LaScalla "horn" sound compared to "maggie" sound


I am quite satisfied with the sound I have with my current system, but am looking for a little spice and variety in my life.  There is a set of circa 1977  LaScalas available in my part of the country and I wonder how the sound might be as compared to my current Magnepan 1.7 set up?  I know it is apples and oranges, but I like both.  Chocolate is my favorite ice cream, but I also like strawberry sometimes.

My general understanding, or perhaps misunderstanding, is that the Lascala/horn type of speaker has the wonderful life-like midrange, are quite dynamic, won't go real low in the bass region, and may be sweet or ragged on the top end depending on who you talk to, set up, and what you feed them.

I could go listen to these, but the sources are inferior and the room would be different from mine.  I really can't get a good grip on a different sound until I can sit back in the Hefty-Boy and assimilate it slowly.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

My current system is:

TT- VPI Classic 1 with Soundsmith Zephyr cart.
Phono stage- Herron Audio VTPH2
Digital/CD- Simaudio Moon Supernova
Preamp- Herron Audio VTSP3A
Power Amp- Bryston 4BSST2
Subs- Rel T5's
abnerjack

Showing 1 response by j_stereo

I have owned MG 1.6 (powered by Bryston 3B) and LaScalla (powered by Audio Research VSi55). I liked both speakers, but as someone mentioned, they are very different animals. I don't think you will be satisfied with the large Bryston powering the LaScallas. My guess is they will be forward and bright and harsh. You are better with a small tube amp or even an old Marantz receiver (I also used a 2215b and it sounded good although not the final word in resolution). The Magnepans provide a transparent sound that makes instruments sound "real" and the LaScalla will definitely impart its own characteristics on the sound (not transparent) and instruments will not sound as real. Don't get me wrong, I do admire the Klipsch heritage speakers and presently own a pair of K-Horns and Belle's. I enjoy listening to them with jazz music because the horn reproduces a horn instrument (Trumpet, Sax) very nicely and the sound is very dynamic. However if you want an acoustic guitar to sound like it is in the room with you, the Magnepans will do that but the Klipsch won't. Again totally dependent on personal taste. Good luck with your decision.