stuck with the amp in perpetuity that comes with the speakers.

I don't make judgements based on a one time listen at a show. If I did then I would come away thinking most gear sounds like crap.

Let me clarify the point further.

Here is what you said "
" In my optinion .... only to be forced into using their electronics rather than the tube magic of your choice defeats the purpose of them.
I know that is why some of the largest AG dealers dropped them along with the doubling of their prices."

You started the statement with "in my opinion" and then stated a false fact. An avantgarde buyer is not forced to use their electronics. They can choose to buy the speaker with a passive crossover and use a tube amp or as in the case of Jacob Hielbrunn other solid state amplifiers.

I respect your opinion that you thought the sound was dry. That is fair and not surprising. That is a great divide between tubes and solid state. I am sure most who like tubes think solid state amplification is dry.

I am not looking for a debate or argument. I am simply trying to set the record straight that a buyer is not forced to use the iTron and can choose to purchase the speaker with the passive crossover.

~Todd

 

[Synaxis]

Let me clarify the point further.

Here is what you said "
" In my optinion .... only to be forced into using their electronics rather than the tube magic of your choice defeats the purpose of them.
I know that is why some of the largest AG dealers dropped them along with the doubling of their prices."

You started the statement with "in my opinion" and then stated a false fact.

I am not looking for a debate or argument. I am simply trying to set the record straight that a buyer is not forced to use the iTron and can choose to purchase the speaker with the passive crossover.

~Todd

Then don't put words into my mount and we won't have an issue.

You are trying to set the record straight as a dealer for AG for an issue that is only in your head.

I did not state a false fact. My point stands. If they buy the AG's with amps built in they are FORCED into that sound. End of story. 100% fact. Zero debate. #Truth

It makes no sense, IMO for people to spend that kind of crazy money on large horns only to settle for inferior sound of the built in amps. IN MY OPINION.

Most people buy horns for the ability to use low power tube amps.

There is nothing to "set straight" other than you wanting to create an issue out of your own personal AG sensitivities.

Good day.

 

[sbnx]

Sorry, I am confused. I don't believe I put words in your mouth. You stated them clearly and are now getting very defensive.

Yes, I am obviously an Avantgarde dealer. That is why I want to make it clear that people can choose to buy the speaker with a passive crossover. And then they can choose to use any amplifier they want. It doesn't bother me if someone likes tubes. I don't want people believing that they are forced to use iTron if they don't want to. This is the end of the story for me.

 

[Hornsolutions Swen]

Hello friends, this is Swen from Hornsolutions.



As Ron already mentioned, Bob is our distributor for Hornsolutions in the USA and Canada. To ensure everything is understood correctly and moving in the right direction, I’d like to clarify a few things.



The system we’re discussing here, as well as the new Masterpiece Mini Edition—which will have its world premiere in the USA this June—is, of course, also available in a passive version. One System of the Masterpiece Series passive Version is already in California. See the picture attached.

The passive version of this horn speaker system includes a separate 3-way crossover, structured as follows.
Description of “The Network” Crossover

The Hornsolutions passive crossovers feature slopes of 12 to 24 dB per octave, ensuring optimal separation between frequency ranges. To fine-tune the sound to your preferences, you can adjust the levels of the most efficient horns—the midrange and tweeter—using the supplied resistors in precise 0.5 dB increments. Additionally, hornsolutions offers the option to integrate up to three different crossover frequencies per transition, giving you unmatched flexibility for your listening environment.

Each crossover is meticulously hand-wired, embodying the highest level of craftsmanship. With a resistance of less than 0.1 ohms, our crossovers ensure near-lossless signal transmission, delivering a sonic experience that’s second to none.

Hornsolutions use only the finest components:

• Handmade Air coils with 3 square millimeters

• Hand-selected resistors

• Mundorf and Clarity gold oil capacitors



All of these components are carefully chosen for their superior audio fidelity.

Premium Materials & Design

The crossover enclosures are available in elegant aluminum or wood finishes with a glass top, all handcrafted in Germany. Each unit blends precision engineering with aesthetic appeal, making it not just a technical marvel but also a visual statement. Additionally, each of these crossovers comes with an extremely sophisticated and integrated grounding function that can be switched on and off.

Specifications – “The Network”

• Double mono design for maximum channel separation and an incredibly immersive sound experience

• Standard crossover frequencies:130 Hz, 1400 Hz


- Dimensions:

- Width: 22.84 inches

- Depth: 46.46 inches

- Height: 10.24 inches

- Weight: 260.14 pounds


Thanks to its uncompromising design, the loss factor is below 0.1 ohms.

Attached are some images of the crossover.


As a result, every user can drive these speakers with their own amplifiers. 0.3 watts of output power is more than sufficient in this setup.

Best Regards Swen

 

[Synaxis]

Hello friends, this is Swen from Hornsolutions.


The system we’re discussing here, as well as the new Masterpiece Mini Edition—which will have its world premiere in the USA this June—is, of course, also available in a passive version. One System of the Masterpiece Series passive Version is already in California. See the picture attached.

