PrestonTom

That looks pretty cool indeed. Bi-amping is always fun, but don't bother unless you combine it with an active crossover. Please note on the amps (and you probably already know this), they need to be very quiet ones (no hiss or hum). Will yours be in good order? Good luck & it looks like a fun project, -Tom

If I understand your question .... Yes, the K-402 is a big horn. It is also a controlled dispersion horn (CD - meaning the off-axis response is comparable to the on-axis response). The dispersion is controlled down to the crossover point of 500 Hz in both the horizontal and vertical planes. This is a big deal and is one of the reasons the Jubilee sounds so nice. The smaller version of this style of horn, made by Klipsch and also designed by Roy Delgado, is the K-510. It is only 15 inches wide and 9 inches tall. It will control dispersion down to about 500 Hz in the horizontal plane; however, it will only control dispersion down to about 1600 Hz (or so) in the vertical plane. So there will be some splash off the ceiling. If the ceilings are high then there is not so much to worry about. I have actually used both configurations with satisfactory results. If your ceilings are tall, then the differences between the two are smaller Yes, the K-402 does sound better, but you would be surprised how good the smaller K-510 can sound. The K-510 with the jubilee bass bin would be comparable in size to the Klipschorn. With a bit of cabinetry, the appearance would be comparable also. Now the question becomes: Which sounds better, the Klipschorn or the Jubilee (configured with the smaller K-510 horn)?. The Jubilee will again win, hands down. Please note that I have lived with all three systems (although the Klipschorn was an AA version). Good luck, -Tom

No idea about the power supplies, although I do l know folks like to upgrade them. I remember When I found out I was supposed to clean the panels. I used an upholstery attachment on the vacuum cleaner and was very, very careful. A relative phoned later and asked what I was up to ("vacuuming my speakers ...."). They thought I had really gone over the top after hearing that.

Good points. Need to emphasize that panel speakers, in general, are a tough load for an amplifier. They are both inefficient and reactive. Amplifier requirements will be quite different than what you see with Klipsch equipment. Just going through the numbers in my head and my deficient memory, it is quite possible those Aerius speakers are over 30 years old. The panels may need replacement (they will still make sound, but it will rolled off and attenuated). Replacement panels, if needed, can be installed by the user and are only slightly expensive. In either case, good luck, -Tom

I used to own a pair of these. They are an entry level model and went through some updates. You will want to know if the panels have ever been replaced. The panels wear out over time, partially due to humidity. If so, there will be a loss at the higher frequencies. Since they are a panel speaker, considerable care is required in their placement. The manual (available online) is a good guide if you follow the directions carefully (the process is a bit tedious and certainly not quick). The midrange will sound very nice (true of most panel speakers). The bass (in this case a sealed cone woofer) will be a bit underwhelming. It is best used with a subwoofer. When you listen to them, properly positioned, the there will be a "magic" about them. Turn it up 15-20 dB (3-4 times "louder"), then ask yourself if the "magic" is still there? My review is not a negative one. Panel speakers, in general, do some things very nicely. The Aerius would be a good introduction. BTW, if you have a look at Craigslist, you will see the asking price is a little high. Good luck, -Tom

They are clearly not Klipschorns. If they were advertised as Klipschorns, then that is a huge red flag! Best to steer clear of them.

You are getting lazy on me ..... This is not exhaustive, but it was a quick Google search These are just a few examples. Please note, the "medium sized" horn in the photo with PWK is the "K-403". it was a prototype that never went into production and is not obtainable. Personally I would use the the Big Horn (K-402) which sounds the best. A second alternative (which is a compromise) is the smaller K-510 pictured in the bottom photo (yes, it could easily be put into a cabinet). There are some after market horns that are medium sized ... IMHO, I would not bother with them. Good Luck and sorry if I clogged the bandwidth with these photos, -Tom Below is my strategy. It is not for everyone's taste, but it can be done by an average DIYer. It offers a conceptual template so that someone else can improve on it with their own good ideas

In terms of cosmetics, there are several strategies. See the threads and photos by 1) Rigma, 2) Kudret, and 3) The CES convention that PWK was at (there are some photos if you search, and 4) my own. Very different approaches and each can be modified to suit your lifestyle. My list was brief and there are other good examples, but my memory is working against me right now. I would not worry about the amplifiers. A side by side comparison would be difficult, but Corey might have something or at least a recommendation ( https://www.facebook.com/PaducahHomeTheater/ ) Good Luck, -Tom

Posting this in the "Technical / Modifications" section, solves your problem --- how? "thousands of dollars every year" - really???

