Klipsch speaker choices

Hi i am the OP and love the sound of my CS B. I bought the complete speakers from him. However a different midhorn made from wood looked interesting. The tractrix horn lets some cabinet resonance interfere. I wish i had the expertise, a very high end version is possible. I think wood horn works with the one you are using.  The Alk is adjustable and wires can be run through vent til complete

Hi everybody I'm a long time member but, this is the first time I have posted.
I'm planning on purchasing the Crites B speakers and building them. The one wrinkle is I want to substitute an A55G midrange instead. Will this require some tweaking to an ALK Universal Economy crossover?
Also, can you recommend some high quality wire to complete the install & how many feet will it require?

I've bought the F3 1 year ago and sold them to get the Cornscala B type. After adjusting the crossover with Bob's help (MF, HF and dynamic were, to my taste, not correctly tuned), I've to admit that they are even better than F3. More details, better dynamic, bigger soundstage. But do not forget to set the XO depending on your installation and ears, it has a huge effect! 

anybody heard the KG-3x versions? I have some available locally for way too much money...

I am having trouble with an electronic crossover so yesterday was the first time I listened to them full range. I like mine better with the crossover. The sound is more balanced throughout the entire frequency range. badger_erich I would make sure ALK knows that you have different drivers. I found it rather odd that he makes a "one size fits all" crossover for the Cornwall and Cornscala. So does he need to make a new one? Unless ALK has changed it, it was made with older drivers. The CT120 is a new tweeter and the midrange may have changed as well since 2010 when Cornscalas came out. The best dampening advise I have come up with so far(opinion, but not expert) is carpet pad wrapped around the cabinet but not front and back. Mr. Decibel has said that the horns can also be wrapped. Crites told me none of this changes "any measurements" I did not inquire further with them about what measurements he was talking about.   These speakers really bring out the differences in recordings, good and bad. 

I'll evaluate further and then decide on what direction I'll go. Like I said, my HF Hearing loss has made my listening to speakers a bit more subjective than most. My nearest Klipsch dealer is about 80 miles away, so I might have to plan a road trip to listen to the new CW IV and Forte III. The other thin I have to consider is the quality of the recording. That makes a huge difference.

I had a pair of Cornscala "C" version a few  years ago. They were pretty good speakers, I did ALK crossovers, damped the mid horn and the rear panel. But there was still a slight "boxy" sound to the lower mids and upper bass. It didn't show up on all music, but once heard, it couldn't be  "unheard". So I think I only kept them less than six months.

Oz

I have had mine for 2 weeks now, Type B, and they do have good sound but I am going to install the ALK Crossovers. I am going to do so in hope of tweaking a bit more out of them especially at the upper frequencies. I have a 50% HF loss in my hearing due to Military Service and even with my hearing aids need some help in that regard. Otherwise, the Bass and Mid are very good as well as the soundstage, which I will be working with by moving the listening area around a bit. Like Dale said, they are large...nearly identical in size to the Cornwall and are like the Klipsch "old school" construction like my previously owned 1983 Heresy's in raw birch. The final factor in listening to them will be when I upgrade to a better integrated amp. I'm currently looking at McIntosh with Autoformers as my first choice.

Thanks for asking crouse99.  Yes, I have had them for about 3 weeks.  First of all, if you like the Forte or Cornwall, you would probably like these.  They are big at 115 lb each; almost identical in size to the Cornwall.  They are made of Russian birch.  The bass, midrange and treble are all very clean, fast and tight.  Imaging and detail are quite good.  They sound good at all volumes.  I think for what I paid for them they are a steal and a good sounding speaker. 

daledeee1, did you receive your Cornscalas?  If so, I would love to hear what you think of them.

Canibefrank I would start with Crites speakers.  They have plans for a 2 way Heresy ported and the Cornscala 2 way.   They will cut out the pieces and send them to you or assemble them.   They sell any and all drivers with cross overs to match.   There is also a PI speaker that is similar but I know less about them.   Also a diyspeakers website/forum.  Everything from single drivers to everything in between.

does anybody have a link or source to a horn that would work suitably to get the Klipsch majik on a 2 way homebuilt speaker? Nothing super expensive... extra points if I can find it in south america....

