Klipsch La Scala II: The Living Legend of High-Efficiency Horn Loudspeakers

The Klipsch La Scala II is a high-efficiency horn speaker, and audiophiles, musicians and sound engineers all hold it in high regard. It came out in 1982 as an evolution of the original La Scala, released in 1959. It follows Paul W. Klipsch's lifelong push for efficient, dynamic, lifelike sound reproduction.

Historical Context and Legacy

Paul W. Klipsch was an engineer and one of the founding fathers of modern loudspeaker design. He launched the original Klipschorn in 1946. His philosophy was efficiency: horn-loaded drivers that get high output from minimal amplifier power. The La Scala, named after the Milan opera house Teatro alla Scala, appeared in 1959 as a portable (for its time) high-efficiency speaker for professional and home use. It combined a 15-inch woofer, a 12-inch midrange horn and a 1-inch tweeter horn in a compact bass-reflex cabinet - unusual for the era.

The La Scala II, released in 1982, refined that formula. It got updated drivers, improved crossover components and a sturdier cabinet, and kept the sound of the original. Many vintage speakers faded away, but the La Scala II stayed in production in various forms for decades. The La Scala III, introduced in 2005, is the modern successor to the II.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Detail
Model	Klipsch La Scala II
Type	3-way, floor-standing, horn-loaded
Enclosure	Bass reflex with dual rear ports
Drivers	15" woofer, 12" titanium midrange horn, 1" tweeter horn
Crossover Frequency	1.4 kHz (midrange to tweeter), 500 Hz (woofer to midrange)
Sensitivity	105 dB (1W/1m)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (compatible with most tube and solid-state amps)
Frequency Response	52 Hz – 20 kHz
Recommended Power	25 – 200 watts
Dimensions (H x W x D)	40" x 15" x 17" (101.6 x 38.1 x 43.2 cm)
Weight	110 lbs (49.9 kg) per speaker
Finish Options	Blond maple, dark walnut, black ash

Sound Quality Characteristics

The La Scala II has a sensitivity of 105 dB. That means even low-powered amplifiers, such as vintage tube amps in the 10-30 watt range, can drive it to concert-hall volume levels with ease. The speaker has explosive dynamics, sharp transients and a wide, holographic soundstage.

The Tractrix horn-loaded tweeter gives crisp, detailed highs without harshness, thanks to its controlled dispersion and smooth roll-off. The 12-inch titanium midrange driver sits in the distinctive "Manta Ray" horn. It produces midrange clarity that is often described as "you are there" realism, and vocals in particular come through with presence and texture.

The 15-inch K-33 fiber cone woofer gives deep, articulate bass. It is not subsonic, but it blends well with the midrange. The bass reflex design boosts low-end output, so the La Scala II has surprising authority in medium to large rooms. Because the horn design favors efficiency and speed, the bass is tight and fast rather than boomy. That suits jazz, rock and acoustic recordings.

The La Scala II does especially well with live recordings. It conveys the scale, energy and spatial cues of a performance, which is why it is a favorite among listeners who value realism over euphonic coloration.

Notable Features and Innovations

Horn-Loaded Design: The use of horns for midrange and high frequencies maximizes efficiency and minimizes distortion.
Manta Ray Horn: A patented Klipsch design that improves midrange dispersion and reduces diffraction.
Tractrix Horn Tweeter: Provides time-aligned wavefronts and smooth high-frequency response.
Dual Rear Ports: Enhance bass response and reduce port noise.
Point Source Array: The drivers are vertically aligned and time-coherent, creating a focused and stable stereo image.

Market Value and Collectibility

The Klipsch La Scala II is highly collectible, especially in good condition with original grilles and finish. As of 2024, used pairs typically sell for $2,500 to $4,500, depending on condition, finish and provenance. Blond maple models are particularly sought after for their vintage look.

Collectibility is driven by several factors:

Historical Significance: As a direct descendant of Klipsch’s original designs.
Durability: Built with high-quality materials and overbuilt cabinets.
Compatibility with Tube Amps: A favorite among tube enthusiasts.
Cultural Status: Used in recording studios, by artists like Neil Young, and featured in countless audiophile reviews.

Well-maintained pairs with original drivers command premium prices. Refurbished units with reconed woofers and updated crossovers are also desirable, especially if reputable technicians did the work.

Common Issues and Maintenance

Despite their rugged build, La Scala IIs need periodic maintenance:

Woofer Surrounds: The original foam surrounds on the 15-inch K-33 woofer degrade over time (typically after 30+ years). Re-coning or surround replacement is common and recommended.
Crossover Components: Capacitors and inductors may drift in value or fail. Upgrading to modern, high-quality parts can improve reliability and sound.
Grilles and Finish: Original fabric grilles may be torn or faded. Replacement kits are available. Wood finishes may need refinishing if scratched or dull.
Tweeter Diaphragms: Rarely fail, but the titanium midrange diaphragm should be inspected for tears or warping.

Keep them clean and away from humidity and direct sunlight to extend their lifespan. Because of their high efficiency, they should be paired with clean, well-maintained amplifiers to avoid damage from clipping.

Comparison to Similar Models

Model	Sensitivity	Design	Bass Extension	Notes
Klipsch La Scala II	105 dB	3-way horn	52 Hz	Benchmark for live sound realism
JBL L100 Classic	91 dB	3-way, non-horn	45 Hz	Warmer, more colored sound; less efficient
Altec 604E	100 dB	2-way coaxial horn	60 Hz	Studio standard; slightly less bass
Klipschorn AK-6	105 dB	3-way folded horn	35 Hz	More bass and room integration; larger
Tannoy Westminster	96 dB	Dual concentric	40 Hz	Smooth, coherent midrange; lower sensitivity

The JBL L100 has a more forgiving, "vintage" tone. The La Scala II is faster, more dynamic and better suited to high-resolution source material. Compared to the Altec 604, the La Scala II has superior bass and a more modern crossover. Against the modern Klipschorn, the La Scala II is more compact and easier to place, though it gives up some deep bass.

Final Thoughts

The Klipsch La Scala II is more than a speaker—it’s a statement. A declaration that efficiency, dynamics, and realism can coexist in a single design. For those who crave the thrill of live music in their living room, who appreciate the craftsmanship of American audio engineering, or who simply want to hear their favorite records with breathtaking clarity, the La Scala II remains a top-tier choice.

Collectors, tube amp enthusiasts and music lovers all have reason to look at the La Scala II.

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