Klipschorn: Still relevant??

I think they are. They rereleased their classic series. You can get parts from them going way back. Their customer support is outstanding. Is there better sounding speakers on the market, yes, BUT Klipshorn will definitely be around for a long time supporting their products.

I believe this is exactly why Klipsch has put out some other Gems that alleviate some of the issues with K-Horn demands and placement in rooms..

They have the new Palladiums which I can guarantee are pretty serious in sound, and not much will be missing, placement will be less an issue.. However they are way expensive, and truly not sure why everybody raves so far about the finish on them, Mostly a plastic molded design with some synthetic veneers and overall look is exacly that.

They can not compete with 15,000 dollar speaker finishes that are normally talked about on this forum or other serious smaller speaker companies, but hey the name follows them and it’s a company with a lot of money backing it… I would like to have a pair, but for 8 grand I could see these Palladiums being a step over the K-horn it, but not at 15k…

IMO, you also need a BIG room for Klipschorns. I fell in love with them back in '79 after listening to them in a store with large rooms and high vaulted ceilings. Worked all summer to afford a pair and when I got them home and put them in a normal sized room, I can hardly express how dissappointed I was.

NOT being an audiophile, I've been chuckling over this thread for two reasons:

1) For the same non-reason as Pawlowski6132, I'm headed in the exact opposite direction... Klipschorns to Von Schweikerts. I'm simply just curious... based *solely* on the reason that I can find so very few negative comments and the talk about the "spooky" soundstage... but I've never actually heard any of them... and don't have access to any.

2) The passion involved when someone uses the "horn" word. Seems like folks either love 'em or hate 'em... but either way they're passionate ;-)

Being a child of the 60's, I spent an insane amount of time in stereo stores for someone with only a buck twenty five in my jeans... and I'm talking $1.25. But the first and only time I heard the klipschorns, it was life changing for **ME**. So, a decade or two later when I could afford them, I ordered a pair. Hmmm... didn't sound that great... figured it was my "sound memory" (it *had* been many years)... or listening to rock & roll had taken it's toll ;-)

Fast forward some years... went to replace 'em and happened into a stereo store that was excellent... he asked more questions than I did... his conclusion: "Hell, you've never heard 'em. Sell that SS amp and put a tube in there, then come back if ya want"... he even sent me to a different store for the amp! That did it. THAT was the sound I remembered!

Since then I've still tried to replace them... a couple of times... just couldn't find a stereo store that could beat that sound to *MY* untrained ear. Actually, one store DID do it... you know the type... no name on the door... by appointment only... but damn, they were almost $100k! So here I am... gonna try the VSA's... just because I can, I guess.

Pawlowski6132, check back in sometime. I'd love to compare notes.

Guy's, audiophools, Klipsch are fine speakers, especially when tweaked. Paul Klipsch was a world class genious who specialized in making CHEAP components sound GREAT. This is especially true with the heritage line. I love what Klipsch does for the $$$$. I believe their Alnico drivers are some of the best anywhere. I have heard "world class" high end speakers that all do SOME things better, but not all. Dynamics is where horns shine, realistic soundstage, when properly matched components, et.

My journey started with Martin Logans, Ascents, Arius, Theater one, I took steps backward, when returning these over priced IMHO POS speakers, and replaced a full surrond sound system with 5 Cornwalls, and SVS B4-plus subwoofer. I had the manager of the store where ZI bought my ML's over one day, he commented on 2 channel with modded cornwalls sounded better than ANYTHING in his store. Their high end was Mcintosh, ML Prodigy, Vienna Acoustics, and Sonus Faber. The speakers where priced up to 20k.

This fellow had 24 years experience in High End Chicago boutique's, andf chain stores. Now, I had already been involved in my quest for the ultimate in digital, and had been thru over 20 different sources, and owned 3 at the time. This of course mad a difference for the best source he had was a DV-50, and mine was leaps and bounds better. But 20k vs 1k modded, come on. I also had their installers in who said the same thing.

HT was unfickin incredible with my SVS-B4 plus/crown K2 combo, and 5 of the same speakers......

NOW....are they the b all, end all? Of course not, but hey NOTHING is. I would bet, that ANY of you audiophools, who would go to BOA2's home and listen to his modded Khorns with his associated components would have all you jaws drop, and probably shit your pants.

I am currently having a set of horns custom made using Klipsch alnico drivers, I suppose these will end up about 102db, these I am confidant, will sound WORLD CLASS. I also like modern speakers and am also having a pair of speakers mad with 1st order crossovers, and drivers that cost me wholesale over 4k, just for the pair. These will compete with the best high end speakers on the planet.

