Klipsch La Scala Dilemma

Sell off the Lores if the La Scalas sound that much better with your current system.

However, why not have both.

It sounds to me like, for whatever reason, you feel that accepting the free LaScalas would obligate you to use them in perpetuity. Basically, you'd be selling your freedom to use the speakers of your choice for about a grand, because that's about what fifteen year old LaScalas go for.

This is less clear from your post, but it sounds like your friend gave the speakers to someone else and now wants them back. So in her mind, they may not be your speakers even after she's given them to you.

I know you were probably hoping for a comparison of the LaScalas vs the Lores, but I'd decline the gift on general principles regardless of what speakers are involved.

Duke

I would go for it and take the La Scalas regardless( I never owned a pair but have always wanted them, or the Belles for size purposes). If you still prefer the Lores, no problem. You would then have two great speakers and could switch out from time to time. I currently have MG 20's, vintage Dahlquist DQ 10s (with amazing upgrades from Bill L. at Millersound) and a pair of Audio Physic Virgo IIs (plus a few mini-monitors including Fried Betas, Spendor S 3/5s and Sound Dynamics 300ti's and RTS3Bs). I obviously also have a very understanding wife. On certain works each speaker has its advantages. I use a CJ Premier 8A (modified by Bob and Gary Backert at rhbSoundDezign) for the current hungry Magnepans and DQ 10s, and a Deja Vu PP 2A3 for the Virgo II's and mini-monitors. As my wife says, you can have all of the speakers you want(within reason of course),but ONLY one wife. Works for me.

The size of your room and what you listen to will have a bearing on the outcome. If you listen VERY LOUD, the La Scalas would probably be the better choice, IMO.
But I would not take La Scalas over Lores.

I had Klipschorns in what I consider to be a good setup for them. I had good corners, and I drove them with a few different amps: A 100 watt tube integrated, a 75 watt SS integrated, and a 2A3 SET. At some point I saw an ad for Tekton Katz Meow V1, similar to the Lore but with different 8" drivers. I had a 30-day money back, so I figured what the heck.
Long story short - I gladly sold the KHorns. Never looked back.
I now have those Katz and also own a pair of Lores. I'd take either over KHorns.
I've never heard LSs so I can't comment.

FWIW - I repleced the crossovers with Crites, sealed them in the corners, reinforced the corners of my room, wrapped the mid horn, and some other well-known KHorn tweaks to get them sounding their best. They did sound very good, but not as good as the Katz or Lores. Most people who like Klipsch Heritage have modified them beyond normal tweaks/mods.
My room is 12' x 13'

Even as a former owner of K-Horns, I would advise against the La Scalas. I loved the K-Horns, but they are a specific taste, and that taste may not be yours. In addition, some people find them lacking in bass. They are also a little homely, if that matters to you.