The shape of the speaker is similar to a horn except it is inverted. We call it an inverted horn. The name nOrh is actually the word horn mixed up a bit. A horn amplifies sound. The problem in all loudspeakers is how to handle the unwanted sounds that are created in the cabinet.
Some speakers use bracing and other speakers use damping materials.
Our idea is to force the unwanted sounds through a horn backwards to reduce the energy naturally. Barnes initially built prototypes using Peerless tweeters and Vifa woofers. These designs lacked refinement in their crossovers and in the tuning of the rear-firing bass port. Because of the encouragement he garnered from that experience, Barnes set out to refine his product and offer the best possible package for the lowest possible price. The result of those efforts has now been realized with the introduction of the nOrh 7.0 speakers.