How to get a $12,000 pair of Klipsch La Scalas for only $2,700

[@mikesbcr]

Adam, Thanks for the great video and the props to my dad (Bob Crites). He loved working with the audio community and I am honored to be able to carry on his legacy. We are still open for business and happy to help with these great old speakers!

[@taylorhubbard6733]

Michael, I'm sure you don't remember, but I spoke with you just after your dad passed. You helped me with a pair of Chorus 1's. I bought your crossover rebuild kit and titanium tweeters. Speakers sound great and you were super helpful. I'm sure your father is smiling down on you knowing that you are carrying on his tradition.

[@Drivehead103]

@@taylorhubbard6733 what are you powering them with? I have been thinking about upgrading my amplifier and speakers for the past four years and cannot make myself pull the trigger. Interested in tubes in the preamp section but I'm not sure if they have enough kick for the volume I enjoy at times. I have never experienced tubes, wish there was a listing room nearby. Denon PMA A110 looks nice and they have a 60-day return policy and will pay for the return shipping for anything less than 66 lbs. They said they would pay return for the Denon PMA A110 because it weighs 65 lb including the crate. I guess I could use Amazon for other purchases and get return shipping paid.

[@transalp1983]

@Michael Crites Everyone which love Klipsch speakers will remember your father forever

[@cjdubuisson]

God bless you for carrying on your dad's legacy. Very sad to hear of his passing. Rest in peace Bob Crites.

[@ryansupak3639]

Longtime happy customer of your father, and you moving forward. Love coming to your factory to pick stuff up, and getting greeted by beautiful Golden Retrievers (:

[@youngsaltandpepper]

Had my LaScalas since 1979. Been paired with a Yamaha CR 2020 all the while. Everything is still all original and is beautiful, bold, clear, and clean. People that have purchased expensive high end equipment have literally gone home crying after hearing my simple set up.

[@danpatterson8009]

Bought mine in the fall of '78, hauled them up four flights to the top floor of the dorm- just me and the hand truck. When I got to the top with the first one, a guy took one look at the massive KLIPSCH LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS box and his eyes got big. "That's TWO speakers??" "No, just one." My buddy the next floor down bought raw Cornwalls and finished them in his room. He was in a perpetual feud with the guy next door who had AR-9s.

[@johnnewcomb5162]

I have that receiver, it has beautiful sound and I will never get rid of it and it sounds better than the 3020, did you upgrade your power cord?

[@budgethometheaterandhifi]

Thanks for sharing your story! Bob Crites is a valuable member of the Klipsch-loving community.

[@floordoctor]

He sadly died a few months ago. Big loss.

[@nomorokay]

Bob’s son has taken over, and he’s as knowledgeable and helpful as his dad.

[@phildavis3105]

I have exactly those speakers which I purchased new (actually demos at a local dealer). I bought exactly those parts from Bob Crites, and they performed as you say. Very happy.

[@Drivehead103]

I can hear extreme sound quality over my phone, I can just imagine what it sounds like in the room! About four years ago a similar video showing vinyl being played on a nice turntable resulting in exceptional sound quality that I could hear over my phone got me started back into vinyl with a simple investment in a $40 cartridge that led me down the rabbit hole. Next thing I'm purchasing a turntable, cartridges, phono preamp and on and on! Now I want to upgrade my speakers and integrated amplifier. I keep hearing about Bob Crites and now I understand why!

[@kenmontague8603]

It's really easy to get great sound by spending a bunch of money. I have made it my challenge to get great sound by not spending a lot of money through buying used equipment and upgrading the equipment I do have. You have done the very thing I strive for with these speakers. Anybody can get great sound by sinning there life away the challenge is to do it at a reasonable cost, which you have done with these speakers.

[@blueribb99]

I bought quite a few of the Sheffield Lab Recordings when they were released back in the 70's. The sound quality was outstanding compared to other albums of the time. There were a few other direct to disc manufacturers too if I remember correctly.

[@bb_lz9790]

If the Tweeter section of the crossover is only 6 dB/octave as it appears, no wonder they were blowing up Tweeters! Glad to see that the "Squawker" identification was kept for the Midrange horn!

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

I bought a pair of Klipsch Belles for $100 about 14 years ago at a yard sale. I had them refurbished for I think $500, and they were AMAZING. I had to sell them when I had to move from my house into a much smaller apartment, and at $800, I'm pretty sure the friend I sold them to got a great deal on them, too. I miss those speakers all the time, though my Heresy IVs are mighty fine in their own right and WAY less ridiculous.

[@dnate697]

Bob kicks ass! Yes, I'm from Little Rock!

