I just want to take this time to give a shout out to Sean who has always answered my emails with advice and solutions and wisdom. I just want to say thank you to him. And also let others know this channel is one of the best. Let us all give thanks to Sean and his work. Sean... Thank you.
16:15 I have Cornwall II's and found that raising them off the floor two or three inches keeps the 15 inch woofer from resonating through the floor. It made the bass sound even more natural and the mid-range cleaner.
I too have a pair of '86 Cornwall II's'. My Cronus Magnum 2 makes them an absolute force. I'm always getting comments from people like "That's what music is supposed to sound like."
I heard them and was very impressed. Listening to Marcus Miller on electric bass I was just laughing at how good it sounded (clear, punchy, effortless) compared to my bookshelves at home. Solo piano also blew me away. Harmonically spot on. I was listening really hard to hear any boxiness or horniness and I just couldn't hear any. Ordered a pair in walnut!
@@ZeroFidelity Thanks. I still haven't received them. I was told 4-6 weeks, about 3 weeks ago. I think they are selling well and they can only make the Heritage line of speakers so fast. They are expensive, but they sounded very good with an old, inexpensive ($300) Emotiva class AB amp and my uber-old Audio Research SP-9 Preamp. So, the total system cost isn't too out of hand.
@@dksculpture Yeah. I spoke to Klipsch on Friday and they told me that production is working its a$$ off. Everything is pretty much flying off the shelves. Good on them. And good on you! You have a pair of speakers that should be ready for the long haul!
I LOVE my Cornwall iv’s!!! I’ve owned mine for several months now. I watched ALL the reviews including this one, read all the online and magazines and auditioned them before I dropped the coins ( A LOT OF THEM). These speakers rock HARD when you wanna pour the power to them and they are politely quiet and detailed when I wanna listen quietly early in the morning or late at night. Since I’m a bass head, I paired them each with their own REL S/812 !! Don’t really need subs but they do go extra LOW with them. Not boomy at all. Clean powerful bass when it’s asked for !! Couldn’t be happier!!!! Money well spent in my opinion (and that’s what matters most).
@@marcusaurelius2988 I have a locked in center image, unfortunately my current room does not allow for too much more adjustment for further experimentation. A bit but not much room without getting too close to the sidewalls.
@@TM-fx2pi I am considering a pair of subs. Rel T/9x maybe? or SVS 3000 to go with the Cornwalls. I guess it better be some subs to match the 15" woofer of cornwalls. How do you like the Rel S/812s ?
@@marcusaurelius2988 I like the 812’s. I think they are a little expensive but they are beautiful and powerful. They blend nicely with the Cornwall and they will shake the pictures off my walls if I ask them to 😂 REL currently recommends their Predator 1510 to pair with the Cornwall and they are about half the price of the 812’s. I’ve been considering a pair of JL audio d110’s as well to compare to the 812’s. Don’t misunderstand…… the Cornwall iv’s WILL deliver the base IF it’s in the recording.
Cornwall ll I’ve had for years 86-2010 They are an amazing speaker They are the most lifelike and sounds like your at the concert hall Upgraded to the K-Horns
Timothy Wasinger It’s like it’s bigger brother The llls you have been updated little lower bass higher efficiency The Cornwall’s are an amazing speaker and you’ll love them I did
Alan Whiteside That’s what I listen to leaning to classic rock They will blow you away Get as load as you want and sounds like your in the venue It doesn’t matter what you listen to they will make your hair on back of your neck stand up As long as it’s a good source and equipment Being super efficient you don’t need a huge amp
@Alan Whiteside Cornwalls are versatile. I listen to a lot of different music: Jazz, rock, world music, ambient etc. Right now with just a 6 wpc SET amp. Sounds really great. The key is the room and speaker positioning. Ideally, you want two solid corners. The amount of bass is determined by its position from the wall and corners. I also put them on dollies to easily adjust them and avoid floor interaction.
Those speakers are awesome. Love the driver array, that port design is cool. Gorgeous finish on those cabinets. I will bet there is some great sound in your room. Love the Parasound!
A good review of a good speaker! The price may be high, but at 100lbs, you could eliminate a gym membership just by running around the room carrying the speaker! Ha! ....... killed by music! I really appreciate the full coverage you give in your reviews, such as sound according to room placement, etc. It's something that most reviewers never seem to talk about, but something that is essential.
Great Review as usual! I’ve been waiting for a good detailed review of these Speakers! These may very well be the speakers that cause me to get rid of my Goldenear Triton 5’s and JL D108 subs. These remind me of a nicer, more refined version of the old MTX / Cerwin Vega Speakers of the 80’s. I can’t wait to hear them!
Finally a review of something other than two way book shelf speakers. This company has a strong following and would actually hold their value better over time, unlike say Wilson or Snell.
Lots of great affordable two way speakers!!!! $6000 klumps!!! Not necessary in this time of music era, or digital age where most people are buying soundbars, me Myself I'm tired of $10,000 system reviews when the CD ERA is over.....no more good music being produced....
I USE VARIOUS DENSITY/POROSITY FOAM "PLUGS" TO TUNE TWEETERS. I heard these series IVs in a very nice acoustic setting....incredible. I bought a set of Cornwalls originally in 1983. Even my early "Walls" made a believer out of me. Saw Paul Klipsch doing a lecture and demo at UTA Texas and he signed my owners manuals! I later sold these speakers for more than I paid for them!
I love Klipsch and I loved the way you introduced them. I own a pair of Forte III but when available in my country I'll switch to Cornwall... no way. Great job Sean!!!! You (and a guy named Stevie) are over the top!!!! Greetings from Italy
that's the purpose of these subjective video reviews, they are video ads paid for by the manufacturers. notice any 3rd party measurements of these? Klipsch doesn't want us to see those.
The name Cornwall came from Paul's first wife. They found it worked on a wall or in a corner. Paul and the engineers were scratching their heads on how to name it. Paul's wife said why don't you call it the Cornwall as it works in both positions. Hence Cornwall. Now you know how it got its name.
