I realize this is subjective but just looking for opinions, observations and why?

I ask only because I've heard one pair, albeit briefly, of Klipsch (KG2's I think) and see a lot available for sale and might want to pick up a pair along the way.

Thanks

kg2s...the ones that started it all...those and kg4s...I didn't like the kg4s and bought kg2 brand new in 1989...wanted Heresys (heck wanted Klipschorns)...I must be the only person on the planet who doesn't like the kg4...kg4 gets all the press...BIG following...many really like the kg5.5s...biggest and end of the line for the kg line...
Bill

I have owned my 1987 KG4s since new and i am still impressed with them today.I recently bought a Jolida tube amp (JD102B) and it is a very good match for the very efficient KG4.The KG4 can be found used for less than 200.00 in very good shape and that is a bargain in my opinion.

see??? :D
Bill

I've had both the Kg2 and Kg4s. The Kg4 is my favorite. I'd always heard so much about the Hereseys, but they always sounded too lean without enough bass. The Kg2 is similar to the Kg4, but with slightly different woofer and a small round horn-loaded tweeter instead of the K-74 60x90 horn tweeter. The Kg4 has plenty of bass and great imaging. I've had mine since 1985 and they're still going strong reproducing great tunes. I'd purchased a pair of Kg2s to use one as a center channel with the Kg4s, but later found a KV3 which was perfect. I'm currently running my Klipsch system with the Kg4 mains, KV3 center and two pairs of RS3 surrounds (my Yamaha RX-V2095 has front surround capability). Although the Kg4s put out some bass, I still have them mated with an ACI Saturn custom-made passive sub which has two 12" woofer setup in push-pull compound configuration. I also have a small SW8 I use for the upper bass. You can't have too many speakers:-)

5.5 > 4

Had both for a short time. Owned the 4's for about a month and couldn't get used to them.

Had the 5.5's for a week while selling for a friend. LOVED them. Want to get some again when the time and $$ are right.

i auditioned the kg4s and kg2s and thought the kg2s were plenty for me. Actually I sat on that info for a while and was fortunate enough to find a used pair for half the price. the only qualm I had about the kg2 is the butyl surround actually came unglued on one of mine.

I have a set of each of the following:
KG 2's
KG 5.5's
Heresys
Klipschorns

The 5.5's are much more punchier than the 2's and with good reason given the size difference.

The 2's sound really good if you have never heard the 5.5's LOL

My main speakers are the K-horns with the Heresys (even though they aren't supposed to) as my centers. They all have their own sound, but I would pick up any speaker in the KG lineup for the right price.

I've got a pair of KG 3s that actually sound pretty good for what they are.

Heh. Anyone have 4.2's? No? I win!

I own three of the 5.5 that I use for my home theater before I found a pair of Khorns. I love the 5.5's and still use them in my home theater. They rock.

How space-constrained are you, JoZmo? If you'd like to borrow a pair of Cornwalls... it could be arranged! (bwahahahahahahahahahahahah!)

I have a pair of KG4s and they work really, really well if you pair them with the right amplification. When I first got mine I had trouble getting them to match my tube system and ended up rolling a few sets of tubes through before I got the horns to blend.

I've tried them on various SS in the house with the following results:
Marantz 4300 - good, balanced and punchy, bit bright on top at times.
Technics SA 700 - Just fine, no problems to deal with just not a pairing I need.
Yamaha CA-1010 - painfully bright, speakers and amp just didn't like each other.
Arcam Alpha 5 - at first this was a disaster, really dull. It turned out the amp just had been sitting unused too long and after a couple of weeks of hard work in my shop it is a really sweet (literally) pairing, much to my surprise. Who'd-a-thunk-it?

How space-constrained are you, JoZmo? If you'd like to borrow a pair of Cornwalls... it could be arranged! (bwahahahahahahahahahahahah!)evil incarnate...

