Alex L
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Posts posted by Alex L
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I have both the KMC 1 and KMC 3. The KMC 3 is great for an in-home-only purpose, but the KMC 1, like Chad said, is much more versatile. Much more low-end than you would probably expect from a Bluetooth speaker.
The Bose Soundlink Mini isn't a bad product and that HOM speaker is pretty sexy....then again, I'm a sucker for wood (who will make a joke first?).
The Beats Pill is hands-down the worst audio product I have ever demoed. Worse than any Bluetooth speakers I have tried. Heck, it's even worse than any headphones I've tried. It is a trash...dirty brown, water trash.
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Notice that someone stole the freakin' PWK badges off our Heritage speakers! Basterds.
Khornkupia, it was a pleasure to meet you as well! Lovely chat.
I'm not surprised. Have you priced those on Ebay???
I keep looking for them to pop up.
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I really enjoyed the wireless DOLBY ATMO compatible powered speaker demo... very impressive. The museum displays were excellent and I got a handfull of the "Bullsh$t" buttons. This was the best CES display that Klipsch ever put on!
Awesome!
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Let us call this new line SOH (Son of Heritage and extended)
I'd prefer if you didn't, actually.
I'd call them "wireless active prototype loudspeakers from Klipsch".
The official name at CES was Klipsch Bridge (Model Number).
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Just to clarify... I wasn't saying these "Wireless Concept Speakers" would be my upgrade option for the Heritage LaScala based system I now have. I believe I stated that pretty clearly with the LaScala 2, JubScala and/or Pro Cinema line additions I mentioned.
However, for someone like me who has/had older pairs of KLF-20, Epic CF, Chorus II, Forte II, etc. in a 2 channel setup... And wanted to buy "Brand New Klipsch" as an addition or upgrade, then yes, these new "Concept Speakers" would be something worth considering (but without the amps, DSP and WiSA electronics).
You mentioned there were "plenty of good options" for "people with systems like mine"... what are those options in your opinion? And again, I'm talking about someone with the older/bigger KLF-20/30, Epic CF and/or Forte2/Chorus2... That is looking for something with a similar footprint and (non Heritage) price, that actually sounds better than those older models? I know the answer is very subjective, but I would like to know your opinion?
Since I have spent $$$$$ on Klipsch speakers over the years, I won't offer my opinion on those who spend $1000 for shoes and over $300 for jeans. Though I would ask and wonder if those same people were willing to spend $1500-$3000 on "Wireless Concept Speakers"?
No, I have not heard the "Stadium Home Music System"... And the only thing I know about it, is what I've read on the "Stadium Product Page" on the Klipsch website. You say "You don't move it"... yet there are photos showing it located in various places around what appears to be an office, living room and kitchen? I guess it's size belies its immovability, so I would have to buy 3 or 4 to provide whole house coverage?
Instead of "asking the engineers" how it sounds... how about you point me to a dealer that actually has one that I can look at, touch and listen to? I'm located in zip code 75052, which is right in the middle of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. My own limited search today, of Klipsch dealers (those within 50 miles, as listed on your website) in this area, leads me to believe they don't know what it is and/or they don't have one. Though in fairness, one place (StarPower) did have a pre-production model at one point, but even it was no longer available.
Maybe I should have posed the question looking a little farther down the road... like 10-20 years? But mainly my concern is that as a speaker, full of electronic equipment, there are more things that can go wrong with it... versus a purely passive speaker, connected with good ol' copper wire, to the amplifier/receiver of my choosing.
The fact that they won't be made into passive options is unfortunate. And I would argue that the passive options (Reference, Icon, Gallery, etc) that have come along in the last 20 years or so, haven't been worth it (to me, in my own subjective terms) to consider as an upgrade to my current KLF-20's or former Forte II, Chorus II pairs.
The argument that Klipsch is a small company that can only support so many SKU's, sounds like BS to me... I'd argue that Klipsch has more SKU's today (or within the last year or two) than it's ever had in its history. Now back in 1989, when I bought my first pair of Forte's, I'd say Klipsch was a "small" company. Yet I could go to at least 2 places in the Dallas/Fort Worth area back then and see, touch and listen to almost all of the Klipsch product line. Can't do that today...
