Cornwall V

[gigantic]

22 hours ago, mark1101 said:

Based on the AL-6, AK-6, and new Heritage horn subs and all required for the Marketing releases of these products  it would would probably be 3 years or more before a new cornwall could come out.

Still, it’s not to early to start a wish list, not that it will be fulfilled… still, idle speculation is all we have until new products start rolling out and idle speculation is often fun. We need more fun here, it’s been awfully quiet here of late. 

[Erik WithaK]

On 12/10/2024 at 9:48 AM, mark1101 said:

Based on the AL-6, AK-6, and new Heritage horn subs and all required for the Marketing releases of these products  it would would probably be 3 years or more before a new cornwall could come out.

Interesting.

On 12/8/2024 at 10:20 AM, Edgar said:

I'd like to see it taller and narrower.

I like the size, perhaps a bit deeper, but not by much, faster bass response and open the throat slightly more in the mid horn....???

More reinforcement and deadening???

Edited December 11, 2024 by Erik WithaK

[Erik WithaK]

 Cornwall V's with the LaScala al5 crossover and horn drivers.....  👍👍👍

[Schu]

1 hour ago, Erik WithaK said:

 Cornwall V's with the LaScala al5 crossover and horn drivers.....  👍👍👍

 

[mark1101]

6 hours ago, gigantic said:

Still, it’s not to early to start a wish list, not that it will be fulfilled… still, idle speculation is all we have until new products start rolling out and idle speculation is often fun. We need more fun here, it’s been awfully quiet here of late. 

 

Well then I'd vote for a cornwall V with the same woofer section as cornwall IV, and the AL6 tweeter and mid horn/driver, and a DSP crossover.  👍

[gigantic]

48 minutes ago, mark1101 said:

 

Well then I'd vote for a cornwall V with the same woofer section as cornwall IV, and the AL6 tweeter and mid horn/driver, and a DSP crossover.  👍

For that alignment, it’s going to have relatively linear time and as long as the phase is aligned, a passive network should be more than sufficient, unless the drivers have some peaks and nulls that have to be eq‘d flat. I really don’t see the need for a DSP at all, unless you want to spend more money. 

[Erik WithaK]

5 hours ago, Erik WithaK said:

 Cornwall V's with the LaScala al5 crossover and horn drivers.....  👍👍👍

Or.....put a big *** horn on top of the Cornwall and make it a 2-way

[mark1101]

18 hours ago, gigantic said:

For that alignment, it’s going to have relatively linear time and as long as the phase is aligned, a passive network should be more than sufficient, unless the drivers have some peaks and nulls that have to be eq‘d flat. I really don’t see the need for a DSP at all, unless you want to spend more money. 

 

There is quite a difference between Klipsch passive networks and their DSP solution.  Once you hear the difference you would not want passive.  True, the DSP adds complexity.  But that is easily managed and once setup is complete.

[gigantic]

3 hours ago, mark1101 said:

 

There is quite a difference between Klipsch passive networks and their DSP solution.  Once you hear the difference you would not want passive.  True, the DSP adds complexity.  But that is easily managed and once setup is complete.

I’m just saying that it’s not as critical for a front radiating speaker where the difference between drivers is a few inches, as it is for a full range horn system, where the driver to mouth difference is several feet, between the woofer and tweeters. If they used the new 2“ short 400 horn, for instance, it would be more time coherent than most heresy models. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve DSP‘d Fortes and it is quite nice, even compared to an ALK universal x-over adapted for it, but the difference was slight compared to my 3-way horns. For what they ask for them, I doubt consumers will line up to spend more for DSP. The hardcore enthusiasts would likely be more inclined towards K-horns and LaScala anyway. 

[BattleOoze]

Wishlist for the Cornwall V:

• Slightly Higher Real-World Sensitivity:
  Building on the Cornwall IV’s rated 102 dB in-room (likely closer to ~97–98 dB in real-world terms), aim for an additional 1–2 dB of true sensitivity. Achieving this without sacrificing low-end extension or increasing distortion would especially benefit those using lower-powered 300B amplifiers.

• True 8-Ohm Load with Tube-Friendly Impedance:
  Prioritize a stable, high-sensitivity design that stays closer to a true 8-ohm load. Avoiding the significant impedance dips seen in the Forte IV and emulating the smooth curve of the Dynaudio Contour 60 (virtually a straight line from 300 Hz to 20 kHz) would greatly enhance SET amplifier compatibility.

• Perfect Directivity:
  Strive for near-perfect directivity. Achieving this would simplify EQ adjustments and allow for more consistent performance across different listening environments.

• Improved Horizontal Directivity in the Horn:
  Update the horn design to deliver more controlled and uniform horizontal dispersion, improving imaging and soundstage consistency.

• Refined Crossover Slopes:
  Implement steeper, more carefully selected crossover slopes than those found in the Forte IV. This will ensure cleaner driver integration and enhance overall coherence.

