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Other Stuff => Archived Circles => Industry/Sponsored Threads => Topic started by: FullRangeMan on 21 Jan 2011, 05:17 pm

Title: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: FullRangeMan on 21 Jan 2011, 05:17 pm
Very bad news.  The famous hystorical Paul Klipsch company seems will be absorbed by Audiovox and may disappear as is usual on the corporative biz.
http://hometheaterreview.com/audiovox-to-buy-klipsch/


http://www.audiovox.com/

> Never go to a psychiatrist, adopt a cat or dog from the street. On the streets pets live only two years average.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: MaxCast on 21 Jan 2011, 05:33 pm
Why would Avox buy Klipsch and let it dissapear?  :scratch:
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: FullRangeMan on 21 Jan 2011, 06:00 pm
This usually happens when the take company do not want invest new money, cost-cutting or to kill competitors, just to mention afew reasons, of course there is more reasons in the real world, I just show a plain simple vision.
Hope this will not happen to Klipsch as the RF speakers line are great value per money, mainly the RF83 model.
Gustavo
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: srb on 21 Jan 2011, 06:11 pm
Klipsch is still a respected name in the audio industry that now encompasses both high-end and mass market distribution (like JBL).  I find it very hard to believe that Audiovox would not take advantage of brand awareness that has taken 64 years to build.
 
Steve
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: FullRangeMan on 21 Jan 2011, 06:23 pm
I agree. I do not like speakers with crossovers, tweeters atc... But the Klipsch RF-63 and RF-83 are the only exceptions, and I would buy a pair for a Stereo Hi-End system.
Gustavo
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: twitch54 on 21 Jan 2011, 08:32 pm
Klipsch is still a respected name in the audio industry

Myself I feel they have lost a fair amount of 'respect' from the past ten years of making so-so HT gear type speakers, other than their Classic line they are mid-fi at best.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: srb on 21 Jan 2011, 08:38 pm
Myself I feel they have lost a fair amount of 'respect' from the past ten years of making so-so HT gear type speakers, other than their Classic line they are mid-fi at best.

And that is the market segment that has the largest revenue potential.
 
Steve
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: TheChairGuy on 21 Jan 2011, 08:47 pm
Klipsch is still a respected name in the audio industry that now encompasses both high-end and mass market distribution (like JBL).  I find it very hard to believe that Audiovox would not take advantage of brand awareness that has taken 64 years to build.
 
Steve

I'm in consumer products for 25 years now (eek! scares me to read that).

I would be surprised if Klipsch, in it's current form of offerings, exists in even 5 years.

Audiovox is based in Long Island, my 'home' base (where I was born/raised and lived until 17 years ago) and they have always been and will always be a schlock merchant company. I've been in the personal communication (thru Cobra and Uniden brands) and CB business and competed against them for years

My guess (and it's only that - a guess based on 25 years of repeated foolish buyouts of once great names in consumer products) is that they want in on automotive OEM basis and needed a speaker name to get in on the action.  A contract with, say, Ford to have a Klispsch sound system has certain cache...and would probably greatly exceed all of of Klipsch sales in a year what they have garnered in the past 10. Bose, JBL, Harman-kardon, Mark Levinson and others are in the OEM auto radio business.

Klipsch IS doomed if chained to Audiovox...at least the Klipsch that most of us respect in audiophooldom  :(

John
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: JLM on 21 Jan 2011, 08:53 pm
With their high efficiency and relative lack of deep bass (for their size) Klipsch was always geared towards small tubed amps.  When solid state appeared, Klipsch suddenly looked like dinosaurs to the mass market.  As older/lesser solid state only sounds best at higher wattages, Klipsch really didn't work well with main stream amps since the 70s.

Most consumers don't understand the significance of speaker efficiency, but instead would rather brag about having XXX wpc. 

