Klipsch LaScala AL5 Speakers, $13,200 per pair
(40h, 24.25w, 25.25d, 201 lbs, 105dB SPL)
To me, the most iconic loudspeaker from the early days of STEREO is the Klipsch LaScala. It is fabulously gorgeous! It makes a proud statement in your room that you love music and
DEMAND to make space for it in your life. It has just been updated to LaScala AL5.
Let the sissies put their Dixie cup satellites and tiny subs on shelves. LaScala is for those of us who want the big, bold sound of a live performance in our living room. We make no apology for the size. In fact, we’re downright proud that we dig music to this degree!
LaScala is a modern speaker, just updated in 2019 in fact! All parts have been improved and the look has been elegantly refined. As much as I’m waxing on about the vintage look, LaScala is all about high performance.
Having 105dB SPL means LaScala can go from 0-100 faster than anything else out there! When you first get a taste of the dynamic range of a vocal, guitar or piano- you’ll be STRUCK by how real it is. Many listeners comment that they feel like they’re listening to MASTER TAPES instead of LPs.
As a piano player that has a limited range of dynamic touch, I can hear the wide array of gradations that the pros have- better than ever. As an example, pros like Kissin/Hamelin/Volodos/Wang have dynamic contrasts from 1-100 (1 being quiet, 100 being frightening!). As an amateur, my range is a scant portion in the middle- about 45-55. I can’t go nearly as tenderly, or powerful. Sucks to be me.
Playing Musorgsky’s Pictures At An Exhibition (try Elias Axel Petterson) reveals the gigantic contrasts of the piece. As Petterson goes from promenades to the various pictures (Gnomus, Bydlo, Goldberg, Catacombs & The Great Gate) you feel the weight of the piano almost explode into your room! The ever light Tuleries sparkles with precision detail. LaScala isn’t just a brute. It’s a master of subtle detail. The great RANGE of emotions is due to LaScala’s ability to reveal them.
LaScala AL5 has K’s new Polyimide (film) tweeter- the same one used in the new Khorn. It is clearly more extended on top than its predecessor, without sounding sharp. The bass of LaScala AL5 is leaner than muddier, despite the speaker’s girth. The accordion style woofer is drawn taut and doesn’t need much excursion to create huge dynamics! It’s travel is short and throws a lightning fast left hook.
For me, LaScala AL5 is a slam dunk choice to put on the short list of best speakers in its price class.
If you appreciate music in lush oceans of sound, you’re gonna love LaScala. If you’re a persnickety audiophile who obsesses about frequencies only your dog can hear, I’m sorry you’ll be missing out on the fun!