My, question is, which will I like better. I already have on order the Best source onthe planet IMHO.

I have compared my Klipsch to speakers costing up to 80k. I have found NONE worth the price. Yes, I CAN afford the high end, the real question is, why the hell throw that $$$ away.

Stop bashing speakers, you have never heard properly set up. I am not bashing what you have bought, and agree, klipsch are not WORLD beaters, but, klipsch, done right, is MIGHTY FINE>>>>>>>>>>>

the khorns are an iconoclistc loudspeaker.....the 4jrs are nice, but a few years from now, the khorns and other heritage speakers will still be in demand.

The single most improved piece of equipment in my system with the Khorns were the ALK crossovers. This was an improvement better than any amp, cdplayer or preamp and I've been thru many of these.

Even though the LaScalas use the same drivers they sound totally different from the KHorns- At least they did in my system at the time. I always felt the Khorns sounded a little brighter and better.
Could just be me though.

Will

Hey Pawlowski,

Keep in mind, the LaScala uses the same drivers as
the Khorn, but in a non "corner" design. Only difference
is slight low bass performance. But these have plenty of bass IMO, and very tight.

Yes! I'm definitely changing. My equipment is listed right now. However, that particular pair of Klipshorns I was interested in are no longer available. :^(

Sorry, yes, like your current gear though, but it is fun to change.

Macdadtexas, was that last question directed at me?

Hey, are you going to change??

I am a Magnepan guy. There I said it. But the first thing that I will buy when I build my home addition next year, which is really just a meadia room, is a pair of Klipschorns, and some McIntosh gear to drive it. What a great sound, best rock speakers ever built. I will keep my Maggies, maybe even move up to the holy grail of the 20.1's, but I have longed for the Klipschorns for years, and can't wait to get them. So I will have a 2 dedicated 2 channel systems that sound completely different? So shoot me. These are still a great speaker, as are Tannoy's, the old Bose 901's, AR1 - 3, Quad 57's, 63, 988, 988. In a subjective hobby such as this some iconic items retain their luster because they earned their accolades. Would anyone not want to drive a perfectly kept 63 Corvette, or mid 60's Astin Martin?? That's a better analogy.

To me a great speaker is a great speaker, no matter when it was made, same with an amp, turntable etc.

I have had my Khorns for 10 years and enjoy them very much, especially with tubes.

What they do, no other speaker does, is it the be end all etc ?? or the only way to go ?? of course not.

Everytime I fire them up, I say to myself, well done Mr. Klipsch, very well done indeed.

So are they still relevant ?....I think so.

Okay, it's been fun reading. My 2 cents is there could be better speakers out there, but if you're knocking K-Horns, you have more money than brains. How could anybody not like the Klipsch Heritage line? They are clear as a bell and life-like - at least with rock, orchestra, blues. I hear this stuff written to the critics about "not set up right." Well, if you can't pretty much "plug and go," there's an equipment problem. I bought my $700 used pair of Cornwalls 20 years ago (used). The guy was running a mediocre Marantz receiver through them (probably 70-80 watts/channel). They were loud and garbled. My brother had LaScalas and told me "take the Cornwalls - the seller's Marantz could not do them justice." I did. I matched them up with a Crown Microtech 1200 (clean, powerful PA amp). Those "little" Cornballs are poppin' loud and clear. When you give 'em a little push, the sound will literally move the hair on your arms and still be as clear as a bell. I've had a few friends get scared flames were gonna pop out from the amp. That's how loud they'll go - and they are very, very clear. It all sounds good through them. Santana, Rush, Steely Dan, Chicago, The Who, ELO. If your Klipsch Heritage line sounds bad, your amp sucks... period! Change the amp, not the speakers.

"You didn't raise my blood pressure. I just thought the implication in your post was not well thought out."

I can't argue with that, a lot of what I do isn't thought out.

Old isn't bad if you enjoy them. I listen to LPs. They are better than all the efforts of modern technology.

My point was that among the poeple I know, the name Klipschorn isn't ever mentioned. Nobody I know even considers them. I'm not saying they aren't a quality speaker, but just answering the question "still relevant?" - not in my admittedly little world.

hi

Onhwy61 said

" Larry510, is it possible for you to imagine that some people have listened to Klipsch (Heresy, LaScala, KHorn) speakers and didn't fall in love with them. Maybe they wanted a speaker that went deeper in the bass, or one that soundstaged with more front to back depth, or possibly a more refined treble range, or even a less forward midrange. Just try to imagine."

