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In the Forum: Horn-Loaded Speakers
In the Thread: High End Munich 2014 impressions ....

Post Subject: Further thoughtsPosted by guy sergeant on: 5/21/2014

The demonstration of the WE equipment was impressive as was looking closely at how these horns were constructed. The arrangement (originally it would have been mono) was to provide the audience seated both in the stalls or circle with an evenly balanced sound. Both drivers would have been connected in parallel with an attenuator to adjust the output level of the WE13 to suit.
Here they were used as a stereo pair augmented by WE597 tweeters (actually GIP repro units) with a simple cap acting as a high pass & with a large subwoofer off to the right containing a pair of 15" or 18" Lansing units. I heard several different pieces all sounding good but one, a soprano with orchestral accompaniment was spectacular.
I don't expect to have the opportunity to hear a stereo pair of these again so I was thankful for the chance.
I'm surprised that you could deduce too much from the various Tech Das demonstrations (two at the MOC on some awful speakers) and a further one at the alternative show. In both of the MOC cases the speakers/room seemed overwhelmed at low frequencies.
I recently had the opportunity to listen to two Rockport Sirius 3 turntables that were both refurbished by Tim Sheridan shortly before he died. I'd suggest that those stand some way clear of any other design I've had the opportunity to listen to. Certainly no evident shortcomings in the control electronics or even in the tonearm. How much refinement beyond the stock Sirius 3 had been introduced, I don't know. I suspect that those may be the high water mark as far as turntable development goes. I can't see anyone committing the money & knowledge required to advance it further.
It was difficult to appraise the Magico speakers. They didn't play any challenging music through them. The Cessaro speakers sounded far more interesting at RMAF last October. I don't think the room they have at Munich is helping. The Vox Olympians and Tune Audio speakers were more convincing.

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