Best large format horns for home use

**Elitopus1** · June 29th, 2017, 09:56 AM

I have a pair of 291C drivers (same body as the 288H). I am going to put some GPA aluminum phragms in them. What are some good large format horns for home HiFi use?

I have been looking at Mantaray and multicells. Also there are some EV's that might work. I have been told that the smaller multicells like the 803/805 would be better for HiFi since they have a smaller dispersion pattern.

I have heard of people using as big as a 1505 in their home with success. Hmm

And then how about the Mantarays... Which ones are the best for this application?

I would use these on top of my 828 cabs. The woofers will be switched to some model of the 515. Right now xovers are 800hz passive, but can be lowered for the large format drivers.

Thanks

**juniper** · June 29th, 2017, 10:12 AM

I use klipsch, yes I said klipsch large format horns and they sound incredible! I use Tad drivers with them though. The model number is K402, they are a little pricey, but I think they are about the best thing I have bought in audio.

**Elitopus1** · June 29th, 2017, 10:37 AM

Are the Kilpsch horns a 1.4" throat?

I would prefer to use a horn that I don't have to modify or use an adaptor. Something 3 bolt with a 1.4" throat

**juniper** · June 29th, 2017, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by Elitopus1

Are the Kilpsch horns a 1.4" throat?

I would prefer to use a horn that I don't have to modify or use an adaptor. Something 3 bolt with a 1.4" throat

No its a 2" throat so you would need an adaptor. Its a shame, because these horns are so smooth, they have almost no horn sound, and as large as they are work very well even in small spaces.

**Elitopus1** · June 29th, 2017, 11:24 AM

I'm always on the lookout for a pair of JBL 2440/2441. If I ever find a pair of those I will keep those Klipsch horns in mind

**Old Guy** · June 29th, 2017, 12:09 PM

My favorite would be the 329, followed by the 311, but unless you plan on mortgaging your house, probably out of the question.
MRII594A are pretty good.

www.greatplainsaudio.com/downloads/MRII594A.pdf

**LowOhms** · June 30th, 2017, 02:45 AM

Originally Posted by Elitopus1

I have a pair of 291C drivers (same body as the 288H). I am going to put some GPA aluminum phragms in them. What are some good large format horns for home HiFi use?

I have been looking at Mantaray and multicells. Also there are some EV's that might work. I have been told that the smaller multicells like the 803/805 would be better for HiFi since they have a smaller dispersion pattern.

I have heard of people using as big as a 1505 in their home with success. Hmm

And then how about the Mantarays... Which ones are the best for this application?

I would use these on top of my 828 cabs. The woofers will be switched to some model of the 515. Right now xovers are 800hz passive, but can be lowered for the large format drivers.

Thanks

Read up on a RCA MI-9595. I used them, a 90 by 40, when I was in my RCA field coil days, and I believe that horn has an INCREDIBLE midrange recreation !! Steve Schell may be your go-to guy.

Have no clue what size throat it was, but I LIKED what comes out of the mouth !! Maybe the best there is !!

Jeff Medwin.....Low Ohms.

**LOUDER** · June 30th, 2017, 07:12 AM

E, Had 15 cell and 10 cell. Preferred the 10's probably for the narrower vertical pattern. Have MRII564 for right and left and a MRII5120 for the center and like them alot. (Can be had cheap too.) See what you can find. They all provide better mids than the small format drivers.

**magnarc** · June 30th, 2017, 10:09 AM

Echo the suggestion for the MRII series. The MRII594A is an excellent horn, way better than the small JBL ones.

If you can find them, and have room for them, the first MR series (metal) are great as well. The MR94 and 64.
I also like the 1005 and 1505 in the same space.
All require larger rooms to 'breathe'.

**Elitopus1** · June 30th, 2017, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by LOUDER

E, Had 15 cell and 10 cell. Preferred the 10's probably for the narrower vertical pattern. Have MRII564 for right and left and a MRII5120 for the center and like them alot. (Can be had cheap too.) See what you can find. They all provide better mids than the small format drivers.

Thanks for the info. I figure I will have to start with some MR until I can find a good local deal on some multicells to try.

There are some of the smaller MR horns on ebay. Most of them have higher shipping than than price of the horns! Lol

I have had these large format drivers for a little while now, but have never set them up. I am curious to see what all the fuss is about. Also since I already have an 802 system (the 604's), why not get a large format system going?

- - - Updated - - -

Originally Posted by LowOhms

Read up on a RCA MI-9595. I used them, a 90 by 40, when I was in my RCA field coil days, and I believe that horn has an INCREDIBLE midrange recreation !! Steve Schell may be your go-to guy.

Have no clue what size throat it was, but I LIKED what comes out of the mouth !! Maybe the best there is !!

Jeff Medwin.....Low Ohms.

I googled these. Looks like they are 3 bolt flange horns. I don't know if the RCA drivers are the same throat size. Anyways, they go from 200-1200$ for a pair. So it looks like deals can still be had. I'll keep an eye out

- - - Updated - - -

Originally Posted by magnarc

Echo the suggestion for the MRII series. The MRII594A is an excellent horn, way better than the small JBL ones.

If you can find them, and have room for them, the first MR series (metal) are great as well. The MR94 and 64.
I also like the 1005 and 1505 in the same space.
All require larger rooms to 'breathe'.

This is great. It really helps me focus my attention on getting some MR for now, and then some multicells when I can find a pair. I like the way the multicells "look" better, but in the end I just want whatever sounds the best.

Thanks for the input!