Klipsch La Scala --two types?


I have a chance to purchase a pair of Black La Scalas (built in mid 80's) with side carrying handles. I believe they call these the industrial type? Does anyone know if they are identical to the non "industrial type" wood grain finish etc.. Are the crossovers the same? drivers the same? Overall do they sound the same?

I've read that the K77M tweeter, K55M midrange. and the AL-3 crossover are the best for these speakers. If so are the other types of drivers crossovers that much different?

Would an Onkyo TX-SV70PRO 90 watt/channel AV Tuner amplifier be a decent match to run them with?

What would a fair price for these be? Any other information on them would be helpful...
Thanks
Mike
nrgy22

Showing 3 responses by jax2

The industrial type you describe were built for portability. Some later versions came apart into a top and bottom half. They are not identical in terms of the cabinet, of course, but the drivers are all the same (which, as you know, varied over the years of production - they are still being produced today). I'd concur on the K55M mid and the K77m tweet (which is the first thing I'd replace for a large improvement), but I'd say the AA crossovers were the better version. I'm not familiar with your Tuner, but most tube amplifiers are an ideal match with LaScalas. I'm not a fan of SS amps with Klipsch horn loaded speakers. I have heard McIntosh SS sound good with them though. Prices for used LaScalas are all over the board. I'd say on average they go for around $ 1200-1400 for 80's stuff in good condition. Shipping is a bugger as they're heavy and large.

Plenty of info and opinions on the Klipsch forums if you can figure out their search engine.

Good luck.
Jax2, is it likely the mid 80's La Scalas do not have the K55M and the K77? Is this something that was added to the newer models?

Actually the drivers and crossover I recommended are from the older models and were replaced with less desirable components (arguably so). My suggestion to replace the tweet is not with another Klipsch, but with a drop-in Beyma replacement. I was using a Fane 2020 slot tweeter for a HUGE improvement in the high end. AA is the best of the Klipsch Xovers, IMO, but you can replace those with modern versions of the same Xover by either Bob Crites or Dean Westcott, or a completely revised version by Al Klappenberg. As far as which works best, YMMV. I think the AA is a damn good Xover, but they will come with older components which could stand for improvement just from an age standpoint. Elevick makes a good recommendation on the Cornwall alternative, although the size and weight is not that far off. A tube amp would be an ideal companion, again, IMHO.

Marco
Can you recommend where I could purchase the replacemet parts you mentioned? do you know of a decent tube amp i should try? something not too pricey though:)Thanks again
Mike

Al Klappenberg
Bob Crites sells on eBay
You can contact Dean Westcott through the Klipsch Forum.

The Beyma CP25 is a drop-in tweeter replacement, but the tweet body would need to fit on top of your speaker as it is larger than the K77M.

Not sure who might carry Fane's tweets these days.

If you want to take it far, replace the top section with one of Bill Martinelli's Creations

Plenty of decent tube amps out there. It really depends upon your budget. "Not too pricey" means something different to different people. There's various tube amps built in China yielding big bang for the buck (I'm assuming you're looking for an integrated) from companies like Jolida, Cayin, Prima Luna, etc.

Marco