Yes it is possible for me to imagine that. Klipsch speakrs have a "house sound" that's not for everyone. But the same can be said of every manufacturer, some people love B&W, others like Silverline and on an on. I've listened to a large number of high end speakers at audio shows and friends homes. I never had anything bad to say about any of them. Klipsch just fit my needs better.

What irks me is how some people disparage a company or speaker without listening to them. I guess this is based on the fact that they are perceicved as "old technology". All I can say old is not always bad or inaccurate or low fidelity.

hi

You didn't raise my blood pressure. I just thought the implication in your post was not well thought out.

Robm321

"Sorry to raise everyone's blood pressure, but I just don't see anyone going to Klipsch. Maybe I'm just not around all the hoards of people dropping their exotic speakers for Klipschorn."

Well Klipsch still makes and markets their Heritage line of speakers including the Khorn, Belles, La Scala, & Hersey II and will probably remarket the Cornwall. None of them are inexpensive. There must be a demand for them. The management of Klipsch must have a reason for continuing the line and that's sales and profits. Somebody must be buying them. I doubt that most folks with "exotic" spakers are trading them if for Khorns. Some people do including me.

good listening

Larry

Robm321

Sorry to raise everyone's blood pressure, but I just don't see "anyone" going to Klipsch....

Well you just seen it here!?!?!?

Onhwy61,

Larry510, is it possible for you to imagine that some people have listened to
Klipsch (Heresy, LaScala, KHorn) speakers and didn't fall in love with them.
Maybe they wanted a speaker that went deeper in the bass, or one that
soundstaged with more front to back depth, or possibly a more refined treble
range, or even a less forward midrange. Just try to imagine.

One size doesn't fit all.

True, but can you also see the exact opposite?? Like more
speed, more air, more LIFE! And for potentially a lot less money?? The Klipsch may not go
down to the cellar in bass, but it is among the tightest
I have ever heard.
BTW...I also have a great soundstage & very good depth!??!??

Geeeeeez, noboby is arguing Klipsch is for everyone!!!
The poster only asked a simple question.

Time for the thread to die!

Good luck Pawloski6132

Make shure you have two good corners to put them in or they will never sound right. If you half to, call klipsch the will help you.

Sorry to raise everyone's blood pressure, but I just don't see anyone going to Klipsch. Maybe I'm just not around all the hoards of people dropping their exotic speakers for Klipschorn.

Larry510,

Thanks! I'm glad I still have the vigor and attitude of my youth, instead of being set in my ways like a crusty old man.

Rob

Larry510, is it possible for you to imagine that some people have listened to Klipsch (Heresy, LaScala, KHorn) speakers and didn't fall in love with them. Maybe they wanted a speaker that went deeper in the bass, or one that soundstaged with more front to back depth, or possibly a more refined treble range, or even a less forward midrange. Just try to imagine.

One size doesn't fit all.

hi,

Robm321 ... that's a teenagers response

hope you can do better nextr time

Larry

How many people are going to replace their speakers with Klipschorn?

Exactly four whom I personally know. And they replaced $7-15K speakers. Clearly, not everyone thinks the way you do, Rob321.

Robm321, I guess that depends on what people are currently using. I think I have a nice pair of speakers but, want to move to SET amps. My current speakers won't work well with low powered speakers and I need a reasonably priced pair of high efficiency speakers.

How many people are going to replace their speakers with Klipschorn?

That's what I thought.

hi,

BTW there a lot of easy inexpensive tweeks you can do on Khorns such as getting new crossovers and rope calking the tweeter or squaker horns to mellow them a little bit if that's your inclination. The formus have a lot of how to information on to do the tweeks and where to buy the crossovers(around 200.00. If you ever have a problem with a driver in used Khorns, Klipsch still makes and sells replacemant drivers.

Larry

hi,

RE: Klipsch there is always a lot a c**p slung around, at least on this forum. The folks who like them say so, usually in a nice way. The folks who have tried them and don't say so, usually in a nice way. A lot of folks who have not heard them or owned them bash them for some reason beyond my understanding.

If your curious, try them. Buy them used and ypu can't lose any bucks.

For other opinions look and do a search on Khorns in the Klipsch 2 Channel forum or the audio asylum SET and High Efficiency speakers forum.

good listening

Larry

I just wanted everyone to know I appreciate the passionate responses and am digesting them all thoroughly.

