Klipsch Klipschorn AK7 (2025–)
The Klipschorn AK7 is the latest version of a speaker that has been in continuous production longer than any other loudspeaker on earth. Paul Wilbur Klipsch designed and hand-built the original Klipschorn in a tin shed in Hope, Arkansas, in 1946. Its folded-horn design was granted a patent that essentially kicked off the hi-fi era. The AK7, announced March 25, 2025, is the most modern version. It is still handcrafted in Hope, Arkansas, and still a fully horn-loaded, three-way loudspeaker that uses the corner walls of a room to extend bass response down to 33Hz.
The Klipschorn has always been about efficiency. At 105 dB @ 1W/1m, even a modest tube amplifier putting out 8 or 10 watts can drive these speakers to concert levels with headroom to spare. The folded horn amplifies sound acoustically, so a small driver can fill a room with dynamics that startle. As one period observer put it, a snare drum crack through a Klipschorn doesn't just sound loud - it startles you, the way a live drum does.
The AK7 brings several updates to the classic formula. It uses a cinema-grade 3" compression driver with a modified Tractrix horn opening for the critical mid-frequencies. The horn itself uses "Mumps" technology, which is small contours added to the horn mouth that help maintain frequency response out to the edge. A new finish called American Auburn joins the walnut and black ash options. The speaker retails for $17,998 per pair.
Perhaps the most significant change is the optional active crossover, priced at $3,499 for a pair of speakers. The AK7's I/O panel includes dual sets of input connectors: one connected directly to the internal passive crossover for traditional amplification, and another for inserting the optional external active DSP crossover. That active option uses trickle-down technology from Klipsch's flagship Jubilee, providing time and phase alignment, balanced EQ, and customizable gain control. With the active crossover engaged, frequency response extends to 34Hz–20kHz ±2.5dB, versus 34Hz–19kHz ±4dB in passive mode.
Each dual-cabinet speaker stands nearly four and a half feet tall and weighs about 260 pounds. Crutchfield strongly recommends having some help on hand when you're unboxing, stacking, and placing the cabinets. Sensitivity is rated at 103 dB (2.83V, 1m), nominal impedance is 8 ohms, and recommended power handling is up to 100 watts.
- Type: Fully horn-loaded, three-way floor-standing loudspeaker
- Efficiency: 105 dB @ 1W/1m (passive); 103 dB sensitivity rating
- Frequency response: 33Hz (corner-loaded); 34Hz–19kHz ±4dB passive; 34Hz–20kHz ±2.5dB active
- Impedance: 8 ohms nominal
- Power handling: Up to 100 watts
- Drivers: Cinema-grade 3" compression driver with Tractrix horn
- Optional: Heritage Active DSP crossover ($3,499/pair)
- Price: $17,998 per pair
- Made: Handcrafted in Hope, Arkansas
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