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Lets replace my Klipsch La Scala Speakers

So after 2 years of trying to make them work, they just aren't the speaker for me. Here is some detail so you can help me decide what to move to next.

My room is untreated and 12X13X12
Sources: Vinyl and Dac both tube driven
Preamp and amps are all Tube Driven
Amps are: SET 7 watt and 2 different push pulls 20 watts from one and 60ish from the other
Music : Blues,Classic Rock, Indie, Some modern, some heavier rock ,and just discovering how good Jazz can be

I have tried:
solid state amps,crites crossovers, ALK corn-scal-wall crossovers, svs subs added,horn loaded subs added, Schiit Loki in line, toed in toed out. Corner loaded, pushed together, I even moved my room 90 degres to try and get a better sound out of them. Trust me I have tried it all.

Here is what I liked:
Huge soundstage 
You are there live at times when listening
Love being able to hear the detail they offer
Love the bass when present

Here is what I disliked:
They can get shrill quick 
They are so revealing music can sound just bad (I realize that should be a positive, but it isn't)
Very bass shy
They aren't "warm" at all. There is no real thickness to the mids. Detail, but not thick.

We are going to sell this house eventually so I do not want to invest a bunch on treatments for the room. I have 2 other speakers that can be run. Some older Polk Monitor 7A that are actually pretty impressive, and could have the crossovers updated and a few other things to really make them shine if I wanted to. I realize they aren't a Hi-Fi speaker but they are balanced and warm/musical. The other option is the Decware DM947 speaker system. It's good and fairly new to me so I haven't decided to keep or move them down the road. So far they are laid back with some nice sparkle. They image really well and are very forgiving of the room and the recording I am listening to. 

So let's hear it! What did you replace your Klipsch speakers with, or what are you using that matches what I am after. 


128x128pioneerhip
richopp
760 posts
 
The SOUND you are looking for comes only from a Magnepan speaker.  Unfortunately, your amp may not drive them.  Try some of the less-expensive ones with a sub since you like big rather than accurate bass.

(I know, in live concerts, rock bands kick-up the bass so everyone in the stadium can feel it.  That ain't music, but you may like it.  Get the sub and see.)

BET you like them if you want "live soundstage" sound.

Cheers!
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 
Wharfedale.....good speakers at reasonable prices, what's not to like. Warm sounding, never shrill....inexpensive, in this case, does not mean inferior sound. All imo. I own both the diamond 10.1 and the 225's and both are just fantastic. They both do well in an a budget system as well as an expensive one. I also agree that the tannoys would be a great choice...at a significant increase in cost however....
big_greg
6,644 posts
 
Those are huge speakers for that room. I’ve listened to La Scalas in a large sound treated dealer showroom and they hurt my ears. I like and own a lot of klipsch speakers, but don’t care for the La Scalas.

I think the recommendations to downsize to Heresy are good or look at some small monitors and a small sub.

I just picked up a pair of used Focal Electra 1008 BE speakers for my similarly sized computer room and they are the best monitors I’ve owned. I’m sure there are a lot of other great choices in that price range. I did have my Heresy I speakers in this room and they were a little too much for that space. They're in my office now which is a bit larger and sound great there. The Focals replaced Canton Vento Reference 9.2 DC speakers. Those are great also but the Focals beat them. The Cantons are currently on sale at accessories 4 less.
dtximages
365 posts
 
Long term Klipsch lover here and owned the La Scalas and I can agree with your assessment.  I never though I'd be ok with a non-horned speaker but, to my surprise, I bought a pair of KEF R900s and have loved every second of them.  They're so pleasant to listen to compared to the Klipsches which required beer.

I would also look very strongly at the JBL Studio line.  I just got a pair of their bookshelves and I'm absolutely floored by them.  In fact, I unhooked the kefs to listen to the JBLs for the past few weeks.  Constantly impressed.

You'll want to look at the JBL Studio 590s for big floorstandings with solid bass extension. 
pioneerhip's avatar
pioneerhip OP
44 posts
 
Its been mentioned a few times. Yes the La Scalas are too big for the room. That is part of the reason they sound so bad and must go. 

There are some really good speakers that have been suggested. I have a friend down the road with some Heresy II that I am going to try with a sub and see. I do like the Klipsch sound but it needs to be scaled down to the room. 

I am also going to compile a list and start listing / looking at reviews of speakers. 

Thanks to everyone so far for the suggestions!
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