I feel your closing comment mirrors what I found when I bought my Fried Studio 4 models . I’m still using them with refreshed tweeters and mid ranges since 1986
Fried speakers are AMAZING! I own the IMF TLS 50s and the super compacts. I will one day own a pair of IMF TLS 80s2 or the RSPM. People dont know about these speakers and its ashamed. ImF (Fried) where the most accurate speakers on the planet and actually used in an acoustic chamber for scientific research. Hold on to them
I’m a proud owner of a pair of Cornwalls since the 80’s right now hooked up to a peach tree amp also have a pair of chorus hooked up to an 80’s M80 that has been completely restored :-) home is happy
Great vid.! I own a pair of Cornwall series "one" - I believe. They are just turning 40 years old, about now. How do I say this? I'm on my third wife, but still on my first set of Cornwalls. :) This particular pair of speakers have impressed thousands through the years, as firstly a home super stereo system back in the day, through being used as mobile disco speakers, to their most recent posting as my front L+R speakers in a pretty decent 135" home theatre setup in a 24x24 foot square "man cave". They continue to impress, and project a very realistic presence to anything played. Just close your eyes, and you think you are there. Basic mods done, like covering the mid-range horn with some sound dampening material to remove the "nasal" sound, often associated with long-throw horns. After 40+ years, their performance still can impress me on a daily basis. I cannot say that about anything else I have ever owned (or married). - Wifey #3 is pretty damn good, though. :)
@Untrepid One My only guess is that the ex wives didn't like clear and loud sound from Klipsch speakers. :) Wife #3 is awesome, (a keeper!) except the man cave is in the basement directly under the master bedroom. I'm thinking of installing seat belts on the bed, so she doesn't bounce out when I crank it up, and there are explosions in the movie. My subs are pumping about 1KW RMS, and other 9 channels are another KW combined. What do you think?
Just traded in my Cornwall III for the IV’s today. Overall the IV’s have better midrange and base, and a more modern sound. The midrange is more pronounced and nuanced, especially the lower part of the midrange. The base is a bit faster and I feel more rumble, which is interesting because it should be the same 15 inch woofer, but perhaps this is the effect of the ports. The IV’s are better braced, the cabinets have significantly less vibration at loud volume with bass heavy songs. I do notice that the III’s are a bit sweeter sounding, which makes sense as the midrange and lows are more pronounced on the IV’s. Source NAD M10. Looking forward to breaking in the IV’s!
Thank you for the description. Just bought IIIs since it was half the cost of the IVs. I like them very much. Right now going putting that money saved into other components. Maybe upgrade a few years later if a good deal comes around.
Bought a pair of Cornwall II's at a Salvation Army store. Added a Musical Paradise MP301. Total invested $600 CN. They are in a 2 car garage/man cave 25' x 25' x10'. Made all my other systems sound thin. You do not need a high power amp. I would buy another pair if I ever get the chance. Sometimes you get lucky.
Great review and descriptions. The midrange horn is similar to the Forte III, which has been a success. The Cornwall 3 still had the smaller horn like the original Cornwall. Many people notice a "cupped" sound with the smaller horn, but still like them very much. Looks like the Cornwall 4 has many refinements that modifiers have been working on for years.
I appreciate your channel Sean, keep up the great work. I have had the Cornwall IV's for about two weeks now. They are everything I expected them to be and then some. I was particularly impressed by the build quality and am very impressed by the overall sound quality in my particular room. I have them paired with a Schiit Freya Plus (mostly listen in tube mode) and Monoprice Monolith 3 amplifier, Schiit Yggdrasil is on order, and am looking forward to listening to them with this combination. I would love to hear these speakers with a tube based amplifier as you mentioned in your video.
Well "if" you listened to him he said FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT WOULD BE possibly there last speaker purchase sort of there heirloom speaker that they would have for 20+YRS Hence THE GAME CHANGER Everybody don't have the same listening experience we all hear differently...... 😀👍
@@myk1200s A lot of people keep speakers for 20 years. In fact I have some I've had for 25 years. As I mention these speakers are only slightly different than the previous version which was introduced 13 years ago. It wasn't a game changer in 2006 and it isn't today. It's too expensive for the Cerwin Vega crowd and too plain and unrefined for those that can easily afford them.
Sean, your channel is great. Several other reviewers start to grate on me after a while. You need a sponsorship or something to break out into a bigger space. Or stay the way you are...whatever. Keep on doing what you do your way.
Cornwall III owner here. So happy with them, it is a surprise that Klipsch thought they needed improvement. To me the mids - where the IV's make the most obvious change - are a great strength of the III's too. And they don't only rock: classical music from chamber to opera and anything else you care to throw at them comes out life size and natural. A lot of money, yes but still great value if you look at the competition.
The Cornwall IV is a major improvement over the III. Had the IV not come along I would have bought the Forte III. The only two Klipsch models I would ever consider and I've heard them all going back to the '70s.
@@gaborozorai3714 The handoff between the bass driver and the mid-horn is now seamless with the CWIV, before with the III the balance tilted to the bass and a persistent "cupped hands" coloration is easily heard on the CWIII mids along with a suckout in the upperbass/lower midrange. Amps used were: Airtight ATM-211, Quicksilver Horn Mono, Marantz 8b and First Watt F7.
Saburo Thanks. I guess I may be less sensitive to the colouration you describe, I just hear a natural warmth in that area. Or maybe my room suits them better. You are certainly also using the right kind of amplification.
Mine are slightly angled, grills on and, risen up by ten inches on a pair of butcher block risers. I had the III"s and realized that they open up in a Carnegie Hall way when up off the floor a little. I don't know how else to explain it other than saying that they have this way of effortlessly making the walls fade away. You feel like you're outside, listening to a master at work on a stage.
@@2830ification Hehe, don't beat yourself up over it as the IV's are a decent upgrade over the III's. Having said as much, it took a bit of playing around to realize that when Paul Klipsch designed these originally that they were to be a center channel of sorts between the massive, off the floor Klipschorns (as an upgrade to the Heresy). Without the big 'horns to raise the sound off the floor for a truer soundstage the only real solution is to lift the others in the Heritage line off the floor a little. We can see how the company sort of realized this with the Heresy as that comes with a little riser for the front of the speaker to angle it up off the floor. Having heard what a pair of those sound like on stands about three feet off the floor I realized what the 'walls needed to do and got to work on fabricating some really dense, isolating butcher block risers on appliance foot pads. Each unit is about 100lbs itself. Rendering the total weight of each speaker more than the average man. But, Carnegie hall, is what I have now.
