Klipsch La Scala or Altec 838 speakers

Altecs are more relaxed then the laScalas will be in my experiance. 

Tha said you need to consider rebuilding/restoring either.  i did some Lascalas a few ywears ago and after a upgrade and restoration they were much better then original. 

For the LaScaal's you're going to want to upgrade that old tweeter and crossover minimum.  that will get you a good way to a much more balanced sound then factory. 

Funny how we all differ. The Lascala has been my favorite Heritage for years. However, I would like to point out, there are several simple and inexpensive mods/upgrades as mentioned above to be made to the Lascala that can make them smoother and cleaner. If you enjoy being in front of a band or orchestra, without PA amplification, the Lascala will do it for you. I lived it, and I do. Admittedly, the "live" presentation can be too much for many listeners, as I personally know of some. Horns in general are not for everyone. Over the years, I have succeeded in helping many listeners with their horns, of all manufacturers, to where they become not only very listenable and non-fatiguing, but extremely enjoyable and engaging. Enjoyable and engaging are two characteristics I give to the Lascala, making it easier to "listen to the music". I do not need to own 50 pairs of speakers as some above, because my one pair does it all for me. They continue to sell very well today, so the proof is in the longevity of the model and the numbers. Last point: just like ice cream flavors, we are all different. The shapes of our ears and ear canals alone, simply makes us different as listeners. Add that to the fact that we all have specific areas of music reproduction that attracts us and stimulates us, and this, leaves us to each his/her own. I have owned and listened to many different speaker brands, and personal taste come into play. The particular Altec you refer to is not my favorite Altec, but this is where personal preference comes in. When I stated I am here to help....I am. I wish everyone enjoyable and engaging listening. My best, and ENJOY! MrD.

What mrdecibel said.

Never klipsch 

I still find it remarkable that in answer to a simple either/or question all the “experts” come in out of the woodwork to recommend anything BUT the two choices given by the OP.

My vote is with LaScalas, but I’ve been a Klipsch fan since 1973-ish working in a music store and I’ve also owned Ohm Walsh 2’s and 3’s (sold recently).

I prefer the Klipsch Heresy IV’s but lately I’ve been using a pair of Ubiquitous V2 speakers and Subiguitous subs - I replaced the drivers and tweeters in the V2’s and will be listening to those for as long as I’m on the planet, or until I win the lottery and can afford a new set of something like German Physik omnis.

Get the LaScalas, if they don’t work for you I’m sure they’ll sell.