[@idolhanz9842]

Found a pair of '77's La Scala's last month locally for $1900 and Crites sent me new Type AA boards in a week. 30 years ago I first heard and saw La Scalas flying for the USAF and seeing La Scalas in BX showrooms overseas. They were simply too damned big to get out to the airplane and we weren't sure they would fit in the crew entrance of the airplane or our dorm room door entrance. I once saw a old pair in the back of a pawn shop. Should have had them shipped. I want more, and not version 2's either. Driving 'em with Carver silver 7's.

[@nomorokay]

Most Klipsch Heritage Series and Pro Cinema speakers are no more than 24” deep, to fit behind movie screens. This means that they will fit through most doors, which are usually a minimum 28” wide. You should have measured the La Scalas.

[@ronherman6033]

Yep, got my Cornwall (1) for $1350 in mint condition with updated caps, wires and new natural cane grills. Some great deals out there...and though not the most recent versions...are still exceptional performers.

[@PackardDog]

Nice! Looks like the caps that came with your La Scalas were sonic caps... who ever recaped them used top of the line replacements. Same ones Crites have.

[@HealhoeGaming]

tbh from the looks of it, previous owner used a bob crites replacement kit (cheaper but have to diy) but no way to know really i dont think.

[@ytwhite5930]

I have a pair of homespun "Cornscalas" and I just got new T-35's (NOS early 70's) and I can hardly wait to get them installed...Good video!

[@stillastillsfan]

One thing is the new LaScala home version are a beautiful piece of furniture. In any case, I am an Altec guy now, model 19, then model 18 which is incredible. Prior to these, I had a beautiful pair of Belles and then cherry mahogany Khorns in the 1980s and 1990s.

[@nomorokay]

The beautiful style of the La Scala II is one of the reasons that I bought a pair. As well, they do sound better than the earlier (1st generation, 1963-2005) speakers. Even so, I kept the old La Scalas (with Crites CT125 tweeters and Sonicaps), and now they live behind the furniture and serve as Surround speakers.

[@benjaminqilafku5714]

Thank you for the suggestion. What a gem of album.

[@hiroshihiga1181]

Awesome. These are the best speakers. I have a pair which I used in my mobile disco unit 30 years ago.

[@alex1up599]

Great video! Keep making more videos like this you are very good at it.

[@adamweeks4258]

Alex 1 up thanks. I appreciate your comment. I will make more videos. I’m working on a Lenco turntable now.

[@derrickhibbs9201]

Awesome my twin brother has them incredible sound

[@bujin5455]

Have you actually demo'd a pair of AL5s to compare these against? How would you say they hold up if so? As good? Better? I know there are supposed to be box improvements in the newer design. Which these improvements wouldn't correct for.

[@bchboy1206]

That is friggin amazing!!! I may have to try that!!! Thanks!

[@tracyblair3064]

You got a great deal on these speakers. Have you considered damping the midrange horn with Dynamat or the like? It's amazing what happens to midrange clarity and focus once the ringing from the horn is eliminated.

[@davevolz6138]

The polar collapse from 2-5 k is the real problem.

[@dwightshumate7614]

I just ordered a Crites upgrade kit for my mid 80s Heresy IIs. Unfortunately Bob died in January 2020. His force in sound reproduction will be greatly missed.

[@adamweeks4258]

Congratulations on your purchase. I just learned that Bob has passed away. Such a sad loss.

[@nomorokay]

Bob’s son has taken over, and he’s as knowledgeable and helpful as his father was. Everything is still available.

[@LatinPerspective.]

In my opinion any upgrades to a klipsch makes them a klipsch only in name. The sound of these Klipsch La Scala were approved by the ears of Paul W Klipsch.

[@vincenzocuttitta]

Who cares? Bob was a GREAT speaker designer. R.I.P

[@bujin5455]

So I guess you don't think the LSIIs and the LS AL5s are real La Scalas then, as both sets we created after Paul W Klipsch.

[@georgeballow7028]

Great video. I had no idea replacement/upgraded parts were available for vintage Klipsch. Only thing is when referring to the master Paul Klipsch your mistakes for his first name in the video almost sounds as … wired as heating, Bob Washington, you know the first President.. haha.

[@delukxy]

Bob Crites RIP Jan 2021

[@klepp19]

I have 1979 LaScalas and wondering if the new Crites Tweeter was better than original? Was is smoother? My original tweeter are the KT77 Alnico round magnet not the square one.

