" Thanks for the great replies. I’ve heard a few Klipsch models over the years, never interested me enough to even get the names. One was the big Cornwalls though. Impressive but wasn’t my cup of tea. Granted, I have not heard any of their newer celebrated models. I will be checking them out. "
Until the Cornwall IV came out I was right there with you. Big boomy box. I have to say these db numbers being tossed around are not good at all. I am a Klipsch guy and each time I venture out I am disappointed so my experience is different than others here. I normally never have speakers with less than 101db and some of the used pro gear I have tops 105db. Nothing works hard to produce great sound and you never have to push drivers hard for large volume when you want it. Excursion is way less than many and small wattage amps make for prodigious CLEAN sound levels as nothing gets pushed too hard.
I am not a fan of buying new anything as I figure it is like a car and the second you drive it off the lot there goes half your money. So I look for things like Chorus speakers, which are better than Cornwalls, have nice crisp bass with no boomy box problems. Fortes are not nearly as efficient pegging in at 96 or 97db depending on version I or II.
The secret to good sound with legacy Klipsch though is to recap the crossovers. I have had some sour sounding speakers but I knew what they could sound like and bought them anyway. A fresh set of caps and all the magic is back for the next 30 years. See one of the things about Klipsch is they last as long as you will unless damaged or abused except caps and those make a big difference. Chances are if you heard some you did not like the needing recap issue was there. I am not a fan of La Scalas and if I were looking in your price range I would get a set of Chorus I’s first choice and Chorus II second choice. Chorus I is front ported and does not care where you place it to work right. The II has a passive in the back so it does care where you place it.
One of the nice things about Klipsch test runs is if you don’t like it after having it for a while or run up on something better if you bought them right you will get all your money back out and there are ready buyers out there all the time.
A good Chorus I goes for around $1,000 today + $40 in caps and you are good to go. I listen to pipe organ, cello, rock, blues, bagpipes, and lots of other things and I am never let down by the true to life music I hear. 30 years from now parts will still be out there for Klipsch and not many other speakers can boast this Klipsch longevity which exists for a reason.
Altec VOTT A-7’s are also really nice if you can find them and WAF and space are not problems..