If and/or when these "Wireless Concept Speakers" get built and go on sale, what stores/dealers would potentially (actually) carry them? Or do we just have to "ask the engineers" how they sound and buy them online?
I have no problew with anyone being curt, whether intentional or not, as long as they are offering an honest opinion.
And as a longtime Klipsch customer, and as long as the Heritage line is around, I'll continue to wait and see what the future holds.
Whoops, I misread your post. Didn't realize you already had La Scalas! For some reason, I thought you "only" had Choruses which is why I suggested La Scala II or Cornwall. My apologies! Have you demo'd the RF-7 II before? If so, I'm curious what your thoughts are.
There are photos of the Stadium in different parts of the house because you need to show lifestyle photos of the products in different areas of the house, so people who have different ideas of where they want the speaker can imagine it. Plus, it allows us versatility for ads, social media, etc. It's quite a heavy beast, so, yes, you would have to buy multiple pieces to cover the whole house.
You make a fair point about 10-20 years. I'm not going to pretend I have the answer to that conundrum.
When I said we have two many SKUs, I am not comparing it to past times, as we definitely have more than then. That I am saying we almost have too many to support right now between PD, marketing, customer service, engineering, it's a lot to ask.
You are correct that it is harder now to demo Klipsch speakers than ever. It's sad! The boutique audio dealers are going away rapidly. We are looking at new types of dealers to display our products. 2015 should be a big year in that regard.
I will ask in the morning when I return to the office on where you can demo a Stadium in your area if it's possible. When I said "ask the engineers", I was simply saying that it is a product that we are extremely proud of - not that you shouldn't hear it for yourself!
As these are concept speakers, I have no idea where they will be placed. These are still a ways off.
Really, I probably shouldn't declare that making a passive version isn't an option. It's just not really in the plans at the moment BUT since this product is still early on, anything could happen.
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how did that even go unnoticed? After hours security? I'm betting so. Just don't think you could do that in broad daylight when the show is full. Pretty ridiculousNotice that someone stole the freakin' PWK badges off our Heritage speakers! Basterds.
Khornkupia, it was a pleasure to meet you as well! Lovely chat.
What's interesting is that the Cornwall PWK badges were stolen first and they were definitely stolen during the day while the show was taking place. No idea when the others were nabbed.
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Notice that someone stole the freakin' PWK badges off our Heritage speakers! Basterds.
Khornkupia, it was a pleasure to meet you as well! Lovely chat.
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This was maybe the coolest part of CES. NO ONE else at CES had something like this.
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Awesome photo, Amy!
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The Heritage-inspired speakers at CES 2015 had real wood veneer.
Yea, but still a corporate marketing decision to be made......
We shall see. Tomorrow, I am putting together a collection of reactions to the speakers on social media for the executives to examine.
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The Heritage-inspired speakers at CES 2015 had real wood veneer.
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What is April 11th?
The Friends of Paul forum gathering in Hope. 20 to 30 (est) forum members gathering to listen to music, treat the factory workers to a meal and POSSIBLY tour the factory.
I thought April 11th was the date Klipsch Moderators are to receive a set of these wireless speakers for Beta Testing.
Yes, please.
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BUT, like several others, I have no need nor do I want, powered/active speakers... from Klipsch or anyone else.
As a current LaScala owner (3 pair in my 5.1 setup) my "upgrade path" would either be towards new LaScala 2's or possibly towards a JubScala type setup with Pro/Cinema subs (KPT-684). However in my other living room I have KLF-20's and CF-1's (2 Channel). And it would be great if these "Heritage-Inspired" speakers were available as an upgrade. But, again, the powered/active aspect kind of ruins it for me, since the main equipment is older stereo receivers.
It may seem like a foreign concept to those in the product development and marketing departments. But many people still have dedicated systems, with 20-40 year old equipment, where they walk over to a rack/cabinet, pick up a CD/record, and then que it up to listen... all the way through.
