Klipschorns

F

Freespirit

New member
Joined
Dec 5, 2020
Messages
15
Location
Michigan
New System

I have a pair of 1976 Klipschorns and a pair of Cornwall lll’s. My intent is to find an integrated that will drive them and bring out the Klipschorn beauty.
Let me say, I had a McIntosh 4300v receiver that I was not that impressed with. I bought it used, and it fit my budget at the time. Now I wish to find an integrated that I can love and cherish for many years to come. I am very seriously considering the Luxman L-590axll. I’m not interested in tubes for convenience sake.
The Klipschorns can be shrill. However, I know that there has to be a SS integrated that will compliment them - perhaps the class A. I love both sets of the speakers and don’t want to part with them if I don’t have to.
My husband likes “good” sound, but that’s all he knows. HA HA, I am and always have been an audiophile....just now having more TIME and $ to work at it.
All comments, suggestions, tips, etc are welcome. I have lurked on this forum for a long time, but here I am now asking for help.
 
It’s awesome to have you here.

From personal experience, the Luxman 590 is absolutely superb. Once broken in and warmed up, it will deliver a warm, non fatiguing, 3D, layered and big sound stage. It is the closest integrated to perfection I’ve found. Pricing is exceptionally reasonable.

A two thumbs up recommendation from me and I’m sure many others here.
 
Re: New System

I’ve demoed a few of the new Yamaha integrated amps. They sound very warm and can really push inefficient Speakers with ease and drive Klipsch speakers to very high levels. I’d love to buy one of the new Yamaha amps , but are way to high for my budget.
I was able to try out two of the models in Orlando, at one of those ( by appointment only) Audio stores. I can say this, they never sounded like they where running out of power. The two models I looked at cost over 6k and where Beautiful to look at. For the life of me, I can’t remember the model numbers of them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Re: New System

Carl, those Yamahas are not class A which is really what I’m aiming for. I think my horn speakers need it. They are nice looking though.
Something I could never quite understand is that my Klipschorns never really sounded that loud with the McIntosh 100wpc receiver. Loud, but not as loud as I expected. I understand they are very highly efficient and need much less to drive them, but I also read that regardless of efficiency, you should not go w less than 100wpc because of headroom?
 
Re: New System

Generally that’s probably true, but really depends on how and what you like to listen to. I ran Cornwall 3’s with a maybe 8wpc ASL wave monos. Could get way too loud for me, but I’m not a usual listener.

Freespirit said:
Carl, those Yamahas are not class A which is really what I’m aiming for. I think my horn speakers need it. They are nice looking though.
Something I could never quite understand is that my Klipschorns never really sounded that loud with the McIntosh 100wpc receiver. Loud, but not as loud as I expected. I understand they are very highly efficient and need much less to drive them, but I also read that regardless of efficiency, you should not go w less than 100wpc because of headroom?
Click to expand...
 
if you are indeed a "free spirit" go with tubes. I had Cornwall IVs and 30 WPC tube amp had more than enough drive to blow your head clean off (in a good way). K-horns need even less juice. I had SS amps here that purportedly 'sound like tubes' and they don't. IMO if you want tube-like sound then its tubes.
 
Re: New System

Freespirit said:
Carl, those Yamahas are not class A which is really what I’m aiming for. I think my horn speakers need it. They are nice looking though.
Something I could never quite understand is that my Klipschorns never really sounded that loud with the McIntosh 100wpc receiver. Loud, but not as loud as I expected. I understand they are very highly efficient and need much less to drive them, but I also read that regardless of efficiency, you should not go w less than 100wpc because of headroom?
Click to expand...

If your able to even be in the same room with the K-horns and running 100 watts. Something is very wrong, either with your placement of the speakers and or the room. Or your gear. Those speakers should have your ears bleeding at the 100 watt level
I disagree with your thoughts about only using class A for the k-horns. I’ve used many types of amps on my Klipsch speakers, and I’ve had to many to count. I do love the class A sound, but not the power that they eat and the heat they put out. Class A/B is a very fine type of amp as well


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
gents for the record, Class A/B is an amp that is initially biased into Class A for 'X' number of watts. So given the efficiency of the K-Horns saying you 'need a Class A' amp is a bit of a stretch IMO.
 