I put them on correctly sized dollies to avoid floor interaction. For my guitar playing, I use classic small 1x12 Mesa Boogie Mark I combos. I noticed that they sounded spacious when I took them off the floor and placed them on a massive bench. Played in stereo, they are even bigger sounding. On the other hand, people would say stuff like they sounded boxy etc but they were playing the amps off the floor.
Great review! I’ve not heard this model but like any horn speaker bigger is always going to simply provide more goodness down lower in the frequency range. You think the midrange sounds good? You should hear a good horn that covers the critical mid-bass region from 100Hz-600Hz. A well designed horn offers significantly less distortion than an equivalent non-horn configuration.
Good review. I demoed the Forte III last week and came a way pretty underwhelmed. I wanted to demo the Cornwall IV but they only had the forte. I currently own the Thiel 2.4 and feel they are better in every way so I am back on the hunt.
@@ZeroFidelity I always find it so strange how one person could absolutely love the sound of a particular speaker so another person goes to listen to it at a store and they dislike it!🤔🤔🤔🤤 and I'm talkin good quality gear like these speakers, not low end stuff!
The older Thiel 3.6 was the best balanced of the lot but needed A LOT of power to sing. I recall the 2.4 being alright but had a suck-out in the upper bass and was on the lean side.
Saburo no arguments from me. The most frequently balance and tune aside I felt like the thiel 2.4 is in a different class. With a much quieter box and more refinement. I also did not feel like the forte has anymore punch or snap than the Thiel which surprises me.
Mine are on order . Pairing with McIntoch MA352 . THE FABRIC ON MY KLIPSCH FORTE 2 - 30 yrs. Old looks great . This new front seems to be see through , making it look older .
Best mated with valve (tube) amplifiers. I use Luxman MB3045's with my Gen III's, but any high quality tube amp will do. You can never go wrong with McIntosh.
Having had the CW4s now for around 6 weeks. Driven my a small class A amp, the Musical Fidelity A1 (new 2023 edition). These speakers are AMAZING. So detailed, engaging, yet... surprisingly non-fatiguing even at pretty close listening distance (around 2m / 6 ft in my case). One caveat - seems it does prefer "small" amps -- my other amp (Yamaha A-S3200) sounds very restrained and not really nice with them. Tried a tube amp from my dealer as well -- even more mid-range 3D glory, but overall I prefer solid state snappiness.
Hah, real grill cloth, nice! I build guitar amp enclosures, choosing grill cloth is always one of the fun parts, so many different textures, colors and materials to choose from. Nice to see a speaker company dipping its toe into the instrument world!!
I like smooth speakers with a non forward sound .I had speakers with titanium tweeters that gave me a headache. Are these speakers for people who have a lower or basic taste in sound quality that think louder is better and brag about their 500 watt steely state amp.
I had a choice back in the 70's between Cornwalls and Cerwin Vega D9's. I chose the C.V."s. Have never regretted my choice - still have them - BUT I always wonder how the Cornwalls would have influenced my listening!?
What an excellent review Sean! This is way after the post but I will give it a try because I respect your opinion greatly. My room is 21x16x8. But no back wall, rather it opens into a large space with high ceilings. Will the Cornwalls be too big for my space? Am I better off with the Forte IIIs? Thanks
You need to hear the Horns. Not everyone likes them and some people Love them. The Tektons will more than likely sound more "accurate" with decent bass while the Klipsch will sound "lively ". If you like Rock music, Klipsch. Klipsch also sounds pretty awesome with brass instruments. If you like classical, or anything with piano and strings, go Tekton Hope that helps
@@ufarkingicehole have owned both Tekton double impacts, the model down from the impacts, and the Cornwall iv’s. My vote is for the Cornwall. I listen to most genres of music. Amplification is PrimaLuna.
How many hours of break in did it take before you formed your opinion? Did you find them a little bright in the beginning, and smoother with more hours?
I have a air Of Forte II and I thought they were big until I see them next to the Cornwalls. I love my Fortes but am shopping around for some used Cornwall 3s since the 4s are too rich for my blood.
I have a pair of Forte iis with new ALK Engineering crossover’s. Went to audition a pair of Forte iiis and Cornwall’s to possibly buy. My upgraded Forte iis blow them away!
Hi Sean, I'd love to see a video which shows the room treatments you use in your small listening space. I'm sure a lot of us could benefit from your experience in setting up your room. Peace.
Would the Forte or Cornwall be a big upgrade, difference and change from the HS8 studio monitor? I love my HS8 for record listening too (not just for critical, neutral, flat, studio, music production work). But dreaming to get Klipsch one day.
I have had a vision of a listening room shaped like two squares rotated 45° so I can put a Klipschorn in each corner. Probably no one will ever do it for real, but I bet it would be an awesome theater room, but only an OK (at best) music room. Might be a great party room, but no one sane is going to spend 32K for just OK results. But to have the space for such a sound room - now that would be awesome.
Just buy them, you'll find room, trust me. I live in a 900 sq foot ranch. I built a bookcase-wall around them. Just like what you seen in the 1950's ad's
Nice review! These are great speakers! I have arrived at my crazy combo: my Heresy-iii's with Wharfedale Linton-85 in A+B mode and they sound awesome! I get the dynamics of Klipsch drivers as well as the refinement plus bass of Lintons in my 16 by 12 upstairs theater cum music room. But to tell you frankly, all one would need are S400s so musical and immensely satisfying & I use them in my hall.
Awesome review, dude! Perfect description and funny as hell. They look like the speaker equivalent of that pic of those 2 fat guys on the motorcycles. Those shelves are just plain full of crazy awesome gear. I’d personally love nothing more than to hook up my phono pre and turntable through all of those amps and see how each of them differ. Can I ask what type of diffusers you’ve got on the wall behind em?
