Klipsch Just Reimagined Its Most Iconic Audiophile Loudspeaker

Klipsch is going big for its 80th anniversary celebrations.

To start things off, it introduced the first-ever bookshelf speakers to its prestigious Heritage series: the Rebellion. A pair will set you back $2,599.

And now, the iconic American audio maker is introducing a special-edition version of the loudspeaker that started it all: the original Klipschorn, which was released in 1946.

Klipsch Klipschorn (80th Anniversary Limited Editions)

Klipsch

If you don’t know, the Klipschorn is an icon of American hi-fi.

First sold in 1946, today it holds the distinction of being the longest-continuously produced speaker in history. That’s right, you can still buy one today: A pair of these gargantuan floorstanders will set you back roughly $18,000.

Of course, the Klipschorn that Klipsch sells today isn’t exactly the same as the original. Just like the rest of its Heritage loudspeaker line, it’s been updated with modern drivers, crossovers and various tweaks in cabinet design. The most up-to-date version is the Klipschorn AK7, which was introduced in March of last year.

Klipsch

Klipsch

Back to the original

The recent Klipschorn incarnations look almost identical to the originals. And they have a unique woofer cabinet design that looks like a wedge; it’s designed to be placed in room corners so it can use the walls to reflect sound and extend its low-frequency range. This is why it’s often referred to as the “K-Horn” or “corner-horn” loudspeaker.

However, while the original Klipschorn was a two-way loudspeaker, the modern version has a three-way design. Klipsch made the change in the early 1950s to improve its midrange performance and extend its high-frequency range.

Klipsch

Klipsch

Fast forward to the new 80th anniversary editions of the speaker, and Klipsch claims that it’s reimagining and revitalizing Paul W. Klipsch’s original design for the Klipschorn. That’s right, it’s bringing back the two-way design.

“It’s a testament to his legacy that, 80 years on, we’re bringing his original patented designs back to life,” claims Vinny Bonacorsi, Klipsch’s COO. “From his early interest in active networks to the category defining K-5-J horn, we’ll always work with purpose to honor his intentions, using all available engineering advancements to push the threshold of what’s possible.”

Klipsch

Klipsch

Tigerwood veneer, brass inlays

That’s right. The 80th anniversary editions of the Klipschorn combine the original’s two-way design with modern components, including a new K-5-K high-frequency horn, a 4-inch compression driver (derived from the Jubilee, the largest Heritage loudspeaker) and a new-generation active DSP crossover.

The resulting sound promises to be just as transcendent as the modern Klipschorn AK7. Maybe even delivering deeper bass.

The other notable difference is that the 80th-anniversary edition Klipschorns are designed as more of a statement piece. According to the brand, each speaker “showcases heirloom-quality materials.” This includes a rich Tigerwood veneer, real brass inlays and a sandcast aluminum horn.

Like the rest of the Heritage series, these special edition Klipschorns will be hand-built in Hope, Arkansas.

Klipsch

Limited to 280

At the time of writing, Klipsch hasn’t announced pricing information, but you can bet your bottom dollar that a pair will go for north of $18,000, the price of a standard pair of Klipschorn AK7.

As for availability, you can order these bad boys from Klipsch right now from the company’s website.

Also, only 280 pairs of these special edition loudspeakers will be made.

Klipsch

Klipsch Klipschorn (80th Anniversary Limited Editions)

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