Klipschorn: Still relevant??

NOT being an audiophile, I've been chuckling over this thread for two reasons:

1) For the same non-reason as Pawlowski6132, I'm headed in the exact opposite direction... Klipschorns to Von Schweikerts. I'm simply just curious... based *solely* on the reason that I can find so very few negative comments and the talk about the "spooky" soundstage... but I've never actually heard any of them... and don't have access to any.

2) The passion involved when someone uses the "horn" word. Seems like folks either love 'em or hate 'em... but either way they're passionate ;-)

Being a child of the 60's, I spent an insane amount of time in stereo stores for someone with only a buck twenty five in my jeans... and I'm talking $1.25. But the first and only time I heard the klipschorns, it was life changing for **ME**. So, a decade or two later when I could afford them, I ordered a pair. Hmmm... didn't sound that great... figured it was my "sound memory" (it *had* been many years)... or listening to rock & roll had taken it's toll ;-)

Fast forward some years... went to replace 'em and happened into a stereo store that was excellent... he asked more questions than I did... his conclusion: "Hell, you've never heard 'em. Sell that SS amp and put a tube in there, then come back if ya want"... he even sent me to a different store for the amp! That did it. THAT was the sound I remembered!

Since then I've still tried to replace them... a couple of times... just couldn't find a stereo store that could beat that sound to *MY* untrained ear. Actually, one store DID do it... you know the type... no name on the door... by appointment only... but damn, they were almost $100k! So here I am... gonna try the VSA's... just because I can, I guess.

Pawlowski6132, check back in sometime. I'd love to compare notes.

IMO, you also need a BIG room for Klipschorns. I fell in love with them back in '79 after listening to them in a store with large rooms and high vaulted ceilings. Worked all summer to afford a pair and when I got them home and put them in a normal sized room, I can hardly express how dissappointed I was.

I believe this is exactly why Klipsch has put out some other Gems that alleviate some of the issues with K-Horn demands and placement in rooms..

They have the new Palladiums which I can guarantee are pretty serious in sound, and not much will be missing, placement will be less an issue.. However they are way expensive, and truly not sure why everybody raves so far about the finish on them, Mostly a plastic molded design with some synthetic veneers and overall look is exacly that.

They can not compete with 15,000 dollar speaker finishes that are normally talked about on this forum or other serious smaller speaker companies, but hey the name follows them and it’s a company with a lot of money backing it… I would like to have a pair, but for 8 grand I could see these Palladiums being a step over the K-horn it, but not at 15k…

I think they are. They rereleased their classic series. You can get parts from them going way back. Their customer support is outstanding. Is there better sounding speakers on the market, yes, BUT Klipshorn will definitely be around for a long time supporting their products.