[@bartvanransbeeck1341]

Amazing sound

[@derrickhibbs9201]

Awesome my twin brother has them incredible sound ❤

[@Valerifon1]

I should BE so lucky! Congratulations on a wonderful pair of speakers! 😎👍I think I might actually have that album. I sold Klipsch in Houston back in the early to mid eighties. Cheers - Luther

[@aaronh888]

So all of the upgrades you talk about were around $900?

[@mannycazz8018]

To bad you didnt do a sound test before and after you did the upgrades. That way we could all hear the sonic improvements from before and after. Nice vid all in all. Thank you.

[@cooker4000]

Do they do Metallica and Slayer well?

[@TheJohnnyNormal]

I have the same question and yet no one ever answers..

[@cjdubuisson]

Yes

[@rckwales]

I have 1980 cornwalls and trust me diabolus in musica rips. Metallica is bullshit good but cannibal corpse the bleeding and nail bomb are awesome.

[@CUSTOMWORKS7.3PSD]

1978 wow ,,,,,,,,, just love vintage

[@buddyjenkins7188]

How were the woofers in the 1978 La Scala's? I noticed you didn't mention changing them.

[@adamweeks614]

The woofers were fine. They produce ample undistorted bass.

[@nomorokay]

Klipsch uses musical instrument woofers with doped paper surrounds. They normally never need to be serviced or re-surrounded. The original woofers in my 1974 La Scalas still work fine.

[@buddyjenkins7188]

@@nomorokay That is encouraging. I have a pair of 70th Anniversary La Scalas and at 67 they should outlast me.

[@joeygonzo]

RIP BOB

[@Topnikko]

How do La Scala's sound on rock music?

[@Jheassler]

Amazing, like a live concert in front you. Highly highly recommend

[@RobertRudel-ly4sx]

Real crisp and clear paired with 2 Klipsch 18'' subs. Oh yea!

[@gerryhernandez6407]

It's a really cool, unique setup, on top of being thrifty. Love it. Thanks for sharing!

[@osholajones5084]

Hey guys where do I get the k400 horns any company resell brand new or upgraded version of the main horn ???

[@PatentRob]

Excellent tune.

[@johnf6384]

Is it possible to put grills on these older models?

[@adamweeks4258]

I believe so. Contact the good folks over at Crites for more information. I don’t have them on mine but saw that it was an option before.

[@normansmith9683]

wow my 100 dollar computer speakers sound great now thanks saved 11,900 over you.

[@bujin5455]

😂 If you're happy with your kit, there's no need to chase it with more $$$.

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

2:10 Dude, 1978 LaScalas are probably better quality than what you get today or, especially, what you got in the '80s and early '90s. Drivers are original and to cherish. Crossovers are original and with the replacement capacitors (film instead of paper-in-oil) will be better than originals. I don't think I'd mess with the crossovers any more than that. I don't know much about Bob Crites's crossovers so they may or may not be an improvement. What I do know is that the ALK crossovers with significantly different topology and improved components cost a bomb. As such, I'd audition them but I'm not sure the investment vs. return would necessarily justify the investment. Whatever you do, keep all the original parts carefully wrapped and placed safely in sealed containers, especially since you have a seemingly 99% original condition pair of LaScalas. 2:24 You may choose to use the replacement tweeters to protect the old ones but pay attention to the originals' alnico magnet vs. the replacements' ferrite: this is quality which is very difficult to obtain/reproduce nowadays. I agree, 12k USD nowadays seems like a rip-off. Then again 2.7k for a pair which is 50 years old is not exactly cheap! However, you got to think this is a product that must be made to profit so you need to factor that in. Then think of 50 years from now, how much would you sell/buy these for? Probably something like 2.7k in today's money so not so much of a rip off when you think of that. Yeah, the 1978 models might have appreciated significantly in 50 years' time, probably north of 12k so keep all original parts and keep all mods reversible!

[@darrelldarrell1447]

And real wood and not that laminated MDF crap

[@daviddabbs1234]

Can you still buy the upgrade kit? If so from where? Thanks, David

[@keithleung2005]

Great sound!

[@keithwiebe1787]

I think I have less than 300 dollars in parts for my homemade Klipschorns I made in the 80s.

[@roimark358]

excellent, real sound! 👍👍👍🎖️

[@josiahj1033]

did you have to sell your carpet to afford la scalas?

[@DucDinh-Pleiku]

I live Klipsch Lascala, i have Luxman L570, can you advise me?

[@clarkstone-bear7742]

Well sir I think you made the right decision either way. I think the 70 models just look better. Pluse updating them im sure took something great and made it Phenomenal. Of course that's just my opinion.