Nice review, I see that you brought out the Higher voltage amp to feed those massive woofers low end Heck yeah! Nov 30th The Yota-X the budgetphile bully review is about to drop 😆 Thank you Sean
I thought about the Cornwall III'S, then, that morning, I found a pair of La Scalas for far less. The La Scalas role @50 Hz, the K-horns, @32 Hz, both exhibit the same particulate energy until their respective roll-offs. The Cornwall has always been a good speaker, I owned a pair, and I Crites everything. The Cornwall is still a duct port bass bin, not a folded horn like the K-horns/La Scalas
My 1987 Cornwall IIs bring a live performance into my room with 1 watt of output from my old receiver. Efficient speakers mean your components are just idling and have far less distortion at concert levels than the vast majority of today's speakers. This basic design was introduced in 1959. It will probably be around long after I have gone to High-Fidelity Heaven. Praise to PWK!
Here's a copy/paste job to the person who asked the same question: In terms of the DI's, the Cornwall is punchier, more dynamic, even easier to drive, sports more accurate timbre, offers more detail - particularly within the midrange, is more lively, and offers a more 'realistic' presentation than the half-priced (but still very good) DI's. As usual, ya pay... ya get.
Wow, that’s quite a difference,sounds like, I currently own the early version of the DI and have been very curious of the cornwalls and seriously been considering them. thanks
New CW4 owner here -- I'd say the bass is VERY tight, yet has a pleasant upper bass bump. But no flabbyness, and depending where you're coming from you might even find it a little lean at first.
Sorry to necro this review...i have cornwall IVs and was wondering did you tip them back a little..looks like you have something under the front of the speakers?
Sean how does the four version compare to the Cornwall 2 version... I find that more vintage gear from the late 70s and 80s are much better than today's spinoff's
That amp is one of the best sounding Amps you can get. These speakers will more than likely sound about as good as it can with his setup. It's the way to go if you can afford it.
Hi Sean. Really like your passion and knowledge in your reviews. In a smaller to medium size room - 4 x 5m or so, would you recommend a Harbeth, Maybe 7ES or up to a 30.2? I like your Harbeth reviews and would lean towards them over Klipsch. What are your thoughts?
Your videos led me to purchase the IOTAVX SA3/PA3 stack. Playing it thru my Polk Audio LSi9s. I absolute love it. Was thinking of upgrading my speakers. In your honest opinion, what are the best bookshelf speakers, for around 2K, for music, not home theater surround?
Sean; your room is smaller than mine (12X13) and I think these would totally overload it. Can't fathom how you tested in there proprely, but if SG approved, I do too. Kudos for a nice review. Worried about the bass not being visceral enough for reggae though; one would think that with 2 15¨ woofers you'd have bass aplenty.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
I just want to take this time to give a shout out to Sean who has always answered my emails with advice and solutions and wisdom. I just want to say thank you to him. And also let others know this channel is one of the best. Let us all give thanks to Sean and his work.
Sean... Thank you.
I support your comments. Sean is truly a gentleman and extremely helpful. Thanks to Sean from the Caribbean.
I agree, good job of being honest Sean, thank you!
16:15 I have Cornwall II's and found that raising them off the floor two or three inches keeps the 15 inch woofer from resonating through the floor. It made the bass sound even more natural and the mid-range cleaner.
Have my pair bought in 1986. They still rock the walls.
And they have a very firm resale value.
I too have a pair of '86 Cornwall II's'. My Cronus Magnum 2 makes them an absolute force. I'm always getting comments from people like "That's what music is supposed to sound like."
@@hailtothevictorz maaaan, I just scored a clean pair of 86’s cornwalls! I am excited!
@@andrewarevalo8838 That's awesome, my pair are also '1986's. I just love them.
Sean! You nailed it!
Cheers!
And I can't wait for your upcoming review on your channel. I've been jealous seeing them behind you in your recent posts.
Sean, dude, affirmation from Steve. Way to go!
Found a pair of early Cornwalls, at Goodwill here in Texas after Harvey. $75,00. Best speakers I ever had!
So freaking lucky
Omg
For that price I would have bought the guy at the register his lunch !
I heard them and was very impressed. Listening to Marcus Miller on electric bass I was just laughing at how good it sounded (clear, punchy, effortless) compared to my bookshelves at home. Solo piano also blew me away. Harmonically spot on. I was listening really hard to hear any boxiness or horniness and I just couldn't hear any. Ordered a pair in walnut!
Congrats David!
@@ZeroFidelity Thanks. I still haven't received them. I was told 4-6 weeks, about 3 weeks ago. I think they are selling well and they can only make the Heritage line of speakers so fast. They are expensive, but they sounded very good with an old, inexpensive ($300) Emotiva class AB amp and my uber-old Audio Research SP-9 Preamp. So, the total system cost isn't too out of hand.
@@dksculpture Yeah. I spoke to Klipsch on Friday and they told me that production is working its a$$ off. Everything is pretty much flying off the shelves. Good on them. And good on you! You have a pair of speakers that should be ready for the long haul!
@@ZeroFidelity Makes sense. It's good to see Klipsch doing so well.
David Kasman What Model Emotiva amp do you have? Thanks for letting me know they should sound good with an AR SP-9.
I LOVE my Cornwall iv’s!!! I’ve owned mine for several months now. I watched ALL the reviews including this one, read all the online and magazines and auditioned them before I dropped the coins ( A LOT OF THEM).
These speakers rock HARD when you wanna pour the power to them and they are politely quiet and detailed when I wanna listen quietly early in the morning or late at night.
Since I’m a bass head, I paired them each with their own REL S/812 !! Don’t really need subs but they do go extra LOW with them. Not boomy at all. Clean powerful bass when it’s asked for !! Couldn’t be happier!!!! Money well spent in my opinion (and that’s what matters most).
How is the soundstage?
@@marcusaurelius2988 I have a locked in center image, unfortunately my current room does not allow for too much more adjustment for further experimentation. A bit but not much room without getting too close to the sidewalls.
@@TM-fx2pi I am considering a pair of subs. Rel T/9x maybe? or SVS 3000 to go with the Cornwalls. I guess it better be some subs to match the 15" woofer of cornwalls. How do you like the Rel S/812s ?
