American manufacturer Klipsch has just unveiled new generations of its iconic models: the Klipschorn AK7 and the Klipsch La Scala AL6. These updates bring significant improvements in design, engineering and finish, while remaining true to the sonic heritage for which the brand is renowned. Hand-assembled in Hope’s historic factory, these speakers embody Klipsch’s craftsmanship and technological innovation.
An evolution that respects Klipsch’s heritage
Since the creation of the first Klipschorn in 1946 by Paul W. Klipsch, the brand has established itself as an essential reference in the field of high-fidelity. The Klipschorn and La Scala models have survived the decades by retaining their original philosophy: to offer an immersive sound experience, and recreate the atmosphere of a live concert. With the new Klipschorn AK7 and La Scala AL6 versions, Klipsch continues this tradition while incorporating significant technological advances.
New Tractrix midrange horn
One of the major advances of these new generations lies in the integration of a larger midrange driver combined with a completely redesigned Tractrix horn. Its optimized, slightly shallower shape not only ensures more even signal dispersion, but also improves temporal alignment by bringing the emission point closer to driver. The result: a more coherent, natural sound reproduction. The new horn also retains all the benefits of Tractrix technology, renowned for its ability to reduce distortion and enhance the clarity of vocals and instruments alike.
Wide-dispersion phase plug for high frequencies
To optimize the high frequencies, the new Klipschorn AK7 and Klipsch La Scala AL6 speakers are equipped with a new K-771 compression driver that features a patented wide-dispersion phase plug. This combination minimizes phase cancellations and ensures an even high-frequency diffusion, delivering exceptional clarity and an even more accurate sound image.
Technical note - What is phase cancellation?
When the same audio signal reaches the listener at slightly different times - due, for example, to reflections in the room or poor coherence between drivers - certain frequencies can become partially or totally cancelled out. This phenomenon, known as phase cancellation, creates dips in the frequency response, impairing the clarity and precision of the sound. At high frequencies, this can make vocals or instruments sound muddled or less detailed. A well-designed phase plug aligns the sound waves emitted by the driver more effectively, reducing these effects and ensuring a more faithful reproduction.
Optional active crossover
To push the limits of performance even further, Klipsch offers the option of adding an external active crossover to these models. This feature, inaugurated with the Klipsch Jubilee, is designed with the expertise of Matt Spitznagle, Klipsch’s Vice-President of Technology and Innovation, and tuned by legendary audio engineer Roy Delgado. This separate crossover further personalizes the listening experience by fine-tuning the crossover frequencies and levels of individual channels. It also improves channel separation and reduces interference, delivering a wider, more immersive soundstage. Roy Delgado, Senior Engineer at Klipsch and protégé of Paul W. Klipsch, says
“In 1999, I began experimenting with active crossovers after witnessing their remarkable performance in cinema applications. When PWK first heard my prototype, he turned to me and asked, ‘What did you do to that speaker?’ He was struck by its musicality, its purity. Sadly, he passed away before he could see a finished design.”
Roy Delgado
With the Klipschorn AK7 and La Scala AL6, Klipsch has succeeded in combining tradition and modernity. These new versions retain the soul of the original models while incorporating significant technological advances. They will be available to order in the coming weeks at a price of €25,999 per pair for the Klipschorn AK7 and €19,999 for the Klipsch La Scala AL6. The active crossover will be offered as an option for $3,499 each.
