Klipsch La Scala replacement?


Hi there! 

 

I just moved to my new place and there's a BIG chance I have to get rid of my Klipsch La Scala due to space... I have been looking into B&W 702 S2 or maybe Klipsch forte. Any suggestions that anyone could provide would be great, I truly enjoy my La Scalas, hence I would like to buy something similar in audio quality.

 

Thanks in advance!

Edwin

erivera1990

If you are looking for a similar sound, you’ll probably want something from Klipsch. Your listening room will have a lot to say about what works best. I’d default with a Chorus I (or a KP-301 if you can find it---and if you can live with its industrial design.). Both of these are front ported, so they don’t need accommodations for the passive radiator that’s at the rear of the Quartet, any of the Fortés, or the Chorus II.

Placement is important and the Chorus I / KP-301 can go most anywhere. Your La Scalas have a big sound and are very sensitive / efficient. So are the Chorus Is.

Here’s a link to a review of the Chorus Is: https://www.hifi-classic.net/review/klipsch-chorus-418.html

Here’s a link to a review of the La Scala I, which likely represents what you have:

 

FWIW, I own LS, Chorus I, and KP-301. The Chorus and LPs get the most use. I also like the Fortés and the Quartets.  The Quartets are the least common and least appreciated of these, but they are superb in a smaller room if placed correctly.  A small weight on the passive radiator extends the bass.  It has the same tweeter and squawker as its contemporary larger cousins.  Paul Klipsch kept a set of Fortés in his office.  You wouldn't go wrong with any of these.

 Volti Razz owner here. I really enjoy them in my. 11 x 20 x 12 (h) room.  I can confirm  Greg Roberts is great to work with and makes an excellent product.

@erivera1990  Thank-you for that information.  Your room is large enough to handle the Maggies you have even though they are the shorter version.  Here is a nice report you might enjoy:

 

He compares them to one of the Klipsch models.  Given your hardware, you might enjoy moving on to the MGII (used) or one of their newer models, which are very affordable.  I would suggest the model that meets your budget--i.e., get the most expensive model you can afford.  Their top-end models are very expensive these days.  I would DEFINITELY give them a try in your new room as it is large enough to handle them.

I am not familiar with your hardware, but a good tube amp is always a good choice for Maggies, IMO.  As for a pre-amp, you might want to try a used ARC one if you can.  FYI, I still have Magneplaner I-C speakers and an ARC 6-B pre-amp after all these years and, while they might not compare to some of the newer stuff, the system is as good as it was 40 years ago.

Best of luck with your auditioning; it will be interesting to see what you finally end up with!

Cheers!