@@marcusaurelius2988 I like the 812’s. I think they are a little expensive but they are beautiful and powerful. They blend nicely with the Cornwall and they will shake the pictures off my walls if I ask them to 😂
REL currently recommends their Predator 1510 to pair with the Cornwall and they are about half the price of the 812’s. I’ve been considering a pair of JL audio d110’s as well to compare to the 812’s.
Don’t misunderstand…… the Cornwall iv’s WILL deliver the base IF it’s in the recording.
THANK YOU!!! I am going for three Cornwalls for my LCR in my 7.2.4 home theater and two channel listening room! Take Care, BC
Wow what a great review. I feel as if I owned these speakers after listening to your comments. Thanks a million. I want these now
What else would you want other than a "live performance in your room?" Along with excellent sound at low levels.
Legacy Audio Focus SE does a great job of that!
Cornwall ll I’ve had for years 86-2010 They are an amazing speaker They are the most lifelike and sounds like your at the concert hall Upgraded to the K-Horns
I just purchased a pair of mk3 Cornwall, could you expand on your comparisons to the khorn
Timothy Wasinger
It’s like it’s bigger brother The llls you have been updated little lower bass higher efficiency The Cornwall’s are an amazing speaker and you’ll love them I did
Alan Whiteside
That’s what I listen to leaning to classic rock
They will blow you away Get as load as you want and sounds like your in the venue It doesn’t matter what you listen to they will make your hair on back of your neck stand up
As long as it’s a good source and equipment Being super efficient you don’t need a huge amp
@Alan Whiteside Cornwalls are versatile. I listen to a lot of different music: Jazz, rock, world music, ambient etc. Right now with just a 6 wpc SET amp. Sounds really great. The key is the room and speaker positioning. Ideally, you want two solid corners. The amount of bass is determined by its position from the wall and corners. I also put them on dollies to easily adjust them and avoid floor interaction.
Those speakers are awesome. Love the driver array, that port design is cool. Gorgeous finish on those cabinets. I will bet there is some great sound in your room. Love the Parasound!
Thanks for the review. Another excellent addition to your library of reviews. Love all the tape markers on your carpet lol
I think I found the speaker that suits me. Thanks for the review!
A good review of a good speaker!
The price may be high, but at 100lbs, you could eliminate a gym membership just by running around the room carrying the speaker! Ha! ....... killed by music!
I really appreciate the full coverage you give in your reviews, such as sound according to room placement, etc. It's something that most reviewers never seem to talk about, but something that is essential.
Great Review as usual! I’ve been waiting for a good detailed review of these Speakers! These may very well be the speakers that cause me to get rid of my Goldenear Triton 5’s and JL D108 subs. These remind me of a nicer, more refined version of the old MTX / Cerwin Vega Speakers of the 80’s. I can’t wait to hear them!
Finally a review of something other than two way book shelf speakers. This company has a strong following and would actually hold their value better over time, unlike say Wilson or Snell.
I agree. Those shoe box size speakers on stilts don't interest me at all.
Lots of great affordable two way speakers!!!! $6000 klumps!!! Not necessary in this time of music era, or digital age where most people are buying soundbars, me Myself I'm tired of $10,000 system reviews when the CD ERA is over.....no more good music being produced....
I USE VARIOUS DENSITY/POROSITY FOAM "PLUGS" TO TUNE TWEETERS. I heard these
series IVs in a very nice acoustic setting....incredible. I bought a set of Cornwalls originally
in 1983. Even my early "Walls" made a believer out of me. Saw Paul Klipsch doing a lecture
and demo at UTA Texas and he signed my owners manuals! I later sold these speakers for
more than I paid for them!
I love Klipsch and I loved the way you introduced them. I own a pair of Forte III but when available in my country I'll switch to Cornwall... no way. Great job Sean!!!! You (and a guy named Stevie) are over the top!!!! Greetings from Italy
Fantastic review. I love my Cornwall IVs. Epic sound.
great review and fun product. the more i think about it the more i want them.
that's the purpose of these subjective video reviews, they are video ads paid for by the manufacturers. notice any 3rd party measurements of these? Klipsch doesn't want us to see those.
The name Cornwall came from Paul's first wife. They found it worked on a wall or in a corner. Paul and the engineers were scratching their heads on how to name it. Paul's wife said why don't you call it the Cornwall as it works in both positions. Hence Cornwall.
Now you know how it got its name.
I feel your closing comment mirrors what I found when I bought my Fried Studio 4 models . I’m still using them with refreshed tweeters and mid ranges since 1986
Fried speakers are AMAZING! I own the IMF TLS 50s and the super compacts. I will one day own a pair of IMF TLS 80s2 or the RSPM. People dont know about these speakers and its ashamed. ImF (Fried) where the most accurate speakers on the planet and actually used in an acoustic chamber for scientific research. Hold on to them
Another great review by Sean!
I’m a proud owner of a pair of Cornwalls since the 80’s right now hooked up to a peach tree amp also have a pair of chorus hooked up to an 80’s M80 that has been completely restored :-) home is happy
Great review! Running Cornwall III's for a dozen years now, and keeping them to the 'end game', as you say ;-)
Great vid.!
I own a pair of Cornwall series "one" - I believe.
They are just turning 40 years old, about now.
How do I say this?
I'm on my third wife, but still on my first set of Cornwalls. :)
This particular pair of speakers have impressed thousands through the years, as firstly a home super stereo system back in the day, through being used as mobile disco speakers, to their most recent posting as my front L+R speakers in a pretty decent 135" home theatre setup in a 24x24 foot square "man cave".
They continue to impress, and project a very realistic presence to anything played.
Just close your eyes, and you think you are there.
Basic mods done, like covering the mid-range horn with some sound dampening material to remove the "nasal" sound, often associated with long-throw horns.
After 40+ years, their performance still can impress me on a daily basis.
I cannot say that about anything else I have ever owned (or married). - Wifey #3 is pretty damn good, though. :)
@Untrepid One My only guess is that the ex wives didn't like clear and loud sound from Klipsch speakers. :)
Wife #3 is awesome, (a keeper!) except the man cave is in the basement directly under the master bedroom.
