Topic: Anyone heard the Horn Shoppe Horns?

[som]

I'm thinking seriously about picking up a pair.

http://www.thehornshoppe.com/

[chris]

Hey,

After a ton of reading/research on Ed and his horns I bought a pair over a year ago.  My version included the fostex 108 drivers.  Since, I've swapped these out w/the 126 ones (which is standard now).  You have to read this review......(http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0202/thehorn.htm)

So, what do I think?  I run a very low powered amp (decware Zen C) @ 1 watt per channel.  I was told these specs aren't ideal w/these drivers, however, my ears are telling me it's the best thing i've ever heard.  Not only does the 126 drivers sound more smooth and detailed, they do NOT require any significant break in time.  The 108s were a bear to break in.  We are talking months.

The magic in Ed's speakers is when you find the sweet spots (speaker positioning off the wall) where they simply disappear.  It's magic when that happens.  The soundstage becomes so very real.   

Post something on Ed's forum and you'll find out what I'm saying......

Go for em' is my vote.

Chris Evans

[som]

Chris - Thanks for the response....+T

I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on these. Just gotta decide if they're a good match for my NAD C320BEE integrated, or if I should spring for the Almarro integrated SET amp I've been lusting after!

[cshepherd]

The single-driver scene revolves around SET amps. The Almarro would most likely be a better match.  Solid state amps have a reputation for not working well with single driver speakers. 

Chris

[Daryan]

Head over to audiocircle.com and start reading.  They have a forum there and most folks are brutally honest at AC, unlike the crap on AA.

D~

[som]

Yep, discovered the audio circle forum and have been enjoying it!

+....err, *minus* T for the pointer, though!

[chris]

SOM,

Sorry for the delayed response.  First, I'd pay close attention to the comments/threads brought up on the Hornshoppe forum.  Beyond the tube amps, they're always the ever-changing T-amps to consider.  I had someone of Ed's forum build me one based on the 41 hz design and was really blown away by the sonics.

Now, there is something to be said w/the tube amp in the chain but it all depends what you listen to.  If you need power, clarity, high VOLUME...I'd consider a t amp w/the speakers.  If you listen to a ton of jazz, LPs, etc...go tube. 

Plus Ed now offers the "magic cube" bass augmenter as a low end supplement.

Good luck.

C Evans

[som]

I ended up getting the Horns....found a used pair on Audiogon and picked them up with a slightly used Almarro A205A mk2 (from TS's own CShephard!). I am *loving* it! I will probably end up getting Ed's "Cube" as well, but for now I am one happy camper! The increase in resolution and imaging but most of all the sheer "musicality" of what I'm hearing now is superb.

[chris]

SOM,

Wow, it's awesome you found the amp/speakers used (great savings).  Also, play around w/the placement of the horns and use them in corners of the room if you can.  W/the Almarro rated at 4.8 WPC you should have pleanty of pwr however you'll find with our recordings (taper) more low end is needed hence my note on the cube. 

Either way, good luck and enjoy the tubes/horns!

C Evans

[som]

I started with the Horns away from the corners with my old HSU sub, but tried moving the Horns to the corners, and now I'm gonna sell the sub! It's not *massive* bass by any means, but it will make the floor shake a little! Amazing for these little 4" drivers. Ultimately I would like to get a Cube and pull the Horns in a little tighter.

[chris]

SOM,

Absolutely agreed.  The horns sound best about 5'-6' from each other IMHO.  I'm waiting for ED to update his site on the cube w/the "finished" project which is supposed to match the horns.

Throw on some nice jazz recordings and watch em' disapper.

C Evans

[Nick's Picks]

i've been talking w/them.  i'd like to try a pair...maybe even get some for review.
I wonder how far I can space them though?  5 or 6 feet wont due in my room.

[som]

I have mine spaced about 12 feet or so, in the corners and toed in pretty sharply. From my listening seat, which is maybe 8 feet back, they sound great, and the soundstage & imaging are amazing. I don't have a whole lot to compare them to, so take it for what it's worth.