Klipsch La Scalas. The name conjures images of expansive soundstages, powerful horns, and… a living room rearranged to accommodate speakers the size of small refrigerators. These legendary speakers are renowned for their captivating sound, but their demanding size and unique aesthetic require careful consideration. This article explores the realities of La Scala ownership, from managing their physical presence in your home to optimizing their performance for a truly immersive listening experience. We’ll delve into the challenges and rewards of living with these iconic speakers, offering practical advice, real-world anecdotes, and a touch of humor to help you decide if they’re the right fit for your audio journey. Get ready to explore the world of La Scalas—where sonic excellence meets spatial planning.
Key Takeaways
- Room size is paramount: Klipsch La Scalas demand space. Think large rooms, not small apartments. Their powerful sound needs room to breathe.
- Consider your lifestyle: These speakers are big, bold, and require careful integration into your home. Think about aesthetics and the potential for furniture rearrangement.
- Amplifier pairing is key: La Scalas are highly sensitive. A compatible amplifier, potentially a tube amp or low-power Class A solid-state amp, can significantly impact their performance.
Klipsch La Scala: Sound and Space
The Klipsch La Scala speakers are renowned for their powerful sound, but that power comes with a prerequisite: space. We’re not talking about squeezing them into a corner; these speakers demand a dedicated listening area. Think less cozy living room, more concert hall. Before committing to their impressive specs, let’s explore the crucial relationship between the La Scala’s sonic performance and the room they inhabit. Understanding this dynamic is key to a satisfying—and non-frustrating—listening experience. One user colorfully described rearranging their entire house, convinced the ideal setup was inside an abandoned airplane hangar (Reddit). While humorous, this anecdote highlights the challenges involved.
Expansive Soundstage and Powerful Highs
The La Scala’s large horns project sound across a wide and deep soundstage, creating an immersive “you-are-there” listening experience (Reddit). High frequencies are crisp and detailed, adding airiness and realism. However, in a smaller room, these powerful highs can become overwhelming. The sound waves have less room to dissipate, potentially causing listening fatigue.
Detailed Mids and Live Music Reproduction
Midrange frequencies are where vocals and instruments truly shine, and the La Scala reproduces them with exceptional clarity. This contributes to the speaker’s celebrated “live music” feel. But again, room size is a critical factor. In a cramped space, the detailed mids can sound congested, losing their natural separation and becoming less defined.
Bass Performance and Subwoofer Considerations
While the La Scala delivers impressive bass, some listeners might want more depth in the lowest frequencies. Adding a subwoofer can enhance the low-end, but this introduces another spatial challenge. A subwoofer requires careful placement to integrate seamlessly with the La Scalas. In a small room, finding that sweet spot can be tricky. The Klipsch community frequently discusses ideal room sizes, with recommendations ranging from 13 to 17 feet between the speakers (Klipsch Community). This spacing, combined with the La Scala’s considerable size—nearly 39 inches high, 24 inches wide, and 26 inches deep, weighing 176 pounds each (Audio Nostalgia)—makes it clear these speakers are designed for larger environments. Their original purpose as public address systems in venues like bars and movie theaters (Steve Hoffman Music Forums) further underscores their need for ample room to breathe.
Defining the La Scala Sound
The Klipsch La Scala isn’t just a speaker; it’s an experience. Its distinct sound signature has captivated audiophiles for decades, and understanding its characteristics is key to appreciating its unique appeal. Let’s break down what makes the La Scala sound so special.
Expansive Soundstage and Powerful Highs
Imagine a soundstage so wide it feels like the musicians are performing in your neighbor’s yard. That’s the magic of the La Scala. Its horn-loaded design creates an incredibly spacious presentation, placing instruments and vocals with remarkable precision. And the highs? Prepare for impact. Cymbals shimmer and crash with breathtaking realism, adding thrilling energy to your listening sessions. One Reddit user perfectly captured this experience, describing the highs as being delivered “with the force of a meteor strike.” Their full, entertaining account is worth a read.