[@mickiexposed]

I bought a pair at a Baptist Church garage sale for $250.00. 😊

[@bujin5455]

Well you really ran into a deal!

[@ernestyount3061]

I did the same with some Bells

[@gsgleason]

The original crossovers with the sonicaps are going to be functionally identical to the ones that Crites sent you.

[@adamweeks4258]

The the crossover points are different.

[@WayneMickel]

I have plans for the ALK 120db per octave extreme slope crossovers which are what I will build for my home-built LaScalas, I had a pair I bought in 1977 and I loved them but sold them because I was moving from state to state a lot I think the LaScalas have been around since the '50s the '70s model had Electrovoice T-35 tweeters and Atlas midrange drivers I like the EV tweeters but I replace the mid-range drivers with EV 1829 drivers they both sound just the same through those Klipsch midrange horns, some people do not like those horns so the put wood tatrix horns on them.

[@scrumpymanjack]

This is a great project, and I'm fascinated to watch how you put it all together. But why would you bother giving us a sound demo? Do you really think we can appreciate the sound from our computer speakers/iphones? I just don't get it.

[@joshgray9035]

12k? Current price in Australia is the equivalent of 18k USD

[@MrFlextor]

I don´t agree to the point, that nothing had changed on the design... the new one are definitly redesigned and have some upgrades compared to the older ones...

[@johnroberts4571]

Note to the guy on this video..I have a perfect set of khorns from 1980.. I up graded the woofers..but as far as the horns... nope.. the tweeters only blew when they were hooked up wrong... ive never had a tweeter go out yet.. its not the speaker's. Its the owners .. people would hook up the tweeter to where it said squawker thinking it meant tweeter..

[@cjdubuisson]

I've had them blow on me. They barely stand up to 10w. If you have a low watt amp, they are fine.

[@nomorokay]

Low wattage amps can be dangerous to speakers. If you want to play music loud and turn a low-wattage amp up high, it can go into clipping, which can destroy tweeters. My La Scalas are happy with a 500 Wpc power amp. They run on just a few watts nearly all the time, which is in the very lowest distortion condition of the amp, making for great clear sound, and when a brief much louder peak is called for, the big amp can deliver it easily, giving a sound that comes much closer to the sound of actual live music than is possible with a low-powered amp. That’s not important to everyone. Some people like nice smooth sound at moderate volume, and low powered tube amps can deliver that. Each to his own and equal respect to all.

[@mkfmkf55]

Lascala II's are still available new at this time for just under $8 grand, and maybe $4-5 grand on the used market, not much more than you invested. The II's certainly look a lot better so that's the route I would have gone, but everyone in this hobby has a different opinion. Also, I don't think you mentioned what type of amplification you used for before & after. I think tubes are essential. Thanks for posting this.

[@adamweeks4258]

mkfmkf55 the amp was the same for both, a bottlehead stereomour.

[@sthr2110]

You can now get AK5 La Scala's for $6K in mint condition. Personally, I'd rather pay $3K extra and have the modern of revisionings (AK6's notwithstanding).

[@jordesign]

@@sthr2110 $6 per speaker, not per pair...

[@bujin5455]

@@sthr2110 really? where? I'm only seen single speakers going for that price.

[@jacobbrown1690]

RIP bob

[@fredman1956]

Thank you👍🏽

[@valorantorion1588]

Okay this gonna sound weird but even through the phone it sounds like a live performance I doubt these would be good for my taste of music but still cool

[@nomorokay]

Really good speakers are good for all kinds of music. The only issue with the La Scalas is that the bass doesn’t go very deep, because the woofer horn isn’t long enough. If it was long enough, the speakers would be be much larger. Just add a powerful subwoofer and you’re all set!

[@7karlheinz]

Pretty good pitch considering how warped your record appears. I have a pair of the PA version that I purchased from Daddy's Junky Music for $500.00. I told the salesman I was going to use a 3.5-watt tube amp to power them and he begged me not to claiming I was going to blow the speakers with that amp! When I told them these speakers were designed to be run with low power and they realized I wasn't going to take them seriously (by this time I was being tag-teamed by two salesmen!) and I was intimating that they didn't know what they were talking about, they got kind of pissed at me and told me to "do what you want, dude".

[@bujin5455]

How the heck is 3.5w tube going to blow anything other than your ears? (Assuming you run it at full power.)

[@georgeswanson9483]

Congrats on putting together a good pair of speakers. Wow, nothing worse than audiophile approved horrible music that is well recorded though. I'd been schnookered into buying a couple records like that way back in the day and have since learned my lesson.

[@PPCCO.]

lol I knew I wasn't alone.