And the K-horn's down fall started even earlier with the advent of stereo (when you really think about it, not many room have two good adjoining corners to accommodate a pair of them).
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: Mitsuman on 21 Jan 2011, 09:27 pm
I'm in consumer products for 25 years now (eek! scares me to read that).

I would be surprised if Klipsch, in it's current form of offerings, exists in even 5 years.

Audiovox is based in Long Island, my 'home' base (where I was born/raised and lived until 17 years ago) and they have always been and will always be a schlock merchant company. I've been in the personal communication (thru Cobra and Uniden brands) and CB business and competed against them for years

My guess (and it's only that - a guess based on 25 years of repeated foolish buyouts of once great names in consumer products) is that they want in on automotive OEM basis and needed a speaker name to get in on the action.  A contract with, say, Ford to have a Klispsch sound system has certain cache...and would probably greatly exceed all of of Klipsch sales in a year what they have garnered in the past 10. Bose, JBL, Harman-kardon, Mark Levinson and others are in the OEM auto radio business.

Klipsch IS doomed if chained to Audiovox...at least the Klipsch that most of us respect in audiophooldom  :(

John

THIS
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: Rob Babcock on 21 Jan 2011, 09:39 pm
I've long considered Klipsch to be the perfect complement to Bose. :lol:  There's no product I've ever heard by them that I would consider acceptable (including the K-horns).  That said, they're an iconic brand and I'd be somewhat surprised if Audiovox would kill off the marque.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: Zero on 22 Jan 2011, 08:19 am
I dunno... I think some Klipsch products are great. 

Take for example the new RF-7 II's. These behemoths may not be as aesthetically charming as their peers, but the performance is extremely solid. Having already conducted numerous side by side comparisons between the RF-7 II's and half a dozen or so popular, similar priced, audiophile-approved loudspeakers, I gotta say that the Klipsch's have zero issues in hanging with the competition.

Alright, so having said all of that, where do I go to turn in my street cred?  :duh: :icon_lol: 
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: hmen on 22 Jan 2011, 01:22 pm
I can't wait to get my first clock radio with "real Klipsch speakers".
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: Freo-1 on 22 Jan 2011, 01:56 pm
I dunno... I think some Klipsch products are great. 

Take for example the new RF-7 II's. These behemoths may not be as aesthetically charming as their peers, but the performance is extremely solid. Having already conducted numerous side by side comparisons between the RF-7 II's and half a dozen or so popular, similar priced, audiophile-approved loudspeakers, I gotta say that the Klipsch's have zero issues in hanging with the competition.

Alright, so having said all of that, where do I go to turn in my street cred?  :duh: :icon_lol:

Although I'm not a big fan of horn drivers in general, Klipsch over the years has done a lot to advance audio  overall.  I've herd K-horns with updated/modified crossovers that sounded pretty darn good. You have to admit, at 104 db@ 1 watt, the K-Horn can easily achieve lifelike sound reproduction levels, something no mini monitor or planar speaker can achieve.  Now, how practical a pair of K-horns are in an average home environment is another matter entirely.  :D

I hope that this works out like when McIntosh was sold, where corporate leaves the day to day operations alone.   
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: sebrof on 22 Jan 2011, 06:08 pm
I dunno... I think some Klipsch products are great. 

Alright, so having said all of that, where do I go to turn in my street cred?  :duh: :icon_lol:
Klipsch certainly makes some good stuff.
Not sure you're the one who needs to turn in anything.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: FullRangeMan on 22 Jan 2011, 07:07 pm
Many Klipsch speakers are very useful to match with small tube amps and the priece/performance ratio are good.
Hope Klipsch will win more this challenge.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: Rob Babcock on 23 Jan 2011, 10:33 pm
Speakers are subjective.  I certainly don't knock people who like them.  And I guess I haven't heard any Klipsches that have been released within the last five years or so.  They may well be really good. :thumb:
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: FullRangeMan on 29 Jul 2012, 10:53 pm
As expected the Klispch line are being reduced:
The RF83 is out of the line in 2011.
And now I see the RF63 also in no more.
A pity, really great speakers for a tube amp.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: kevinh on 30 Jul 2012, 12:07 am
Shame I have a friend that had bought the Hersey's and LaSacala new series in the past couple of years and has been happy with both with tube amps.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: srb on 30 Jul 2012, 12:17 am
Shame I have a friend that had bought the Hersey's and LaSacala new series in the past couple of years and has been happy with both with tube amps.