I have heard the new Cornwall and it is the first version I have liked. The boomy box sound on the first three versions is gone and lined up in Hope for us to hear were the latest Heresy, Forte, Cornwall and La Scala. Of the four the La Scala showed the least improvement and the Cornwall the most. Until now my favorite Heritage type speaker were the Chorus speakers but no more. Now value for money spent I would any day seek out an old Chorus and recap the crossovers and stick a set of MAHL V2 tweeters in there and have awesome sound for much less than new Cornwalls. If the 6G was not a problem and I was not handy with speaker work you cant go wrong with the new Cornwall.

  Let me rephrase the I have liked comment. The new Cornwalls were jaw dropping better than any of the others and an amazing step up.
  One thing not mentioned much is the pro Klipsch gear out there. The KP-301 IF you can find any are the pro versions of the Chorus speakers and these respond really well to recaps and tweeter upgrades plus the crossover is different and these are 200 watt rated where the Chorus are 100 watt rated and both have the same 101db efficiency. If you get really lucky and have the space and WAF does not matter there are KPT-456's out there sometimes and KPT-904's. These often sell for $1,500 or there about and you will have entered a whole new world of audio quality.
 

I looked back through my notes from Bob Crites and son. I asked about the "B" and "D" version. He said the B goes higher than D because of the CT120 tweeter. And most people buy the B. I am not sure if it is because he steers them that way or not?
This all started with me looking at going from RF3’s to Heresy. then when I figured out I would have as much or more money into rebuilding or purchasing a set of Heresy.
I have looked around for opinions about bracing and batting these cabinets but since I am not a speaker designer or wood worker, I better be careful.  According to Crites these two changes make no differences in the measurements.

I have not heard the new Cornwall, but I have read that they are dynamite with the new midhorn. Google the Cornscala, you’ll find many references to them including the 2 way Cornscala "D". Like daledeee1 said, the Crites Cornscala line has been updated over the years in an effort to keep them current. I think the latest iterations have reportedly compared very favorable to the Cornwall and LaScala with more bass punch (in the case of the LaScala). For the price of the speaker assembled, you’re getting some quality components in a box made of Baltic Birch (like Klipsch used to assemble) for a very reasonable price. As a kit, if you’re a handyman and have the means to assemble one, they’re lower cost even still. I know many owners continue to tinker with the speakers even after they have built them. I do not plan on doing so, other than finishing the cabinet if I decide to keep them.

are the Cornscalas a real improvement over the Cornwalls? my dilemma is that I want to try some Klipsch horns but can't move the whole speaker-box at this time... I may be able to get the boxes built where I am tho...maybe the kit would work... has anybody heard the 2 way Cornscala D series?

I have searched around and there aren't many reviews.  He has upgraded them over the years.  I am not a parts expert but the 120 tweeter is an improvement.  The midrange is a JBL.  The woofer is an Emminence, I think.  The woofer and tweeter are custom.  The D uses different drivers because of being 2 way These speakers are a great value if you have the room. 

is there any comparisons or reviews of the different Crites Cornscalas..sound quality, etc?

A Pass Labs XA25 would be my dream amp for these!!  My preamp quit so I am running my Bluetooth receiver directly into the crossover right now. 

I put clear Danish oil on mine.  I tried taking a picture but it doesn't show the true color.  It made them slightly golden but not much.  They look nice this way in my opinion. I do not recommend any pigment.  It can turn out really bad.  I think I will put a coat of Water Based Polyurethane on them.  If you are really handy, I have seen some with veneer that are awesome looking.  Obviously, that would be easier before the drivers are installed.  I am finding these are fairly flexible on placement but I have them out into the room about 4 ft and 32" from the side walls.  Class A amp or tubes is what I would get.  I can drive these to very loud levels with my 20 watt amp.  These come one brace for the midrange support and no batting.  I can feel some vibration in the walls but not sure if that makes them sound better if you install bracing and batting.  Bob says it doesn't matter.  Soundstaging is really good.  I really like these!

