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What speakers are replace Klipsch horns?

After 25 years my wife has finally won the battle of the coffins, as she so fondly referred to my Klipsch horn speakers. In the throes of a major living room remodel (22x26 with 10-15' ceilings), I have capitulated. The K-horns are going. I have just returned from my local audiophile retailer, stunned that the only speakers I really like (B&W somethings) were around $8k. My question to those of you out there more learned and more up-to-date than I (just about everyone, I suppose), is this:
What would make a good replacement? Is $2000 a realistic price? Is buying used safe? My amplifier is a Haffler DH-220 (115 w @ 8 ohms), preamp Haffler DH-110. I listen to CD's and vinyl - mainly jazz (lots of piano) and opera, rock, blues, and classical to a lesser degree. Do all these esoteric speaker brands I see on your site require components beyond sound source-preamp-amp? Thanks, mcehlers@hotmail.com
mcehlers

Showing 2 responses by gregm

gregm
3,411 posts
 
More of same: the Klipsch are keepers IMO -- even if one day they end up as a secondary set. At $2k it is doubtful that you'll find better USED (forget new) -- and even if you do, you'll be entering a long (and expensive) phase of electronics upgrading to make the new speakers sing. Also, contrary to Klipsch playing well in corners, most other speakers like to sit out close to the MIDDLE of a room...

Rather, upgrade the "looks" as suggested and, maybe, sink $2k (or whatever's left after veneers etc) into a good used preamp. Later, you can upgrade the power amp if you wish (SET is a good choice with Klipsch, so are lower powered class A ss).

I'm sure your wife & you will enjoy the Klipschs' new sound and looks!

Cheers!
gregm
3,411 posts
 
Correction, Bob: *DO* listen to the wife ->). She kindly offered to KEEP the Khorns AND look into an SET for them!!!

Re, SET (=single-ended triodes) is an amp design. There are many in the market, most are expensive. The sound is dynamic, with good clarity & transient attack allowing you to enjoy (jazz) piano, small ensembles, etc.

I would subscribe to the SET amplifiers idea, BUT would urge for a preamplifier first. As a pre "controls" the system (its "heart", if you will), an improvement here would be very perceptible and gratifying!

The $2k mentioned in the original thread would go a long way towards purchasing a good quality, hi-resolution and musical pre (probably used) that includes a "phono" section to accomodate your vinyl playback.

An excellent Xmas present I'm sure!
Cheers.
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