No!  The Klipsch RF-63 and RF-83 are the only speakers with a crossover that are acceptable.

Steve
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: dB Cooper on 30 Jul 2012, 01:53 am
I agree. I do not like speakers with crossovers, tweeters atc...
Gustavo
fullrangeman, your position on this is well known around these parts (and differs from mine) but I was curious how you feel about planars?
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: dB Cooper on 30 Jul 2012, 02:18 am
On the OT, what often happens is, a bigger fish like Audiovox swallows a smaller fish like Klipsch, brings in the bean counters to "streamline production" (read:fire people), "cut costs" (read:cheapen the products) and start cranking out cookie cutter products with the purchased name (in this case, Klipsch) on them for as long as the name maintains "good will" value.

I remember someone I worked with in the early to mid 80s buying a Fisher prepackaged system from "Equipment 'R' Us" because Fisher was a "good name". (This is probably the kind of thing Audiovox is counting on.) They weren't too happy when I told them that Fisher Audio had changed hands four times in the 1970s alone and had no connection to the old Fisher aside from the logo (essentially, they had just been chumped.) Just my 2 cents.

The best thing I can say about Audiovox stuff is that in my experience, it works; but it is the very definition of "mid-fi".
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: FullRangeMan on 30 Jul 2012, 02:24 am
fullrangeman, your position on this is well known around these parts (and differs from mine) but I was curious how you feel about planars?
I own a Carver Amazing Silver, it is a great speaker, holografic soundstage, soft treble and great looking.
It not had a xover just a fully adjustable(bass phase and mid & hi volume) resistence set, the sensitivity is low=88dB and micro detail is not his virtue.
The reverb time is stunning pleasant to the human brain, even in late night low spl.
The reverb time from Magnepan and Martin Logan is very unpleasant.
It is the masterpiece of Bob Carver IMO.
I had not listen the greek Audio Analisys yet.
Correction:  The Amazing had a complete xover... :cuss:
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: FullRangeMan on 30 Jul 2012, 02:32 am
Concord bough Telarc just to close his grave, there is no more Telarc SACDs.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: fredgarvin on 30 Jul 2012, 04:24 am
Even if they keep the Klipsch name it will meet the same fate as Pyle driver, Aragon, Infinity, AR, you name it. It will disappear or become a schlock sucker brand.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: S Clark on 30 Jul 2012, 04:49 am
They may have still made a couple of decent speakers, but their hey day has been long gone.  I just don't see that their final demise is anything to mourn. Bad news? I really don't see it that way.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: Rocket_Ronny on 30 Jul 2012, 05:21 am

Probably my worst ever experience in high end audio was auditioning Klipsch LaScalas. Did so in the 80s and once again around 2000. I also heard them used in DJ setting at a hall party I was at. Those bass bins remind me of audio played in a Gymnasium. Ring-a-ding-long-ling. I wanted so much to like them in 2000 as I was looking for a high eff. speaker. What a disappointment. Still, I like the name and history. They won't kill the name, maybe the brand.

