KLIPSCH LA SCALA AL5 NATURAL CHERRY

Three-way floor-standing speaker fully horn-loaded – handcrafted in Hope, Arkansas, USA.

The world of audio in Japan is one of the most fascinating and bizarre, and one of the most significant contributions the Japanese have made to this field is the idea that home audio is not just a means to enhance the musical experience of others, but can become an art form in itself. This concept was embodied by poet, journalist, chef, and amplifier builder Susumu Sakuma, known as Sakuma-san. After building numerous amplifiers, Sakuma-san concluded that devices that measured well were unable to evoke deep emotions. For him, the most emotional sound came from mono systems powered by direct-heated triode amplifiers, coupled with transformers.

The Klipsch La Scala, although originally designed as PA speakers in 1963, represent a perfect example of Sakuma-san's philosophy. Despite their massive appearance, with a birch plywood and MDF cabinet measuring 40.0 inches in height, 24.25 inches in width, and 25.3 inches in depth, weighing 202.4 lbs, they offer a sound quality that is hard to find elsewhere. The design, made up of two stacked sections, includes a 1" compression driver with a polyimide diaphragm and a Tractrix horn for highs, a 2" midrange driver with a phenolic diaphragm for mid frequencies, and a 15" woofer mounted in reverse shooting into a folded horn for bass. This system, while not able to reproduce deep bass below 50Hz, provides an unparalleled dynamic experience, with a breadth that allows it to reach extreme volume levels without noticeable distortion. Every detail, from the fine walnut finish to the magnetic mesh grilles, reflects an attention to design.

Despite the inability to achieve extreme bass, the La Scala are capable of reproducing dynamics and tonal ranges with extraordinary naturalness, creating an incredible illusion of real musicians playing in the room. The sound is not only alive but conveys emotion in every note, as in the case of Dusty Springfield's reinterpretation of "The Windmills of Your Mind," where every detail is rendered with surprising clarity.

These speakers are much more than just a tool to listen to music: they are a means to immerse yourself in the emotional experience of the piece. With a frequency response that, while not perfectly neutral, enriches the sound with a smooth high range and presence in the mid-bass, the La Scala reveal a unique ability to engage the listener emotionally. With adequate amplification, the La Scala not only surprise with their efficiency but also with their ability to make the music feel like a true performance.

Technical Specifications:

• K-771 1-inch (25 mm) tweeter with neodymium magnet, polyimide diaphragm, and proprietary Tractrix Horn 90°x40° loading system
• K-55-X 2-inch (50 mm) midrange driver with phenolic diaphragm and exponential horn loading
• K-33-E 15-inch (380 mm) woofer with composite fiber cone and folded horn loading system
• Frequency response: 51 Hz - 20 kHz
• Nominal impedance: 8 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 105 dB
• Maximum sound pressure: 121 dB
• Power handling: 400 watts peak, 100 watts RMS
• Crossover frequencies: 450 Hz / 4500 Hz
• Bi-wiring and bi-amping ready connectors
• Finish: Natural Cherry
• Dimensions (L x H x D) including base: 24.25 x 40.0 x 25.3 inches
• Weight: 202.4 lbs