You hear Klipsch talk about their unique horn-loaded speakers that create louder sound with less distortion, but do you know how Klipsch horn-loaded technology works? Don’t worry! You do not need to be an audiophile to learn this stuff. Let’s start with the basics.
HORN-LOADED SPEAKERS 101
Horn Loaded speakers are well known for their ability to efficiently project sound over long distances whilst maintaining exceptional quality. This level of performance is accomplished by integrating an acoustic horn into the speaker's driver, effectively matching the impedance of the driver to the surrounding air. The use of a horn in this way improves the speaker's overall efficiency and allows the speaker to produce higher levels of sound from the same amount of input power compared to other types of speakers; this makes for greater flexibility and choice when it comes to pairing with an amplifier, as well as contributing to the longevity and increased lifespan of the audio system by reducing the strain on each component.
The main responsibility of the driver, in most cases a small vibrating diaphragm, is to generate sound waves in response to an electrical signal supplied from a source. The driver however, may not always be successful in doing so on its own due to the surrounding air and a mismatch of impedance. The acoustic horn corrects this by acting as a shield and allowing the sound waves to transfer smoothly into the surrounding air.
The size and shape of the acoustic horn are often designed for different purposes and environments and can be tailored to maximise performance and focus the sound waves in a specific direction, helping to reduce dispersion, thus minimising the loss of acoustic energy.
The diagram on the right shows a typical acoustic horn and its components, one that can be found used in a Klipsch speaker. Notice the size of the horn throat where the sound originates versus the size of the horn mouth where the sound leaves the horn and is amplified. The carefully calculated shape and size of the horn are tailored to optimize performance, focusing the sound waves in a specific direction and reducing dispersion.
The larger the radiating diaphragm of a speaker, the more air will be moved and the greater the sound energy. However, large diaphragms are inconvenient and heavy. By using a flared acoustic horn, the effective radiating area of the source of sound can be increased to that of the mouth, thus creating greater air coupling, and increased volumes of sound. This not only significantly increases the loudspeaker's efficiency but also enhances the directivity of the sound.
There may appear to be an unreal quality about the action of a horn in that it seems to get something for nothing, making a soft sound into a loud one. A horn is purely a passive device and does not inject additional energy into the system. But the reason that a horn can increase the radiation of sound from a given source so dramatically (by factors of 10 or more) is that most sources of sound have only a very poor bite on the surrounding air, and do not succeed in changing much of the mechanical energy into acoustical energy.
The horn allows the mechanical power capabilities of the source to be tapped much more efficiently. In the case of a horn-loaded speakers, neither the electromechanical efficiency nor the power capability of the speaker itself is changed, but the transfer of mechanical to acoustical energy is greatly increased. This is why Klipsch speakers can produce louder sound efficiently.
The Heritage series embodies the horn-loaded speakers in its purest form. Klipsch Heritage series speakers represent the best of what Paul W. Klipsch brought to the world of high-quality audio reproduction. Starting with the Klipschorn, first produced way back in 1946 and still available in regular production today, each and every Heritage speaker is hand-assembled in Hope Arkansas, and each design features class-leading horn technology to produce a big, bold sound with unrivalled power, detail and emotion.
To read more on the Heritage series, please click here, or visit one of the product pages below.
The Heritage Inspired series takes both the aesthetics and technologies employed in the Heritage series, and adapts it for real-life applications. Incorporating luxury materials, such as real wood veneer and tactile metal switches and knobs, the Klipsch Heritage Inspired series of in-room and portable powered audio systems blends the acoustics and classic design legacy of Paul W. Klipsch with the latest technologies available today.
To read more on the Klipsch Heritage Inspired Series, please click here, or visit one of the product pages below.
The Klipsch Reference Premiere series applies the horn-loaded technologies into versatile, multi-use speakers that are crafted with only the best materials. Redesigned from the ground up, the all-new Reference Premiere series leverages over 70 years of Klipsch signature acoustic expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver the ultimate listening experience. Designed to work effortlessly in both Hi-Fi and Home Cinema installations, Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers deliver a powerful yet refined sound that sets them apart from every other speaker brand.
To read more on the Reference Premier series, please click here, or visit one of the product pages below.
The Reference series takes on the Same adaptability as the Reference Premiere whilst making the horn-loaded technology more accessible. The Reference Series all feature sturdy MDF chassis and first-class aesthetics, but some models across the range also benefit from some extra enhancements. The floorstanding stereo speakers for example feature refined Dolby Atmos® connections for when you want to add a speaker topper, while all floorstanders also boast rear-firing Tractrix® ports.
To read more on the Klipsch Reference series, please click here, or visit one of the product pages below.
Hopefully that sums it up. Got any questions? Want to know more about Klipsch horn-loaded speakers? Please Contact Us.
