KLIPSCH LA SCALA BROUGHT UP-TO-DATE

The Klipsch La Scala speaker has featured on many an audiophile's wishlist. Now, it has been refreshed and available in the UK.
Originally designed for professional use and released for the first time in 1963, the La Scala took its name from the Teatro alla Scala in Italy and aimed to bring to life every nuance of an audio performance.
The latest AL5 generation stays true to this tradition with the addition of the latest modern technology and an improved cosmetic appeal.
Often referred to as the "mini Klipschorn", the La Scala AL5 squeezes the flagship Klipsch Heritage sound into a smaller, two-part framework that's easier to accommodate and place within a listening environment.
Utilising a three-way, fully horn-loaded driver configuration, The AL5 boasts such high-efficiency that as little as a few watts of power can deliver a concert-like experience in your home. Great for those with low-wattage valve amps.
Sporting a 1-inch tweeter, a 2-inch mid-range driver along with the same 15-inch woofers as the flagship Klipschorn, the La Scala AL5 yields greater acoustic power than its predecessor.
Wrapped in 1-inch thick cabinetry the system comes in two sections per side for effective decoupling of the high- and low-frequency transmission systems.
The mid/high enclosure features a newly-designed, high-efficiency K-771 tweeter, with light-weight polyimide diaphragm, mated to Klipsch's 90° X 40° Tractrix horn. Joining those is a K-55-X 2-inch mid-range compression driver with a phenolic diaphragm, mated to a sizeable exponential horn. Klipsch says that the end result is sparkling, controlled highs and a smooth midrange with stunning clarity.
The low-end enclosure is home to the 15-inch woofer behind a striking, two-fold horn, inspired by the Klipschorn's three-fold design. The bass response reaches 45Hz but does so with minimal distortion and startling control.
When all these elements are brought together, the overall sound presentation promises to be as near to the original recording as its possible to be.
Aesthetically, the cabinetry is finished in book-matched wood veneers with the mid/high section sporting a magnetic grille with a metal-mesh weave.
At the rear of the mid/high enclosure, there is a new aluminium input panel, capable of handling high-gauge cables.
Price and availability
The La Scala AL5 has an SRP of £12,000 and is available in Natural Cherry, Satin Black Ash or American Walnut. Made to order in Hope, Arkansas the speakers are on demonstration at Henley Audio's HQ in Didcot, Oxfordshire, by appointment only.
Naturally, they are also available to order through all Klipsch Heritage Dealers in the UK.
For more information, head on over to Klipsch.
Tech Spec
- Frequency Response (± 4dB): 51Hz – 20kHz
- Sensitivity: 105dB @ 2.83V / 1m
- Power Handling: 100W / 400W
- Maximum SPL: 121dB
- Nominal Impedance: 8Ω Compatible
- Crossover Frequency: HF: 4500Hz
- MF: 450Hz
- Tweeter: K-771 1" (2.54cm) Light-Weight Polyimide Diaphragm Compression
- High-Frequency Horn: 90° x 40° Tractrix Horn
- Midrange: K-55-X 2” (5.08cm) Phenolic Diaphragm Compression Driver
- Mid-Frequency Horn: Exponential
- Woofer: K-33-E 15” (38.1cm) Fibre-Composite Cone with a Folded Horn
- Enclosure Material: Birch Plywood and MDF
- Enclosure Type: Fully horn-loaded
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1016 x 615.9 x 642.9mm
- Weight: 91kg
- Finishes: Natural Cherry, Satin Black Ash and American Walnut
- Grille Cloth: Silver Metallic

Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Hi-Fi
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