The passive version of this horn speaker system includes a separate 3-way crossover, structured as follows.
Description of “The Network” Crossover


Best Regards Swen

Thank you Swen for this most wonderful news.

Bob only mentioned and talked about the active version and made no mention that a passive version even existed.

I for one always choose a passive version of speakers over the active version.

Thank you!

 

[Ron Resnick]

Thank you for explaining, Swen!

 

[Hornsolutions Swen]

Thank you for explaining, Swen!

You’re very welcome, Ron! I just want to make sure there’s no misconception that we only build active systems. At Hornsolutions, we offer both active and passive solutions—optionally with DSP or with absolutely uncompromising passive crossovers. We don’t want to limit ourselves to just one approach, and after nearly 20 years of development, it’s clear to us that the majority of our customers prefer the analog passive crossover. Horn speakers and tube amplifiers are, after all, a long-standing tradition.


Best regards,
Swen


P.S. Of course, I’m always available for any technical questions you may have!

 

[Synaxis]

You’re very welcome, Ron! I just want to make sure there’s no misconception that we only build active systems. At Hornsolutions, we offer both active and passive solutions—optionally with DSP or with absolutely uncompromising passive crossovers. We don’t want to limit ourselves to just one approach, and after nearly 20 years of development, it’s clear to us that the majority of our customers prefer the analog passive crossover. Horn speakers and tube amplifiers are, after all, a long-standing tradition.


Best regards,
Swen


P.S. Of course, I’m always available for any technical questions you may have!

I bet the passive version with 1.6 watt type '45' tube amps or 3.5 watt 2A3 amps would be amazing!

 

[Hornsolutions Swen]

I bet the passive version with 1.6 watt type '45' tube amps or 3.5 watt 2A3 amps would be amazing!

Of course, that works perfectly! We even ran the Masterpiece Series just for fun with a 0.5-watt headphone amplifier—in a listening room measuring 116 square meters with a 7-meter ceiling height. We used a PCL81 as a triode, and even that was more than sufficient. Essentially, almost any tube will work.

In our showroom in France, we use a pair of Ianus Essentia Monos from AC. However, for actual development work, I prefer our DSP. With just a few button presses, you immediately know the optimal crossover frequency, the ideal slope, and many other parameters. This makes designing the passive analog crossover much easier. In general, the sound with an analog crossover is always a bit more relaxed. There are numerous technical and psychoacoustic reasons for this, which are quite easy to explain.

Best regards,
Swen

 

[Ron Resnick]

At Hornsolutions, we offer both active and passive solutions—optionally with DSP or with absolutely uncompromising passive crossovers. We don’t want to limit ourselves to just one approach, and after nearly 20 years of development, it’s clear to us that the majority of our customers prefer the analog passive crossover. Horn speakers and tube amplifiers are, after all, a long-standing tradition.

I, personally, I have never heard a horn loudspeaker on which I preferred a solid-state amplifier over a tube amplifier.

 

[Hornsolutions Swen]

I, personally, I have never heard a horn loudspeaker on which I preferred a solid-state amplifier over a tube amplifier.

Hello Ron,

I think, for the most part, I can agree with you, but in the end, it always comes down to personal preference. Additionally, there are countless rooms where, even with the most elaborate treatments—hundreds of kilos of panel resonators, bass traps, and acoustic panels—it’s simply impossible to achieve perfect acoustics. In such cases, a DSP is always a viable and certainly not a bad alternative.

Of course, this assumes that a high-quality DSP is used, rather than a low-budget option. There are very few truly outstanding devices on the market. For example, 98% of all DSPs rely on IIR filters, which are essentially analog filters that have been digitized. We, on the other hand, work exclusively with our own FIR filter designs, and only above 80–90Hz, as lower frequencies would introduce latency issues.
I’m not sure which horns you’ve listened to in combination with which DSP, but I can assure you that the Masterpiece Series with our DSP is in a league of its own.

Best regards,

Swen

 

[Hear Here]

I did not state a false fact. My point stands. If they buy the AG's with amps built in they are FORCED into that sound. End of story. 100% fact. Zero debate. #Truth

With respect you are taking rubbish.

If you were to buy Dutch & Dutch, or a KEF active of a Kii one, your statement would be true - but not with Avantagrde.

As explained in simple terms to you at least twice, the AG buyer can go for the passive version and use whatever amp he thinks will sound great - valve or solid state. If the buyer wants the active iTron version, he has no need to purchase separate amplifiers and the XO is done actively within the iTron.

I don't know who you get contrary information from, but the few reviews of the G3 series that I've read (I don't pander to Youtube or other tittle-tattle) have been very positive of the iTron versions.

I should however correct the previous contributor, the iTron amps deliver up to 100 watts to each of the horn drivers in the G3 series and not the 3 watts that sbnx quoted

I hope you can now accept the "true facts" about this new AG series.