I'm thinking of installing seat belts on the bed, so she doesn't bounce out when I crank it up, and there are explosions in the movie.
My subs are pumping about 1KW RMS, and other 9 channels are another KW combined.
What do you think?
Excellent video. Moreover Sean is a perfect speaker: he could be the ideal seller; he knows how to speak directly to your heart!
Just traded in my Cornwall III for the IV’s today. Overall the IV’s have better midrange and base, and a more modern sound. The midrange is more pronounced and nuanced, especially the lower part of the midrange. The base is a bit faster and I feel more rumble, which is interesting because it should be the same 15 inch woofer, but perhaps this is the effect of the ports. The IV’s are better braced, the cabinets have significantly less vibration at loud volume with bass heavy songs. I do notice that the III’s are a bit sweeter sounding, which makes sense as the midrange and lows are more pronounced on the IV’s. Source NAD M10. Looking forward to breaking in the IV’s!
You have nailed it! Enjoy your Cornwall IVs!
Thank you for the description. Just bought IIIs since it was half the cost of the IVs. I like them very much. Right now going putting that money saved into other components. Maybe upgrade a few years later if a good deal comes around.
Klipsch finally woke up, and put a larger sized mid-horn in their Cornwall. Good job. :)
Bought a pair of Cornwall II's at a Salvation Army store. Added a Musical Paradise MP301. Total invested $600 CN. They are in a 2 car garage/man cave 25' x 25' x10'. Made all my other systems sound thin. You do not need a high power amp. I would buy another pair if I ever get the chance. Sometimes you get lucky.
Gratz!
Home video. I just auditioned some Cornwall 4s. Loved them but was wondering how they would sound in a home entertainment surround sound environment
Great review and descriptions. The midrange horn is similar to the Forte III, which has been a success. The Cornwall 3 still had the smaller horn like the original Cornwall. Many people notice a "cupped" sound with the smaller horn, but still like them very much. Looks like the Cornwall 4 has many refinements that modifiers have been working on for years.
Sean, your speakers are growing dude!
Not good. My back is breaking! :D
@@ZeroFidelity You got emotional listening to these eh? Daanggg, would be nice to see you crying and reviewing simultaneously...
I bought my Cornwall 4s in January this year and I never got attached to them. Just traded them in.
for what if I may ask?
I appreciate your channel Sean, keep up the great work. I have had the Cornwall IV's for about two weeks now. They are everything I expected them to be and then some. I was particularly impressed by the build quality and am very impressed by the overall sound quality in my particular room. I have them paired with a Schiit Freya Plus (mostly listen in tube mode) and Monoprice Monolith 3 amplifier, Schiit Yggdrasil is on order, and am looking forward to listening to them with this combination. I would love to hear these speakers with a tube based amplifier as you mentioned in your video.
Congrats dude!!!
these look great... I think these will be my next speakers and end gamers.. may even add a sub or two... after that IF... I feel it's needed.
"Look at me now" haha 🤣 love it! Awesome video 🙌🏻 after a minute I pressed that Subscribe Button 🤠💪🏻
👍 Very nicely done. WOW what a speaker!! Definitely A GAME CHANGER!! JOB WELL DONE.
What's so "game changer" about them? More or less the same as previous version. Forward and no low bass.
Well "if" you listened to him he said FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT WOULD BE possibly there last speaker purchase sort of there heirloom speaker that they would have for 20+YRS
Hence THE GAME CHANGER
Everybody don't have the same listening experience we all hear differently...... 😀👍
@@myk1200s A lot of people keep speakers for 20 years. In fact I have some I've had for 25 years. As I mention these speakers are only slightly different than the previous version which was introduced 13 years ago. It wasn't a game changer in 2006 and it isn't today. It's too expensive for the Cerwin Vega crowd and too plain and unrefined for those that can easily afford them.
We bought Heresy 3’s eight years ago. Damn fine speakers. Will add Corn 4’s soon. Not a scratch on them. A whole lot of beautiful sound for the money.
Sean, your channel is great. Several other reviewers start to grate on me after a while. You need a sponsorship or something to break out into a bigger space. Or stay the way you are...whatever. Keep on doing what you do your way.
Cornwall III owner here. So happy with them, it is a surprise that Klipsch thought they needed improvement. To me the mids - where the IV's make the most obvious change - are a great strength of the III's too. And they don't only rock: classical music from chamber to opera and anything else you care to throw at them comes out life size and natural. A lot of money, yes but still great value if you look at the competition.
T IconAudio Stereo 845 PP. That is 845 tubes in push-pull configuration, rated at a very comfortable 38 wpc.
The Cornwall IV is a major improvement over the III. Had the IV not come along I would have bought the Forte III. The only two Klipsch models I would ever consider and I've heard them all going back to the '70s.
Saburo Could you please try to describe the improvements? What amps did you hear them with respectively? Thanks
@@gaborozorai3714 The handoff between the bass driver and the mid-horn is now seamless with the CWIV, before with the III the balance tilted to the bass and a persistent "cupped hands" coloration is easily heard on the CWIII mids along with a suckout in the upperbass/lower midrange. Amps used were: Airtight ATM-211, Quicksilver Horn Mono, Marantz 8b and First Watt F7.
Saburo Thanks. I guess I may be less sensitive to the colouration you describe, I just hear a natural warmth in that area. Or maybe my room suits them better. You are certainly also using the right kind of amplification.
Mine are slightly angled, grills on and, risen up by ten inches on a pair of butcher block risers. I had the III"s and realized that they open up in a Carnegie Hall way when up off the floor a little. I don't know how else to explain it other than saying that they have this way of effortlessly making the walls fade away. You feel like you're outside, listening to a master at work on a stage.
akr01364 hmm, interesting had the 3s and just traded in for the 4s, but I did notice I really enjoyed listening sitting on the floor... (face palm)
@@2830ification Hehe, don't beat yourself up over it as the IV's are a decent upgrade over the III's. Having said as much, it took a bit of playing around to realize that when Paul Klipsch designed these originally that they were to be a center channel of sorts between the massive, off the floor Klipschorns (as an upgrade to the Heresy). Without the big 'horns to raise the sound off the floor for a truer soundstage the only real solution is to lift the others in the Heritage line off the floor a little. We can see how the company sort of realized this with the Heresy as that comes with a little riser for the front of the speaker to angle it up off the floor. Having heard what a pair of those sound like on stands about three feet off the floor I realized what the 'walls needed to do and got to work on fabricating some really dense, isolating butcher block risers on appliance foot pads. Each unit is about 100lbs itself. Rendering the total weight of each speaker more than the average man. But, Carnegie hall, is what I have now.
