Basshorns... ...

are one of the last myths of high end audio. This mythical quality is emphasised by their sheer size - which is determind by physics - and by their potential of providing for ultimate punch and clarity in the bass range.

But accomodating a hornloaded bass so far demanded a huge commitment: either by compulsory use of corners, by necessary construction work in your listening room, or by lack of deep bass (due to "reasonable" horn dimensions). Avantgarde Acoustic now succeeded in designing and engineering a highly flexible modular horn subwoofer which accomodates to various environmental and acoustical conditions.

You can decide for yourself how to configurate and where to place your BASSHORN: in corners or free standing in front of a wall, as double, fourfold or sixfold BASSHORN. Every module is practicably dimensioned, thus no extensive logistics are required for transport and setup.

The Avantgarde Acoustic BASSHORN isn't just another powered subwoofer, its ADRIC (Adaptive Radiation Impedance Control) amplifier technology (Patent pend.) allows for powerful and deep bass despite its relatively small horn mouth area. This ensures a convincing performance of even only 2 or 4 BASSHORN modules, because every single module performs down to 18 Hz; an unparalleled performance at the given horn dimensions.

The built in crossover and ADRIC amplifier allow for a sensitive adjustment to the available satellites (recommended: Avantgarde Acoustic TRIO) and to the acoustical environment. So you don't have to leave the performance of your BASSHORN to chance - regarding acoustics or your personal preferences.

Download BASSHORN FACT SHEET (PDF/5.50 MB)

Technology

Concept

The BASSHORN is a fully active system covering the range from 18 to 250 Hz, giving "State-of-the-Art" bass performance. The modular concept allows the user to tailor the system to different acoustical environments and allows for further upgrades by just adding another set of BassHorns, up to a maximum of 6 modules.

Each BASSHORN module is driven by two especially designed 12 inch long excursion drivers which are powered by an integrated 2 x 250 Watt class A/B power amplifier. But besides its overwhelming dimensions and impressive technical specifications, the Avantgarde Acoustic designers have included something really unique: the patented ADRIC-technology.

This "Active Dynamic Radiation Impedance Compensation" is a special circuit which dynamically compensates for small horn mouth dimensions and linearises the bass response below the cut-off frequency of the horn. It enables the BASSHORN - even when operated only with 1 module - to achieve a bass response down to 18 hz with a horn mouth of just 9 sq.ft This is unique and with its patented ADRIC circuitry the horn specialists from Avantgarde Acoustic have managed to design the smallest full range horn subwoofer in the world.

Drivers

The 12X600 long excursion horn drive unit is characterized by its extremely high efficiency and utmost power handling capabilities. A powerful neodymium magnet , the clean 20 N/A BL power factor and a very stiff but lightweight membrane will ensure highest resolution and authority even with complex signals at extreme sound pressure levels. Each BASSHORN module with its substantial 185 sq.in (1,200 sq.cm) of membrane area is capable of displacing 500 cubic cm of air and blasting it into the horn throat.

Horn

The sound waves are guided through a 55 inch (140 cm) long expo-spherical horn which transforms them smoothly into the room. The horn mouth area per BASSHORN module is 9 sq.ft (0,85 sq.m), a sixfold BASSHORN features a horn mouth area of 54 sq.ft (5.7 sq.m).

Amplifier module

The integrated amplification module not only features a 2 x 250 Watt twin amplifier with integrated dynamic real time control circuitry. It also features the unique and patented ADRIC technology, a special electronic circuit which dynamcally compensates for the lower radiation impedance of small horn mouth areas, thus linearising the the bass response below the horn's nominal cut-off frequency.

But ADRIC also detects external influences on the radiation impedance of the BassHorn and compensates them automatically to the exact degree. No matter if a BassHorn is placed in corners or if multiple BassHorn modules are involved, which mutually influence each others radiation impedance: ADRIC adjusts the functioning of the amplifier perfectly to the prevailing circumstances.

The built-in active crossover of the BASSHORN allows the adjustment of a number of parameters. The subwoofer level and the crossover frequency can be adjusted by the means of a potentiometer, thus making the BASSHORN compatible with all Avantgarde Acoustic horn systems. For sure this includes as well the SOLO for ultimate "State-of-the-Art" home theatre systems. Furthermore the amplifier module provides a 3-position subsonic switch and automated power-up by a 12V/DC trigger input.

The BASSHORN is driven via high power speaker terminals for direct connection to integrated amps, power amplifiers or AV receivers. Alternatively it can be directly connected via XLR terminals to any balanced or unbalanced AV processor. The signal take-off is not only at high impedance, but is also balanced and transformer coupled. This floats the subwoofer ground, avoiding hum loops and eases connection to balanced and bridged amplifier designs.

Enclosure and Finishes

The enclosure of the BASSHORN is made from 40 mm laminated wood material. The wavelike horn flare is machined by Avantgarde Acoustic from multilayer sandwich material and vacuum formed in an elaborate strain hardening process. The rounded shape and further internal reinforcing stabilizers reduce standing waves and ensure a rigid and non-vibrant enclosure of the BASSHORN.

Each BASSHORN is individually manufactured to customer specifications. The wavelike horn flare of the BASSHORN has an elegant stainless steel finish.