Resist temptation, young JoZmo! Verily I say unto you, if thou didst bend to the will of the evil one, thy KG's would never more sing sweetly in thine ears!

evil incarnate...

Resist temptation, young JoZmo! Verily I say unto you, if thou didst bend to the will of the evil one, thy KG's would never more sing sweetly in thine ears!

How space-constrained are you, JoZmo? If you'd like to borrow a pair of Cornwalls... it could be arranged! (bwahahahahahahahahahahahah!)

LOL...thanks for the offer Mark.
Very tempting but, space is a consideration. BUT, one of these days(soon) I'm going to reconfigure my listening space and then I may reconsider.

Redboy, at some point I'm going to fall to the forces, I'm weak, it's ineveitable. :D

I'm totally serious, buddy! The offer stands.

Go for the demo, could be another Heritage-ahoulic......
Enjoy! :thmbsp:

I've had the KG 2's, which got fried by lightning. Excellent little speaker with big sound out of such a small box. I also have Kg 3.5's which I mated with a pair of Heresies. A very nice combo btw, as the 3.5's add just enough bass to make a great balance with the H's. Have not heard the 4's or the 5's. Reasonably the 3.5's were better than the 2's.

I've had the KG 2's, which got fried by lightning. Excellent little speaker with big sound out of such a small box. I also have Kg 3.5's which I mated with a pair of Heresies. A very nice combo btw, as the 3.5's add just enough bass to make a great balance with the H's. Have not heard the 4's or the 5's. Reasonably the 3.5's were better than the 2's.

Agreed, I have the KG 3.5s and they are better than the 2s that I have heard. I have not heard many other KGs to comment.

I will say, however, that the sound of the KG 3.5s is shockingly good despite their very small size (e.g. compared to my other vintage horns). Much more bass than I expected and a decent top end.

I had both KG4.2's and KG3.2's during the 90's for my quadraphonic sound! I enjoyed both sets immensely. I can't say the same for my neighbors back in my college days! Back then I listened to a lot of heavy stuff...Sabbath, Zeppelin, Metallica, Megadeth and so on. The KG's held their own and got me plenty of noise violation tickets here in Ann Arbor. They worked flawlessly until I sold them to get my KLF20's.

I had the 3.5.....which were not to my liking...... they put out great bass...but i really was not into the horn...I also have a pair of 1.5 which were my first decent pair of speakers...back in 99 when i was aboout 15......and they sound great...for a small bookshelve.....but yet again not into these speakers after i heard my B W s...although everything is preference.......

I had the 3.5.....which were not to my liking...... they put out great bass...but i really was not into the horn...I also have a pair of 1.5 which were my first decent pair of speakers...back in 99 when i was aboout 15......and they sound great...for a small bookshelve.....but yet again not into these speakers after i heard my B W s...although everything is preference.......

I guess it should be noted from my perspective that one probably should not use normal solid state with the horns in the 3.5s as I could see how that could be a painful experience. Using them with a "digital" chip amp, however, takes the edge off and makes the upper horn bearable. :yes:

That sounds like some good advice......although i never got into really testing out those speakers......seams like all the kg's had a pretty solid design......I LIKE the 1.5's

I guess it should be noted from my perspective that one probably should not use normal solid state with the horns in the 3.5s as I could see how that could be a painful experience. Using them with a "digital" chip amp, however, takes the edge off and makes the upper horn bearable. :yes:

And of course, it probably goes without saying that as much as I am enjoying the KG 3.5s, they are not in the same solar system as my Fortes or in the same universe as my modded Khorns or Belles.

But again, given their small size and low entry price, pretty decent speakers.

I would agree with Carl G...also most of the kgs (if not all) are a 2 way design while most of the Heritage and extended Heritage speakers are 3 way...
Bill

I am picking up a pair of 5.2's this evening. The info has lead to my decision in purchasing these. My question. What do you think pairing a Dynaco ST-70 with the 5.2's will sound?