There is absolutely no question about it. The Jubilee wins hands down. If you are worried about the size, remember the foot print is about the same. If you are worried about the overall size (the height), then you can substitute the K-510 horn for the big K-402 (it is the design family of modified tractrix horns from Roy Delgado). You will probably read all sorts of things about "needing" to swap drivers etc. Don't let that deter you. A stock configuration, right out of the box will sound great, probably better than anything you have ever heard. If you are worried about cosmetics, there are several different strategies to make them a bit more decor-friendly. What part of the country do you live in? Owners always like to show off the Jubilees. Good luck, -Tom

If this is a recent purchase, then I would do nothing with them other than listen & enjoy, listen & enjoy, listen & enjoy. At a later time, if you have noticed any particular deficits, then come up with a directed plan. Good Luck, -Tom

There is a much easier experiment. Turn you speaker cabinet toward the wall and play a 10kHz tone (with the volume knob set at its usual position). Sit at the listener's spot and honestly ask yourself: "do I hear anything, anything at all"? I think you might be surprised and guess what, you just saved a bunch of money. Good luck, -Tom

I am not sure of the specs on that particular 18 inch JBL woofer, however, that large of a woofer generally produces a good deal of non-linearities at those higher frequencies. That is why they are generally not very good in a two-way (or three-way) system. I won't even bother with the notion of setting the crossover at a region where the polars of the woofer and tweeter are comparable. Unless there is something I am missing (with this particular 18inch woofer), I think you are going to run into some problems. A 15inch woofer(s) or a pair(s) of 12inch woofers might be a better idea. Again, you need to look at some of the measured specs first before building a prototype. Good luck, -Tom

Chris, the OP mentioned this combination of the K-402 paired with 18 inch woofers. Are you still comfortable with your recommendation? Any idea on where to crossover in order to make this work?

Crossed at 10kHz - you will see very little additional energy at the listener's position. Above 10 kHz there is little energy to begin with (in the recording and playback). BTW, in the 1970s, Infinity did this with their EMIT tweeters on some models. I had some, and noticed zero difference (they had a knob to dial them up or down). Good Luck, -Tom

Perhaps the OP could tell us where he is located. Who knows, maybe a member with the new model(s) might be local?

There is a more appropriate forum for this. Tacking it onto an 18 year old thread will not get you very far. May I suggest posting in the "Garage Sale" forum with a price and several photos

Before you pull the trigger, let me suggest a couple of things. First, on the Klipsch website somewhere there is a list of dealers that stock the heritage line. By all means, listen to them yourself. Second hand opinions on the internet are exactly that ---- second hand opinions. You are the one that needs to live with them. Second, don't shy away from the earlier versions of Cornwalls and Heresys. They frequently come up for sale on CraigsList etc. They will be considerably less expensive. In terms of value (bang for the buck) you might be amazed, truly amazed. BTW, Personally, I don't think the Cornwalls are too big. Besides if you buy a used pair and they don't work out, you can easily sell them for about what you paid. EDIT: My suggestion about used versions does not mean that the (near) current versions are not great sounding. I have not heard them (they have not been around long enough to be in the used market). I imagine they sound great, but those high prices scare me off. Good luck, -Tom

I assume this a sealed cabinet and not ported. I am curious about the weight of the tweeter driver. In my case it would be a JBL 4 inch voice coil version and it is about 35 lb. In your case that EV driver also probably weighs quite a bit. I am leery about mounting it to the K402 without adequate support since I would hate to have the horn's flange self-destruct. Are you going to run some sort of internal shelf across the width of the cabinet? Everything I have sketched out seems rather makeshift and may not hold up if the cabinets were ever moved or tipped. Interesting project, -Tom

Good luck with this project. It looks like you are making good progress. I toyed with the idea myself, but I get nervous about cutting up a K402. My guess is that they will be a bit over 2 ft wide and close to 4 ft tall. Any guess on what they might weigh (I imagine there is substantial bracing inside to carry the various loads)? -Tom

You are under the impression that it is a "drop in" replacement for the KLF 30. Life is seldom that simple. One difference is the the Mumps horn is CD (controlled dispersion where the on-axis and off-axis frequency response is comparable). This has a big effect on the sound quality (usually an improvement in my opinion, if it is done correctly). However the new horn (and perhaps driver) will probably necessitate a change in the crossover. Is this something you would be comfortable doing? Is there someone out there with the competence and experience who has done this before? It is infrequent that simply swapping parts will bring about an improvement. It usually requires a system design approach, IMHO. Yes, I know that is not always a popular opinion on audio forums. Good luck, -Tom

Hey guys, it's okay to turn down the mid-range. My point is that the balancing network is a fundamental piece of the speaker system and a 3dB shift is substantial. If things are that far off, then maybe Klipsch is not the system for you.. There is no "wrong answer". The Klipsch system may have been designed for a different sort of listener. There may be designs that are better designed for your preferences. Perhaps Klipsch is not one of them. Personally, unless you are willing to go to DSP, I think they got it right. Good Luck, -Tom

I have not forgotten. I took some more photos and I will post them. As you can imagine ... things have gotten busy. I have not forgotten.

I agree. I don't think the AA would be considered a constant impedance design. If that is something someone feels the need for, then ALK has some networks that will approximate that goal. IMO, a decent amplifier should be able to deal with changes in impedance (within reason). Although there are some tube amps (not most) that will track the load impedance. Just as a general comment, why are folks wanting to drop the midrange output on the Klipsch balancing network? A 3 dB change is actually a significant difference. I imagine the designer spent some time developing that network. Do you think they got it wrong? Is it possible that the "Klipsch sound" is not your cup of tea? I am not being mean, but there are a ton of speakers out there, you should be able to find one that has a design (components, drivers etc - all working together) that meets an individual's satisfaction. Good Luck, -Tom

Rudy, I am glad you are back at home. It is the best place to be. Good luck and I am happy to hear that things are getting better. -Tom