Detailed Mids and Live Music Reproduction
Beyond the expansive soundstage and powerful highs, the La Scala’s midrange performance truly shines. Vocals are presented with exceptional clarity and detail, allowing you to hear every nuance of the performance. From subtle inflections to the slightest breath, the La Scala reproduces the human voice with stunning accuracy. This same detail extends to instruments, making the La Scala a fantastic choice for fans of acoustic music and live recordings. As one La Scala owner put it, they can hear “every sniffle, lip smack, and existential crisis of the vocalist.” This user’s experience offers valuable insights. This level of detail brings a sense of intimacy and realism to your listening experience, making you feel like you’re right there in the recording studio or concert hall. For those interested in learning more about other speaker types, our speaker type guide provides a comprehensive overview.
Bass Performance and Subwoofer Considerations
While the La Scala excels in soundstage, highs, and midrange detail, its bass performance often requires some extra attention. The La Scala’s bass is present and well-defined, but it might not satisfy those who crave deep, rumbling low-end frequencies. This is where subwoofers come into play. Many La Scala owners choose to pair their speakers with one or two subwoofers to extend the bass response and create a truly full-range sound system. One user humorously noted needing “two REL subs to even notice” the bass. Their perspective adds a touch of humor to the discussion. Adding a subwoofer can significantly enhance the La Scala’s performance, providing the foundational low-end support needed for a truly immersive listening experience. If you’re considering adding a subwoofer to your setup, our guide can help you choose the right one for your needs.
La Scala Speakers: Physical Presence
Size, Design, and Room Requirements
The Klipsch La Scala II speakers command attention. At nearly 98cm tall, 62cm wide, and 65cm deep, these aren’t bookshelf speakers. Each speaker weighs a hefty 80kg—consider getting help if you need to move them. This substantial size contributes to their commanding presence and plays a vital role in their acoustic performance. Built with high-grade adhesives and fasteners, the robust cabinets promise lasting durability and sound integrity. Klipsch designed these as heirloom pieces, meant to last for generations. One reviewer at Audio Nostalgia even called them “audio furniture.”
Optimal Placement for Large Spaces
Given their size, La Scala speakers demand significant space. They are better suited to dedicated listening rooms or spacious living areas than smaller apartments. For optimal sound, position them less than 15–16 feet apart, particularly if you aren’t using a center channel speaker. Originally designed for large venues like bars and movie theaters, these speakers need ample room to perform at their best. Discussions on the Klipsch Audio Community emphasize the importance of room size for optimal performance. If you’re working with limited space, explore other speaker options on Supermarket Sound.
Integrating La Scala into Your Home
So, you’ve decided to welcome the legendary Klipsch La Scalas into your life. Congratulations! Prepare yourself for a sonic adventure. But before you get swept away by the promise of audio nirvana, let’s talk practicalities. These speakers are substantial—both in sound and physical presence. Integrating them into your home requires planning, creativity, and maybe some tough conversations with your family.
Creative Decor Solutions and Aesthetic Challenges
Let’s be honest, La Scalas aren’t exactly known for their sleek, minimalist design. One reviewer aptly described them as “rejected prototypes for ugly mid-century furniture.” At nearly 98cm high, 62cm wide, and 65cm deep, and weighing in at a hefty 80kg each (Audio Nostalgia), these speakers command attention. If your aesthetic leans towards minimalist chic, you might experience a design clash.
But don’t despair! There are ways to incorporate these audio behemoths gracefully. Consider these strategies:
- Embrace the vintage vibe: Lean into the retro aesthetic. Pair the speakers with other mid-century modern pieces or incorporate vintage-inspired decor. A well-placed rug or strategically chosen artwork can tie the room together.
- Strategic placement: Sometimes, the best approach is to simply minimize their visual impact. Place them in less-trafficked areas of the room or flank a large piece of furniture, like an entertainment center. This can help them blend into the background.
- Custom grilles: Explore custom grilles to soften the look. Choose a fabric that complements your decor and creates a more unified feel. This allows you to personalize the speakers’ appearance and integrate them more seamlessly.
- Lighting: Clever lighting can draw attention away from the speakers and highlight other design elements in the room. Use lighting to create a focal point elsewhere, minimizing the visual prominence of the La Scalas.
Remember, the goal is to create a space where the speakers enhance, not dominate, the overall aesthetic. It’s about finding a balance between form and function. Think of your room as a canvas, and the La Scalas as one element—albeit a large one—in the overall composition.
