Heresy's vs. Cornwalls

[SamS]

Hi,

I've really been enjoying listening to my newly-aquired '79 Cornwalls. They are down right addicting! Problem is that they are kinda big and overwhelming for the room they're in, my third audio setup in the house.

So, my question is can I trade down to Heresy's with minimal loss in sound? I am considering this local pair:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&item=140012034774&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

I'm currently running a solid state Yamaha receiver to power the Cornwalls, but eventually will restore my Scott 299-C tube integrated.

What to do? Love the Cornwalls, but something smaller would make keeping a full-blown third system easier.

[silversport]

You will lose BASS but they are similar sounding (downsized of course)...I use two sets of Heresys for my Home Theater...I like the bass they have but I have to admit...my Quartets (similar to Forte' and sometimes thought of as Heresys WITH bass)...YMMV...good luck...Tubes LOVE horns! Those that you are considering appear to be very nice condition Klipsch Heresy Walnut Oil from 1980 (H-WO "U" +1980)...that BIN is a bit high but there is a LOT to be said for local so they don't have to be shipped...I have a pair of 1978's and a pair of 1980's (WO like those) and I can't tell them apart soundwise...sweet speaker in my opinion...Good Luck!
Bill

[pmsummer]

Matching a good sub-woofer with Heresies (Heresys) will work. The Heresys are light on bass (much lighter than a comparable-sized acoustic suspension speaker).

But I (fully IMHO mode) don't think they can hold a candle to that full sound of the Cornwalls (although the new Heresy III is mighty impressive WHEN CRANKED). And therein lies the Cornwall magic... you don't have to crank them.

YMMV.

[SamS]

Ya, I wouldn't go for the BIN price on those... they are just tempting me at $400 w/local pickup.

Actually, I have a great little sub that is sitting in it's box, unused. M&K MX-70B that retailed for over $900. Problem is that I just can't ever seem to integrate subs very well with medium size speakers. Too boomy, just can't get crossover or placement just like I'd like it. I'd rather go without the lowest octave than have an unatural boominess.

So you guys feel that the 'magic midrange' that I'm hearing (loving!) on the Cornwalls should sound similar with Heresy's :scratch2:

Here's a pair of local Cornwalls that I'd LOVE to own.... The cosmetics seem about as perfect as you could ever hope for, and I like the color much better than mine.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=010&item=200010549869&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

[Ron_Phelps]

I have both - Cornwall for fronts and Heresy for rears - there really is no comparison - once you are spoiled with the Cornwalls the heresys will not do.

[mhardy6647]

The MR and HF drivers would be identical in a Heresy to a Cornwall of the same vintage. I believe the MR horns are identical, too. The crossover is NOT identical, but may be from the MR up. I am not sure. All of which is to say: from the MR up, they should be about the same.

In case you don't know, there's an excellent set of forums at www.klipsch.com

[SamS]

I have both - Cornwall for fronts and Heresy for rears - there really is no comparison - once you are spoiled with the Cornwalls the heresys will not do.

Been checking out the Klipsch forums... looks like there's a split. Some folks say they're in a different league, yet on paper they should be close.

My decision was made last night during a session of jamming to Sonny Rollins "Saxophone Colossus" DCC CD. These Cornwalls are extraodinary! I can't give them up. I felt like Sonny was in the room with me. Just to make sure I wasn't losing my mind, I listened on my 'big' system with giant McIntosh amp, B&W Nautilus 802s, tricked out Sony SCD-1, et al... I was preferring the Cornwalls even with decidedly midfi amp + el cheapo DVD player as a source.

These are truely special speakers.... size be damned, I'm keeping them!

[silversport]

The ONLY way I would exchange Heresys for Cornwalls is if I HAD to have smaller sized speakers...and I love my Heresys...you lose the bass with them...the 12" CAN'T compete with the 15" of the Cornwall...but if you HAD to downsize, the Heresy is a sweet speaker...I like the 3 way over the 2way...I have some RB-5s that put out some bass (in a different way...ported) but though they are also VERY nice speakers...the Heritage 3 way sound is what I crave.
Bill

[mhardy6647]

...the 12" CAN'T compete with the 15" of the Cornwall...
I think the cabinet's the major drawback to the Heresy, not the woofa itself.

[jcmjrt]

Been checking out the Klipsch forums... looks like there's a split. Some folks say they're in a different league, yet on paper they should be close.