To BigJoe,

I understand what you are saying. And what you AND I
are saying is the same ole merrygoround crap that happens
on every thread like this. Everyone loves what they have
even for a little while, but while I have spent thousands
upon thousands on all the latest keep up with the Jones's
type of HYPE, I am amazed at picking up a $500 pair of
speakers that sound more like music than most anything
I have owned, I am happy as hell!
NO, it won't be for everyone but compared to just the
VS4JR's he has, I think he may stand a great chance of liking the Klipsch better. Maybe not, I do not know as I never have heard them, but if they are not in a totally
different league than the VR2's I owned, the VS could be in
serious trouble IMO.
I mean I was unhappy with my Green Mountain C-3's
after a short while, and tried like hell to get them to
sound good in my big room, but couldn't. I did not make
excuses, I just don't think they were that good and sold
them. That's just my opinion. But I would not trade
my Klipsch for a BN pair of them or a ton of other
high$$ speakers I just owned. (unless just to resell)
His original question was just wondering if he could
"potentially" like the Khorn system better. I just happen
to think he might that is all.

Take care,
Bob

hi,

Onhwy61

have you heard the two side by side ? if not your opinion means nothing

Now Pawlowski6132 can do just that if he wants. Buy a pair of horns for about 2000 listen to both and sell the one he wants to. If he sells the horns he'll get what he paid for them

Larry

telescope_trade

either i didnt explain well enough or you misunderstood,either way here is what i meant,i do believe that set up & matching systems is important but what i dont believe is this.

just about everytime somebody says that they are unhappy with the sound from klipsch gear & or tube gear we all hear the same thing,there must be somthing wrong with the set up,for somebody to just throw that out there without ever hearing the system is silly & usually a self serving justification of their own gear.

what i think is bs is that alot of guys cant come to grips that klipsch & tubes really isnt bliss for everybody & make excuses as to why the owner is unhappy with his sound.

mike.

Larry510, why should he spend up to $2,500 to get inferior overall sound than what he already has?

hi

Onhwy61, your missing the point. The man asked about Khorns which can be bought used from 1550 to 2500 dollars. The speakers you referred to were 4x as much.

Larry510, you're the one who claims the CARs may be a little better than your Cornwalls. Others might not be so kind.

Pawlowski, do yourself a favor. Don't change anything. There are better systems than yours, some might even be less expensive than what you spent, but ultimately what difference does any of that make as long as you like the way your system performs. If you need a point of reference, then start a post about starting an audiophile club. There could be dozens of people who live near you in the same situation you are. If that doesn't work, take a vacation and visit some manufacturers factories. Most factories have really good reference systems that they might let you listen to. Call ahead of time and make arrangements. The cost of the travel is way less than the time, effort and money spent swapping out equipment that makes other people happy.

My point exactly Larry...If I made one!???!??

;o)

BTW...Pawlowski6132, from what you listen to, any of the
Klipsch Heritage line would be a great choice IMO.

Ya know, why don't you try to find a pair and if
able, just buy them (if you can't listen first) and
sell them if you don't like em. They can be had very
reasonable in most cases, and hold their resale value
pretty well.

If you do not have a big room with two solid corners
go with any model below the Khorn.

hi.

"Klipsch do some things very well, but they are not modern speakers. If you want to get serious about horns you might want to consider something like the Classic Audio Reproduction line. They use much better drivers and parts than Klipsch and it's reflected in the sound quality.

If you're stuck on Klipsch, search the archives, there were several threads on how to upgrade their performance through relatively simple parts swaps.

In direct answer to your original question, no - the Klipsch will not be better than what you have if by better you mean higher levels of fidelity"

I just love it when someone suggests I spend 10000 dollars on a set of horns that MAY be a little bit better then the Cornwalls I spent 700 dollars on.


good listening

Larry

Onhwy61; Well, I was hoping no one would ask me that. Because, I don't have a good answer. There is some truth in the observation however that I'm just changing to change. I'm mostly curious. I don't have a HiFi store near me, I've never been to a HiFi show, and I don't know anyone that is into this hobby. So, right now, the grass on the other side that I've only read about seems greener. I might have a really great sounding system but, how do I know? Yeah, I like it but, I might like something else more right? I listen to about 60% acoustic music (orchestral, jazz, bluegrass, pop/rock) and 40% EVERYTING else. The only legitimate complaint I have about my current system is the room. And, I can change that. With this thread, and everyone's valuable experience and insight I'm really hoping to mitigate the risk in selling off what might be a good system for another that I won't enjoy as much. You make a persuasive point that I should sit tight. Ignorance IS bliss. This damn Audiogon!!!!

Pawlowski, it might be helpful if you stated what is so wrong with your system that you want to make such a major change. Your original post makes it sound like you're just bored and want to change just to change.

