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 sound alive in a way that most loudspeakers simply do not. The horn-loaded design amplifies sound acoustically rather than electrically, and the result is a dynamic range and transient speed that makes music feel physically present in the room. A snare drum crack through a Klipschorn doesn't just sound loud — it startles you, the way a live drum does. The efficiency (105 dB sensitivity for the Klipschorn) means that even a modest tube amplifier putting out 8 or 10 watts can drive these speakers to concert levels with headroom to spare.

The tonal character leans forward and immediate. Vocals are right there in front of you, brass instruments have a bite and authority that is almost startling, and the overall presentation favors energy and engagement over laid-back smoothness. This is not a speaker for people who want to relax in the background — Klipsch demands your attention and rewards it with an experience that feels closer to a live performance than almost anything else in audio. The controlled directivity of the horn means that imaging is precise and focused, with less room interaction than wide-dispersion designs.

Paired with a quality single-ended tube amplifier, Klipsch Heritage speakers achieve something special. The combination of tube warmth and horn immediacy creates a sound that is simultaneously detailed and musical, dynamic and refined. It is no accident that the Klipsch-plus-tubes combination has been a cornerstone of audiophile systems for over seven decades.

Collecting Klipsch

The Klipschorn is the centerpiece of any serious Klipsch collection — the world's longest continuously produced loudspeaker and a genuine piece of audio history. Vintage pairs from the 1970s and 1980s in walnut or oak cabinets typically trade between $3,000 and $6,000, with early birch examples and rare finishes commanding more. The La Scala offers much of the Klipschorn's dynamic character in a more manageable (and placement-flexible) package, usually available for $2,000 to $4,000 per pair. The Cornwall is the most practical Heritage speaker for real-world rooms, trading between $1,500 and $3,000.

The Heresy is the entry point to the Heritage line and one of the best values in vintage audio — a pair in good condition runs $600 to $1,200 and delivers a taste of the Klipsch magic in a bookshelf-friendly form factor. All Heritage models benefit enormously from a crossover capacitor upgrade, which tightens the treble and improves overall coherence. When evaluating vintage Klipsch, examine the cabinet corners and veneer carefully (these are large, heavy speakers that accumulate handling marks), and check the horn driver diaphragms for cracks by gently pushing the dome with a finger. Structurally, Klipsch speakers are built like furniture and will outlast most of us with proper care.