My Cornscalas arrived. They are a brute of a speaker and until I set them up, I never realized how much room they're going to take to set up correctly. Mine arrived with one speaker's woofer cables disconnected. Found this after I called Crites and was told to take the back off and make sure the connections were secure...they were not and the connection felt loose. No troubles, just put them back on and crimped them tighter.
These speakers rock the classic rock like no tomorrow which is what I wanted. Vinyl sounds especially good, but I am still "rebuilding" to a better audio only system. I'm running an old Yamaha RX-V1300 receiver which is far from being perfect and hopefully will be replaced over the next few months with a McIntosh MA8900...still working overtime at work to make that happen. I then want to add a decent streamer to the mix. Currently I'm streaming TIDAL via my Oppo 103 and using the DAC in the Oppo since it is most likely higher quality than the older Yamaha.
So, presently I am still listening and planning. I'll hang on to them for the foreseeable future, but if the real estate on the floor is needed, I may have to jump for a pair Forte' III.

I love my Heresy III....  sound great with just 40 watts of EL34 goodness.   

Thanks for the Tip Dale. I'll give you an update in a week or so.

Mr. badger_erich:  What a coincidence we both bought the Cornscala and are both retiring! I think you will be pleasantly surprised.  Give them a few hours of listening to break in.  Decided to clear coat mine.  Hand applying Danish Oil which can be rubbed off easily if you get some buildup in the corners. 

My Cornscala Type "B" are due to arrive this week. My choice was one of economics. I wanted the Cornwall IV...but a $2000 price hike pushed me to the Cornscala. I’m in the process of putting together what will be my future retirement gift to myself and a listening room. I figure the Cornscala’s will be a good start and at $2300 including shipping, I thought they’re worth the gamble.
You won't find me listening to classical or jazz however. I'm ready to stream some blues and Led Zepp.

I retired and bought a set of powered speakers for my small office.  I had this system in the basement but hadn't used it for years.  My son came home and bugged me to play it.  It wasn't even put together after I installed carpet.  Well..the Sunfire preamp buzzed but it would play.  We put the passive preamp in and that helped.  I bought the Schiit Aegir and that helped but the old RF3 got strained and edgy when turned up.  So somehow I stumbled onto The Bob Crites speakers and bought the Cornscala B version.  Bob said this is the one he sells the most.  I let them send to me complete.  They are made out of Russian birch unfinished; 115 pounds each.  They are imposing things at 25 inches wide.  I have about 20 hours of play on them.  I am still messing around with placement, installed bass traps and we are putting side wall traps up soon.  The sound is much better.  I have not had a chance to sit side by side and A/B the Klipsch style sound with other style speakers but I feel these are very good sounding.  I played Vladamir Horowitz and the piano sounded real.  Electronic and rock music has at times scared me with the slam!  Full orchestra is dynamic and natural sounding.  The sound stage is quite good(taller and wider than the speakers).  I feel like I am listening to all the music I am familiar with for the first time.  By the way, Bob has upgraded drivers over the years.  These have a nice paper 15 inch woofer, I think a JBL midrange and a Selenium tweeter.  I feel I have a very nice system for about $4k.  That cost doesn't count the crossover, 2 subs and amp I have had for years.  The system will go to 30 Hz at 105 dB.  These are Eminence drivers for the subs.

Tell us how you like them, impressions?

Well..my Cornscalas arrived.

Is all the spark from this thread gone??? 

re: womans and speakers
we is allowed only one?

" LMAO! Uh, no apparently you haven’t, or your auditory memory failed you miserably in those assessments. Compare a Stirling Broadcast LS3/6, Maggie 0.7, KEF LS50, Vandy 1Ci, or Spatial M4 Turbo S (list goes on) back-to-back with H-IIIs and you’ll realize how colored the Heresy midrange really is. While I agree with Mr. Decibel that there are resonance problems with the horns and cabinets, adding constrained-layer bituminous pads (Dynamat) does little to remedy it IME. I thought I detected some improvement at first (the all too common placebo effect), but careful A/B comparisons with my other speakers revealed that any improvement was minute. The midrange is still polluted with resonances.

