Klipsch is breathing new life into two of its most legendary loudspeakers—the Klipschorn and La Scala—with fresh updates that enhance performance while staying true to their timeless design. Now reimagined as the Klipschorn AK7 and La Scala AL6, these speakers represent the latest evolution in the company’s iconic Heritage Series.
While the exterior remains virtually unchanged—preserving the vintage aesthetic that has defined them for decades—the real magic happens under the hood. The updates bring modern sonic precision to a pair of speakers that already hold near-mythical status in the audio world.
First introduced in 1946 by company founder Paul W. Klipsch, the Klipschorn holds the rare distinction of being one of the longest-running speaker models still in production. Its “younger sibling,” the La Scala, arrived in 1963 and quickly gained a devoted following of its own. Both are revered for their horn-loaded design, known for delivering exceptional efficiency, detail, and dynamic range.
What’s New?
With the release of the AK7 and AL6 models, Klipsch introduces several key upgrades:
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Updated Tractrix Midrange Drivers
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New K-771 Tweeter with Wide-Dispersion Phase Plug
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More Powerful KT-1133-HP 3-Inch Midrange Driver
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Patented Bass Reflex System (La Scala only)
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Optional Heritage Active Crossover
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New “American Auburn” Finish
A Modern Sonic Experience, Rooted in Classic Design
Despite the technical enhancements, Klipsch hasn’t tampered with the speakers’ iconic looks. “We’re always looking to improve sound quality, even in these iconic projects,” says Roy Delgado Jr., Klipsch’s chief engineer and protégé of Paul Klipsch. “As Paul always said, ‘There is no limit to the creative time.’”
Delgado began experimenting with active crossovers back in 1999, inspired by their performance in cinema systems. His prototype earned high praise from Paul Klipsch himself—though the founder passed before seeing it reach production.
That vision was finally realized with the launch of the Klipsch Jubilee in 2022, and its success paved the way for the introduction of the Heritage Active Crossover in the AK7 and AL6.
The Klipschorn and La Scala speakers are all about precision. Their three-way horn-loaded system ensures each frequency band is optimized through a dedicated driver and horn. This design produces more acoustic output with less power, making them ideal even for low-powered tube amplifiers.
The new K-771 tweeter, paired with a patented wide-dispersion phase plug, offers a broader and more uniform soundstage—filling the room with life-like detail and presence. Meanwhile, the larger KT-1133-HP midrange driver, built in Hope, Arkansas, adds power and depth without distortion.
For the first time, the La Scala AL6 includes a horn-loaded bass reflex system—a significant innovation that combines the punch of a horn with the richness of a bass reflex design. The new K-281 12-inch driver adds deeper, more impactful low-end performance.
Klipsch’s new Heritage Active Crossover, designed by VP of Technology Matt Spitznagle and fine-tuned by Delgado, offers a level of time and phase alignment that passive systems simply can’t match. Though the crossover points remain fixed, users can fine-tune the output of the bass and treble sections for perfect integration with any amplifier.
Thanks to a redesigned patch panel, switching between passive and active configurations is now a breeze. Whether you’re a purist or a tinkerer, the AK7 and AL6 offer flexibility to suit your style.
A New Look to Match the Sound
In terms of aesthetics, Klipsch introduces a new “American Auburn” wood finish, a warm, rich tone that fills the gap between Black Ash and American Walnut. It replaces the previous Natural Cherry option in the Heritage lineup.
Pricing & Availability
For those ready to take the plunge into high-end audio heritage:
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Klipschorn AK7: $17,998 / pair (US) | €25,998 / pair (EU)
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La Scala AL6: $14,998 / pair (US) | €19,998 / pair (EU)
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Heritage Active Crossover: $3,499 (US) | €3,999 (EU)