Rocket_Ronny
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: doug s. on 30 Jul 2012, 12:16 pm
ronny, i have never heard lascala's. (i did enjoy a demo of klipschhorns in the early 80's, fwiw).  and i do have a pair of oris 150 horns that are supported in the mid-bass by a pair of 15" fostex pro audio drivers loaded into beefed up lascala bass-bin cabinets.  as the bass bins are only playing from ~80hz to ~250hz, they are doing a good job.

but, if you want sota sound w/a similar look, you must hear a pair of volti audio vittora's.  not cheap at ~$12.5k retail per pair, but fabulous sound - best sound of the show, imo, (well, mebbe tied w/the $24k hornings), at the 2012 c.a.f. i recently attended.  and the room was simply awful; i can only imagine how nice they'd sound if set up in a good room.  the horning room, while not perfect, was far nicer for the speakers than the volti room.

http://www.voltiaudio.com/shop.shtml
http://www.voltiaudio.com/vittora.shtml
(http://www.voltiaudio.com/images/vittoraimages/tiamavittora32.jpg)

doug s.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: dB Cooper on 30 Jul 2012, 01:03 pm
I had limited time at the show and missed that room. The Classic Audio room had the best horns that I did get to hear though. These look real nice.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: doug s. on 30 Jul 2012, 01:16 pm
I had limited time at the show and missed that room. The Classic Audio room had the best horns that I did get to hear though. These look real nice.
i was extremely unimpressed w/the sound i heard in the classic audio room.  marginally better room, ruined by having two pairs of speakers in it, w/the smaller speakers blocking the sound of the larger pair.  i wanted to like the sound; the owner was wery nice...  but even if the volti's were twice the price of the big classic's instead of the other way around, i would still be wanting the volti's...

doug s.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: art on 30 Jul 2012, 02:27 pm
Even if they keep the Klipsch name it will meet the same fate as Pyle driver, Aragon, Infinity, AR, you name it. It will disappear or become a schlock sucker brand.

BINGO! A way to sell schlock, to folks who have heard the name, but know nothing other than "It is supposed to be a good brand."
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: Rocket_Ronny on 30 Jul 2012, 05:02 pm

Hi Doug:

Thanks for the Volti suggestion. Yes, I have looked into the line. Must be good from the reports I hear.

A friend of mine went from the Mark Levinson HQD system - stacked Quad 57s with Decca ribbon tweeter, and 4 18" Hartely sub woofers in giant acoustic suspension boxes that were 6 feet tall, to a pair of Klipsch Corner Horns. Go figure.

He had lined the cabinets with lead sheets, puddied the outside of the horns to dampen them and reworked the crossover. If his neighbors got too loud with their music he would play the Sheffield Drum record at ear splitting volumes to say hello.

Rocket_Get Me Some K-Horns_Ronny
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: doug s. on 30 Jul 2012, 05:40 pm
Hi Doug:

Thanks for the Volti suggestion. Yes, I have looked into the line. Must be good from the reports I hear.

A friend of mine went from the Mark Levinson HQD system - stacked Quad 57s with Decca ribbon tweeter, and 4 18" Hartely sub woofers in giant acoustic suspension boxes that were 6 feet tall, to a pair of Klipsch Corner Horns. Go figure.

He had lined the cabinets with lead sheets, puddied the outside of the horns to dampen them and reworked the crossover. If his neighbors got too loud with their music he would play the Sheffield Drum record at ear splitting volumes to say hello.

Rocket_Get Me Some K-Horns_Ronny
i could see your buddy getting rid of the quads for the k-horns.  but me, i'd have kept the hartley subs!   :green:

doug s.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: chrisby on 30 Jul 2012, 07:36 pm
No!  The Klipsch RF-63 and RF-83 are the only speakers with a crossover that are acceptable.

Steve


pray tell then, what are the speakers in your avatar photo - or was that sarcasm?

I guess it's always a shame to see the fortunes, "prestige" etc of any legendary brand name diminished through (multiple) change(s) of ownership, management ( Jaguar, anyone),  but my personal experience with several Klipsch designs over the decades echoes some of those posted above - what is it the kids are saying these days?  - meh, so?   
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: srb on 30 Jul 2012, 07:54 pm
pray tell then, what are the speakers in your avatar photo - or was that sarcasm?

That was sarcasm.