My decision was made last night during a session of jamming to Sonny Rollins "Saxophone Colossus" DCC CD. These Cornwalls are extraodinary! I can't give them up. I felt like Sonny was in the room with me. Just to make sure I wasn't losing my mind, I listened on my 'big' system with giant McIntosh amp, B&W Nautilus 802s, tricked out Sony SCD-1, et al... I was preferring the Cornwalls even with decidedly midfi amp + el cheapo DVD player as a source.

These are truely special speakers.... size be damned, I'm keeping them!

I had a similar experience. The speakers are really rather large for my place and I at first thought that I'd probably move them on...but they just sounded too good! They earned their place in the room and they've stayed. Get that Scott amp up and you'll be impressed again. If you want a multispeaker system then keep the Heresys too. They'll integrate well as surrounds to the Corns.

[SamS]

I had a similar experience. The speakers are really rather large for my place and I at first thought that I'd probably move them on...but they just sounded too good! They earned their place in the room and they've stayed. Get that Scott amp up and you'll be impressed again. If you want a multispeaker system then keep the Heresys too. They'll integrate well as surrounds to the Corns.


Oh I will fall into the realm of insanity if I try and do a Klipch surround sound setup. My house already has big B&W N802's and full range N804s for surrounds in my living room. Combined with the big B&W center and sub, it's a full size speaker celebration that is hard to overlook ;)

[silversport]

I think the cabinet's the major drawback to the Heresy, not the woofa itself.


I stand corrected...that's what happends when my comments stretch beyond my knowledge...I end up making an assumption of myself... :tongue: :stupid:
Bill

[Clmrt]

Didn't Paul just "do it", committing "heresy" by violating the golden rule of large and efficient? And the result is a speaker that, despite having thousands of units already in the field, continues to evolve and sell new?

I'll bet the variable loudness control would be magic potion for the H.

[ttrhp]

Sam,
if you decide to get rid of the cornwall ,just let me know.I am about 3 hrs from dallas..

[SamS]

Sam,
if you decide to get rid of the cornwall ,just let me know.I am about 3 hrs from dallas..


You have a PM :D

[picky]

Although, this idea would dramatically drive your cost upwards (to about $1,500), going to the Heresy III's would be less of a compromise when moving from the Cornwalls to Heresy I's or II's, because the improved design of Heresy III's effectively increases the speaker's bass output dramatically. It still won't equal what a Cornwall will produce, but the III's are clearly a closer match to the Cornwalls, in my opinion. I own a pair of III's and run them on an Eico ST-70 tube amp and I am amazed at the amount of bass they deliver. Best of luck! -Glenn

[SamS]

Hi picky,

Thanks for the comments. I'm sticking with Corns. Yes, they're bulky and can't even blend in with my decor, but the sound is mah-velous :D

[picky]

Can't say as I blame you, but keep that idea about going with tubes! Tubes love horns! -Glenn

[SamS]

Oh yeah, I'm eager to get my tube integrated paired up with the Corns. Just a matter of $$ (ain't it always ;) )

[mhardy6647]

you won't believe what a pair of Cornwalls will do with a Marantz 8B driving them. I cannot imagine them sounding any better. Wish it were my own 8B!

[Tom Brennan]

The Cornwall was one of the better speakers I've owned, the Heresy was the absolute worst speaker I've owned.

Amazing the difference in voicing a little bass can make.

[picky]

Tom: I don't care for Heresy I's or II's either. Have you listened to Heresy III's? In my opinion, they are markedly superior to the two older Heresy models and a worthy consideration due to their improved bass. I agree that the Cornwalls are still the superior choice.

[Tom Brennan]

Picky---Nope, never heard Heresy IIIs though I don't doubt they're superior to earlier Heresys.

Though I wonder how the Hoosier Garage Door King claims to have raised the efficiency AND lowered the f3 at the same time. That's fishy.

Regards

[pmsummer]

The Heresy IIIs really are amazing (and I've always found Heresys -- especially Heresy IIs--underwhelming). I was told they incorporate drivers from the Pro line (woof), with tweaks to the XO, and that Klipsch is considering offering an upgrade kit to bring the IIs up to the IIIs performance.

I still want some Heresy Is decorators in raw birch...but just to look at. ;-)

[Grey.Coupe]

Can't tell you how many folks have told me they regretted parting with their Cornwalls.

Get a house they fit! Few speakers have the overall balance of natural sound and rich bass at prices mere mortals can afford. There are better speakers available, but they are big league -expensive-. Placed correctly in a room, with quality electronics, they are truly hard to beat. Taking nothing away from the Heresies, the Cornwalls are a full step up.