Klipsch La Scala (1963)

A fully horn-loaded, three-way loudspeaker system designed for high-fidelity professional and serious amateur use.

Overview

The Klipsch La Scala is a three-way loudspeaker system designed by Paul W. Klipsch and originally introduced in 1963. It was conceived as a portable, more affordable counterpart to the legendary Klipschorn, intended initially for use in Winthrop Rockefeller’s Arkansas gubernatorial campaign as a public address system. Named after the famed La Scala opera house in Milan, it features a fully horn-loaded design across its entire operating range, with a self-contained, front-firing folded bass horn that allows placement away from room corners. The La Scala is the smallest of Klipsch’s fully horn-loaded models and is more closely related in design to the Belle Klipsch and Jubilee than the Cornwall. It remains part of Klipsch’s Heritage Series.

Specifications

Dimensions	38.5" H x 24.25" W x 25.25" D (In Sheeps Clothing)
Net Weight	125 lbs
Nominal Impedance	8Ω
Frequency Response	51 Hz – 17 kHz (±4 dB)
Maximum Power Handling	100 watts
Crossover Frequencies	400 Hz & 4,500 Hz
Sensitivity	105 dB @ 1 watt/1 meter

Design

The La Scala is fully horn-loaded throughout its operating spectrum and features a self-contained, front-firing, folded bass horn, allowing flexible placement without requiring corner loading. It was originally designed in 1963 as a portable and more affordable version of the Klipschorn, and is the smallest of Klipsch’s fully horn-loaded speaker models. The design emphasizes high efficiency and dynamic range, with a construction approach that prioritizes acoustic performance over neutrality, giving the speaker a distinct tonal character.

Context

Early promotional materials positioned the La Scala as a professional-grade loudspeaker suitable for theaters, recording studios, broadcast environments, night clubs, and other applications demanding faithful sound reproduction. It was marketed as the "Klipsch Model K-447 theater-auditorium loudspeaker," highlighting its intended use in large venues. Though designed for professional use, it found a lasting place among serious audiophiles and remains part of Klipsch’s Heritage Series.

Reception

The La Scala is praised for its exceptional midrange performance, particularly with vocals and live drums, and its ability to reproduce lifelike dynamic contrasts and scale. Stereophile noted that few speakers match its capacity for dynamic swings without compression or distortion, even at high volumes. However, some users observe a lack of bass response for electronic or dance music, recommending pairing with a subwoofer. Tone Publications highlighted that the speakers can deliver extreme dynamic impact with minimal amplifier power—peaks over 105 dB achievable with just a few watts per channel. Some listeners note a "shouty" midrange and potential for ear fatigue at high levels.

Market

While a new pair of La Scala AL5 models retails around $14,000, vintage pairs have been acquired for under $5,000 with patience. Common issues include loose connections and failing volume control potentiometers, with some owners reporting the need for restoration work on older units.