I put them on correctly sized dollies to avoid floor interaction. For my guitar playing, I use classic small 1x12 Mesa Boogie Mark I combos. I noticed that they sounded spacious when I took them off the floor and placed them on a massive bench. Played in stereo, they are even bigger sounding. On the other hand, people would say stuff like they sounded boxy etc but they were playing the amps off the floor.
I do like the look of the Cornwalls and the Fortes. Nice simple design/look.
Great review! I’ve not heard this model but like any horn speaker bigger is always going to simply provide more goodness down lower in the frequency range. You think the midrange sounds good? You should hear a good horn that covers the critical mid-bass region from 100Hz-600Hz. A well designed horn offers significantly less distortion than an equivalent non-horn configuration.
Good review.
I demoed the Forte III last week and came a way pretty underwhelmed. I wanted to demo the Cornwall IV but they only had the forte. I currently own the Thiel 2.4 and feel they are better in every way so I am back on the hunt.
Good luck on the hunt!
@@ZeroFidelity
I always find it so strange how one person could absolutely love the sound of a particular speaker so another person goes to listen to it at a store and they dislike it!🤔🤔🤔🤤 and I'm talkin good quality gear like these speakers, not low end stuff!
The older Thiel 3.6 was the best balanced of the lot but needed A LOT of power to sing. I recall the 2.4 being alright but had a suck-out in the upper bass and was on the lean side.
Saburo no arguments from me. The most frequently balance and tune aside I felt like the thiel 2.4 is in a different class. With a much quieter box and more refinement. I also did not feel like the forte has anymore punch or snap than the Thiel which surprises me.
Listen to the Cornwalls in a properly setup environment with a good quality SET tube amp (Line Magnetic, Cary etc). I think you will appreciate it.
I wonder how a silk dome tweeter would work in place of the titanium tweeter.
Mine are on order . Pairing with McIntoch MA352 .
THE FABRIC ON MY KLIPSCH FORTE 2 - 30 yrs. Old looks great . This new front seems to be see through , making it look older .
I would love, love you to review the La Scala,
me too
@@cybergod77 How the heck would he do that..... this review is already compromised by the fact that the Cornwalls are too big for his room.
@@TheMirolab get a new multi tier rack?
How would this compare to the Tekton Double Impacts ??
My question exactly...
I'm sure the Double Impacts would have deeper base. I would also like to hear both of them side by side.
@@dontcare563 maybe quicker bass but not deeper, or more authoritive.
@@Techman2ch Well the manufacturer specifications don't back you up as far as deeper bass so I'm unsure where you are getting that from.
I'd like to hear an A/B comparison of those two!
Best mated with valve (tube) amplifiers. I use Luxman MB3045's with my Gen III's, but any high quality tube amp will do. You can never go wrong with McIntosh.
Having had the CW4s now for around 6 weeks. Driven my a small class A amp, the Musical Fidelity A1 (new 2023 edition).
These speakers are AMAZING. So detailed, engaging, yet... surprisingly non-fatiguing even at pretty close listening distance (around 2m / 6 ft in my case).
One caveat - seems it does prefer "small" amps -- my other amp (Yamaha A-S3200) sounds very restrained and not really nice with them.
Tried a tube amp from my dealer as well -- even more mid-range 3D glory, but overall I prefer solid state snappiness.
Hah, real grill cloth, nice!
I build guitar amp enclosures, choosing grill cloth is always one of the fun parts, so many different textures, colors and materials to choose from. Nice to see a speaker company dipping its toe into the instrument world!!
Nice honest review, very informative, great work as always! Fred at Katli
Are the 4s that much better than the 3s to be double the price? All input please.
What do you consider small and large room size? What is minimum room size for the Cornwalls? My room in 15'w x 9.5'h x 24'd.
Yours is a moderately large room for sure.
I like smooth speakers with a non forward sound .I had speakers with titanium tweeters that gave me a headache. Are these speakers for people who have a lower or basic taste in sound quality that think louder is better and brag about their 500 watt steely state amp.
I had a choice back in the 70's between Cornwalls and Cerwin Vega D9's. I chose the C.V."s. Have never regretted my choice - still have them - BUT I always wonder how the Cornwalls would have influenced my listening!?
How about a comparison video with the new Forte IV?
What an excellent review Sean! This is way after the post but I will give it a try because I respect your opinion greatly.
My room is 21x16x8. But no back wall, rather it opens into a large space with high ceilings. Will the Cornwalls be too big for my space? Am I better off with the Forte IIIs? Thanks
No comparison with the Tekton speakers? Would you, could you, please?
This would help quite a few ppl.
You need to hear the Horns. Not everyone likes them and some people Love them. The Tektons will more than likely sound more "accurate" with decent bass while the Klipsch will sound "lively ". If you like Rock music, Klipsch. Klipsch also sounds pretty awesome with brass instruments. If you like classical, or anything with piano and strings, go Tekton
Hope that helps
@@ufarkingicehole have owned both Tekton double impacts, the model down from the impacts, and the Cornwall iv’s. My vote is for the Cornwall. I listen to most genres of music. Amplification is PrimaLuna.
I'd like to hear these with some Pass First Watt electronics
How many hours of break in did it take before you formed your opinion? Did you find them a little bright in the beginning, and smoother with more hours?
I would love to hear your review of the bid Klipschorns.
I have a air Of Forte II and I thought they were big until I see them next to the Cornwalls. I love my Fortes but am shopping around for some used Cornwall 3s since the 4s are too rich for my blood.
I have a pair of Forte iis with new ALK Engineering crossover’s. Went to audition a pair of Forte iiis and Cornwall’s to possibly buy. My upgraded Forte iis blow them away!