I agree. I do not like speakers with crossovers, tweeters atc... But the Klipsch RF-63 and RF-83 are the only exceptions

Steve
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: FullRangeMan on 30 Jul 2012, 10:04 pm
Even if they keep the Klipsch name it will meet the same fate as Pyle driver, Aragon, Infinity, AR, you name it. It will disappear or become a schlock sucker brand.
Krell and Mark Levinson now are made in China.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: chrisby on 30 Jul 2012, 10:43 pm
Krell and Mark Levinson now are made in China.

as are I think, many of the computers, tablets and smart phones upon which we fritter away our time chatterboxing on the subject - does the country of manufacture guarantee anything, or is it the design & production QC?
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: Devil Doc on 30 Jul 2012, 10:59 pm
as are I think, many of the computers, tablets and smart phones upon which we fritter away our time chatterboxing on the subject - does the country of manufacture guarantee anything, or is it the design & production QC?

It guarantees some American is getting a pay check and that's important to me.

Doc
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: FullRangeMan on 30 Jul 2012, 11:12 pm
as are I think, many of the computers, tablets and smart phones upon which we fritter away our time chatterboxing on the subject - does the country of manufacture guarantee anything, or is it the design & production QC?
After the sale of Krell & ML the production moved to China, in the case of Klipsch as the production already in China, the next step may be made clock radios with the Klipsch name or close the doors.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: JLM on 30 Jul 2012, 11:18 pm
Classic Klipsch speakers are dinosaurs.  They're big and held a significant place for a long time.  Back when 5 wpc was all you had, you put up with size and lack of deep bass to get high spls.  Their sound complimented the tubes of the day.  But like the dinosaurs their day has past.

The company lost it's marketing way, not enough tube dealers to support their modern offerings.  So sadly they focused on the mainstream where frankly they really don't offer anything special.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: FullRangeMan on 31 Jul 2012, 12:07 am
Classic Klipsch speakers are dinosaurs.  They're big and held a significant place for a long time.  Back when 5 wpc was all you had, you put up with size and lack of deep bass to get high spls.  Their sound complimented the tubes of the day.  But like the dinosaurs their day has past.

The company lost it's marketing way, not enough tube dealers to support their modern offerings.  So sadly they focused on the mainstream where frankly they really don't offer anything special.
So clear, so sad.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: Rocket_Ronny on 31 Jul 2012, 12:17 am

Quote
I could see your buddy getting rid of the quads for the k-horns.  but me, i'd have kept the hartley subs!

He kept the Hartley subs and used them with a pair of Apogee Divas. When he brought over a date to his house and her eyes popped out, with mouth ajar, at this audio madness dominating his living room, he politely stated he was an audio enthusiast. It was their first and last date.

Rocket_Ronny
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: dB Cooper on 31 Jul 2012, 01:03 am
i was extremely unimpressed w/the sound i heard in the classic audio room.  marginally better room, ruined by having two pairs of speakers in it, w/the smaller speakers blocking the sound of the larger pair.  i wanted to like the sound; the owner was wery nice...  but even if the volti's were twice the price of the big classic's instead of the other way around, i would still be wanting the volti's...

doug s.

The arrangement was ...uhh, sub-optimal... Not enough room for two big floorstanders... Not having heard the Voltis I don't have a reference point. But the Classics were better IMO than the $44K horns (sorry, forget the name) I heard upstairs.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: doug s. on 31 Jul 2012, 01:39 am
[quotei could see your buddy getting rid of the quads for the k-horns.  but me, i'd have kept the hartley subs!   ]

He kept the Hartley subs and used them with some Apogee Divas. When he brought over a date to his house and her eyes popped out wit mouth ajar at this audio madness dominating his living room, he politely stated he was an audio enthusiast. It was their first and last date.

