Bass horns are the premier class in loudspeaker construction. No other subwoofer system is even halfway comparable.

For music connoisseurs, the sound is legendary. Every audiophile dreams to experience a large horn-loaded bass system at least once in their life.

For us as loudspeaker designers, however, the development of a bass horn is one of the greatest technological challenges. As Harry F. Olson, the audio pioneer par excellence, warned:„The design of a horn loudspeaker is usually a long and tedious task.“

We created a legend over 20 years ago with our Avantgarde BassHorn. A horn-loaded bass system that eclipsed everything that had come before in its radical nature. A bass unit that finally catapulted the Trio System into iconic status.

Since 2001, we have installed a considerable number of these BassHorn systems all over the world. We have been able to analyse numerous frequency response measurements in different rooms. We have received feedback from our customers and we have learnt a lot. And so, over time, a profound archive has been created, filled with experience and expertise that is probably unique.

We felt it was time to take the next step and perfect the idea. The SpaceHorn as the latest generation is the sum of the experience gained from 20 years of BassHorn development.

Ahead of its time with technology inspired by the past.

The SpaceHorn is available in two different sizes: Single Drive and Twin Drive.

Both versions are 100% compatible with each other and can be used in combination in one system. This means that it is possible to start with two Single Drive SpaceHorn modules in an upright position in the first expansion stage of the TRIO G3 and later expand the system with two or more Twin Drive modules in a central arrangement.

To further improve sound transformation in the spatial planes (floor, rear and side walls), we have completely redesigned the horn curve of the SpaceHorn compared to its predecessor. The aim was to integrate these spatial planes into the calculations as an extension of the horn.

Hence the name change. “BassHorn” became “SpaceHorn”. A big horn-loaded bass system that understands space as part of the horn function. Your home mutates into a giant horn. For the most controlled bass technologically possible.

With the SpaceHorn we have repositioned the drivers and optimised the horn curve.

We calculated the expansion of the horn with a significantly reduced opening momentum. This allowed us to increase the length of the horn to an impressive 1,898 mm, with no other significant changes to the dimensions. This 40% increase in horn length compared to its predecessor results in a significant increase in sound radiation resistance and therefore an improvement in acoustic performance.

Compared to its predecessor, we have increased the efficiency of the SpaceHorn by an average of 5 dB in the important 40-100 Hz range. This 4x increase in acoustic output means that the XB12 bass driver has to move even less for the same volume. This means even more speed and even less distortion for breathtaking bass reproduction and even crisper sound.

Our goal was to perfect the idea of perfect bass reproduction. We have never been closer.

We have developed a completely new driver for the SpaceHorn. And to get straight to the point: The XB12 is probably the most powerful driver ever developed for a large horn-loaded bass system.

Compared to the driver in the BassHorn, we have increased the voice coil from 100mm to 153mm. With this huge 6″ motor structure, we achieve absolute peak values for force factor and power handling, while at the same time reducing thermal compression.

The magnetic structure is built around two high-grade magnets which are magnetised in the largest 200,000 volt facility in Europe. The resulting 1.15 Tesla magnetic flux density acts on a voice coil of 480mm circumference – more than 50% bigger than the previous model.

We use low-carbon steel for the pole plates, which have been specially developed for the XB12. To ensure high linearity even at maximum excursion, the suspension spider has a patented dynamic profile with progressive behaviour of its surround. The surround itself is made of low-loss NBR (acrylonitrile butadiene rubber) to achieve a fast and clean transient response.
The diaphragm comprises a composite of long-fibre paper and carbon fibre – extremely stable and torsion-resistant for a precise piston movement.

The XB12’s new SingleFrame chassis features robust die-cast aluminium outriggers , which also enclose the magnet to ensure complete mechanical stability of the motor structure’s moving parts.

The use of our AirGate acoustic filter technology between the driver and the mouth of the horn has resulted in an additional 6dB reduction in distortion compared to its predecessor.

The XB12 is the ultimate reference in bass driver technology and performance It is a testament to the unique and uncompromising nature of the G3 series.