Klipsch Cornwall II: The Epitome of High-Efficiency American Hi-Fi

The Klipsch Cornwall II is a floor-standing horn-loaded speaker from the line Paul W. Klipsch started. It came out in 1984 as an update of the original Cornwall (1959). Klipsch reworked the horn-loaded design for modern amplification and kept the high sensitivity and hard-hitting dynamics people had liked for decades.

Historical Context and Development

Paul W. Klipsch founded Klipsch & Associates in 1946 in Hope, Arkansas. His philosophy was "Efficiency is everything," and it led to the Klipschorn, a corner-horn speaker introduced in 1946 that is still in production. The original Cornwall, introduced in 1959, was a free-standing alternative to the Klipschorn. It gave similar horn-loaded performance without needing a room corner.

The Cornwall II, released in 1984, was a significant upgrade over the original. It had updated drivers, a revised crossover network, and better cabinet construction and finish quality. It was part of a broader modernization of Klipsch's professional and consumer lines in the 1980s, when the company started using new materials and manufacturing techniques while sticking with horn loading.

The Cornwall II was produced until 2002. The Cornwall III followed in 2003 with further refinements, but kept the core design and performance goals.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification
Model	Cornwall II
Type	3-way, bass-reflex, horn-loaded
Sensitivity	102 dB @ 1W/1m
Nominal Impedance	8 ohms (compatible with most tube and solid-state amps)
Frequency Response	45 Hz – 20 kHz
Crossover Frequencies	600 Hz (woofer to midrange), 1.4 kHz (midrange to tweeter)
Tweeter	1" titanium diaphragm compression driver (K-77-T) with 90° x 90° Tractrix horn
Midrange	1.75" titanium diaphragm compression driver (K-55-T) with 90° x 90° Tractrix horn
Woofer	12" long-throw spun-cast aluminum cone with dual neodymium magnets
Enclosure	Bass-reflex with rear-firing port
Recommended Amplifier Power	20 – 400 watts
Dimensions (H x W x D)	32.5" x 14.5" x 13.5" (82.5 x 36.8 x 34.3 cm)
Weight	64 lbs (29 kg) per speaker
Finish Options	American walnut veneer, black ash, rosewood

Sound Quality Characteristics

The Klipsch Cornwall II is known for its high efficiency, dynamic punch, and lifelike midrange clarity. Sensitivity is 102 dB, so it fills a room with just a few watts, which is why tube amplifier fans like it. The horn-loaded midrange and tweeter give plenty of detail and speed, with a forward, engaging presentation that puts vocals and instruments up front.

The 12" woofer gives solid bass extension down to 45 Hz. It benefits from room placement and, in larger spaces, a subwoofer for the deepest octaves. The bass is tight and articulate rather than overly warm, in line with Klipsch's emphasis on accuracy and dynamics over coloration.

The Tractrix horn has a mathematically derived flare for minimal sound reflection. That gives a clean, coherent wavefront and controlled dispersion, which means good imaging and a wide "sweet spot" where several listeners get a consistent soundstage.

The Cornwall II does well with rock, jazz, blues, and acoustic recordings. It renders electric guitars with startling realism, captures the breath of a saxophone, and handles orchestral crescendos with authority. It isn't "neutral" in the modern analytical sense. Its sound is musically engaging and rhythmically alive, and it favors emotional connection over clinical precision.

Notable Features and Innovations

Horn-Loaded Design: The use of compression drivers with Tractrix horns ensures high efficiency and low distortion, allowing the Cornwall II to play loudly without strain.
Dual Neodymium Magnet Woofer: A rarity for its time, this powerful 12" driver delivers strong bass response with excellent transient control.
Modular Crossover: The Cornwall II uses a modular, point-to-point wired crossover with high-quality components, making repairs and upgrades more accessible.
Handcrafted Cabinet: Each speaker is built with multi-layered MDF and real wood veneer, finished to a high standard for both durability and aesthetics.
Rear-Firing Port: Enhances bass coupling with the room and allows for flexible placement, though distance from the wall is critical for optimal tuning.

Market Value and Collectibility

The Klipsch Cornwall II is highly collectible among vintage audio enthusiasts. In excellent condition, a pair typically sells for $1,800 to $3,000 on the secondary market. Prices depend on finish, originality, and driver condition. Walnut models are the most sought after, especially those with the original gold-badge branding.

Collectibility is driven by several factors:

Historical Significance: As a direct descendant of Paul Klipsch’s original designs.
Build Quality: Superior to many modern mass-market speakers.
Compatibility with Tube Amps: A major draw for vintage hi-fi and single-ended triode (SET) amplifier users.
Durability: Many Cornwall IIs from the 1980s and 1990s remain fully functional today.

Well-maintained pairs with original drivers and crossovers command premium prices. Refurbished units with upgraded components (e.g., new foam surrounds, modern capacitors) are also popular but may not appeal to purists.

Common Issues and Maintenance

The Cornwall II is built solidly, but it still shows age-related wear:

Woofer Surround Deterioration: The original foam surrounds can dry out and crumble after 20–30 years. Re-foaming or reconing is a common and effective repair.
Tweeter Diaphragm Fatigue: Early titanium diaphragms may develop micro-cracks, leading to distortion. Replacement with modern K-77-T units is recommended if issues arise.
Crossover Component Aging: Electrolytic capacitors can degrade, causing tonal imbalances. Upgrading to modern film capacitors can improve clarity and reliability.
Grille Fabric Wear: The original woven grilles may fade or tear. Replacement grilles are available from specialty vendors.

Regular maintenance means dusting, checking terminal connections, and making sure the rear port is unobstructed. For long-term preservation, keep the speakers out of humid or sun-exposed spots.

Comparison to Similar Models

Model	Sensitivity	Key Differences
Klipsch Cornwall III	101 dB	Improved crossover, modernized tweeter, slightly warmer tonal balance
Klipsch Heresy III	99 dB	Smaller, more compact; shares midrange/tweeter but uses 10" woofer; less bass extension
JBL L100 Classic	88 dB	Lower sensitivity; more colored, "hi-fi" sound; less dynamic range
Altec 604-8H	97 dB	Professional studio monitor; requires external crossover; more neutral but less bass
Original Cornwall (1959)	100 dB	Rarer and more valuable; lower power handling; older materials and construction

The Cornwall II sits between the raw power of the Heresy and the full-range capability of the Klipschorn. It outperforms most vintage speakers in efficiency and dynamics.

Conclusion

The Klipsch Cornwall II is more than just a speaker—it’s a statement of audio philosophy. Born from Paul Klipsch’s lifelong pursuit of efficiency, accuracy, and emotional impact, it remains one of the most compelling vintage loudspeakers available today. Whether you're pairing it with a vintage Marantz tube amp or a modern high-current solid-state receiver, the Cornwall II delivers a thrilling, immersive listening experience that few speakers—old or new—can match.

The Cornwall II is a collectible speaker with American engineering and strong musicality.