I am picking up a pair of 5.2's this evening. The info has lead to my decision in purchasing these. My question. What do you think pairing a Dynaco ST-70 with the 5.2's will sound?

Most excellent. The 5.2s have surprising bass given their size, and their small top horn is the only real weakness. When I first grabbed a pair for my covered patio, I was like a kid in the candy store (hey, I'm that way anytime different speakers, horns or drivers arrive in the house). I couldn't resist and had to try most of my amps outside with them - including my Stereo 70. Nice warm sound with none of the harshness on the top end, and decent bass. Of course, that pairing was only temporary (my Stereo 70 handles the top end of my rear modded Belles in my main system), but it gave me a clue as to what the 5.2s can do. :thmbsp:

Congrats on your 5.2s.

Here's a pic of my KG3.5s with a SW8 on my patio.

I too bought a pair of KG2s brand new in 1989. I was at my favorite high end audio shop listening to speakers and was all set to buy a pair of Polks (I don't remember the model, whatever was in the same price range as the KG2s). I had my wallet out ready to pay when I saw the Klipsch KG2s. I asked if I could hear those with the same set up. Once I heard them I was hooked. I used them with a McIntosh 1500 receiver until that got stolen and then matched them with a NAD 3020. Being as efficient as they are the 3020 was plenty power. A few years later I bought a NAD 2400 power amp and used the 3020 as a pre. Wow, did those little KG2s shine then.

I am now powering them with a Carver HR-742 receiver but soon I will be using an Adcom GFA-545. I can hardly wait to hear them with the Adcom.

I'm going to hear a pair of KG 4 this weekend and if I snag 'em, I'll report back.:music:

Just got a set of 5.5'S and 1.5's in Satin Black near mint.for $200.Best 200 bucks I have spent so far besides my Fortes.I had the KG4"S and really like them,but the 5's with the dual 10's really sing.The 1.5's are shockingly good.Alot better than some of the newer Klipsch series.

I want to purchase a used set of Belles or Cornwall II's or III's. Could anyone give me their impression of how they compare with respect to reproducing classical and rock? I currently have an MC300 amp and may upgrade to the MC402. An MX110 preamp is waiting in the wings to replace an MX130. Am I compelled to replace the 402 with a tube amp to get the best from the horns? Thanks for any thoughts on the subject.

Macfreak

Mac and Klipsch go well together...I just think that Tubes and Klipsch sound better...Cornwall IIIs are really nice speakers...what about LaScala IIs???...a pretty LaScala and isn't that really all the Belle was?
Bill

The only thing about the LaScala IIs is the weight. I am too old to be moving around 175 lbs. I think the WAF is an issue too as I already have loaded the living room with equipment and smaller is better at the moment. Have you ever listened to the Belle or Cornwall? I have not, but hope to venture out this weekend and track down a dealer.

Macfreak

Corn-wall, Corn-wall, Corn-wall...

Less than 100 lbs a piece. I've carried them up and down my basement stairs by myself (although I prefer help).

I want to purchase a used set of Belles or Cornwall II's or III's. Could anyone give me their impression of how they compare with respect to reproducing classical and rock? I currently have an MC300 amp and may upgrade to the MC402. An MX110 preamp is waiting in the wings to replace an MX130. Am I compelled to replace the 402 with a tube amp to get the best from the horns? Thanks for any thoughts on the subject.

Macfreak

A controversial and divided subject for Klipsch fans. I've owned both and ended up keeping Belles in my system over Cornwalls. Then again, plenty of Cornwall lovers have kept them over Belles or their brothers, the LaScalas.

Stock, Cornwalls are more balanced speakers than Belles, which can appear to sound a bit top heavy with the stock crossovers (older Belles sound more top heavy than newer ones - function of the stock crossover). On the other hand, if one can entertain the thought of minor modifications to bring the top end of the Belles down a bit (either by an aftermarket crossovers or by an inexpensive L-pad), Belles can be incredible speakers.

