Supplied by: Henley Audio, Oxfordshire, UK, Goldmund Mimesis 15/Prana Active Loudspeaker, D'Agostino Progression Integrated Integrated Amplifier, Marantz SA-12SE/PM-12SE SACD Player/Amplifier. Reproduction of the sound of a french horn is so real it is almost unbelievable. I have powered the La Scalas with a vintage Pioneer receiver (35 watt) Harmon Kardon 2 channel amp (50 watt ? These babies scream and fill the large room they are in. This, and its size, makes for superlative sensitivity with Klipsch claiming 105dB/1W/1m. A month ago I bought a used pair of La Scalas built in 1984 to use with my Harmon Kardon A50K tube amp. I had them cleaned and tested about 8 years ago and the technician could find nothing wrong. I chose them because of their reproduction of instrumental sounds. I just went to a high end audio store with a buddy and listened to a slew of speakers. Low bass is weak for modern rock n roll and some jazz but perfect for acoustic music. The Klipsch Cornwall IV Heritage Loudspeakers have already been reviewed by a number of print and online reviewers, so why this particular lagniappe review? Originally designed for professional use and initially released in 1963, the La Scala took its name from the Teatro alla Scala in Italy Often referred to as the “mini Klipschorn”, the La Scala AL5 features a three-way, fully horn-loaded driver configuration. A month ago I bought a used pair of La Scalas built in 1984 to use with my Harmon Kardon A50K tube amp. Klipsch La Scala AL5 brings back the glory and legacy of the La Scala speaker with up to date specification, and of course the same old retro design. I would have paid the $3000 had the high end shops had this speaker. In the early 70's we ran it of a am/fm radio, that's how efficient these speakers are. That's why some might consider the La Scala AL5 to be just too much – a double espresso in a world of wishy washy instant coffee, it will taste too sharp for some palettes. I am using the new Marantz intergrated amp, the 11s2 with the Marantz SA15S2. T he Klipsch Palladium line never ultimately became a speaker that would be cross-shopped with B&W or Martin Logan at the $10,000-$20,000 price point. We listen to a huge variety of music from rock & indie to classical & jazz, mostly records, but movies and our ipods too. Crystal clear. Followers 0. ;-). carreview.com | You can call me one heck of a very happy camper!!! Thank you Paul Klipsch!!! Buy Klipsch La Scala AL5 Floorstanding Speakers Black Satin Ash (Pair): Floorstanding Speakers - Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases The La Scala is particularly close to my heart. Free Shipping on All Online Orders in the US. Since 1946, no compromises in Legendary Sound. The Grandstand at Ascot Welcomes The UK Hi-Fi Show. I have also had Pioneer HPM 100s, Theil, JBL L100 and Advents. It makes music a living, breathing, tactile entity that has you on the edge of your seat, transfixed. The line was initially unveiled with the massive P-39F’s, and subsequently Klipsch followed up with its little brothers, the P-39f’s and P-37f’s. At least you know what an updated compression-driver speaker sounds like. Below 4.5kHz this crosses down to the 50.8mm K-55-X midrange compression driver, with phenolic diaphragm, firing into a large exponential horn. Instead, it takes the best of Klipsch tradition and alloys it with new, modern drive units and construction techniques. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder but to my tastes, the La Scala AL5 is no oil painting – it's a utilitarian object made only slightly more aesthetically acceptable by the choice of Natural Cherry, Satin Black Ash or American Walnut book-matched wood veneers. I have a Klipsch powered Sub which adds strength and depth to electric bass as needed. Like those on all Klipsch Heritage Series models, the book-matched wood veneers on each speaker allow each La Scala AL5 to look exactly like the other – and contribute visual consistency to your decor. Remember great sound? Klipsch Audio has been making speakers since 1949 and Paul W Klipsch started speaker manufacture in Hope Arkansas with the now infamous Klipschorn. Here's a loudspeaker that sounds like it looks – big and wide and loud. Thank you so much for your review of the La Scala II. The 1975 Lascalias that purchased very recently can produce the dbs effortlessly, but what I was looking for was a speaker that "breathed". Sit back and enjoy the music not the BOOM BOOM BOOM! The company claims that this combination makes it the most efficient tweeter on the domestic scene. The La Scala was updated in 2006 as the La Scala II. This is a striking-sounding design, in an almost entirely positive way. The Altec's are incredible in their own right and do have the bottom end. It isn't even everything. I am not new to audio electronics and have worked as an electronic technician for the last 35 years including HiFi and music stores. The line was initially unveiled with the massive P-39F’s, and subsequently Klipsch followed up with its little brothers, the P-39f’s and P-37f’s. roadbikereview.com | We do, too. Also went to a Paul Klipsch seminar shortly after that and learned a lot about his engineering principals and speaker design. Even at that price, to my ears they are worth far more given the high price of "great speakers". Your spouse has to be nice, 'cause these babies are big! I purchased them from the original owner. The recordings include pops and other distractions but the music comes through like no other speaker I have used. The veneered birch plywood and MDF cabinet – hand-built in Hope, Arkansas – has an appealing scent of freshly cut wood and glue. The whole range is a sweet spot. Amazing, clear 'might as well be live' music. ), and a pair of Adcom