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LaScalla "horn" sound compared to "maggie" sound

I am quite satisfied with the sound I have with my current system, but am looking for a little spice and variety in my life.  There is a set of circa 1977  LaScalas available in my part of the country and I wonder how the sound might be as compared to my current Magnepan 1.7 set up?  I know it is apples and oranges, but I like both.  Chocolate is my favorite ice cream, but I also like strawberry sometimes.

My general understanding, or perhaps misunderstanding, is that the Lascala/horn type of speaker has the wonderful life-like midrange, are quite dynamic, won't go real low in the bass region, and may be sweet or ragged on the top end depending on who you talk to, set up, and what you feed them.

I could go listen to these, but the sources are inferior and the room would be different from mine.  I really can't get a good grip on a different sound until I can sit back in the Hefty-Boy and assimilate it slowly.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

My current system is:

TT- VPI Classic 1 with Soundsmith Zephyr cart.
Phono stage- Herron Audio VTPH2
Digital/CD- Simaudio Moon Supernova
Preamp- Herron Audio VTSP3A
Power Amp- Bryston 4BSST2
Subs- Rel T5's
abnerjack
j_stereo
119 posts
 
I have owned MG 1.6 (powered by Bryston 3B) and LaScalla (powered by Audio Research VSi55). I liked both speakers, but as someone mentioned, they are very different animals. I don't think you will be satisfied with the large Bryston powering the LaScallas. My guess is they will be forward and bright and harsh. You are better with a small tube amp or even an old Marantz receiver (I also used a 2215b and it sounded good although not the final word in resolution). The Magnepans provide a transparent sound that makes instruments sound "real" and the LaScalla will definitely impart its own characteristics on the sound (not transparent) and instruments will not sound as real. Don't get me wrong, I do admire the Klipsch heritage speakers and presently own a pair of K-Horns and Belle's. I enjoy listening to them with jazz music because the horn reproduces a horn instrument (Trumpet, Sax) very nicely and the sound is very dynamic. However if you want an acoustic guitar to sound like it is in the room with you, the Magnepans will do that but the Klipsch won't. Again totally dependent on personal taste. Good luck with your decision.  
czarivey
4,494 posts
 
I powered once LaScalla with Pioneer SX626 solid state receiver and it seemed to be a very sound match
fin1bxn
140 posts
 

I have owned, Magnapan MMG, MG3.6 with Mye stands, Klispsh Lascalla and Cornwalls over the past 10 years.


First off you dont need a lot of power with the vintage klipsh SET to 30 push pull is fine. Lascalls are more punchy while Cornwall's more balanced and smaller. They both can image well if properly placed and bass punch is outstanding if the high end bothers you, their are plenty of cheap fixes, parts for the x-over (easy install) dampening the horns (again easy).


I would say if you can get the klipsh for under 750 its worth a try then find a dynaco st70 for under 500.

If you really want to experement wait for Cornwalls with a 2a3 or 300b tube SET amp Its magic


Magnepans are great, but they do not have the impact of the klipsch. As someone said apples and oranges/


randy-11
1,913 posts
 
if horns, then first watt
mrdecibel
1,244 posts
 
My 2 cents. I am on my 3rd pair of Lascalas, and have owned most panel type speakers, as well as many box speakers. Klipsch heritage can sound nasty, or sound excellent. Crossover mods ( and type ), horn and cabinet damping, associated equipment, all play a vital role in what you get out of a Klipsch. Any room that can handle a pair of Maggies, can handle Lascalas, ime. I do play music on the louder side, and, want as much dynamics, as possible, from my recordings. It is part of what live, unamplified music is all about. My latest pair of Lascalas, are tonally true to instruments and voices, are completely coherent, and easily convey the recorded space ( depth, width, height ), as any speaker I have ever owned, listened to, or, have sold to my clients.....you get the picture. Good horns, and all of the associated set up, can do what nothing else can do. Come closest to live. I am not putting anybody, or their systems, down. Audiogon, I have found, is not the nicest place to visit, if you want to learn about, or own horns. The Klipsch site, is the place to be. Klipsch and Maggies are different animals, for sure, and they both bring enjoyment to their owners. It is all about what, as a listener, you are looking for. Thank you for reading my post. Mr.D.
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