Speakers

• 12-II — Klipsch 12-II (SW-12 II), a mid-1990s powered subwoofer with 12-inch driver, passive radiator, 28 Hz bottom limit, $1,100 in period press.
• Belle (1985) — Klipsch Belle Klipsch (1985–1992) — 98 dB sensitivity, 10-inch IMG woofer, Tractrix horn — a high-efficiency vintage speaker blending performance and furniture-grade elegance.
• CF-3 — Klipsch CF-3 floor-standing loudspeaker, circa 1995. Reviewed in Audio magazine July 1995. Vented-box design with neodymium magnets and high sensitivity.
• CHORUS — A floorstanding speaker introduced in 1990, known for its clear, taut sound and high efficiency. Includes full specifications and production years.
• CHORUS II — A floorstanding passive loudspeaker with a large-format three-way design, produced from 1990 to 1996. With full specifications and production years.
• CORNWALL (1959-present) — Klipsch Cornwall (1959-present) - full-range Heritage speaker with 15-inch woofer and 101dB sensitivity. Center channel designed for Klipschorn stereo systems.
• Cornwall (1959) (1959) — The original 1959 Klipsch Cornwall, a legendary horn-loaded floorstanding speaker renowned for high efficiency, dynamic punch, and lifelike sound reproduction.
• Cornwall II (1984) — The Klipsch Cornwall II is a vintage speaker tube known for its quality construction and performance. Produced in 1984. Includes detailed specs.
• Cornwall III (2006-) — A floorstanding heritage loudspeaker with horn-loaded midrange and tweeter, 15-inch woofer, and hand-built US construction.
• Cornwall IV — A handcrafted, three-way, horn-loaded floorstanding speaker made in Hope, Arkansas, with a sensitivity of 102dB and frequency response down to 34Hz.
• CP-1 — Klipsch CP-1 professional loudspeaker (1986). Obscure pro-audio model with 100 dB sensitivity and 123 dB max output, documented only via Mix Magazine ads.
• Forte (1985) — Klipsch Forte (1985) floorstanding speaker with 98dB sensitivity and horn-loaded drivers. A high-efficiency classic that still commands attention.
• Forte (1985) (1985) — The Klipsch Forte (1985) is a legendary passive loudspeaker renowned for its high efficiency, dynamic punch, and iconic horn-loaded design.
• FORTE II — A floorstanding three-way horn speaker system produced from 1989 to 1996. Includes detailed specs and production dates. Includes detailed specs.
• Forte III — A US-made, horn-loaded floorstanding speaker with a 12 woofer and 15 passive radiator, reintroduced in 2017 as part of Klipsch’s Heritage line.
• Forte IV — A high-efficiency, horn-loaded 3-way floorstanding loudspeaker introduced in 2021 as the successor to the Forte III. Find full specifications here.
• Heresy (1957-present) — Explore the Klipsch Heresy (1957-present), the longest-produced speaker in history. Compact Heritage series with horn-loaded midrange and sealed 12 woofer.
• Heresy II (1985) — The Klipsch Heresy II is a vintage speaker tube known for its quality construction and performance. Produced in 1985. Covers full specifications.
• Heresy IV — A 3-way floorstanding loudspeaker with horn-loaded drivers and 99dB sensitivity, part of Klipsch's long-running Heritage lineup.
• iGroove SXT — The Klipsch iGroove SXT is a 30-pin iPod/iPhone speaker system — a compact, one-piece dock that sat at the entry level of Klipsch's iPod speaker lineup
• Jubilee — A floorstanding horn-loaded loudspeaker and the final design project of company founder Paul W. Klipsch. Covers detailed specs and production dates.
• KG 2.5 (1994-1997) — The Klipsch KG 2.5 is a compact bookshelf speaker from the early 1990s, part of Klipsch's KG series. It was produced from 1990 to 1994 and originally sold
• KG 3.2 — A floor-standing loudspeaker from Klipsch’s KG .2 series, produced from 1992 to 1994. This page has the complete spec table and when it was made.
• KG 3.5 — A floorstanding speaker from Klipsch produced between 1994 and 1997, featuring an 8-inch woofer and a 1-inch polymer dome compression driver on a horn.
• KG 5.5 — A floor-standing loudspeaker with high sensitivity and dual 10-inch woofers, produced briefly in the late 1990s. Includes full specifications.
• KG-1 (1985) — Klipsch KG-1 bookshelf speakers, 6.5-inch woofer, 91dB sensitivity, Made in USA — compact vintage speakers with solid punch and active resale market
• KG-2 (1990-1995) — Klipsch KG-2 (1988–1991) floorstanding speaker with 92dB sensitivity, 8-inch woofer, horn tweeter, and oak veneer—efficient, warm, and compact for small rooms.
• KG-3 (1983) — The Klipsch KG-3 is a vintage speaker tube known for its quality construction and performance. Produced in 1983. This page has the complete spec table.
• KG-5 (1982) — The Klipsch KG-5 is a vintage speaker tube known for its quality construction and performance. Produced in 1982. Includes full specifications.