Rocket_Ronny
lucky for him.  who needs someone like that around?  that's a good way to weed out the undesirables! :green:

doug s.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: figcon on 31 Jul 2012, 01:49 am
Jeez, I hate to spoil the mostly Klipsh bashing party but the fact is that the newest Klipsch speakers are not awful sounding, don't require much power, take plenty of power and play at high volumes with low distortion. Perfect  for what represents about 95 percent of my AV business and I know a lot of so called high end speaker makers that could learn some very basic lessons from Klipsch.  By the way, all of the Heritage series, the RF7ii's, RC 64ii's and KW 120 subs are all now made in the US. if they survive, the Palladian series, will also once again be made in the US. Something else other manufacturers can learn from.

Audiovox wanted the brand for their car line, plain and simple.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: doug s. on 31 Jul 2012, 01:52 am
The arrangement was ...uhh, sub-optimal... Not enough room for two big floorstanders... Not having heard the Voltis I don't have a reference point. But the Classics were better IMO than the $44K horns (sorry, forget the name) I heard upstairs.

sub-optimal set-up for sure:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=64867)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=63812)

re: the ones you didn't like, are you talking about the field coil drivers in the big oris-style horns, w/the ob bass panels? (not sure of their cost):
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=65159)
i thought these sounded wery nice; better than the classics.  these also were not set up properly, imo - the room was too small - but they still sounded good to me.

the cathedrals were speakers that truly sounded screwed up in the room they were in:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=64874)

doug s.
Title: Re: Good News! KLIPSCH lives
Post by: seti42 on 31 Jul 2012, 06:41 am
I have several friends that work for Klipsch and for good reason they were nervous after the audiovox purchase. Now it has been a while since the purchase and everyone is really happy with the way audiovox treats Klipsch. They have brought manufacturing jobs back to Hope, AR from China. That is really great news for a rural country town like Hope,AR. The previous owner was more of a bean counter and not an audio engineer.  He diversified the company and did a very good job at making it very profitable likely saving the company. It will be interesting to see what happens in the upcoming years. A hint is in recently approved patents. Klipsch will be around for a while.

Klipsch changes speaker line ups often. It isn't unusual for them to discontinue speakers. In 2006 they revamped the Heritage line dropping the Belle but brought back the Cornwall with some improvements. Not my favorite but a big seller. Their sales of speakers to Europe and Asia have been on the rise. The RF2, Heresy, and Cornwall are very popular there. Things change but lately it has been for the best.

If you aren't into the consumer speakers from Klipsch check out the pro cinema speakers. There is really cool stuff in there and the specs are conservative. They measure lower specd. The Jubilee bass horn is just incredible. Personally I like the big horns for obvious reasons. Small speakers are for small sound.

Wish I had room for the MCM Grand LOL....
MCM Grand http://www.klipsch.com/kpt-mcm-4-t-grand (http://www.klipsch.com/kpt-mcm-4-t-grand)
Jubilee 535 http://www.klipsch.com/kpt-jubilee-535 (http://www.klipsch.com/kpt-jubilee-535)
KPT 535 http://www.klipsch.com/kpt-535-4-t (http://www.klipsch.com/kpt-535-4-t)


It is a shame that the audio industry doesn't have a PWK to flash a BS Button at snake oil salesmen. Hell that could be a full time job these days.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: dB Cooper on 31 Jul 2012, 01:34 pm

re: the ones you didn't like, are you talking about the field coil drivers in the big oris-style horns, w/the ob bass panels? (not sure of their cost):
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=65159)
i thought these sounded wery nice; better than the classics.  these also were not set up properly, imo - the room was too small - but they still sounded good to me.

doug s.

Not those... I heard these from down the hall, they were blasting them on the last day.