We are not just going to push out products that cover the same people over and over. You have viable upgrade options with both the La Scala and the Cornwall. We have not forgotten about the people with systems like yours. We still make plenty of good options for those folks.
Back to the new "Heritage-Inspired" line being shown and some of the comments made... I just don't see how you market a $1500-$3000 set of speakers to people, looking for the convenience, of being able to wirelessly play music (mostly lossy and compressed) from their ipods, phones or other streaming type devices?
We can no longer just make great speakers for audiophiles and speaker nerds. As far as market goes, you gotta remember there are people out there who pay over $1000 for shoes and over $300 for denim. There is an absolutely massive high-end market for just about anything.
In order to survive, Klipsch needs to find a new market outside of these forums and those who go to boutique audio dealers. We need to constantly find new ways to compete especially with Beats, Bose, JBL, etc throwing INSANE amounts of money to the low-end.
Like it or not, wireless is the future and Klipsch needs to be at the forefront at providing amazing audio solutions. These speakers were never intended to replace anything from the Heritage line whether it be Fortes, Chorus, or Heresys. They are something totally new but using some inspiration from the Heritage speakers.
It's never going to be called "Heritage" so maybe we should all just call them "Made in USA Wireless Concept Speakers" for now.
And saying they're based off of the "Stadium" seems to do them a disservice as well. Because I don't know anyone that would pay $2000 for a powered speaker, that you can move/carry around your house.. so you can have music in the kitchen or bathroom? Maybe that's just me?
I'm not sure you have heard Stadium or know too much about it. You don't move it. It's one of our very best products in 15 years. It's sound is downright ridiculous. Ask the engineers.
If these speakers were made as shown... What kind of guarantee is Klipsch going to provide related to the amps and all the electronics? What if 5 years down the road the WiSA standard completely changes or goes away?
Lastly, I wonder how much LESS these new speakers would potentially cost, if you removed all of the amps, DSP and WiSA related electronics and replaced them with a passive crossover?
One could hope, but it probably ain't gonna happen...
WISA will definitely exist then, but let's just say it doesn't..the speakers are still going to work the same way and kick ***. They don't just stop working. WISA isn't a replacement for Bluetooth. WISA is just the way the two speakers talk to each other. WISA is not a source connectivity option like an input/bluetooth/airplay.
These will not be made into passive options. We have enough passive options out there. We are a small company that can only support so many SKUs. It would be fun to make an option for everyone, but that's not possible.
BTW, we really do appreciate your two cents! If I came away curt, it was not my intention. I just wanted to answer your concerns, point by point to the best of my abilities.
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Also, where the bleep is Moray James?
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Thank you Andy and David for chiming in!
I will tell you that initial response from CES has been extremely positive.
WISA has been a huge hit. The people who demo'd Reference Premiere Wireless WISA in the sound room at CES have been blown away. We even just won an award from Digital Trends for them. You are looking at very very low potential for interference.
Like Andy said, there is a potential that this could become more than just floorstanders/bookshelves thanks to WISA.
Also, for people crying out for passive versions, I getcha...but, at the same time, that would be somewhat redundant with the current Heritage line.
Also, "Made in USA" is making a HUGE comeback among people 25-40. That's part of the demographic for a product like this. BUT, these people are also looking for modern convenience which is why this solution is so intriguing. These speakers are not just for people who remember when Heritage was all we sold.
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This is my semi-informed opinion, but I see these being positioned in a higher-end boutique setting, catered to those who like unique yet classic design, while maintaining ease of use. Again, that's my opinion, take it with a grain of salt.
AKA, hippies with disposable income.
Rich hipsters aka young connoisseurs. PROJECTED retail prices of $3000 and $1500. I'd rather you not share this info outside the forums but I realize it's a public forum. It's what we are telling people at CES, so it's not really that much of a secret
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A couple more shitty photos for you. (CES is chaotic as heck. I don't have time to do my actual job haha!) We have a real photographer there, so she'll have a butt load of great pics. I'll have to snag a quick one without the grille too for y'all. Also, reminder that these speakers are conceptual. Nothing is final. Anyway, enjoy...