• KG4 — A high-efficiency, two-way floor-standing speaker system with horn-loaded highs and passive radiator bass. Covers the complete spec table.
• KLF-20 — Three-way loudspeaker system introduced in 1996 as part of Klipsch’s Legend Series. Covers when it was made. Covers when it was made.
• KLF-30 (1997) — The Klipsch KLF-30 is a vintage speaker tube known for its quality construction and performance. Produced in 1997. With detailed specs and production dates.
• KLF-C7 (1997) — The Klipsch KLF-C7 is a vintage speaker tube known for its quality construction and performance. Produced in 1997. Includes what it sells for today.
• Klipschorn — The Klipsch Klipschorn has been in continuous production since 1946, delivering high-efficiency, corner-loaded sound with unmatched presence and dynamic range.
• Klipschorn AK7 — Klipsch Klipschorn AK7 (2025) — the latest incarnation of the legendary 1946 horn-loaded design, still handcrafted in Hope, Arkansas. 105 dB efficiency, optional active DSP crossover, $17,998/pair.
• KP-3002 — Klipsch KP-3002: obscure Pro Grand series 2-way PA speaker, 15-inch woofer, 104 dB sensitivity, 250W program. Little-documented pro model.
• KP-600 — Klipsch KP-600 — modular flyable pro sound system, three-cabinet stack, dual 18-inch sub, 109 dB sensitivity, 520 lb full stack. Late 1980s–early 1990s.
• KSB-3 — Klipsch KSB-3 bookshelf speaker from the Synergy Monitor series. Scant documentation survives; known specs include 94 dB sensitivity and 100W power handling.
• KSW-200 — Little is documented about the Klipsch KSW-200. A powered subwoofer from Klipsch's late-90s KSW line, with no verified specs or production years in the archive record.
• KSW-300 — Klipsch KSW-300 powered subwoofer, 15-inch down-firing woofer, 300W amp, 76 lbs – late 1990s. Little documented. Find production years here.
• La Scala (1963-present) — Klipsch La Scala (1963–Present) — 15-inch horn-loaded speaker with 105dB sensitivity, 8Ω impedance, and 45-51Hz bass. Covers production years.
• La Scala II (1982) — The Klipsch La Scala II is a vintage speaker tube known for its quality construction and performance. Produced in 1982. Covers the complete spec table.
• LA-SCALA (1963) (1963) — A legendary high-efficiency horn loudspeaker from Klipsch, renowned for its dynamic punch and lifelike sound reproduction.
• MCM-1900 — Klipsch MCM-1900 professional cinema loudspeaker system — 4-way fully horn-loaded design, 106dB sensitivity, 32Hz-16kHz response. Little else documented.
• Model BK WO Belle (1974) — The Klipsch Model BK WO Belle is a vintage speaker tube known for its quality construction and performance. Produced in 1974.
• Model K — Klipsch Model K (1957): a miniature corner-horn version of the Klipschorn with rear-facing folded-horn bass, 12-inch drivers, and 40-17,000 Hz response.
• Model T Shorthorn (1955) — Klipsch Model T Shorthorn (1955) experimental 2-way horn speaker: 105 dB sensitivity, 15-inch woofer, 16 ohms, under 200 pairs made. Full specs and info.
• Model T Shorthorn (Experimental, 1955) (1955) — A rare experimental prototype from Klipsch, the Model T Shorthorn represents an early evolution of the legendary Klipschorn design with compact dimensions and unique acoustic tuning.
• MODEL-BK-WO-BELLE (1973) (1973) — A rare and enigmatic Klipsch design from the early 1970s, the MODEL-BK-WO-BELLE remains a curiosity among vintage audio collectors.
• Quartet (1989) — Klipsch Quartet (1989–1996) floorstanding speaker with 98 dB sensitivity and Tractrix horn — a high-efficiency classic for vintage audio enthusiasts.
• R-1650-C — Klipsch R-1650-C in-ceiling speaker, 6.5-inch two-way Reference Series design with polymer drivers, 91 dB sensitivity, 57 Hz–20 kHz response.
• RF-7 III — Klipsch RF-7 III (2017–): third-gen Reference flagship floorstander with dual 10-inch Cerametallic woofers, 1.75-inch titanium Tractrix horn, 100 dB sensitivity. Made in USA.
• RP-600M II — Klipsch RP-600M II bookshelf speaker — second-gen Reference Premiere model with Tractrix horn-loaded LTS tweeter; measured sensitivity 86 dB.
• Shorthorn 15 (1956) — The Klipsch Shorthorn 15 is a vintage speaker tube known for its quality construction and performance. Produced in 1956.
• Shorthorn S-WO-15 (1956) — A compact, high-efficiency horn speaker from Paul W. Klipsch, designed for superior clarity and dynamic range in smaller spaces.
• The Nines — A pair of active loudspeaker systems released in 2022 with a mid-century modern design and an MSRP of $1,499. Find the complete spec table here.
• The One II (2017) — A compact, active Bluetooth speaker with Klipsch acoustic heritage, designed for modern listening with vintage-inspired aesthetics.