 
Stop the presses- didn't think I had a pic from the room but I was talking about but turns out I do. It wasn't that I didn't like them; I just wasn't hi-dollar impressed. Even with his  funky setup (maybe he should have brought only one pair, probably the smaller ones), the classics sounded better imo.
For $44K I expect to be wowed. Forget the name but I recall hearing that that was the price. Here they are:


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=65869)
Title: Re: Good News! KLIPSCH lives
Post by: seti42 on 3 Aug 2012, 02:28 pm
I have several friends that work for Klipsch and for good reason they were nervous after the audiovox purchase. Now it has been a while since the purchase and everyone is really happy with the way audiovox treats Klipsch. They have brought manufacturing jobs back to Hope, AR from China. That is really great news for a rural country town like Hope,AR. The previous owner was more of a bean counter and not an audio engineer.  He diversified the company and did a very good job at making it very profitable likely saving the company. It will be interesting to see what happens in the upcoming years. A hint is in recently approved patents. Klipsch will be around for a while.

Klipsch changes speaker line ups often. It isn't unusual for them to discontinue speakers. In 2006 they revamped the Heritage line dropping the Belle but brought back the Cornwall with some improvements. Not my favorite but a big seller. Their sales of speakers to Europe and Asia have been on the rise. The RF2, Heresy, and Cornwall are very popular there. Things change but lately it has been for the best.

If you aren't into the consumer speakers from Klipsch check out the pro cinema speakers. There is really cool stuff in there and the specs are conservative. They measure lower specd. The Jubilee bass horn is just incredible. Personally I like the big horns for obvious reasons. Small speakers are for small sound.

Wish I had room for the MCM Grand LOL....
MCM Grand http://www.klipsch.com/kpt-mcm-4-t-grand (http://www.klipsch.com/kpt-mcm-4-t-grand)
Jubilee 535 http://www.klipsch.com/kpt-jubilee-535 (http://www.klipsch.com/kpt-jubilee-535)
KPT 535 http://www.klipsch.com/kpt-535-4-t (http://www.klipsch.com/kpt-535-4-t)


It is a shame that the audio industry doesn't have a PWK to flash a BS Button at snake oil salesmen. Hell that could be a full time job these days.

I forgot to mention that Klipsch has also been updating its pro cinema line and looking to expand the line. Not exactly the moves of a company about to fold.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: tipatina on 13 Sep 2017, 12:33 am
Looks like the prediction turned out to be (thankfully) false.
I actually met Paul Klipsch when a buddy of mine and I went on an informal factory tour in the early 90's. He invited us to lunch with him at the Hope, Arkansas Rotary Club and then to his house to listen to his personal system afterwards. He had a pair of Khorns and a LaScala as a center channel. At the time I had never seen a center channel. I wasn't enough of an audiophile at the time to observe the source components with a critical eye. He had (I think) Aragon amplification.  He told us that his musical tastes were exclusively classical. The sound was lovely. I remember he had a Mercedes with a vanity plate that read "Gadfly"
Looking forward to auditioning one or both of these-still have a pair of the original Forte's in one of my systems. I plan to use them with an AVA Ultravalve which I purchased from a fellow AC'er and absolutely love.

http://www.klipsch.com/forte-iii?gclid=Cj0KCQjwi97NBRD1ARIsAPXVWWBPBtSR5V3F5_PqyecbvE0k1kxPJi9OxeaKnX7Op1f2ir3_GaykCzkaAjijEALw_wcB

http://www.klipsch.com/products/cornwall-iii-70th-anniversary-edition
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: Mikeinsacramento on 13 Sep 2017, 04:28 am
That's interesting.  I met him in 1977. 

My girlfriend's Dad had an order in for two K-horns.  He will-called and took me along for muscle.  Turned out he and Paul knew each other.  We went into the office and ended up with a binder full of Paul's drawings and notes.  The system in the drawings had a Belle center. 
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: Norman Tracy on 13 Sep 2017, 03:28 pm
"The report of my death was an exaggeration." Samuel Clemens a.k.a. Mark Twain

http://www.klipsch.com/products/klipschorn-70th-anniversary-edition (http://www.klipsch.com/products/klipschorn-70th-anniversary-edition)

(http://assets.klipsch.com/product-images/_1142xAUTO_fit_center-center_75/70th-Anniversary-KHorn-Pair.jpg)
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: fredgarvin on 13 Sep 2017, 03:59 pm
The recently released Forte III is a sweet update of that classic model. They now include titanium diaphragms stock. If I ever find a pair I can afford, KHorns will be in the corners of my room. After taking time to get a good set up with my Quartets, the planars and ribbons I've had for years were shipped off. The sound is sublime, with a vibrant live sound that is really engaging. No tubes needed, a class A amp with a low gain Pre and it's a remarkable sound.

