Klipsch Cornwall baby!

[organ]

I got them yesterday. Here are some pics.
I can honestly say I'm finished with speakers for a loooooong time:). This is exactly what I've been looking for, and the only upgrade that makes sense for me would be the Klipschorn which needs a room dedicated to them.
The Cornwalls are very big and I couldn't find a spot to take a pic of both at the same time.
This is the best my system have ever sounded. Never thought I'd get this kind of 'live' sound. Dynamics/slam and transients are so effortless, it's spooky. A dedicated mid-range horn gives vocals so much presence.
Soundstage is huge and deeper than my RF-35. I love the way bass drums and even snares hit you in the guts.
I'm now officially at over 100db/w/wm. I believe the Cornwalls are 101.

[dorokusai]

Very nice speaker.

[pearsall001]

Great snag!!! Enjoy!!

[Dennis Gardner]

Congrats on your speaks!

I liked a number of speakers from Klipsch, Frazier, EV, Hartley, and Altec for tube power. Any of those huge black boxes tripped my switch as I was just a kid findin' my audio way.

[Zero]

Awesome! Enjoy the new toys you lucky bastage.

[audiobliss]

Whao, they're huge! I bet they do sound awesome; I'd love to hear some vintage, err, Heritage, Klipsch one day!

I'm sure it'll take at least 4 months or more before your parents ever notice the difference between these and your RF-35's! :p :D

[RuSsMaN]

Probably be a great match for the little 6V6 SEP when it shows.

I got a pair of OLD (1959'ish) Klipsch Heresy in unfinished birch, but no room for them - so they are up on the bay.

Cheers,
Russ

[audiobliss]

I got a pair of OLD (1959'ish) Klipsch Heresy in unfinished birch, but no room for them - so they are up on the bay.

I just checked those out and was going to IM you about them, but I see you've already signed off. They look neat, for sure. I wouldn't mind hearing a three-way horn-loaded speaker sometime.

[Joey_V]

Good choice, Maurice!

[mhardy6647]

Interestingly, I just retired my Cornwalls to the basement this past weekend. They've been replaced, at least for the time being, by a beautiful pair of Quad ESL-57 electrostatics :-)

[organ]

Thanks guys. I'm so diggin' the Corns. I listened all day and night from Tues to Thurs. When it comes to extreme metal, I've always tried to voice my system around the PA system found at my favorite venue (Opera House) here in Toronto. I've been there so many times. I've seen Cradle of Filth, Manowar, Immortal, Kamelot, Nightwish and a bunch of different bands there. http://www.adamsonproaudio.com/news/...ouse/index.htm
The RF-35 gave me a glimpse but can't even come close to their PA system for dyanmic impact and overall presence.
When I pumped up the Cornwalls, I couldn't believe that now I own a system that rivals the set up at the Opera House. The bigness, power, dynamics and presence is all there. I listened to a few songs at very high spl just like a live show and it was such a rush!

Bliss,
I've got a vintage version but the Heritage line is still in production today. The Heritage speakers were designed by Paul W. Klipsch.
Believe it or not, my mom DIGS the new speakers! At first, she almost got a heart attack when she saw the size. Then she sat down for a listen and loved the sound.

Russ,
Yeah, I'm excited about trying out the SEP on them. I was actually planning to get a pair of Heresy (local) that was selling for 400 if the Corns were no longer available. I bet some of the members on the Klipsch forum will end up winning your auction. They like the Heresy and love the older models.

MHardy,
Wow, nice speaks! Have you tried moving that white table out of the way? Seems to be blocking half the speaker.

How did that squacker caulk mod work out on your Cornwalls? Looks like we have different versions. Mine has the round magnets on the woofers and the x-over are different. I have the B2 xover with the autoformers and stuff. They have the big oil capacitors.

[mhardy6647]

Mine are 1974's, with AlNiCo tweeters (EV) and MR drivers (Atlas), and the CTS ceramic magnet woofers. XO's are (still) completely original. I forget which version. The Klipsch nuts'll know :-)

I think the damping on the MR helps the ringing of the cast metal horn. Is yours metal or plastic?

