Reasonable Amplifier for Klipschorn

[Anonymous Beginner]

I’m currently living in Japan and considering purchasing a pair of Klipschorns from 1989. Ever since I first experienced their sound about 10 years ago, it has been my dream to own these speakers. Recently, I came across a pair that seems to be in pretty good condition and is priced realistically, which is why this opportunity has appeared before me.

However, I’ve never owned a proper sound system before and I don’t have much knowledge about audio culture. Honestly, I don’t have a large budget either, and I plan to work towards an ideal sound system like the ones discussed on this forum over a long period of time.

 

Still, I want to hear sound from these speakers as soon as possible. I understand that this will be far from ideal, but I want to set up something affordable so I can listen to music from these speakers as soon as possible.

 

That’s where I’d like to ask for your advice—if you were in my situation, what amplifier would you buy? I understand if this is seen as outrageous, but my budget is around $1,000 to $1,500.

 

I mainly listen to jazz from the 70s to the present.

I appreciate your help.

[DirtyErnie]

As Col. Klipsch said, "the world needs a good 5-watt amp."  It won't take much to power what you have. 
Anything you can find that's halfways decent or better will work great. Those speakers will reward quality.

[hanksjim1]

Not sure what they go for in Japan, but I have had good results with Luxman on my Klipschorns.  Of course you can stretch your budget if you will consider used gear in good nick.

 

[grendel23]

I just picked up a pair of Fosi V3 Monos. For the price, under $300 they sound quite good. I am using these in place of my class A space heater until the weather gets cooler.

They are not as good as my Nelson Pass designed amp, but they are the first class D amp I have liked.

[Schu]

Since you are located in Nippon, and just want a taste, I would just look for a used class A amplifier in the <50 watt range.

it can be tubes or solid state... $1000us should get you something really nice.

[Reber]

like you I recently lucked my way into a pair of Khorns myself. Mine are from 87 and have the AK2 crossover, if the ones your looking at are from 89 they could be the similar or the AK3 crossover. Either way I haven't had the time to upgrade my amp since getting them about a month ago but I've enjoyed them basically non stop with my cheapo setup. I have an Onkyo A-9110  and for only 250$ online it falls way short of your 1K mark it may be a good option to get them up and running while you wait to find a good deal on a better Class A amp like others have reccomended. Its a class A/B all analog amp that hasn't really disappointed me in any way. I run it for both vinyl through my PL500 turntable and stream from my laptop to a Schiit Modi 3e and its very enjoyable both ways. 

 

Take the jump and get the horns though. Ive wanted khorns for the past 15 years, life just never worked out before for me to get them. It was probably one of the best purchases I've made in a long time and I doubt mine will be going anywhere anytime soon.

 

Best of luck

[the real Duke Spinner]

I purchased mine perhaps 18 years ago

Fabtastic !!

I was fortunate to find them semi local ..same area if the STATE anyways Best purchase ever

Mine get a Crown K2. 😀😀

 

For extra. SLAM.

Right Terry. ??  😀😀😀

[Klipsch104db]

On 9/3/2024 at 3:25 AM, Anonymous Beginner said:

I’m currently living in Japan and considering purchasing a pair of Klipschorns from 1989. Ever since I first experienced their sound about 10 years ago, it has been my dream to own these speakers. Recently, I came across a pair that seems to be in pretty good condition and is priced realistically, which is why this opportunity has appeared before me.

However, I’ve never owned a proper sound system before and I don’t have much knowledge about audio culture. Honestly, I don’t have a large budget either, and I plan to work towards an ideal sound system like the ones discussed on this forum over a long period of time.

 

Still, I want to hear sound from these speakers as soon as possible. I understand that this will be far from ideal, but I want to set up something affordable so I can listen to music from these speakers as soon as possible.

 

That’s where I’d like to ask for your advice—if you were in my situation, what amplifier would you buy? I understand if this is seen as outrageous, but my budget is around $1,000 to $1,500.

 

I mainly listen to jazz from the 70s to the present.

I appreciate your help.

Quicksilver Horn Mono tube amplifier. 25 watts per channel. About $1,500 for the pair. Their website says they are discontinued. Call them and they will build a set for you. I've used them for my La Scalas for about 5 years and couldn't be happier. 

[Dumont]

I hope you get the Khorns.  I just got mine after 40 years of wanting a set.

I'm running an NAD 356BEE which is WAY more power than these need.  I think if I was shopping now I'd be very tempted by the Outlaw RR2160MkII.  It gets glowing reviews, is very well built by a very respected company and is in your price range.

Edited September 16, 2024 by Dumont