Good, Affordable Horns?

I’ll comment as a Klipsch owner for the past 8 years, specifically the Chorus II’s and their successor, the KLF Legend Series (KLF-20’s). Both of these models can be bought for under $1K on the used market. I used them for a few years without modified/upgraded xover networks and for the past 4 or so years with modified/upgraded xovers.

I’m extremely happy with the overall sound quality of these speakers and can confidently say, these speakers will not be changed for other speakers. They heavily benefit from proper pairing with equipment. Tubes are the ideal match for Klipsch speakers. I’ve used my Klipsch speaker with an Eico HF-81 and currently with a restored H.H. Scott 222C and John Hogan integrated SET amp. I will also say that my Stan Warren custom built chip amp is amazing with my Klipsch speakers. One SS amp that worked very well with my Klipsch was Plinius.

I love the amazing dynamics of the horns and my KLF-20’s have plenty of low end slam along with extended highs. The Chorus II’s are amazing speakers also with a slightly better midrange than the KLF-20’s but slightly less low end slam.

It took me one evening to upgrade the Chorus II xover networks. The difference after modifying/upgrading the xover networks is incredible. You have not heard how good Klipsch speakers are until you have at least modified/upgraded the xover networks. I also modified/upgraded all my other Klipsch speakers and will do so with any future Klipsch speakers I own. Actually, I will not own any speakers that I haven’t upgraded the xover networks. The improvement in sound across the entire spectrum is too much to miss out on.

I totally agree with Vman71 about the excellent sonic results acheived by upgrading Klipsch crossovers.

The George Wright AU-1000 preamp I own is actually the same preamp Boa2 once owned. He sold
it to a another guy. And I bought it from him.

Well, I can still say with great confidence that the LaScalas drop off severely just under 50hz. If you consider that adequate bass, then so be it, that's all you need! The LaScalas Howard owned that you mentioned were purchased from me, as was the preamp you now own (great little pre btw). Howard's an old friend of mine. He now owns a pair of Khorns. Last time I was there he was using a high powered McIntosh SS amp to push them, though I think he's gone back to SET lately. If you really want to find out how low they go, buy yourself a sound pressure meter from Radio Shack and take some measurements. That's how I came to these conclusions. I've done it in several rooms with two pairs of LaScalas and various amps and preamps, including the very one you now own. If your results are vastly different I'd like to know your secret(s). Cool beans though...I'm glad you're getting the lows you want from them - they're great speakers.

Yep, crossovers and tweeters are the first things I'd change..oh, and the zip cord that passes for internal wires.

Marco

Pi Speakers. They have quite a following and are very reasonably priced. Can be had for a steal if you buy the kit.

I've gotten some good leads from this thread. Thanks.

My concern with most of the horn loaded designs I've seen in my price range will be bass. I don't think I would be happy replacing any speaker pairs I have with anything horn loaded that did not extend down at least in to the 40hz range.

My room is only 12'X 12'. Corner horns, like a pair of used Klipschorns could work nicely and even benefit me otherwise by opening up more floor space, but I'm wondering if the room is too small for even the Khorn bass design to meet my needs?

Any thoughts on a pair of Khorns in a smaller 12X12 room?