They are fun and lively speakers. Much better on tubes than SS IMNSHO.

The best sounding amp I have heard on my own Cornies was a Marantz 8B I had re-habbed for someone. Magnificent amplifier.

... and, yes, I know the placement of the ESL's is far from optimum :-P

[Holydoc]

I am definitely not thrilled with the look of these speakers. But if they are giving you the PA experience you were looking for, congrats on your purchase.

I guess I am just not a Klipsch kind of guy.

[danger boy]

first off, congrats on the Cornwalls... like Polk, vintage Klipsch have a sound all their own. I'd really like to hear those on some nice warm sounding tubes some day.

enjoy.

I agree with Holydoc, they aren't "pretty", but what counts though, is how they sound anyways. ha ha.

[Shizelbs]

Old school, back again. I loves it.

[BlueMDPicker]

Fun stuff. Enjoy!

[Johncan]

I love mine!

[KevinR]

I also love Heritage Klipsh. I've had Heresys and Fortes. The Heresys were very good and the Forte's were awsome. Do you think the Cornwalls are better than the Forte's?

[ND13]

Grats Maurice!!!!!

I'll still get me a pair of the Heritage line some day...I have enough tube amps and pres, now, that I should be able to make them sound like they were intended to sound, which, in no way, could be like they sound on the gear I've always heard them with(ala crappy sand all around).

I'm leaning towards the CWs or LaScalas...maybe some Heresy's....which ever I can get the best deal(value) on. I also want to get a SET amp at some time.

[organ]

MHardy,
The squaker is metal on mine. Not sure where the drivers were sourced from though. I'll keep that tweak in mind. I did the same thing on the horns on my RF-35.
Yeah, they sound amazing on tubes. It takes so little power to make them sing. The 8B is a legend. Cool to hear you got the chance to play with one.

HD and DB,
They're not lookers, that's for sure. But after living with them for over a week now, I'm starting to get used to their sight. In fact, I don't mind at all. Just two big, black boxes that don't really call attention to themselves. But of course, it's the sound that matters:).

Kevin,
Sorry, I have no experience with the Forte. My only Klipsch experience is the RF-35 and now the Cornwalls. The Forte have 12" woofers while the Corns have 15". Also, the mids and tweeter horns are different. Judging by the drivers and cabinet size, the Corns should provide a bigger overall sound and more dynamics due to higher sensitivity and bigger drivers.
Welcome to Club Polk!

Noel,
Hey man, long time no see.
I had no idea you had a horn fetish too. The La Scala was what I've always wanted, but after reading a lot of LS vs. Corns on the net, I think I did the right thing by getting the Corns. Many people say the LS is a little too aggressive in the mids and highs. They also lack bass extension. They cut off at 55Hz and the Corns go to the low 30's. Those who have heard them all say, the next thing to the Cornwalls is a pair of Klipschorn.
You could probably post a WTB thread on the Klipsch forum when you're ready to buy. I've seen many people selling Heritage speakers on there.
Is there a particular SET amp you have an eye on? Most 300B based amp put out 8w/ch

Maurice

[Johncan]

Maurice,

My Cornwalls have sounded good with whatever tubes I have used. I am currently using an Eico HF-87 amp and the Cornwalls really sing. The bass is amazing for tubes. I highly recommend vintage Eico tube amps.

John

[organ]

John,
That's cool. Is the amp running EL84 tubes?
I have a vintage Dynaco ST-70 and I'm looking forward to hooking it up to the Corns.

[fredv]

Maurice, congrat to the corn :-) I want to have a pair for the 8wpc Radii SET, but I just have too many over sized speakers. Don't think I can avoid pissing off the lady if I haul in another pair ....... However, I won't say never :-) BTW, the HF-87 is EL34 amp, 35wpc.

John, I have 2 HF-87's and converted one to fixed bias (HF-89 circuitry). It is worth to spend time to do such conversion.