Space Management and Furniture Rearrangement
“I’ve rearranged my entire house trying to make these beasts sound right,” lamented one La Scala owner on Reddit. This sentiment is not uncommon. These speakers require space—and lots of it. Their horn-loaded design and sheer size mean they thrive in larger rooms. Cramming them into a small apartment might not yield the best results. One forum discussion suggested keeping La Scalas less than about 15–16 feet apart if you’re not using a center channel (Klipsch Community). Another commenter mentioned their intended use in large venues like movie theaters and skating rinks (Steve Hoffman Music Forums). This gives you a sense of the scale these speakers were designed for.
Before you even think about plugging them in, consider the following:
- Room size: Ideally, La Scalas are best suited for dedicated listening rooms or large living spaces. While some have experimented with using them in smaller rooms, the results can be overwhelming. Think about the overall dimensions of your room and how the speakers will fit within that space. Consider ceiling height as well, as the sound these speakers produce needs room to breathe.
- Placement: Proper placement is crucial for optimal sound. Experiment with different positions to find the sweet spot. Consider the distance between the speakers, their distance from the walls, and the angle they face. Even small adjustments can make a big difference.
- Furniture arrangement: Be prepared to rearrange your furniture. You might need to move sofas, chairs, and tables to accommodate the speakers and create an optimal listening environment. Think about traffic flow and how the furniture arrangement will impact the overall functionality of the room. It’s a puzzle, but a rewarding one.
- Acoustic treatment: While not strictly about space management, consider acoustic treatment to further refine the sound. This can involve adding rugs, curtains, or acoustic panels to absorb reflections and minimize unwanted resonances. This can significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of the sound.
Integrating La Scalas into your home is a commitment. It’s about more than just finding a place to put them; it’s about creating a space where they can truly sing. And sometimes, that means making some sacrifices in terms of furniture arrangement and overall aesthetics. But for true audiophiles, the sonic rewards are well worth the effort.
Complementary Equipment for La Scala
Getting the most out of your Klipsch La Scalas involves understanding how different components interact with these unique speakers. Their high sensitivity and distinct sonic character require careful consideration when selecting amplifiers and maintaining their internal components.
Amplifier Pairing and Source Components
Klipsch La Scala speakers are highly sensitive. Rated at 105dB, they produce impressive volume with minimal power. This makes them compatible with a wide range of amplifiers, particularly those known for a smoother high-frequency response. Many find that tube amplifiers or low-power Class A solid-state amps pair well with La Scalas, creating a warmer, more balanced sound. As noted in an Audiokarma discussion, electronics that are “softer at the top end” often complement Klipsch speakers. This high sensitivity also means La Scalas can reach impressive volumes with minimal power, achieving “jet-engine-take-off volumes with only one freaking watt,” as highlighted in SoundStageHiFi’s review. This opens up possibilities for using various source components—a quality preamp, a good DAC, or even a simple turntable—without needing excessive power.
Fine-tuning for Long-term Performance
While La Scalas are built to last, paying attention to the crossover components is crucial for maintaining their performance over time. Capacitors, unlike other crossover parts, tend to degrade with age. As one user in the Klipsch Community forums mentioned, “capacitors don’t last forever,” suggesting periodic checks and potential upgrades. Beyond simple maintenance, some La Scala owners explore customizing their crossovers for a more tailored sound. Discussions in online communities reveal a desire among some users to create “a new crossover with a modern look, detachable and more natural sounding.” This shows how fine-tuning these components can further refine the listening experience.
The Audiophile’s Dilemma: Sound vs. Space
Sound Quality vs. Space Constraints
The Klipsch La Scala speakers are known for their remarkable sound, but they require significant space. A commenter in the Klipsch Audio Community noted, “Even they need a large room, but the La Scala has no place at home. It was designed as a PA speaker and found homes in bars, movie theaters, skating rinks, etc.” This presents a challenge for audiophiles who want these speakers at home, given they weren’t designed for smaller spaces. Audio Nostalgia lists the La Scala II’s dimensions as almost 98cm high, 62cm wide, and 65cm deep, with each speaker weighing a substantial 80kg. Placement and simply moving them becomes a serious consideration in homes where space is limited.