Next up a center channel from Klipsch, i suspect no one will ever ask again, "What did they say?"


The new active line just introduced is getting good press. The upcoming 15's have me wanting a listen-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA51bUYwuBk
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: FullRangeMan on 13 Sep 2017, 05:12 pm
The Forté III 99dB/8 ohms very useful w/a small tube amp, not to mention that wonderful 15'' radiator, cheers to klipsch.
The Forté in closeup:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a58i3K27yQE&t=115
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: charmerci on 13 Sep 2017, 05:55 pm
The recently released Forte III is a sweet update of that classic model. They now include titanium diaphragms stock. If I ever find a pair I can afford, KHorns will be in the corners of my room.


Do you live somewhat near Sanger, CA?


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pair-of-Fully-Operational-Vintage-Klipsch-Klipschorn-Corner-Speakers-/162670199718?hash=item25dfe643a6:g:79UAAOSwfa9Zttfr
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: Rocket_Ronny on 13 Sep 2017, 10:47 pm
Quote
I've long considered Klipsch to be the perfect complement to Bose.

Have to agree. Worst audio auditions I have ever had were the Klipsh Lascalas. You can hear the box eco chamber.

But seems like some of their newer stuff is quite good from what people say.

Rocket_Ronny
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: fredgarvin on 13 Sep 2017, 11:01 pm
Even if they keep the Klipsch name it will meet the same fate as Pyle driver, Aragon, Infinity, AR, you name it. It will disappear or become a schlock sucker brand.

I, and everyone else was dead wrong. Since that time the new Heritage line- Heresy III, Cornwall III and Forte III have been very successful. I think they have also increased their HT market share. The reference lines are very nice. The new RF7 III is soon to appear.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: OzarkTom on 14 Sep 2017, 01:53 am
Interesting review on the LaScalas from Tone Audio. More fun than 200K Wilson XLFs?

http://www.tonepublications.com/old-school/the-klipsch-lascala/

Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: Rocket_Ronny on 14 Sep 2017, 04:44 am
Interesting article. Yes, sure they will play crazy loud with great dynamics and that is why he seemed to like them. But the three times I heard them, twice in audio stores, and once at a hall party, the bass section sounding like a reverberating gymnasium. Too funny, he got the speakers from Echo Audio. Perfect description.

A friend owned K-Horns and they seemed better. He was putting plumbers putty on the outside of the horns to dampen them and was planning on lining the echo bass box with lead sheets. I don't think he ever did as he went back to his Levinson HQDs. I would use a tube amp either way, K-Horn, or Lascala.

Rocket Ronny
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: FullRangeMan on 14 Sep 2017, 11:07 am
I avoid speakers w/xover but the Forté II was reviewed by Audio(Germany) at that time and awarded the Sehr Gut grade.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: Johnny2Bad on 15 Dec 2017, 02:51 am
Audiovox also bought Acoustic Research (Cambridge Mass) in 2003, and this year killed their interconnect line. Good, fundamentally sound cables at bargain prices. The ones to steer your curious, non HiFi friends to. No more.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: dB Cooper on 15 Dec 2017, 03:22 am
Sounds like BlueJeans cables might be a good alternative for those folks.

What's with all these old threads getting revived? The original post here is just shy of 7 years old, and there are several others.
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: JerryM on 15 Dec 2017, 04:15 am
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=172772)
Title: Re: Bad News! KLIPSCH may disappear
Post by: gregfisk on 15 Dec 2017, 06:59 am
Does anyone have a hair dryer I can borrow?