I’ll agree with you that Heresy IIIs manage to create that "live" sensation quite well, but I think that’s only because most live performances are amplified through horn-loaded PA speakers.

The ironic thing here is I have no horse in this race. Like you, I enjoy H-IIIs, but unlike you, I don’t consider them end-game speakers, nor do I consider them a great value at MSRP, especially after their recent price hike. If anything, I should be extolling the virtues of H-IIIs in hopes of getting a good price when I eventually sell my pair. But alas, in the interest of the greater good of the hobby, I prefer honesty in sharing my assessments. Again, I never said the H-III is a bad speaker. I consider them great speakers in the context of what they do well, and the price they can be bought for secondhand. "
   Well in further reading I guess what we have here is someone bored and looking to stir the pot.I just love buzz word salad tossed together and served with tender chunks of baloney then presented as authoritative opinion.

" If you have the space, forget Klipsch and try the Spatial Audio M5 Sapphire. Even their predecessors, the M4 Turbos, were far more refined than any Klipsch speaker I've heard. If you want Klipsch dynamics without sacrificing refinement, that's the route to go. This is coming from a Heresy III owner. "
  Every once in a while you get to read something so preposterous that you can't help but respond and this quoted comment is one of those. An ahem, "owner" of the bottom entry level Heritage Klipsch speaker says blah blah better than any Klipsch speaker he has heard. One might wonder what he has actually heard that would allow him to make this statement.

get the k  horns, your audio world will never be the same!

Well said!

RIP to the eternal thread crapper JS!!

Jsauter...you will be sorely missed...farewell and good luck. Also, Klipsch speakers are often "uber sensitive" so maybe that's what you read. A pun?...well hell yes.

Are you sure wolf's post is not directed at you mrd? After all I think it was you who said "I am a gifted and experienced listener". I would suggest that it is the Klipsch crowd who are the "uber sensitive". I dont recall Wilson or Magico fanboys responding as aggressively and claiming dominion over any thread mentioning their speakers of choice. Obviously you guys like Klipsch and I dont there is not much else to say I guess.  

@wolf_garcia lmao

I expect everyone to think exactly as I do as my impeccable taste and astonishing experience dictates that. Anyone who disagrees with me is simply off their rocker, so to speak...I can also provide sartorial suggestions and lawn mowing technique improvement tips, but prefer not to. Also, Mr. "D" is allowed, by me of course, to respond with the term "overpriced" regardless of the incredible and possibly irreversible psychological trauma that term can cause to the uber sensitive among us...it's simply how "the ball bounces" although hey, a trigger warning might be warranted before further like minded utterances. More to the point, my primary experience of Klipsch anything has been from my 3 years or so with Heresy IIIs which were modded with "dampit" stuff...I've personally modded them further with frequent dusting, as I think dust can effect the sound by providing thousands of tiny out of phase reflection points only noticeable when one has the finely tuned audio skills I do, otherwise nobody should care about that, or anything I just posted.

someone please send me some klipsch 
so i know what joy is

@jsautter , you, and others, come on here, a positive thread, in which happy Klipsch owners gather, and you speak negatively about you experiences. Nothing wrong with that, as this is an open forum. But, I do feel, as price goes up with equipment ( speakers in this case ), so do expectations. At 40 K retail, I would think that your speakers would do more, of what my modified Lascalas do, and, even at a show, I can make this determination. I am a gifted and experienced listener ( I know many others, so I am not singling myself out ), and can determine, and separate, what is the room, and what is the speaker, when creating the " presentation ". Live, unamplified music contains several " audio artifacts ", which I feel, horns, done right ( and do not need to be perfect, because perfect is impossible ), come closest, in delivering upon these, " to me ". This is " my story ", and it does not matter if you, or anyone else, disagrees.....I have said, since my very early posts here on the "Gon, that although I enjoy my Klipsch ( and many Klipsch, especially when I get done with them ), there is an extreme diversity of listeners. We are all different, we all want something, and once you find that something.....great ! The bashing and negativity is ridiculous. Music listening is a fun and an emotional experience for most of us. I could never, and would never, come on here and say, " unless you own a pair of modified Lascalas, you have not heard anything ". Not everyone is me. And, I understand this. However, I will defend, that this is " what I want ". End of story......Enjoy ! MrD.