The “Wife Acceptance Factor”
Beyond the physical footprint, the La Scala’s appearance can also be a challenge. “My spouse says they look like rejected prototypes for ugly mid-century furniture. ‘Why are they so big?’ she asks,” joked one Reddit user. This comment perfectly captures the struggle many audiophiles face: balancing a passion for great sound with home decor and, well, relationships. The so-called “Wife Acceptance Factor” often heavily influences decisions about large audio equipment like the La Scala. Audiokarma discussions about La Scala placement also highlight these aesthetic and spatial challenges in a home environment.
Optimizing Your La Scala Setup
So, you’ve brought home your Klipsch La Scalas. These aren’t bookshelf speakers; they’re a statement. Now, the challenge—and the fun—begins: making them sing in your space. This isn’t about just plugging them in; it’s about creating an environment where their legendary sound can truly flourish.
Acoustic Treatment Considerations
One audiophile described their experience rearranging their entire house to find the sweet spot for their La Scalas, jokingly suggesting an abandoned airplane hangar as the ideal setting. This hyperbole highlights a real issue: La Scalas need room to breathe. Think of your room as an instrument itself. Bare walls and floors can create reflections that muddy the sound, making it boomy or harsh. Strategically placing rugs, curtains, and even acoustic panels can absorb or diffuse these reflections, tightening the bass and clarifying the overall soundstage. Experiment with different materials and placements to find what works best in your space. Discussions on the Klipsch community forums often revolve around ideal room dimensions, with the manual suggesting 13 to 17 feet between speakers as a starting point. Remember, the La Scala II enclosure is built with high-quality adhesives and fasteners, as highlighted in this Klipsch La Scala II review, so the speakers themselves are solidly constructed—it’s the environment that needs attention.
Managing Volume and Neighbors
La Scalas are known for their powerful, direct sound. While this is part of their charm, it also presents a unique challenge: keeping the peace with your neighbors. These speakers were initially designed for large venues like movie theaters and skating rinks, so they can easily fill a room—and the rooms next door—with sound. Consider your listening habits and your surroundings. Late-night listening sessions at concert-level volumes might not be feasible. Experimenting with speaker placement can also help. One user detailed their setup with a listening position 10.5 feet back from the speakers, dead center. Ultimately, finding the right balance between enjoying your La Scalas and respecting your neighbors is key to a harmonious listening experience.
Common La Scala Challenges
While Klipsch La Scala speakers offer remarkable sound, they come with unique challenges. Understanding these beforehand can save you time, money, and potential frustration.
Dealing with Bright or Harsh Sound
One common observation about La Scalas is a perceived brightness or harshness in the high frequencies. One user vividly described it as “cymbals delivered with the force of a meteor strike.” This isn’t necessarily a flaw, but a characteristic of their horn-loaded design. If you find the highs too intense, consider pairing your La Scalas with warmer electronics. Tube amplifiers or Class A solid-state amps, known for their smoother high-end, can often tame the La Scala’s energetic treble. Experimenting with different speaker cables and interconnects can also subtly adjust the overall tonal balance. Consider exploring resources on speaker placement to mitigate harshness.
Adapting to the La Scala Sound
Beyond the sometimes-bright highs, the overall presentation of the La Scala takes some getting used to. These speakers have an “in-your-face” sound, which some listeners love and others find overwhelming. One user commented that if you don’t enjoy music presented “live and in your face,” you might feel like the horns are “shouting at you.” This forward presentation, combined with the sheer size of the speakers, requires careful room placement and possibly even acoustic treatment. One frustrated owner jokingly suggested “an abandoned airplane hangar” would be the ideal setup. While exaggerated, this highlights the importance of considering your room’s acoustics and listening preferences before buying these powerful speakers. If you prefer a more relaxed presentation, La Scalas might not be the best choice. Check out our room acoustics guide for more information.
Living with La Scala: Anecdotes and Tips
So you’ve brought home a pair of Klipsch La Scalas. Congratulations! You’re now the proud owner of legendary speakers known for their powerful sound and, let’s be honest, imposing size. But what’s it actually like to live with these behemoths? It’s more than just impressive audio; it’s a lifestyle adjustment. Prepare for a unique experience—and some interesting conversations.
