While its founder would have celebrated his 120th birthday on March 9, American manufacturer Klipsch is celebrating the 65th anniversary of its legendary Klipsch Cornwall speaker, one of six models in the Heritage range, this year. Here’s a look back at the incredible history of this speaker, which has stood the test of time like no other.
The incredible story of the Klipsch Cornwall
The first-generation Klipsch Cornwall was launched in 1959 as an alternative to the Klipsch Heresy, whose fourth generation is still in the brand’s catalog. Like the latter, it was originally designed to work with a pair of Klipschorns, providing hi-fi center channel reproduction. An innovative idea that failed to win over the public at the time, causing it to be withdrawn from the market in 1990. However, this decision provoked a strong reaction from fans, who expressed their displeasure and launched a petition to reinstate the speaker in the brand’s catalog. It wasn’t until 2006 that Klipsch responded to this demand by relaunching production with the Klipsch Cornwall III model.
65 years later, the Klipsch Cornwall IV speaker is the result of considerable improvements. Its retro aesthetic has been given a modern twist, including a new logo, a black base to lighten its appearance and grilles with a metallic effect. The internal components have been completely redesigned to incorporate Klipsch’s latest technological advances, such as a new midrange driver in a Tractrix horn for more accurate midrange, redesigned Tractrix ports for deeper bass, and an updated crossover to refine the overall accuracy of reproduction.
An exceptional speaker
Thanks to its unique acoustic elements refined over more than six decades, the Klipsch Cornwall IV speaker is capable of producing an impressive sound level of 102 dB from just one meter away with a minimal energy input of one watt. It supports a maximum power of 100 watts, achieving a sustained sound level of 119 dB. True to Klipsch’s reputation for efficiency, Cornwall IVs require little amplification power to deliver high efficiency, making them ideal for use with a wide range of hi-fi amplifiers, including tube amps. They ensure an intense experience, with a rich, lively and accurate sound, guaranteeing moments of pure musical emotion.
The design quality of the Heritage range
Like all models in the Heritage range, Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers are handcrafted in the USA, in the manufacturer’s workshops in Hope, Arkansas. To ensure the aesthetic harmony of each pair, the wood panels are rigorously selected from a single tree, guaranteeing total consistency of color and grain. Throughout their construction process and right up to shipping, the speakers are transported in pairs, subjected to rigorous inspections, and marked with consecutive serial numbers, to preserve the uniqueness and integrity of each pair. As a result, every duo is unique!
With this new anniversary, Klipsch demonstrates that it is one of the few manufacturers capable of making speakers that stand the test of time and touch every generation. Since the birth of the Klipschorn, which will soon be 80 years old, and the Klipsch Cornwall, celebrating its 65th anniversary, Klipsch has seen countless musical genres and styles come and go, and has demonstrated its ability to enhance them all.
