Onken + Klughorn + GPA + TAD 3 way horn-DIY

About the Onken + Klughorn + GPA + TAD 3 way horn-DIY

This DIY 3-way horn speaker system integrates several renowned horn components: the Onken bass horn for low frequencies, the Klughorn midrange horn, GPA 414-8B compression drivers for midrange, and TAD compression drivers for high frequencies. The system is fully passive with a carefully designed crossover, typically around 900-1000 Hz between bass and midrange, and uses L-Pads or auto transformers for level adjustment. The Onken bass horn is known for its large format and efficient bass reproduction, while the Klughorn and GPA drivers provide smooth midrange performance. The TAD drivers, such as the TD2001 or similar models, offer fast, revealing, and smooth highs with a coaxial design and beryllium dome tweeter. The entire setup is often powered by tube amplifiers (e.g., 300B) for a warm, detailed sound. Cabinet construction uses quality plywood or MDF, sometimes finished with walnut and Rubio Monocoat wax. Sensitivity is high, around 97-98 dB, making it suitable for efficient amplification. This system is favored by DIY audiophiles for its natural, detailed sound and dynamic range, with some users reporting excellent results in small to medium rooms by adjusting speaker placement to control bass response. The design is complex and requires careful crossover tuning, but offers a unique blend of horn efficiency and musicality.