Subwoofers

• RP-1200SW — Klipsch RP-1200SW powered subwoofer (2023): 12-inch Cerametallic driver, 400W RMS Class D amp, 16.5Hz extension, 121dB max output, $999 original price.

Unknown

• La Scala K-447 — Klipsch La Scala K-447, a horn-loaded 3-way floorstanding speaker documented in 1970s directories with 15-inch woofer, 45-25kHz response, 8 ohms, 100W peak.

Other Models

• KA-1000-THX — Klipsch KA-1000-THX THX Ultra2 subwoofer amplifier, Class D, 1000W into 4 ohms, designed for KW-120-THX subs. Little else is documented.
• KDA-1000 — Klipsch KDA-1000 DSP amplifier (2016). 1000W class G/H, 4x4 config, 70V/100V compatible, single-rack unit with web-based DSP control.
• KDA-500 — Klipsch KDA-500 DSP amplifier — 500W class G/H power in a 1U rack unit. An obscure, little-documented Klipsch amplifier for commercial installs.
• KG 1.2 — Klipsch KG 1.2 two-way bookshelf speaker, early 1990s. Front port, 57Hz-20kHz response, 8 ohms, 100W handling. Thin documentation; cited in Mix Magazine 1998 as studio reference monitors.
• KG-1.5 — Klipsch KG-1.5 bookshelf speaker. 2-way bass-reflex, 8-inch woofer, 1-inch tweeter, 93dB sensitivity. Documentation is thin — specs known only from Klipsch's own product-history listing.
• KG1 — Klipsch KG1 bookshelf speaker from the late 1980s–early 1990s. 2-way ported design with 6.5-inch woofer, 1-inch dome tweeter, 91 dB sensitivity. Part of Klipsch's KG series.
• kg1-speaker — Klipsch KG1 — an entry-level two-way bookshelf speaker from the late 1980s KG series. Thinly documented, but owner reports and a 1992 Stereo Review listing confirm its existence.
• KG2 — Klipsch KG2 compact two-way loudspeaker — 94dB efficiency, 8-inch long-throw woofer, passive radiator bass, smooth non-fatiguing highs from a bookshelf footprint.
• KG3 — Klipsch KG3 loudspeaker, early 1990s 3-way acoustic suspension design with 98 dB sensitivity. Little documented beyond specs and period advertising.
• KL-650-THX — Klipsch KL-650-THX — THX Ultra2 certified LCR speaker with dual 6.5-inch Cerametallic woofers and a 1-inch titanium Tractrix horn. Cinema heritage, thin documentation.
• KP-301 — Klipsch KP-301 professional loudspeaker — a scarce pro version of the Jubilee cinema system with 15-inch woofer, horn-loaded midrange, and 101dB sensitivity.
• KSW-150 — Klipsch KSW-150 powered subwoofer, late 1990s. 150W amp, 10-inch side-firing driver, bass-reflex enclosure. Specs from the original manual; production years undocumented.
• LaScalla — The La Scala is one of the longest-lived speaker designs in audio history, introduced at the 1963 Consumer Electronics Show in New York and built in Hope
• MCM — Klipsch MCM professional cinema loudspeaker system family — from late-1970s horn-loaded bass cabinets to the 2013–2016 MCM-1900 with 145 dB output.
• Quintet Micro Theater — Klipsch Quintet Micro Theater — entry-level horn-loaded 5.1 satellite system with Tractrix Horn tweeters and sealed, shielded cabinets.
• RP-5000F — Klipsch RP-5000F floorstanding speaker — 2-way bass-reflex with 1-inch Tractrix horn tweeter, dual 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofers, 96 dB sensitivity.
• RP-600M — Klipsch RP-600M bookshelf speaker (2018). 2-way Reference Premiere design with Tractrix horn tweeter, 6.5-inch Cerametallic woofer, 96 dB sensitivity.
• RSA-500 — Klipsch RSA-500 mono subwoofer amplifier, 500W at 4 ohms. Designed for RW-5802, RW-5101-C, and AW-800-SW passive subs. Little production history documented.
• Shorthorn — Klipsch Shorthorn corner horn speaker (1950s). Sold as kit and finished; Model T with casters; lowboy base option. Little documented.
• Synergy — Klipsch Synergy (1997-98) — a family of budget home theater speaker systems and powered subwoofers, advertised with a sound guarantee under $1,000. Little independent documentation survives.
• Synergy Premiere — Klipsch Synergy Premiere (c.2019-2020) — a transitional rebadged speaker line bridging Synergy and Reference Premiere; documented via RP-5000F and RP-600M reseller listings.