Klipsch

Paul Klipsch built horn speakers in an Arkansas tin shed and changed everything

History

The genesis of something extraordinary occurred in a tiny tin shed in Hope, Arkansas in 1946. Paul Wilbur Klipsch—genius, madman, and maverick—designed and hand-built the legendary Klipschorn speaker with the goal of bringing live music into the home. His revolutionary speaker design was granted a patent and virtually kickstarted the hi-fi era.

Paul W. Klipsch (1904-2002) was an engineer, inventor, and pilot who held patents in acoustics, ballistics, and geophysics. His approach to speaker design was based on four principles that remain company doctrine today:

1. High efficiency
2. Low distortion
3. Controlled directivity
4. Flat frequency response

The Klipschorn, patented in 1946, uses a folded horn design that amplifies sound acoustically, allowing a small driver to fill a room with concert-level dynamics. It remains the world's longest continuously produced loudspeaker, still handcrafted in Hope, Arkansas.

Throughout the decades, Klipsch expanded its lineup while maintaining its commitment to horn-loaded technology. The Heresy (1957), La Scala (1963), and Cornwall (1959) became legendary speakers in their own right. The company also pioneered professional cinema speakers, with Klipsch systems installed in thousands of theaters worldwide.

Legendary Products

Klipschorn (1946-Present)

The one that started it all. Using a fully horn-loaded, three-way design, the Klipschorn delivers extraordinary dynamics and efficiency (105 dB @ 1W/1m). The folded bass horn uses the corner walls of a room to extend bass response down to 33Hz.

Klipsch Heresy (1957)

Originally designed as a center channel for Klipschorn owners, the Heresy became a beloved stand-alone speaker. Named by Paul Klipsch himself when he called it a "heresy" to not use a corner horn, it remains in production as the Heresy IV.

Klipsch La Scala (1963)

Originally developed for professional use (the "La Scala" refers to the Milan opera house), this half-Klipschorn design became a favorite for its smaller footprint while maintaining the legendary Klipsch dynamics.

Klipsch Cornwall (1959)

Named for being the first Klipsch speaker that could work against a wall rather than in a corner, the Cornwall offered greater placement flexibility while retaining the classic horn-loaded sound.

Sound Signature

Klipsch speakers are characterized by:

• High efficiency - Driven by low-powered tube amps
• Dynamic impact - Concert-level volume capability
• Low distortion - Clean, clear reproduction
• Controlled directivity - Precise imaging
• Forward presentation - Engaging, "live" sound

Collecting Klipsch

Vintage Klipsch speakers are sought after for:

• Klipschorn heritage - Living audio history
• American craftsmanship - Hand-built in Arkansas
• Tube amp synergy - High efficiency perfect for vintage electronics
• Longevity - Properly maintained, they last decades
• Investment value - Heritage models appreciate over time

Restoration Tips

Common Klipsch service items:

• Replace crossover capacitors (especially oil-filled units)
• Check horn drivers for diaphragm damage
• Refinish wood cabinets
• Update binding posts for modern connections
• Verify driver seals for optimal horn loading

All Models in Archive (32)

Speakers

• Klipsch - Legendary Horn-Loaded Speakers

Speakers

• Belle - 1985
• CORNWALL - 1959-present
• Cornwall (1959) - 1959
• Cornwall II - 1984
• Forte (1985) - 1985
• Forte III
• Heresy - 1957-present
• Heresy II - 1985
• KG-1 - 1985
• KG-2 - 1990-1995
• KG-3 - 1983
• KG-4 - 1957
• KG-5 - 1982
• KLF-20
• KLF-30 - 1997
• KLF-C7 - 1997
• KLF-C7 Center - 1997
• Klipschorn (K-Horn) - 1946
• La Scala - 1963-present
• La Scala II - 1982
• LA-SCALA (1963) - 1963
• Model BK WO Belle - 1974
• Model T Shorthorn - 1955
• Model T Shorthorn (Experimental, 1955) - 1955
• MODEL-BK-WO-BELLE (1973) - 1973
• Quartet - 1989
• Rebel III B - 1976
• Shorthorn 15 - 1956
• Shorthorn S-WO-15 - 1956
• The One II - 2017