2. speakers
  3. 191390-2723

Klipsch La Scala or Altec 838 speakers

So I have the opportunity to purchase a pair of Klipsch La Scala vintage 1990s or a 1964 pair of Altec 838’s. I am having a hard time on deciding which pair to pull the trigger on. I have a 2A3 tube amp and I’m looking to run high-efficiency speakers. I know the Lascala has a little more dbs than the Altec but I am wondering if anyone knows the differences between the two and the sound profiles that would I would be hearing from each. Thanks in advance for your help.

fromunda
fromunda OP
148 posts
 

Thanks for all the great advice. I have decided to pull the trigger on tbe La Scalas. I am going to go give them a listen at the buyers spot and I am wondering what I should be listening for in terms of tweeter, bass & mid range deterioration .  I have owned horns (1983 Heresys) for the last 20 years so I know the coloration and the sound profile, etc. etc but I am used to my tube system and its sound and will most likely be listening on a ss amp with much higher wattage than my 2A3’s. Basically, what i can deduce on the spot that would influence my decision on what to offer on price. Thanks. 

Post removed 
mrdecibel
3,063 posts
 

Keep us posted

fromunda OP
148 posts
 

UPDATE!!

So. Brought home the La Scalas last night and the seller in fact was wrong. They were from 1979 with corresponding serial numbers and all original horns and AA crossover networks. Traded him my Heresy I’s  and gave him some cash to complete the deal. They sound incredible. I’m not sure I want to mess with the original internals, but everything i am reading says that new tweeters and new crossovers would be the way to go. Does anyone have any opinion on the aftermarket ALK crossovers as opposed to the Crites?

tds3371
60 posts
 

I have the Crites AB-2 "gold" crossovers in a set of 1980s vintage Klipsch Belles - very similar to the La Scalas. I purchased them from Bob Crites (RIP) before the various copper, silver, and gold levels existed (they have the SonicCaps - equivalent to the highest level) - and, thankfully, didn’t have to pay $775 for them. Many (myself included) consider them to be updates rather than upgrades - and I have no complaints. If Al (ALK) is still making his crossovers, my sense is that these were, to a certain degree, considered superior to the originals. I doubt you’ll go wrong with either, but prepare to open up your wallet. IMHO, the limiting factor of these older Klipsch Heritage speakers isn’t the crossovers . . . . it’s the horn and cabinet resonance. Still, after 40+ years, it’s a sound investment (pardon the terrible pun) to refresh the crossover components. My .02.

More to discover