Unexpected Guest Reactions
The sheer size of La Scalas tends to elicit strong reactions. They’re not exactly discreet. One Reddit user perfectly captured the spousal critique: “My spouse says they look like rejected prototypes for ugly mid-century furniture. ‘Why are they so big?’ she asks.” This humorous anecdote highlights the common clash between audiophile enthusiasm and interior design sensibilities. Another commenter on the Steve Hoffman Music Forums offered a historical perspective, noting that “the La Scala has no place at home. It was designed as a PA speaker and found homes in bars, movie theaters, skating rinks, etc.” While that might be a slight exaggeration, it underscores the La Scala’s unconventional nature in a home setting. Be prepared for raised eyebrows and good-natured ribbing from visitors.
Daily Life with Large Speakers
Integrating La Scalas into your daily life often involves more than simply finding a spot for them. It can mean rethinking your entire living space. “I’ve rearranged my entire house trying to make these beasts sound right,” confessed one frustrated owner, adding, “I’m convinced the ‘ideal’ setup is inside an abandoned airplane hangar.” This speaks to the challenge of finding the right acoustics and placement within a typical home. But the payoff can be extraordinary. As another user on Reddit explained, “La Scalas are special. If you are a fan of your music sounding ‘live’…then these are your speakers.” That “live” sound, however, comes with a caveat: “If you don’t like the music ‘live and in your face’ then you won’t like these.” Consider your listening preferences and tolerance for powerful, present sound before buying La Scalas.
La Scala’s Modern Legacy
Enduring Appeal
The Klipsch La Scala isn’t just a speaker; it’s a statement. It’s the kind of speaker that inspires passionate discussions, even heated debates, among audiophiles. One Reddit user perfectly captured this sentiment, describing the La Scala’s powerful horns with the “subtlety of a drunk uncle at Thanksgiving.” This comment, while humorous, speaks to the sheer sonic force these speakers possess. They’re not for the faint of heart, but for those who crave a truly live music experience at home. The La Scala’s distinct sound, created by its horn-loaded design, produces a massive soundstage and impactful highs. The compression driver in the tweeter is a key component of the La Scala’s sonic character. It’s this unique combination of power and presence that continues to draw listeners in, generation after generation. They’re not just speakers; they’re a piece of audio history.
Balancing Vintage Design and Modern Needs
Owning La Scalas is a commitment. These aren’t your average bookshelf speakers. We’re talking serious size and weight, with each speaker weighing in at around 176 pounds and occupying a significant footprint. As one forum user pointed out, these were originally designed as PA speakers for venues like bars, movie theaters, and even skating rinks. So, while the vintage design is part of their charm, integrating them into a modern home requires planning. Klipsch emphasizes the construction of the La Scala II cabinets, using high-quality adhesives and fasteners. This focus on durability ensures that these speakers can truly be passed down through generations, becoming a cherished heirloom. However, their size and weight present a challenge for those with limited space. Finding the right balance between the La Scala’s sonic benefits and its physical demands is key to enjoying them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Klipsch La Scalas good for apartments?
Probably not. These speakers need a lot of space to perform optimally. Their powerful sound and large size make them better suited to dedicated listening rooms or spacious living areas. If you live in a smaller apartment, you might find them overwhelming and difficult to place effectively. Consider exploring other speaker options better suited for smaller environments.
What kind of amplifier works best with La Scalas?
Because of their high sensitivity, La Scalas don’t need a ton of power. Many people find that tube amplifiers or lower-powered Class A solid-state amps create a pleasing, warm sound with these speakers. Amps that are a bit softer in the high frequencies often complement the La Scala’s bright character.
Do I need a subwoofer with Klipsch La Scalas?
While the La Scalas produce decent bass on their own, some listeners find they benefit from a subwoofer to add more depth in the lowest frequencies. If you crave that truly rumbling low-end, a subwoofer can make a noticeable difference. However, keep in mind that adding a subwoofer introduces another element to consider when optimizing your room’s acoustics and speaker placement.
What’s the “Wife Acceptance Factor” with these speakers?
Let’s just say the La Scalas have a distinctive look. Their large size and retro aesthetic can be a challenge to integrate into some home decor styles. Be prepared for some interesting conversations about their visual impact. You might need to get creative with placement and decor to make everyone happy.
Are La Scalas difficult to maintain?
La Scalas are generally robust and built to last. However, the crossover components, particularly the capacitors, can degrade over time. It’s a good idea to have them checked periodically and consider potential upgrades down the line. Some La Scala owners even customize their crossovers to fine-tune the sound to their liking.
