Philosophy

Back to Collection

Company History

 

 

WESTERN ELECTRIC 16A HORN

Introduced in 1929, the Western Electric 16A horn is a product of the early days of talking motion pictures. The 16A was intended as a compact solution for a horn speaker system to be mounted behind the movie screen hanging on chains. At 400 pounds and almost 3m. wide, the idea "compact" is relative.

The WE 16A could be loaded with either two or four WE 555 field coil compression drivers. This horn has a unique dual horn construction which allows it to be used today for single point stereo.

The 16A provides satisfying listening as a stand alone unit, although tweeters are required for modern full range bandwidth.

The sound of the 16A horn is unique. It can be very soft and delicate, very natural, yet vivid, colorful and dynamic. This is the great Western Electric sound.

The rendition of piano and violin on the 16A horn is very enjoyable and it is a favorite for small-scale vocal music.

The exciting experience of listening to the 16A inspired us to develop our APORIA horn to bring the full-range horn concept into the 21st century!

 

 

 

Pair of WE 597A Field Coil Tweeters installed on 16A Horn

The 16A Horn with the 555W drivers does not provide sufficient HF extension to meet modern audiophile expectations, so the presentation is enhanced with addition of a pair WE 597A tweeters

WE Service Manual Data for Type 16A Horn -- Click for large size

Back to Collection

2001-2008 Silbatone Acoustics