klipschorns, they kick ass for sure


hello folks.   for those out there that think the big klipschorn's are not good enough to be a high end quality speaker, guess what??   your wrong!!   I have been in audio for over 40 years. I have heard many speaker systems over the years. I have very good speakers now in my home. I have good equipment running them.  I picked up a pair of k-horns last week.  1986 model year.  replaced the crossovers with crites xovers.  one tweeter blown.  replaced both with ct120 tweeters from crites. hooked them up to my parasound  3500 amp ( yes, way overkill  )  but I wasent in the mood to move it.  speakers placed where they are supposed to be in the corners of the room.  well let me tell you all it took was 2 minutes to decide these things are the bomb.  I dident hear any of the stuff I been reading about over the last 30 years how these speakers are harsh, no good bass and everything else everybody says about them.  as far as im concerned they are clean, clear, crisp, and loud. did I say loud.  volume starts a 7 o'clock,  at 9 o'clock  your ears start to bleed.  I guess the 350 watts into a speaker that only needs 20 will do that.  and all the stuff I hear about  ss amps these speakers don't like.  only 30 watt tube amps will do or you will hear all kinds of noise.  well, all I can say is bull crap to that.  what I here is a speaker sounding better then just about anything else I ever heard.  I played rock,jazz,classical,  all passed with flying color's. all I can say is you guys out there that think they suck. have your ears cleaned out and go listen again.  yes, the 350 watt power house is going to go before I blow everything up. 
tomtab

Showing 1 response by wester17

I recently sold my Klipchorns after 17 years of pure enjoyment. I’m moving and downsizing, and the new digs don’t have the corners I need. Prior to selling, I went on a six month odyssey (a very enjoyable one, I might add) of listening to every deserving speaker under $3,500 I could get to. I’ve auditioned Aperion, B&W, Magnepan, Definitive Technology, NHT, KEF, Goldenear, Zu, and others – that’s a range from A to Z!). Through it all, I came to the conclusion that the Klipschorn is quite possibly the most overlooked and under-appreciated speaker out there. Used Khorns can be had for as little as $1,500 to $2,000. In that price range, they are very, very hard to beat. They have detail, efficiency, dynamics, and a tonal balance that match up with any speaker out there, and a life-size sound that is matched by few. At high volumes or low, the sound is spot on. The tone is uniquely Khorn – but it’s always impressive. These are amazing speakers, and don’t take a back seat to much of anything under $8k. There’s a reason they are still viable after 70 years.

Many people have never had the chance to hear a pair of Khorns. If you get a chance, take it. You’ll quickly understand why they are so beloved by so many. My hat is off to Paul Klipsch and his amazing Klipshorns.

(In case you’re interested, in my search I ended up with Spatial Audio M3 speakers (check them out. They’re pretty special) paired with 2 Goldenear Forcefield 4 subs. This setup has an open, natural sound that rivals the Khorns. It is better in some respects (especially soundstage and imaging depth), and not as good in other respects. That’s the nature of speakers. But just let me say, don’t make the mistake of underestimating the Klipschorn. They are an amazing speaker!)