Are the Klipschorns mainly for Classical music ??

Warren

....this is a pair of '78 Klipschorns.....the capacitors are 28 years old

and, so are the drive units, especially the bass units. Not musch tweaking as, maintenance...

Tsk, tsk, Warren -- really:)

I'm surprised the new K's are so much better (rather than brighter). I know that some of the VERY old K-horns used very good drive units but then Alnico prices went sky-hi & they had to revert to more sensible components -- and your '78s are probably in that category. It should be fun refurbishing these!

One of the problems in this complex design comes from the transition from mid to bass; you either achieve seamless mid-bass to mid, or bass to mid (skipping the mid-bass). Klipsch and the K "community" have apparently solved this small issue somehow...

I think it is time for new crossovers in the '78's.

You would do well to google for tweaks. There are many, very well documented, improvements for the Klipshorn.

In and of itself the Klips is, undoubtedly, an excellent speaker design.

Allsmiles:

Greg....what driver updates would you suggest on the 78's

I seem to remember reading that the units used were from Eminence, but I'm not sure... I searched hi & low for the reference and couldn't find it -- sorry.

Maybe Klipsch themselves could helpo if you put to them in the right manner (i.e. no responsibility for them, "outrageously" prived "aftermarket" drivers they couldn't realistically include in the commercial package, the advent of new components not available in '78, etc the usual corporate bull). Given the cabinet design, one can mathematically model the "ideal" driver characteristics; some people have already done so if I remember correctly. Furthermore, as you already own their "new" model they probably would be ready to help you with one of their earlier products.

Check out a few refs:herex-overThere was also s/thing in the 2/05 a-express mag about using a JBL unit for the mids... Cheers