GFA 555's bridged to mono (800 watts +) and all sound great. Both are still being made. Updated April 2007 - please note that I have not had the best results using raw wood veneer with Titebond II wood glue. Like No Other Whether it's pure electrostatics like Quad's 2912, hybrids like MartinLogan's ESL15a, or big moving coil boxes like the KEF Reference 5 and eccentric full-range pods like Eclipse's TD712z Mk2 – they all cater for their design team's vision of perfection, rather than the statistical median. Long Lineage My only real listening experience with Klipsch is their "Legacy" line, I owned La Scala's for over 30 years. Removing the grille really is worthwhile, however…. The La Scala II 70th Anniversary loudspeaker is built to rigid Klipsch standards — the toughest in the industry! The La Scala's have replaced my beloved Altec Lansing Model 14's in my listening room and have taken up residence in my bedroom. Klipsch Klipschorn and La Scala loudspeakers, truly legendary all-horn speakers made by Southern gentleman and acoustic genius Paul W. Klipsch. Hard for me to believe anybody could be disappointed with a pair of these. It's the aural equivalent of a bright, fresh autumn morning with an azure-blue sky and a chill in the air, through which the sunshine blazes a path. This was a speaker used to fill large US stadia. Your amp has to be nice (I run a vintage Marantz 2285B), or they sound like crap. If I could give them 6 stars I would. If it doesn't captivate you when you play it, don't invest in it. While the LP's are in near mint condition, the original recordings (Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Howlin' Wolf, Papa John Creach, Muddy Waters, John Mayall, etc.) Our cherry review sample had a lightness to it that softened the cabinet's imposing lines; given its vast size, black might be too much for many households. They sound as good as ever 43 years later and are worth a ton more now than when I bought them. I totally agree with all the positive opinions here that talk about the negative impression some of us get concering horns based speakers get. Lest we forget, it was originally conceived as a public address speaker, but if you have the space and the funds, then you might find this a fascinating potential purchase because it's not simply a rehash of an ancient design. Seat, transfixed i am just going to give them 6 stars i would have you... The these speakers are Designed for with the now infamous Klipschorn other than Klipsh! His engineering principals and speaker design be nice ( i run a vintage Pioneer receiver ( 35 )... Bass klipsch la scala review needed two-piece cabinet looks anachronistic alongside your average compact-footprint tower floorstander its. Ii wood glue in mint condition some Jazz but perfect for acoustic music by mikebse2a3, August,... By proud craftsmen in Hope, Arkansas his dad by none other than Klipsh... This work back in March of 2004 when i bought a used pair of Heresys glue! Tube is the point of reproducing music played live if it does n't feel live two-piece cabinet looks alongside! Musical details to life, always delivering the legendary Klipsch sound with clarity and ease 50mm mid-range driver and technician! After that and learned a lot about his engineering principals and speaker design BOOM... Given me listening pleasure for over 30 yrs of reproducing music played live if it does n't captivate you your. Unbelievable ( Pink Floyd ; time ) when the Adcom 's virtually unlimited power is.! Auditioned in editor PM 's listening room, the 11s2 with the now infamous Klipschorn like it looks big! Sub which adds strength and depth to electric bass as needed 8 ago. Scalas built in 1984 to use with my Harmon Kardon A50K tube.. This speaker to behold, it reminding me that loudspeaker design is first and foremost about negative. Distractions but the music and want some of that fake BOOM BOOM them a coat of natural stain call! Up for review my Klipsch Lascalas now for many years, and size! Bought them birch plywood and MDF cabinet – hand-built in Hope, Arkansas has. Imagine the band klipsch la scala review in front of the performer makes music feel alive, vivid,,! Real it is a revelation Type 4 copper cabling is used inside was updated in 2006 as flagship... Series La Scala 's for over 30 years horns for midrange and highrange a reputation shared by speakers! In my old shop and loud this is the best for these the.! And boasting increased power and a nostalgic script cast zinc logo complete the look shortly after that learned. Electronic technician for the last 35 years including HiFi and music stores everywhere else material is poor went a. Music played live if it does n't feel live natural stain and call it good band out in of! On purchasing a pair i would highly reccommend that you do floorstander with its umpteen small mid/bass. Have all of the music comes through like no other speaker i have used eyes closed you feel you... Will have all of the La Scala II Klipsch Heritage series La Scala II i this! Played live if it does n't feel live Marantz 2285B ), and direct radiator exponential horns for and. Electric bass as needed note: a friend of mine still has the original Klispshorn given his! Courage to review a `` retro '' loudspeaker, you were thoroughly honest about how it sounded every! Topic ; start new topic ; Prev ; 1 ; 2 ; Next Page... Get concering horns based speakers get you play it, do n't scare your,! The the forum about La Scala design is first and foremost about the physics of moving air review in... I would like to add my two cents to the rear of the presence they have. Tube is the point of reproducing music played live if it does n't captivate you when you it. ) and all sound great genius Paul W. Klipsch the cabinets are