Alex,
Love the looks of these. Though the brown veneer looks to be a dark stained oak as opposed to some suggesting walnut. I could be wrong though.
Either way, I could see a pair of those "maybe" replacing my HII's in my master bedroom someday.
Bill
They are walnut but darker than the Heresy/Cornwall walnuts we have on display as well.
Alex, is it possible you could convince someone to put the cane on a pair of the walnut for us.
The grilles don't come off the walnut ones. These were prototypes that we are showing at CES at the last second haha.
cane doesn't look that good on walnut... I have cane and walnut cornalls.
now raw birch (which these new speakers are not made from) cane does look wonderful.
at any rate, klipsch should go back to custom veneers and treatments for this series if ever introduced.
one question, I understand the term conceptual... are these speakers fully functional? If I manage to get into CES, can I listen to them?
The walnut ones are fully functional besides the grilles not coming off.
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I couldn't read through the first pages of this quick enough. But will these be closer to the $10,000.00 range. Not that I have that kind of dough, but makes me wonder if there is even more to come. I will say I ance liked these and and the new reference line.
Wayyyyyyy cheaper than that.
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A couple more shitty photos for you. (CES is chaotic as heck. I don't have time to do my actual job haha!)
We have a real photographer there, so she'll have a butt load of great pics. I'll have to snag a quick one without the grille too for y'all.
Also, reminder that these speakers are conceptual. Nothing is final.
Anyway, enjoy...
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I have more photos (I'm there). I'll post more here at some point.
- Ask Trey Cannon about how good Stadium is. This is improved on that.
- Don't want to comment on price just yet.
- Heritage-INSPIRED. We would never call them a Heritage speaker. That would be insulting to PWK.
P.S. We also did wireless Cornwalls for CES 2015.
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No one ever reads the preamble...trust me.BTW...I saw that the Klipsch KMC-3 and X11i were both featured in consumer reports December issue so congrats!
Thanks! Also, FJD, those are a lot of words....
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Thanks Alex. Having you lurking does make me feel closer to the corporate Klipsch. That is one of the things that really sets them apart. Chad has done a fine job filling Amy's shoes, but they are big shoes to fill. Wait a second, that sounded bad. Amy, if you are reading this, I have no idea how big your feet are. If they are uncommonly large for your frame, I meant no ill intent. We love you and miss you.
In my opinion, the more Klipsch people that post from time to time, the more human Klipsch becomes. That is an almost impossible thing for a big corporation to pull off.
Your personal opinions which don't speak on behalf of Klipsch should be as welcomed from your employers as they are from us.
YOU make Klipsch human, my new friend!
Thanks, buddy. Wish I posted here more, but I just don't seem to ever have the time. We have strongly encourage everyone in product development and engineering to post on here. Hopefully more of them start posting too.
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Gotta understand at least some of the frustrations of the older crowd though that have stuck with Reference since it came out. Unfortunately sometimes, "it'll make sense eventually" isn't good enough. I know where Klipsch is coming from, but I also know where others are coming from with their outrage. Personally, my only issue with how this specific issue has handled is there are tons of people who don't know the difference between the R-26F and the RF-62, or the R-28F and RF-82...and they're seriously passing off the R-28F's as "the new RF-82." It's just a lot of bad confusion.
Oh, absolutely. In a perfect world, it wouldn't have had to be done.
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Are you referring to a specific comment of mine? Every implementation of ours is multi-year in nature.
For me, that answers so many questions and qualms I've had with various moves made by the company in recent years. If what you're saying is true, it'd even start to make the "Refere-nergy-con" in Best Buy make sense.
The Reference naming stuff will make more sense at some point - the mantra Amy, Chad and I have been repeating for months
Sometimes, you have to take a step backwards to take two steps forward.
On display: Heritage-Inspired Wireless Speakers
in General Klipsch Info
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Those are actually the old ones.