Thanks guys...
More input would be appreciated. 

I haven't heard the new Forte speakers, so can't speak to them, but in my experience, Klipsch Heritage, Legend, and Epic speakers sound good at lower volumes. 

I had my Crites modded Heresy I in my office for quite a while and listened mostly to jazz on the local NPR station.  They sounded great at low volume.  I have a pair of KLF-30 in my bedroom currently and the volume on my ARC LS26 rarely goes past 2 or 3 (on a scale of 1-103). 

Personally, I think many Klipsch speakers sound their worst at high volumes.  That's when some of their worst characteristics are accentuated and they hurt my ears.  Some of that depends of course on the room, the rest of the system, and listening distance, and personal taste. 

My KLF-30s are very smooth and can be played very loud without sounding "bright" and don't hurt my ears, even at fairly close listening distance.  In contrast, we have a local music meetup group and we have listened to La Scalas a number of times at a local audio store.  When played loud, they started to hurt my ears and I wanted to leave the room.  The other 5 or 6 guys there all thought they sounded great however, and most of them have better systems than mine.

I think that you really need to play Klipsch speakers loud to enjoy what they do well. Of course there are any number of other horn systems that play as loud and have fewer significant shortcomings. To be fair most of these horns are more expensive if you dont want to DIY. A great deal of low volume quality is amp dependent I think with tube amps having the best linearity at low volumes. 

Hello everyone I have a question...
Will the New Forte Speakers sound good 
at low Volumes or do they need to be played lound to enjoy...thank you..

Do you consider mrd's responses respectful? He called my speakers "overpriced" even though he had only heard them at a show. I have heard Klipsch speakers at shows, at dealers and in homes. 

I still stand by the excellent mids in my Heresy IIIs along with everything else I said...and really helomach, you're lookin' kinda creepy at this point...if you refuse to respond respectfully please refrain from responding at all.

I strongly agree with Oside. I too have a pair of Chorus II with Bob Crites upgraded caps in my den and they probably get the most use. While my sound/theater room has 4 Khorns with a "Cornscala" center and 4 Heresy surrounds.

You would do well to audition the Heresys. They will give you a good idea of the top end as all Klipsch heritage use the same/similar tweets(there are different diaphragm materials and different horn materials used). The Heresys are hard to beat matched with a good sub but..... the mids are best in the LaScalas, Belles, and KHorns.

For those unfamiliar the "Cornscala" is a DIY build using La Scala/Khorn mids and tweets and a Cornwall Bass section providing the best of both worlds. Step by step directions can be Googled easily. While some have gone off on tangents and substituted other brands pieces parts, the true Cornscalas have all OEM Klipsch parts save the Bob Crites superb crossovers specifically designed for the "Cornscala" build.

A table saw, biscuit cutter and a bit of forum/Ebay shopping can net you an amazing pair of speakers. Bob Crites also offers Klipsch cane grille material to finish your build.

While I love my Khorns they do not quite have the bass the "Cornscalas" have. And the Cornscalas don’t require being wedged into an unobstructed corner to function properly.

Klipsch is always upgrading their horns so purchasing a set of big mid horns is not as hard as it seems. They want you to upgrade you horns. All you need is a set of serial numbers for Khorns or LaScalas to purchase a brand new pair of their latest and greatest mid horns. There are metal. plastic and composite horns to my knowledge out there. They all sound amazing!

Especially if you like it loud....cuz Klipsch are not just speakers. They are LOUD SPEAKERS!