MacKevin Posted March 2, 2005 Share Posted March 2, 2005 I have some questions that I have been scratching my head with for the last while. I was wondering if anyone could answer. 1. If an some woofers such as an Altec 515b or an expensive JBL..... sell routinely for over $300US, then why do brand new klipsch K33's sell for $129US. What am I gaining or loosing? 2. Why if I collected all the parts new of a LaScala for instance, would it cost me less than half the amount to build a set of laScalas then to buy them. I probably have more questions but I can't remember them right now. Please don't get me wrong, I looooove my LaScala's and I benefit from the replacement parts being inexpensive, its just the conspicuous consumer in me that feels that paying more gets more. I can't imagine that any other speaker choice in the LaScala would improve the sound over the choice Klipsch made. So then I wounder why pay more at any time for any speaker? Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frzninvt Posted March 2, 2005 Share Posted March 2, 2005 "2. Why if I collected all the parts new of a LaScala for instance, would it cost me less than half the amount to build a set of laScalas then to buy them." You obviously have not priced what a new K-55X, K-77X and the AL-4 crossover network would cost you. While the K-33E is $129 and the K-401K is $50 the rest of the stuff would cost you a bundle on the order of about $1600-$1900. The woofers don't have to work as hard as some of the JBL and Altec units so they do not need to be stellar and come with a stellar price tag. Thank Goodness! I could spray paint a couple of new K-33E's cones for you and tell you it was a special dampening compound that increases rigidity and improves woofer compliance and improves the overall performance and charge your $200 apiece for them if it would make you feel better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-MAN Posted March 2, 2005 Share Posted March 2, 2005 I agree completely. The 150 watt max limit on the K33E is a limiting factor in price, although when I took one out of the box, I thought that $130 was a little high. But once I had it inside of a horn and listened to it, I thought it was more reasonable. Go figure! So anyway, buying used is always the way to go. A new set of components for a pair of DIY would be above $1700 bucks last time I checked. DIY enclosures is the least of the expense. Careful shopping for used components and buying a piece ot two at a time could also save some money. But when one's got a pair of empty cabinets sitting there, it becomes quite hard to wait... DM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacKevin Posted March 2, 2005 Author Share Posted March 2, 2005 Thanks for your reply. I was kind of happy to hear that the K401 is only $50 as I have an extra LaScala and I was hoping to build it a twin. I have most of the parts for the new twin except for the K401 and a Crossover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted March 2, 2005 Share Posted March 2, 2005 It's probably going to cost me in the neighborhood of $500 for a single vertical Cornwall out of vintage components. And that doesn't count anything for my carpentry and finishing time. Remember that xover networks don't come cheap either, so if you want a vintage one, it'll cost you, then cost you again to have it repaired/upgraded. It's a labor of love basically. It's nice that Klipsch speakers hold together and keep their value (got a pair of 1963 Cornwalls that work perfectly), but it is fairly costly to rebuild or build from scratch. Good thing we tend to be a handy lot! Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dodger Posted March 2, 2005 Share Posted March 2, 2005 Another reason for the lower price is that you are not being charged over the top for a Pro Name. dodger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnA Posted March 3, 2005 Share Posted March 3, 2005 I just spent $138 for the parts to build a pair of 2-way crossovers for my Peav-tec system (Peavey FH1 and Altec 511B/902-8B). Now I have to build them. Since I don't pay myself for assembly and testing and I spent an hour laying the first one out, ..... In general, Klipsh doesn't use really expensive, high power components. The efficiency of the bass horn doesn't require it. However, the K-43 bass drivers used in the pro La Scala and MCM-1900 system go for $250+ these days; not far from the JBL price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacKevin Posted March 3, 2005 Author Share Posted March 3, 2005 I have a pair of Pro LaScalas too. I was really wondering about building some MCM1900 or equivalents. Have you ever come across the plans for them. Or since they seem to be enormous speakers can you suggest a Bass Cabinet that would complement my LaScalas. I would like to remain fully klipsch if I can. Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnA Posted March 4, 2005 Share Posted March 4, 2005 There are E-V plans available for an Eliminator bass horn that goes down to 35 Hz. It is designed like the MCM-1900 low bass horns. It's about that big, too. Watch eBay. You might look at the KPT-684, or RSW-15. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnysal Posted March 4, 2005 Share Posted March 4, 2005 no one mentioned it but a 515 is probably better than a k33...that is one reason, tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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