In broad generalizations, SETs can be very seductive, but it's critical that you match them to a sympathetic speaker and to appropriate music. Small scale jazz, female vocal oriented stuff, chamber music, etc. is better suited for most SETs than full scale orchestra, dance, metal, rap, etc. Of course there are people out there who listen to Metallica thru a single driver horn powered by 1.5 watts and think it sounds great, and you could be one of them, but most likely you're not. I've never heard the combination of equipment you have, but on paper it seems first rate. I suspect you will have a difficult time truly improving upon the overall sound quality. Exactly what are you trying to accomplish?

Onhwy61; "...,no - the Klipsch will not be better than what you have if by better you mean higher levels of fidelity." Yes, that is exactly what I mean. This is getting to the point of my original thread. Can you please expound on this a bit? What are the strengths of my current system, IYO, compared to a SET/Khorn system. Thanx much.

Klipsch do some things very well, but they are not modern speakers. If you want to get serious about horns you might want to consider something like the Classic Audio Reproduction line. They use much better drivers and parts than Klipsch and it's reflected in the sound quality.

If you're stuck on Klipsch, search the archives, there were several threads on how to upgrade their performance through relatively simple parts swaps.

In direct answer to your original question, no - the Klipsch will not be better than what you have if by better you mean higher levels of fidelity.

Klipschorns will probably always be relevant - they are a classic design. The K-horns do some things that other speakers only dream of. Of course, other speakers do some things that a K-horn can only dream of doing. It is all a matter of sonic priorities. What are your priorities? Careful...you can't have it all!

I owned the Heresy, LaScala's and Cornwall’s over the years. I never had a place that had two empty corners so I never got a chance to own the legend. I moved to the Paradigm Signature's now but I really miss the LaScala's at times. I have time and time again listened to the K horns and they are a real step up from the LaScala IMO. The only real problem with them is there size and room dimensions. In my living room the LaScalas were amazing ... in my smaller listening room - good but not great. Those horns like room.

Throw on Chicago's second album/CD and prepare for a treat! Miles Davis or Dizzy Gillespie aint so bad either.

I ran Carver equipment in the early years and switched back and fourth through tons of mid-grade stuff. I ended up spending a few more bucks and getting a Levinson No. 27 and I was in love. I never really did em justice. I wanted to run tubes but never got there. I heard the k-horns with a Mac amp once, and it was amazing to me. It takes so little to drive them ... they seem tailored for tubes. I would run Mac power, only because I heard it and was so impressed.

Well, it certainly appears that the Khorns are worth a try. I'm going to listen to a pair this weekend I think. For those of you who have or are willing to chime in, can you comment on how fussy they are with regards to room and placement?

hi,,

"There is music in the mighty Klipschorn."

Amen to that. Just listen to them with a open mind.

good listening

Larry

Klipschorns were the first truely great speaker I ever heard. Over many years and listening to many very good speaker systems, in my mind at least, they still rank very high as some of the best I've ever heard. My on going test for any speaker, does it sound like music, or simply music coming from a box. There is music in the mighty Klipschorn.

H Larry,

Cool, I too had the Mewlon 250 on a EM 200 mount, sweet
scope! I'll check out the site thanks!

Bob

hi Telescope_Trade,

Your handle can only mean, I think, that your are in some way interested in telescopes. So am I, particularly in asto imaging. See my web site with images taken with a Takahashi Mewlon 250 and a SBIG ST10XME

http://starryforge.com

good listening,

Larry

Will,

What were you running the Klipsch with? That's the funny thing about this hobby, I did the same thing
( became dissatisfied with most other speakers I had
from Green Mountain C-3's to Vienna to VMPS to..etc
...etc...etc... too damn many to count.
It all depends on your taste and system. I will say
BS to anyone who thinks system matching & setup is not
important.
I have "waisted" thousands upon thousands of $$ going
for the latest & greatest BS. Funny how you can have
friends & family hardly EVER comment on something but
will be nice just not to hurt feelings. Then you get
something like the Klipsch and everyone comments on how
it is the best the system has ever sounded. Hmmm who is right and who is wrong. I have been guilty big time of
getting initally carried away with a new speaker (or amp,
or whatever)only to become tired of it soon.
Point being, I spent $500 dollars (chump change) and have
better sound than my last 20 pair of speakers.
Nothing yet has beat my Wisdom D75 Dipoles yet though.

Bottom line...listen to anything before you buy if you can
but don't get to caught up in this because I know first hand
how much mark up there is on "some" of this stuff and it
would make you sick.

As most everyone agrees on...trust "only" your ears!