The curves below compare the frequency response of the Trachorn 400, the Klipsch K400 (Klipschorn and LaScala) and the Altec 511b "Voice-of-the-theater" horns all using the stock K55V driver.

Here though is an example of an area of acoustics where looking at frequency response curves and distortion measurements tell you very little. While the measurement on the new horn are slightly better then the stock horn the improvement in realism will knock your socks off! The square mouth of the stock horns do not launch the sound waves correctly into the room. The new horn has a rapidly increasing flare to the mouth which launches the sound wave gracefully. The Altec horn, with its curved mouth, does a much better job than the stock Klipsch squawker, but is very difficult to mount into the Klipsch top section requiring major woodwork changes. The Trachorn 400 comes with an all new drop-in front baffle and grillcloth.

The stock horns, especially the older metal ones, tend to ring adding a harshness to the sound. The new horn is made entirely of wood with a layer of damping adhesive between two layers of wood on each side. There is no way this horn will add any sound of its own to your music! The sound is very similar to the highly regarded Altec 511b with heavy damping material added to its outside surfaces.

The throat will accommodate any standard 1 inch driver (JBL or Altec) or the stock Klipsch K55V or K55M drivers with an inexpensive adapter.

The horn was designed to resemble those described by Bruce Edgar in an article published in Speaker Builder magazine using a well known equation for area expansion.

The new horn's height dimension was chosen to fit in the top section of the Klipschorn. For the Belle Klipsch, raisers will lift the top section woodwork slightly. Entirely new front grills with matching black grill cloth will be included. The horn can also be used in the LaScala if the hole size is increased.

Mounting in the Klipschorn and Belle Klipsch will be done by positioning the new squawker horn to the left with the tweeter moved to the right side. The entire assembly and be fliped over for mirror-image mounting. Brackets will be provided in the new grill frame for the Klipsch K77, JBL 2404 or the Beyma CP25 tweeters. The drawings show the Beyma tweeter and our extreme-slope networks. The "stock" Klipsch networks may still be used with the new horn but one of our crossover network upgrades is recommended,.

Martinelli Sound is a well known expert in the field of wooden horns. This company will be making the horn and grill frames. ALK Engineering will be doing the final custom assembly. NOTE: They will be available only from ALK Engineering, NOT directly from Martinelli.

Here's the first prototype Trachorn mounted in the frame for the Belle Klipsch. The tweeter is a Beyma CP25. The Klipsch K77 will be mounted vertically, in the same position but without the 3/4 inch setback.

The raiser lifts the top section to allow for the new horn. It becomes the same height as the Klipschorn top section. The grill cloth is virtually identical match to the cloth used by Klipsch.

This pair is for the Klipschorn and is complete with black grill cloth and the Beyma CP25 tweeter bracket.

Testimonials

"The Trachorns took about two hours out of the box to install. As advertised, they just basically dropped in and brought my K-Horns back to the factory look. The cut-out and pre-drilled holes for the Beyma were spot-on and the Beyma mounted without any problems. I did not need to move the crossovers to accommodate the horns, so there was no problem there either."

"Ms. Golden-Ears and I spent about four hours listening last night. We both agree that the new horns are much clearer and more natural sounding than the Altec 511s. For the first time violins sound almost like what I hear at the concert hall. Voices are clear and very distinct. Al, this is a great product and one that every K-Horn owner should install. I have never heard the K-horns sound better... I don't think I've heard any speaker that sounds better! With the TADs, Beymas, ES crossovers and the new Trachorns these speakers sound wonderful."

Bob Lemker

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"There is a good jump in clarity, and the sound is more open and relaxed sounding. Voices sound natural, and there is better articulation. When power levels are increased, the sound doesn't become constricted and pinched like the K-400/401. If you just imagine a very clean sounding Klipschorn, then you pretty much have it. The Trachorn also has a flatter response than the K- 400/401, especially in lower end of its response. This, along with the lower distortion and increased clarity gives the impression that the midrange is more pronounced than it was before -- which it is A 2db drop in the squawker's attenuation is all that's needed."

Dean Wescott

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"Before considering installing the Trachorns in my Belles, I had already both spoken to and emailed Al regarding his Universal Upgrade to my existing Belle networks, which I bought. He gladly answered all my stereo related questions which were of absolutely no financial benefit to him. I found that refreshing. His advice was sensible, pragmatic and plain speak. With that in mind, I decided I just couldn't go wrong by getting the Trachorns. Not unexpectedly, his praise of them was understated. No more "bottom-of-the-well" sound. Great dynamics and "room presence". They just sound bigger. PS I have subsequently traded-in my ALK networks for Al's "Extreme Slope". If your budget allows -- this is a must. If you have gone to the trouble of getting the Trachorns I strongly recommend you go the extra distance. You will then have world-class speakers without having spent $20,000 plus."

Rainer Gunther

Pricing & shipping

 TRACHORN 400 ..................... 
   Horn will accept 1 inch diameter throat drivers with 
        JBL 3-hole 1 1/8 Inch radius or Altec 2-stud 1 1/2 Inch radius. 

   Set of two horns: 
        Black ................................................. $565.00

   Two adapters for Klipsch K55V, K55M or K55X drivers (installed). 
        1-3/8 Inch - 18 TPI round thread screw-on mounting 
        (SELENIUM ADF25-25) ...................................  $12.00 

   Set of two grill frames with detachable flush-mount tweeter bracket 
        (black, no grill cloth)
        * Specify tweeter type: Klipsch K77, Beyma CP25 or JBL 2404
        for Belle Klipsch  
             (Includes top section raisers and hardware) ...... $105.00 
        for Klipschorn ........................................  $87.00 

   Klipsch equivalent grill cloth installed
        * Specify grill cloth: Black or Cane. .................  $75.00

 Shipping: 
   Complete set of two horns, grill frames and tweeter rackets: 
   Box: 31 X 30 X 13 Inches. Weight: 28 Lbs. 
   Professional packing cost: $30.00 
     Estimate shipping cost 

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