"retro" hi fi system

[Below10hz]

I am thinking of creating a 70's era sound system with currently available components. I was thinking of a tube amp and a nice set of Klipsch Klipshorns or La Scalas or Cornwalls. Anyone really know the difference in the sound between these speakers? I know the 'horn speakers are very efficient and should not have huge power put through them. I was thinking a Dared Tube integrated amp might be a nice touch. I have space for just about anything. Any thoughts?

 

[digicidal]

Although they are very sensitive speakers and definitely do not require any significant amplification they can handle it if you have it with no problem. I powered a pair of the cheap-crap SF2 towers from Klipsch with a 5watt pentode to ear-bleeding levels (and brain-bleeding distortion - but that's a different matter) which are 'only' 96db/1W/1M rated.

The biggest issue will be one of space with the KHorns. I've heard a couple of pairs and to sound good I would say the room needs to be about 20ft wide with them as a minimum. Of course, that puts the sweet-spot about 15-19ft back from the back wall - which isn't a problem because if you feed them with 10W or more they will definitely make you want to keep your distance!

I haven't heard the Cornwalls or LaScalas, but I have heard the Heretics which are similar to the Cornwalls (just slightly lower-end). I will have to say that they all sounded very good - as long as you like the horn sound. I too wanted to have a little 'old school sound' in my life - but unfortunately I didn't have nearly the budget you obviously do. However, something you might want to consider for the sound (and similar sensitivities and sound from a tube-amp, tho not as fullrange) is building a pair of these. They definitely don't do anything totally 'right' IMO - but I also thought they did less 'wrong' than their graph seemed to indicate. I'll never say anything bad about the KHorns... I think they sound great and look even better - but I have waaaaay too small a house and budget to even consider them for a 'novelty sound room'.

I've also used these for that 'warm' sound from yesteryear and as long as you don't crave sparkling highs they are actually enjoyable to listen to (albeit not for hours and hours) in my guest bedroom.

 

[shadyJ]

The Khorns and Lascalas sound a lot alike at the top and middle ends. The only real difference is the lows, the Khorns have more bass extension. They go below 30 hz with no problem whereas the Lascalas fall off at around 40 hz. Aside from that, they sound the same, not surprising since they are using the same tweeter and midrange drivers. By the way, they do not sound nasal or boxy or honky, at least the setups I heard didn't at all. The sound was sharp, free, effortless, and enveloping.

The Cornwalls sound different, the highs were good but not as good as Lascalas or Khorns. Same thing with the Heresys, but more so.

If you are looking for a retro look, any of these will do, if you want a retro sound, I would go for the Cornwalls or Heresys, as the Lascalas and Khorns sound terrific, even by todays standards, they do not sound dated at all, even though they are older models.

 

[bhuskins]

You could look at the Chorus or Forte as well...very nice late 70s models

 

[zumbo]

I would recommend Pro Dynamics over Klipsch:
http://www.tyleracoustics.com/pro_dynamics.html

Manley is super fine tube gear:
http://www.manley.com/hifi_gear.php

 

[ski2xblack]

I am thinking of creating a 70's era sound system with currently available components. I was thinking of a tube amp and a nice set of Klipsch Klipshorns or La Scalas or Cornwalls. Anyone really know the difference in the sound between these speakers? I know the 'horn speakers are very efficient and should not have huge power put through them. I was thinking a Dared Tube integrated amp might be a nice touch. I have space for just about anything. Any thoughts?

Cool task. I own Lascalas and forte ii's, and I've heard Cornwalls, Heresys and others...

All of the Klipsch speakers you mention have similar signatures (revealing, cohesive midrange; hard hitting dynamic capabilities without compression; very low distortion yielding an open, airy, unboxy, uncolored, effortless sound). The differences are primarily in bass extension and sensitivity. There are other differences between them, e.g. between different mid-horns, but such differences are very subtle. My forte's can hang with their larger siblings, no problem.

-The 'Scalas and Heresy's require subs for full range; Khorns and Cornwalls don't, at least for music. Neither do some of their discontinued models (e.g. Chorus & forte).

-I can't comment on the Dared amp. (Whatever amp you decide to use, Klipsch speaker's distortion is so low and sensitivity so high that you'll find yourself blasting well above 100db before you realize it, so use caution.) The Klipsch forum is full of folks who love their Heritage speakers driven by old Dynaco's and such, for the truly retro approach. I've personally had very satisfying results with conventional amps, both new and old, and SETs (on the compression drivers only/biamped). The Klipsch lend themselves quite well to such experimentation, if you have the inclination.

Have fun with it, however you proceed. It's almost impossible not to have fun with Klipsch Heritage. They are the horny sluts of audio, givin' it 'til you feel as though you can't take any more, and then giving you more and completely blowing your mind. And their biggest weakness is WAF. (Go figure.) You may even find that your 'retro' system can put to shame many more up-to-date systems.

 

[GranteedEV]

Also check out Edgarhorns too.. new age vintage