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Speaker Suggestions for Next Move

I'm considering moving on from my Klipsch Cornwall IVs.  I'm looking for suggestions on new loudspeakers in the $8-$15k range. Used is fine too.

Here's what you need to know (or what I think you should know):

  • Modifications:  I upgraded the crossovers and binding posts similar to the modifications made by Don Sachs (VCap ODAMs, Rike resistors, better wire/posts, and some internal damping).  I have them sitting on acoustically near inert 1.5" studio subwoofer platforms.  I feel I've juiced just about all I can out of them. 
  • Reasons for Changing.  They do not sound harsh or bright. I'm not thinking of moving on because of that. I'd like to get a bit more depth to the soundstage and more finesse in the overall presentation. 
  • Things I Have to Keep. 
  1. I need to have sizable scale in the presentation.  I have a good group of audiophile buddies and a friend who is a dealer.  I've heard so many high end offerings that don't really scale that well to me. I really like how you feel like you listened to live music or a studio--not a laboratory.  Sound doesn't shoot at you with laser focus, but rather it blooms, bathes and surrounds you. 
  2. Amp Friendly.  I have found the CWIVs to be very friendly with both SS and tube topologies.  Surprisingly, they can sound amazing with great quality SS. I have both types of pre/power amps to service speakers, but I'm not looking for speakers in this price range that need gobs and gobs of wattage.  I'd be happy to commit more so to SS if needed, but I'd like to stay way from very difficult loads.
  3. Placement.  I have a dedicated space and have leeway on placement. That said, I don't want to wrestle with a fickle speaker either. 

Side Note/Stuff I Don't Really Want to Discuss Here.  You can note this stuff all you want and chat with others about it in the thread (won't bother me at all), but I'm not going to engage on (a) Klipsch Heritage is garbage and awful sounding; Trust me though, I do see how Klipsch builds to a pricepoint and could easily better its offerings with better parts, bracing/dampening, etc.;  (b) modifications are dumb, wasteful, hurt resale, etc. I could care less about any of that. I'd prefer not to modify stuff--fyi;  (c) detailed discussions about amplification and sources. I have and have access to various topologies, manufacturers/brands, etc.  

Room:  A bit large for me, historically.  15.5' wide, 23' long, with 10' ceiling. Speakers will be placed along the short wall. 

Music Format:  Vinyl 50%, Digital 40%, CD 10%.

Genres: Pretty much you name it.  Jazz ~30%, Rock/Pop ~30%, Blues/Folk 30%; Classical ~10%. 

I'm curious to trying Fyne, Spatial Audio, Spendor (classic line in particular), Tannoy, Volti, Harbeth, PSB's flagship, Wharfedale's flagship, ATC, Vandersteen, Devore. Open to others. 

Thank you in advance!

128x128jbhiller
sns
3,202 posts
 

@jbhiller If you're open to further modding the Cornwalls changing out the inductors was extremely worthwhile, stock Klipsch not so good. I went to Jantzens, higher resolving, greater transparency, more natural timbre.

 

Klipsch Heritage can image if correct mods to speaker undertaken, room and setup optimized. High racks between speakers is no, no, diffusion on front wall is a good start. I've owned both box and open baffle speakers placed well out into room, my Klipschorns don't lack in depth of sound stage even though required placement has them right up against front wall in corner, I do have bay window between speakers which obviously serves to help in providing sound stage depth.

 

In regard to replacement speaker, assuming you like the horn presentation I'd stick with horns. As for myself, I know all about never saying never, but my Klipschorns are my end game speakers. Horns all about presence, you get an overwhelming sense of performers in room that is simply intoxicating for me. High resolution/transparency, dynamics inherent to the design. Get the imaging, sound staging and timbre right, you can have it all.

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,130 posts
 

There are a lot of things to love about the Klipsch Heritage speakers and I'm certainly a fan. And I think they do image better than most people give them credit. But it's not their strong suit. I have owned many other speakers that have better depth and separation. You just have to accept it for what it is.

sns
3,202 posts
 

Certainly there are certain designed in limitations with wide baffles of stock Klipsch Heritage. All the more reason to really pay attention to physical setup of system in room. Close to wall positioning in order to reinforce bass will compromise imaging, sound staging, pulling out from wall means opposite compromises. Only cure if keeping Corwalls is adding subs or dsp (equalization).

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,130 posts
 

I had Cornwall IVs pulled off the wall about 3 ft using dual 15" subs. Yeah, the imaging was better in that position but still not as good as non horn speakers.

jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,399 posts
 

@sns ​​​​@ozzy62 ,

I use two REL subs, fine tuned nicely where you cannot tell there are in the system--unless I turn them off. I play in a couple of bands and my ear is pretty darn good at integrated a sub to taste. They help immensely. 

SNS, can you shoot me a PM with the inductor values on the CWIV crossover?  I never tested them. I'd be curious to the values and what you used. I may tried (just because and for fun).  I also may try to dampen the cabinet further.  I didn't go hog wild on that because, like Harbeth, the cabinet might be part of the sonic signature. 

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