Freespirit said:
Loudspeaker Sensitivity and Amplifier Power Requirement

I got my info from this.
Comments appreciated.
Click to expand...

hi and welcome!

not sure i fully agree with the results in that link -- or, at least, my experience is much different.

as a point of reference... i have 8 ohm speakers with 97 dB sensitivity that i tested recently for the wpc necessary for my listening levels.

putting the volume somewhat above the absolute loudest i would ever listen at, i then measured the power being output from my amp at that volume level using sine-wave tones.

results: at a quite uncomfortable volume level all the power my 97 dB speakers needed was 0.35 watts. this leaves plenty of power left over for dynamic peaks / headroom from my 18 wpc amp.

so, the wpc needed to drive your klipsch speakers to insane volume levels can certainly be counted on one hand.
 
aKnyght said:
hi and welcome!

not sure i fully agree with the results in that link -- or, at least, my experience is much different.

as a point of reference... i have 8 ohm speakers with 97 dB sensitivity that i tested recently for the wpc necessary for my listening levels.

putting the volume somewhat above the absolute loudest i would ever listen at, i then measured the power being output from my amp at that volume level using sine-wave tones.

results: at a quite uncomfortable volume level all the power my 97 dB speakers needed was 0.35 watts. this leaves plenty of power left over for dynamic peaks / headroom from my 18 wpc amp.

so, the wpc needed to drive your klipsch speakers to insane volume levels can certainly be counted on one hand.
Click to expand...

That is what my studies/research told me...and then I read this Hawes article and said, “huh?”
 
Puro,
I have VERY SERIOUSLY considered tubes; however, at this point I don’t want the upkeep of tubes. Additionally, I honestly don’t care for the look of them. That’s just me - to each his own. Being a Freespirit means I have a system that sounds great without much upkeep, and will last for many years. If I had more $ to spend, I’d love to try tubes for awhile, but I just don’t have the freedom to keep changing things out. I wish I did. I appreciate your input!
 
There’s a lot of great amps/integrateds that will sound great. Both Class A and AB can sound wonderful. My top choice would be a SIT-3 with a good dac direct to skip the preamp if only one source. It’s a sweet amp.
 
Freespirit said:
Puro,
I have VERY SERIOUSLY considered tubes; however, at this point I don’t want the upkeep of tubes. Additionally, I honestly don’t care for the look of them. That’s just me - to each his own. Being a Freespirit means I have a system that sounds great without much upkeep, and will last for many years. If I had more $ to spend, I’d love to try tubes for awhile, but I just don’t have the freedom to keep changing things out. I wish I did. I appreciate your input!
Click to expand...

look at the Sugden A21. Its a classic British brand known for high-value class-a integrateds. A dealer a few blocks from my office has them driving Wharfdales and the Klipsch hertiage line, he does well with them. It might be your cup of tea.
 
For Class A an option would be Coda, the 5.5 is a 50 watt Class A power amp, they have an integrated but not sure how much Class A before going A/B.

You might also investigate First Watt by Nelson Pass. I'd say either of these options would get you close to tubes in a solid state amp.

A friend of mine tried a set oClass A monoblocks from Schitt, they are $799.00 each, he just raved on the sound but they weren't strong enough for his speakers. The power should be plenty for the Khorns. Schitt does allow a return policy with a small restock fee.
 
Not a darn thing wrong with the Luxman L590axII. Great integrated amp. Check out the Pass Labs INT 60 or INT 25 while you're at it. The INT 60 is a 60 wpc amp that operates Class A up to 30 wpc. I auditioned it. Outstanding amp. The new INT 25 is also getting rave reviews. As I'm sure you know, you don't need big power with Klipsch speakers. Both the INT 25 and INT 60 are incredible amps, extremely well made with top notch components and a reputation for outstanding customer service.

Also, check out the NAIM Supernait 3. Huge, deep, sound. One more would be the Simaudio/Moon 700i. Great sounding amp.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top