[@johnthompson5409]

I have a beautiful like new condition set of La Scala's (1982) with a Kenwood 9600 amp and Disc player for $1,500.

[@rubengarza607]

where do you have them text me 956 537 5703

[@joedrager259]

I'd take that deal if close enough

[@jonathansepulveda3617]

John Thompson, have you sold these lascslas?

[@Topnikko]

Hi John, I'd like to buy your La Scala's.

[@subcook32]

Make more videos please sir!

[@trumps-not-rightfor-us5603]

Really want to test these speakers before buying them used play Grieg D minor... it'll be all the sound range is necessary to discover what's needed or not needed

[@joeygonzo]

Damn, SONIC CAPS!!!

[@rachelnewyorktruth2564]

so clear

[@thehighend4545]

Have you actually heard these side by side, stock vs Crites? I have, not impressed as compared to. I would think that if this was a better way, Paul would have done it that way. He is in the Science Hall of Fame with folks like the Wright Bros, Tesla etc.. And you.... are not. Nice sounding speakers and they are DYNAMITE for $2700, but they are not the real deal. In my honest opinion. I own The Klipschorn and Heresy IV's for reference.

[@cjdubuisson]

So I guess the upgrades that Klipsch has done to their own speakers must be crap too?? Technology changes..... they improved as well.

[@nomorokay]

Paul Klipsch was a great engineer, but he built his speakers to a price. They can be improved on. If someone is prepared to spend more money and use the benefit of decades newer components, these fine speakers can be improved. Anyway, capacitors don’t last forever. These speakers need a fresh set every 25-30 years. JEM makes original replacement caps if you want to keep your Klipsch speakers all Klipsch.

[@catweazle9525]

Thought it was a Zappa album I hadn't heard.

[@tedsouter]

Sadly, I remember this tune... Now, I’m not sure I can forget it... Again... Sigh... HEE!

[@richardwestmoreland4796]

There was a tv show that used something very similar to that tune. It was a western if my memory serves me right.

[@jeffbigbear1766]

Great speakers! Just when i want to ‘like’ this video i realise that i already did😆

[@Smood47]

4:53 next time can you zoom in a bit more ... your camera is a bit far from you

[@johnroberts4571]

There's no way I'd give up those EV T35'S...

[@yuckysamson]

Well, at least the record isn't warped much.

[@BeckVMH]

11 month old post. Sadly, I’m probably late for the sale.

[@DannerPlace]

Unfortunately, those sound exactly like my cheap computer speakers.

[@bobjonathon2669]

Didnt you steal the chipmunks?

[@emirsalihovic4869]

Fantastiše

[@benjaminqilafku5714]

In the life your gain is somebody else lost.

[@Joe_1971]

Why is it that every audiophile who demos their speakers always plays lame ass music. Nobody ever cranks some EVH or something that's bass heavy with ripping guitars.

[@Staybrown11]

Copyright ©

[@Joe_1971]

@@Staybrown11 I'm sure there are rocking copyright free songs out there.

[@cjdubuisson]

@@Joe_1971 If you can find one... Let me know.

[@billleonard5470]

I didn’t enjoy the Snoopy vacations in Mexico choice of music?

[@stevieg2755]

The originals had sonicaps upgrades so you wasted your money

[@adamweeks4258]

@@stevieg2755 I still have those crossovers. They use different crossover points. Not a waste.

[@fasteddie5314]

Hi. I don't want to be a dick, but geez, my $25 dollar computer speakers sound just as good as your La Scalas. Seriously, I own a 1980 pair of La Scalas with the unloved AL networks, but to play them on the internet and expect people to adjudicate the sound from their computer or other speakers is hilarious. Show us some frequency response curves or waterfall charts to confirm the improvements.

[@cardtrix1970]

There ARE other speakers and there ARE other speaker companies; It isn't just about..."Klipsch".

[@andyhuynh7933]

$12,000...? Nah...

[@jessemazo4791]

chances are you bought stolen equipment ....the too good to be true saying coming to mind here ???

[@michaelvaladez6570]

Sorry what terrible music..yes great direct to vinyl but sorry it's terrible...but I do have to say great up grade enjoy for listening pleasure 🙏

[@cruise2023]

You are right the track stinks, no justice to the speakers that I have heard way way better on KZbin.

[@saturnsl21999]

Why do hifi guys play such weird music the song you picked tells me nothing how these speakers can preform, put some 50 or drake on

[@thomaschippie9057]

Good lord man , just get a boom box for that crap.

[@derrickhibbs9201]

Awesome my twin brother has them incredible sound