• Lower Total Harmonic Distortion (THD):
  Utilize modern driver design advancements to reduce THD. Since the Forte IV measured significantly higher distortion than some leading competitors, the Cornwall V should aim for improved driver quality and distortion.

• Enhanced Dynamic Range and Reduced Compression:
  Improve instantaneous dynamic response and minimize compression. Drawing from insights (such as those from Erin’s Audio Corner) that highlighted limitations in the Forte IV, revisit both horn and drivers to optimize transient behavior.

• Comprehensive Technical Documentation:
  Provide detailed technical white papers, including impedance graphs. Following the example of KEF and B&W, this transparency would highlight Klipsch’s engineering prowess.

---

Note:
References to the Forte IV stem from its detailed review and measurements at Erin’s Audio Corner (Klippel NFS). Given the likely shared design philosophy in the horn, driver quality, and crossover choices between the Forte IV and Cornwall IV.

[BattleOoze]

I finally found a review of the Cornwall IV that includes actual measurements, courtesy of StereoPlay: Link to Cornwall IV measurements
 

Unlike the Forte IV, the Cornwall IV’s impedance doesn’t drop to two ohms, making it more SET-friendly. Ideally, the next iteration, the Cornwall V, should maintain a stable eight-ohm impedance. However, the horn still needs refinement, as there are dips in the response and notable distortion between 700 Hz and 1 kHz. The woofer’s distortion also leaves room for improvement.
 

Honestly, I’m not impressed with the woofer itself. It appears to be a basic GRS-style unit with a stamped steel basket and no motor vent, not on par with the higher-quality components offered by brands like JBL, FaitalPro, B&C, SB Audience Rosso, or Acoustic Elegance.
 

Given the cabinet’s width, what’s the best way forward? Should Klipsch consider a sealed 18-inch woofer or stick with the existing ported 15-inch design?

[Edgar]

32 minutes ago, BattleOoze said:

I finally found a review of the Cornwall IV that includes actual measurements ...

In summary: the Cornwall IV lacks sensitivity, has poor directivity, uses the wrong crossover slopes, has too much distortion, insufficient dynamic range, unstable impedance, an unrefined horn, dips in the response, and an inferior woofer. 

 

Thus there is NO WAY that it can possibly sound as outstandingly good as it does.

[BattleOoze]

In short, I’m not just a fanboy—I appreciate solid engineering, and there’s always room for improvement. If I find that improvement in the Cornwall V, I’ll buy it. Objective measurements exist, after all. Competitors are consistently refining their products with each new version, so why shouldn’t Klipsch do the same? The Cornwall V should be a clear step up from the IV; otherwise, what’s the point of releasing a new model?

Edited December 17, 2024 by BattleOoze

[Edgar]

17 minutes ago, BattleOoze said:

There are measurements which is more objective.

To trust measurement over listening is certainly your prerogative.

[Schu]

 

to objectify every last thing in life kills any possibility of Joie de vivre

[derrickdj1]

It is interesting when new versions of a speaker come out, the FR looks the same or kissing cousins in many cases.  Maybe that's why vintage Klipsch are still great with a few upgrades.

[ClaudeJ1]

On 12/11/2024 at 3:17 PM, mark1101 said:

 

Well then I'd vote for a cornwall V with the same woofer section as cornwall IV, and the AL6 tweeter and mid horn/driver, and a DSP crossover.  👍

This is not an election "voting" is not buying! Stick with MWMs.

[Deang]

Yes, let’s make things so expensive that they have to shut down Hope. 

[Erik WithaK]

On 12/16/2024 at 7:22 PM, BattleOoze said:

 

I finally found a review of the Cornwall IV that includes actual measurements, courtesy of StereoPlay: Link to Cornwall IV measurements
 

Unlike the Forte IV, the Cornwall IV’s impedance doesn’t drop to two ohms, making it more SET-friendly. Ideally, the next iteration, the Cornwall V, should maintain a stable eight-ohm impedance. However, the horn still needs refinement, as there are dips in the response and notable distortion between 700 Hz and 1 kHz. The woofer’s distortion also leaves room for improvement.
 

Honestly, I’m not impressed with the woofer itself. It appears to be a basic GRS-style unit with a stamped steel basket and no motor vent, not on par with the higher-quality components offered by brands like JBL, FaitalPro, B&C, SB Audience Rosso, or Acoustic Elegance.
 

Given the cabinet’s width, what’s the best way forward? Should Klipsch consider a sealed 18-inch woofer or stick with the existing ported 15-inch design?

I agree with your assessment of the 15" woofer. Definitely needs help. 

Need to get away from the stamped steel frame. WTH?? For a 15 it sure could have more potential.....🤔 are they not rolled down the assembly line in china??😒 

 

Edited December 28, 2024 by Erik WithaK

[Deang]

Wish list:

 

Being back the RB-75.