On the top end, the Belles have a larger mid-horn than the Cornwalls and as a result, "breathe" more on the top end. The Cornwalls have a prominent bass than Corn fans really like. I always found it a bit bloated in comparison to the tight and fast horn-loaded bass of the Belle. On the flip side, Corns go much lower than Belles so if you listen to pipe organ (or similar type of music) you might miss some of the lower notes without a sub.

I have not heard Cornwall IIIs, but those in the know say that they are even smoother on the top end (at higher spls) than Cornwall IIs. My guess is that Klipsch used steeper sloped crossovers with the IIIs to compensate for even smaller mid horn of the Cornwall III (which is now as small as the mid horn in the Heresy IIIs ...... there was some discussion that someone purportedly lost the squawker horn mold from the Cornwall I & II mid-horns or something such) - and Klipsch also crosses the new smaller mid-horn over a little bit higher - which probably helps.

To my ears, Corns are great jazz speakers. I actually prefer my Belles to my Klipschorns sometimes for rock (but I don't really have to choose because they are both in the same system). Again, others prefer Corns for rock because of the prominent bass. Just my opinion, but as traditional radiators go, I prefer the bottom end of some later Klipsch speakers for rock - compared to the Corns. As far as classical, I'd have to give the nod to the Belles. But again, this is a controversial subject and very subjective. Give it another ten minutes, and you will find Cornwall owners supporting the opposing view.

As far as tube amps go, I think that you will reap the most gain by adding the MX110 to your system as opposed to also adding a tube amp.

Then again, I also love my tube amps.

Carl --

Thank you for the opinion. It is the kind of information I was hoping to hear. I can test it against my own thoughts as I audition a dealer's demo stock. I listen to rock and classical about equally and use Magnaplanar 1.6qr's as my main speakers. Possibly the Cornwalls will give the rock some additional bass. I think they ought to. I am also hoping to revisit my first exposure to horns that I had some 35 or 36 years ago when I walked into a Mesa, Arizona hifi shop. For the first time, I heard a set of horns that might have been Altec 14's or 19's. They just blew me away. I have never forgotton the experience of thinking the instruments were right in front of the speaker cabinets. I never got over the illusion that the music sounded "live". It would be a blast to feel that again.

Macfreak

Bill and mrh --

Thank you for your observations. I think there is a tube amp somewhere in my near future and I am definitely going to check the Cornwalls.

Macfreak

I thought I would post here because this is not really about the cost. I've never been a big fan of the Klipsch sound (more of an ADS guy), but thought I would try some of the smaller floor standing or larger bookshelf speakers. There are KG 4's (walnut) and KG 5.5's (black) locally and was wondering which is the preferred model. Priced at $285 and $375. I know how 3-way crossovers can mess up the midrange, so I thought a 2-way would be a good way to go. Thanks!

kg4s seem to be the most loved in the kg line...the 5.5s are the most modern and were the most expensive I believe...at those prices listed I would want them to be mint HOWEVER being local changes it a bit as you don't have to mess with shipping costs and the damage they most often would do (the shipper) to them...good luck...both of those are 2 way designs...
Bill

I thought I would post here because this is not really about the cost. I've never been a big fan of the Klipsch sound (more of an ADS guy), but thought I would try some of the smaller floor standing or larger bookshelf speakers. There are KG 4's (walnut) and KG 5.5's (black) locally and was wondering which is the preferred model. Priced at $285 and $375. I know how 3-way crossovers can mess up the midrange, so I thought a 2-way would be a good way to go. Thanks!
My KG4s cost me $100, and are an 8.5 out of 10. My 1976 Cornwalls are also an 8.5, and cost me $400. They both sound excellent with my Sansui AU719. I just found out that I should be the owner of a tube amp pretty soon, so I can put them through the paces when it gets here. Any of you that make it to central Ca. are welcome to a listen.