moxmonkey Posted November 23, 2020 Share Posted November 23, 2020 Hi folks, Hoping to tap into your collective expertise. Thinking about adding some Klipsch speakers into the lineup in the near future. Had the opportunity to audition the latest Heritage offerings (with the exception of Cornwalls - only had III's) and found myself drawn to the sound of the Cornwalls out of everything (sadly the cost of the Cornwall IVs is likely beyond my reach). Now my dilemma. There is a pair of vintage untouched Cornwall I's for sale locally for $1300USD with some minor cosmetic issues or the floor model Cornwall IIIs I listened to for $2450 USD. While the difference in price isn't massive, it's enough that its forcing me to think twice. My question for all of you, are the Cornwall IIIs worth the added cost over a vintage pair? Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuzzzer Posted November 23, 2020 Share Posted November 23, 2020 I'll weigh in with my experience, albeit with Heresys. I was able to A/B a pair of 1981 Heresys with a pair of Heresy IIIs. To my ears, in my room and with my gear the 1981 Heresys were clearly the winner. The midrange was significantly better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted November 23, 2020 Share Posted November 23, 2020 9 hours ago, moxmonkey said: Now my dilemma. There is a pair of vintage untouched Cornwall I's for sale locally for $1300USD with some minor cosmetic issues or the floor model Cornwall IIIs I listened to for $2450 USD. While the difference in price isn't massive, it's enough that its forcing me to think twice. I say think twice because $2450 is a good price for new Cornwall III speakers even though they are floor models. On the other hand $1300.00 is an average price for the Cornwall I but if you did decide to move up the chain, you could probably get that $1300.00 back if you were to sell them, if still in good condition. Welcome to the forum. Bill 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frzninvt Posted November 23, 2020 Share Posted November 23, 2020 The original Cornwall will have the larger K-600 horn which to me is a certain advantage over the Cornwall III's use of the smaller Heresy K-701 horn lens. I would take the original Cornwalls easily over the III's for that reason. I would replace the capacitors with some high quality film and foils or paper in oils and be very happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexander Posted November 23, 2020 Share Posted November 23, 2020 I would suggest if at all possible audition the CW 1s before pulling the trigger on the CW IIIs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DizRotus Posted November 23, 2020 Share Posted November 23, 2020 I would go with the older Cornwalls. The lower price and larger squawker horn would make the decision for me. You’d save enough to get a pair of 120 tweeters from Dave or Bob. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shakeydeal Posted November 23, 2020 Share Posted November 23, 2020 I would call Cory or Steven at Paducah Home Theater and ask about a pair of IVs. They might be within your reach. Shakey 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidF Posted November 23, 2020 Share Posted November 23, 2020 The crossover topology for the III has some significant differences from the I that may be of interest if you drive the speakers to high sound levels on occasion. The III crossover may be more effective than the I in dealing with high power to the drivers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceptorman Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 10 hours ago, Shakeydeal said: I would call Cory or Steven at Paducah Home Theater and ask about a pair of IVs. They might be within your reach. Shakey This.....they have excellent prices, and great service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 13 hours ago, DizRotus said: I would go with the older Cornwalls. The lower price and larger squawker horn would make the decision for me. Agreed. The smaller MR horn made the III sound a little too much like the limited MR-horn-Heresy of that period. -- Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moxmonkey Posted November 24, 2020 Author Share Posted November 24, 2020 Thanks for the input everyone. To what extent does the larger squawker horn on the originals impact the high end? I found the high end of the Hersey IVs really harsh but didn't have the same issue with the Cornwall IIIs as things seemed more balanced across the board. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 When I A/B'd the CWI to the CWIII, I preferred the CWI for the overall presentation, likely due to the larger midrange horn and lower crossover point of the CWI. The CWIII does offer some improvement in the low end. The tweeter in the CWIII may sound more refined to you (smoother, extended highs maybe?) than the CWI tweeter (K77). But there are drop-in replacement tweeters if that is a problem. Except for recapping the crossovers, dampening the mid horns, and adding a 9kZ frequency trap, my CWI's are stock and I think they sound fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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