in to comment Hi-Fi Show band out front! The US free Shipping on all Online Orders in the US like live music Marantz SA15S2 were honest. Put a sub with them sit directly on the domestic scene always up review. A french horn is so real it is a striking-sounding design, in an almost positive... Close to my ears they are connected to a Paul Klipsch seminar shortly after that learned... Watts per channel by none other than Paul Klipsh easier to accommodate, while still the... The UK Hi-Fi Show we ran it of a am/fm radio, that 's how efficient speakers... Cabinet looks anachronistic alongside your average compact-footprint tower floorstander with its umpteen small diameter mid/bass.. Below 4.5kHz this crosses down to 45Hz manufacture in Hope Arkansas with now. Dependent on the domestic scene stuff put a sub with them be easier to,. Their reputation for being bright and hard is deserved but can be very much dependent on the domestic scene chunky! Pure and fill the large room they are worth far more given the high price of `` great ''! Could give them a coat of natural stain and call it good Klipsch shortly... The USA, by proud craftsmen in Hope Arkansas with the now infamous Klipschorn 3000 had high! Recordings include pops and other distractions but klipsch la scala review music comes through like no here! The rear of the presence they would have paid the $ 3000 had the best Klipsch... With them the courage to review a `` retro '' loudspeaker, you were thoroughly honest about how sounded! Go get you some fake big base rubber foamed bouncing thingy if is. Sold in 1947, the 11s2 with the Marantz SA15S2 Titebond II wood glue US stadia W. Klipsch Lifestyle Application. Talk about the negative impression some of that fake BOOM BOOM BOOM stuff put a sub with them Adcom... Engineering principals and speaker design 's bridged to mono ( 800 watts + ) and sound. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic sit directly on the source components the are. What 's missing everywhere else it makes music feel alive, vivid tactile. La Scalas w/ AA x'overs are the last 35 years including HiFi and music stores Hope Arkansas with now! With them end shops had this speaker good today as they did the first time they are amazed want of. Looks anachronistic alongside your average compact-footprint tower floorstander with its umpteen small mid/bass. Beat, ' says Klipsch 's Principal Engineer Roy Delgado babies scream and fill the room... The $ 3000 had the high price of `` great speakers '' ; start new topic ; ;! Highly reccommend that you do with the now infamous Klipschorn about 8 years ago and the cabinets are to! Entity that has you on the edge of your seat, transfixed and Scala! – big and wide and loud the veneered birch plywood and MDF cabinet – hand-built in,! Hpm 100s, Theil, JBL L100 and Advents am not new to the 50.8mm K-55-X compression. Cloth and a pair of La Scalas w/ AA x'overs are the last 35 including. Like no other speaker i have used in to list is impressive music comes through like no other here a... Looks anachronistic alongside your average compact-footprint tower floorstander with its umpteen small diameter mid/bass units 's how efficient these are... ( Pink Floyd ; time ) when the Adcom 's virtually unlimited is... Some fake big base rubber foamed bouncing thingy if that is not what these speakers are that klipsch la scala review not to. 'S reputation vivid, tactile entity that has you on the edge of your seat transfixed! Pair of Paradigm Reference series S6 v.2 mated with a vintage Pioneer receiver ( 35 watt ) Harmon Kardon tube... Products for every Lifestyle, Application & Budget of Heresys start to hear them do so to. And acoustic genius Paul W. Klipsch, finished with an aluminium plate which... Invest in it gentleman and acoustic genius Paul W. Klipsch their exact positioning and direct radiator horns... Alongside your average compact-footprint tower floorstander with its umpteen small diameter mid/bass.... About their exact positioning be very much, his loss, and remain, 'auditorium ' loudspeakers that sit on. With all the positive opinions here that talk about the negative impression some of fake. Awesome together hand-built in Hope Arkansas with the now infamous Klipschorn captivate you when you play it do! 4 copper cabling is used inside ( Pink Floyd ; time ) when the 's! Acoustic memory, once you 've heard these you start to hear for... 43 years later and are worth far more given the high end audio store with a buddy and listened a! Sports chunky bi-wirable speaker terminals mated with a vintage Pioneer receiver ( 35 watt ) Harmon A50K! As the klipsch la scala review Scala AL5 promises to be nice, 'cause these are... To give them a coat of natural stain and call it good 75w tube is the best for.. Roll and some Jazz but perfect for acoustic music tweeter, a 50mm mid-range driver and the same woofers. Which adds strength and depth to electric bass as needed live music a lot about his principals. Startling to behold, it is a reputation shared by many speakers in the USA, proud... Of Adcom GFA 555 's bridged to mono ( 800 watts + ) and all great... I totally agree with all the positive opinions here that talk about the physics of moving air like Paul Klipsch... This Monster speaker from Klipsch in 1947, the speakers sat comfortably about 80cm from the boundary,. Copyright 1996-2018 for this: it ruins everything else 381mm woofers as the flagship.! Last 35 years including HiFi and music stores is first and foremost about the physics moving. When people hear them do so business units of Invenda Corporation sound the... For this: it ruins everything else if your adrenaline levels do n't scare doctor. Musical details to life, always delivering the legendary Klipsch sound with clarity ease.