Klipsch La Scala Speakers -- please educate and advise

[jopnw]

I own a pair of La Scala speakers that I purchased new in 1987. The tags on the rear of the speakers indicate that the Type is LS-BLS, with a "w/s" off to the right on the same line—what does this type mean, and what does the w/s mean (see photo that I will post)?. Serial numbers are 8628954 and 8628983. As the photos show, the drive components for these speakers are a K-77-M tweeter, K-55-M midrange, and not visible but according to the original brochure spec, a K-33-E woofer. The network board indicates AL, so I am guessing that this refers to AL crossover network?<p>

I understand that much can be gleaned from the serial number and would be curious as to what these serial numbers may reveal.<p>

I have really enjoyed these speakers these past two decades but need to downsize in anticipation of moving in the near future to a smaller location. I really am not familiar with the technical components of these speakers and therefore would appreciate any information you Klipsch experts can provide regarding the accuracy and completeness in the above description, as well as any suggestions on information that I should include in a description of the speakers. I have the original manual that came with the speakers, as well as Klipsch brochures and spec sheets for the company’s line of speakers in a letter dated and mailed to me from the Klipsch headquarters office in 1987. I also have the original Klipsch packing boxes and internal cushioning/packing materials that the speakers came in. Would you have an idea of what is a fair asking price for this pair? I am in the Seattle WA area.<p>

I ***really*** hate to give these up, so I would like to find a good home for them where they will be appreciated.<p>

If I can’t upload 8 pictures on this single post, I will follow this post with separate posts of the rest of the photos. Thanks very much for your help and advice.<p>

[jopnw]

Photo 2: Angle View

[jopnw]

Photo 3: Single Speaker Close-Up Front View

[jopnw]

Photo 4 of 8 -- Serial Number Plate of First Speaker

[jopnw]

Photo 5 of 8: Serial Number of Second Speaker

[jopnw]

Photo 6 of 8: K-55M

[jopnw]

Photo 7 of 8: K-77

[jopnw]

Photo 8 of 8: AL Network

[Guest " "]

"Would you have an idea of what is a fair asking price for this pair?"

With the way things are in the economy right now as evident by the spree of the availibility of lower than normal priced Heritage products along with the increasing availability of them (basic supply and demand), you can start with $1000 and adjust accordingly, you can reduce the price incrementally until they sell, they should sell by the time you hit $800.

Most folks who use these for home use replace the AL networks with AA's other other prefered types.

I'm sure folks will jump in and say they are worth 1200 - 1400, but we're talking about selling them...not updating the apprasial for insurance purposes.

[bkrop]

BLS... BL is Birch Lacquer, S for satin maybe BR is birch raw, my LaScalas are just BL

[bkrop]

Is there a different designation to LaScalas that have finished top sections like these and ones that have black top sections with cloth grills? Some have a finished top hat others don't, is it the presence of top grills?

[jopnw]

"Most folks who use these for home use replace the AL networks with AA's other other prefered types."

Out of curiosity, in what type of environments do people tend to use the AL network?

Thank you, and also thank you very much for your pricing comments.

[jopnw]

BLS... BL is Birch Lacquer, S for satin maybe BR is birch raw, my LaScalas are just BL

Thanks very much for interpreting the code abbreviations. Do you have any idea what the "w/s" means when the rear label indicates the speaker type as "LS-BLS w/s" as shown in Photos 4 and 5? I find it interesting how it appears on the same line as LS-BLS, but slightly set apart from it, at the right end of the line.

Thanks again for all your help!

[Guest " "]

" Do you have any idea what the "w/s" means when the rear label indicates the speaker type as "LS-BLS w/s" as shown"

I'm guessing your dealer stained them walnut. They look walnut in the photo.

[Marvel]

It wasn't the dealer, it was Klipsch. Mine also have the w/s on the end and have the walnut stain.

Bruce

[jopnw]

It wasn't the dealer, it was Klipsch. Mine also have the w/s on the end and have the walnut stain.

Bruce

Bruce and Speakerfritz--both your comments make sense. The stain color does look walnut, and based on where I bought the speakers (military exchange), the stain would have to have been applied by Klipsch. Thanks to both of you for helping to interpret the codes. Even though I am the original owner, at the time/place of purchase, there was no information on display that gave details about the cabinets. So thanks for shedding light on this.

[colterphoto1]

LaScala, Birch, Lacquer, Stained w/s= walnut stain

The other hint that these were stained at the factory is that the decals were obviously placed AFTER the staining process. Only the prettiest birch veneers were stained. They would NOT have been stained by the dealer as the factory tags were applied in Hope after the units were tested.

Units with a Top Grill would have a TG designation on them sometimes followed by 17 for black 3 for cane

That's a very pretty pair, congratulations.

Normally a unit with K55M mid driver should be AL2 or preferrably AL3 networks. NOT AA as noted above. That is incorrect per Klipsch.

now get that lamp off of there

My estimate of value $1200 - $1500, nothing less. Those have obviously been well cared for.

Michael

[jopnw]

LaScala, Birch, Lacquer, Stained w/s= walnut stain

The other hint that these were stained at the factory is that the decals were obviously placed AFTER the staining process. Only the prettiest birch veneers were stained. They would NOT have been stained by the dealer as the factory tags were applied in Hope after the units were tested.

Units with a Top Grill would have a TG designation on them sometimes followed by 17 for black 3 for cane

That's a very pretty pair, congratulations.

Normally a unit with K55M mid driver should be AL2 or preferrably AL3 networks. NOT AA as noted above. That is incorrect per Klipsch.

now get that lamp off of there

My estimate of value $1200 - $1500, nothing less. Those have obviously been well cared for.

Michael

Thanks very much for all the information, Michael. I really appreciate it. And yes, the lamp was removed from the speaker right after taking the photo (smile).

[HarryO]

LaScala, Birch, Lacquer, Stained w/s= walnut stain

The other hint that these were stained at the factory is that the decals were obviously placed AFTER the staining process. Only the prettiest birch veneers were stained. They would NOT have been stained by the dealer as the factory tags were applied in Hope after the units were tested.

Units with a Top Grill would have a TG designation on them sometimes followed by 17 for black 3 for cane

That's a very pretty pair, congratulations.

Normally a unit with K55M mid driver should be AL2 or preferrably AL3 networks. NOT AA as noted above. That is incorrect per Klipsch.

now get that lamp off of there

My estimate of value $1200 - $1500, nothing less. Those have obviously been well cared for.

Michael

Michael is right on on all counts.

The price of a very nice pair of Heritage is stable. $1,200-$1500 is fair for these nice speakers. I just sold my '78s for $1,200 this year and weren't as nice as yours. They had been "freshened up" with new caps though.

The WAF is always critical on the big LS and bringing in an average pair of "Ol' Uglys" can take a bunch of 'splainin and a heck of a sales pitch to keep harmony at home.

There's plenty of average LS around for $500- $1,000.

Nice speakers always demand more money as well they should. I'd personally pay more for nice speakers unless I didn't have the bucks and had to settle for less. Then I have to work my butt off to make them look like something.

You've taken good care of your LS and will be rewarded in $ for your time and efforts.

Harry

[Groomlakearea51]

"11. An option to have raw birch stained was also used, but not often seen. The stain was applied by spraying, and the serial number stickers generally indicated this option. Example: H-WS would have been a Walnut stained Heresy made from "raw-birch". This option was more commonly seen on La Scala's."

See: http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/p/103886/1048788.aspx#1048788