Those are monsters!
Hi Sean, I'd love to see a video which shows the room treatments you use in your small listening space. I'm sure a lot of us could benefit from your experience in setting up your room. Peace.
how is this Cornwall iv compare to Cornwall 70th anniversary? thanks for info.
Would the Forte or Cornwall be a big upgrade, difference and change from the HS8 studio monitor?
I love my HS8 for record listening too (not just for critical, neutral, flat, studio, music production work). But dreaming to get Klipsch one day.
I need a bigger house!
Stop being poor!
@@porkchopspapi5757 troll!
@@95Sn95 Was a joke
I have had a vision of a listening room shaped like two squares rotated 45° so I can put a Klipschorn in each corner. Probably no one will ever do it for real, but I bet it would be an awesome theater room, but only an OK (at best) music room. Might be a great party room, but no one sane is going to spend 32K for just OK results. But to have the space for such a sound room - now that would be awesome.
Just buy them, you'll find room, trust me. I live in a 900 sq foot ranch. I built a bookcase-wall around them. Just like what you seen in the 1950's ad's
Nice review! These are great speakers! I have arrived at my crazy combo: my Heresy-iii's with Wharfedale Linton-85 in A+B mode and they sound awesome! I get the dynamics of Klipsch drivers as well as the refinement plus bass of Lintons in my 16 by 12 upstairs theater cum music room.
But to tell you frankly, all one would need are S400s so musical and immensely satisfying & I use them in my hall.
Awesome review, dude! Perfect description and funny as hell.
They look like the speaker equivalent of that pic of those 2 fat guys on the motorcycles.
Those shelves are just plain full of crazy awesome gear. I’d personally love nothing more than to hook up my phono pre and turntable through all of those amps and see how each of them differ.
Can I ask what type of diffusers you’ve got on the wall behind em?
Nice review, I see that you brought out the Higher voltage amp to feed those massive woofers low end Heck yeah! Nov 30th The Yota-X the budgetphile bully review is about to drop 😆 Thank you Sean
I thought about the Cornwall III'S, then, that morning, I found a pair of La Scalas for far less. The La Scalas role @50 Hz, the K-horns, @32 Hz, both exhibit the same particulate energy until their respective roll-offs.
The Cornwall has always been a good speaker, I owned a pair, and I Crites everything. The Cornwall is still a duct port bass bin, not a folded horn like the K-horns/La Scalas
Nice review Bro!
My 1987 Cornwall IIs bring a live performance into my room with 1 watt of output from my old receiver. Efficient speakers mean your components are just idling and have far less distortion at concert levels than the vast majority of today's speakers. This basic design was introduced in 1959. It will probably be around long after I have gone to High-Fidelity Heaven. Praise to PWK!
Hi Sean, can you brielfly compare it to the Tekton DI?
Here's a copy/paste job to the person who asked the same question: In terms of the DI's, the Cornwall is punchier, more dynamic, even easier to drive, sports more accurate timbre, offers more detail - particularly within the midrange, is more lively, and offers a more 'realistic' presentation than the half-priced (but still very good) DI's. As usual, ya pay... ya get.
@@ZeroFidelity wow, wasn't expecting that...thks!
Wow, that’s quite a difference,sounds like, I currently own the early version of the DI and have been very curious of the cornwalls and seriously been considering them. thanks
Can we take some time and appreciate the Moiré pattern on the speaker grill?
I have enclosed shelves (top and 3 sides) 30" from floor on both sides of fireplace. 20' X 25' room with low ceilings. Will it work or bad idea?
I have Pioneer Spec 1 and 2 ..wonder how they will sound...250W per channel ?
Awesome!
I'd like to hear them with a tube integrated! The nearest dealer I know that has the Heritage series in stock is a 2-hour drive from me.
A 2hr drive is excessive when considering 6k decisions?
Hello, when you play music with tight bass, do you have tight, relaxed or boomy bass with the Cornwall IV?
New CW4 owner here -- I'd say the bass is VERY tight, yet has a pleasant upper bass bump. But no flabbyness, and depending where you're coming from you might even find it a little lean at first.
I have Revel F208 and Klipsch RFII and just got the Cornwall IV. There is no comparison. The Cornwall is that good.
What are the minimum dimensions of a room for these Cornwall speakers?
My room is 13" x 9". They work perfectly fine. I'm also on the second story of a home, so bass energy has a place to escape.
Thanks !
Used to have Cornwalls with ALK crossovers and a vertical for a center channell....it took Infinity Preludes to displace them.
What is the best receiver in the $500 to $1000 range. I am a high fi’r on a budget.
Beautiful . How they are on rhythm and timing ?
Fantastic. Right up there with my Harbeths.
Any comparison between Cornwall iv and living voice R4
Thank you Sean! How do these pair with the Luxman SQ-n150?
102 db sensitivity. Nice.
brydon10 It’s probably more around 97-98 db all things considered.
Sorry to necro this review...i have cornwall IVs and was wondering did you tip them back a little..looks like you have something under the front of the speakers?
Sean how does the four version compare to the Cornwall 2 version... I find that more vintage gear from the late 70s and 80s are much better than today's spinoff's
Another great review, many thanks.....how is the sound with the jc5?
That amp is one of the best sounding Amps you can get. These speakers will more than likely sound about as good as it can with his setup. It's the way to go if you can afford it.
Will they work well with an AR Sp-9 and Emotiva CPA-200? Yes
Hi Sean. Really like your passion and knowledge in your reviews.
In a smaller to medium size room - 4 x 5m or so, would you recommend a Harbeth, Maybe 7ES or up to a 30.2?
I like your Harbeth reviews and would lean towards them over Klipsch. What are your thoughts?
Your videos led me to purchase the IOTAVX SA3/PA3 stack. Playing it thru my Polk Audio LSi9s. I absolute love it. Was thinking of upgrading my speakers. In your honest opinion, what are the best bookshelf speakers, for around 2K, for music, not home theater surround?
Sean; your room is smaller than mine (12X13) and I think these would totally overload it. Can't fathom how you tested in there proprely, but if SG approved, I do too. Kudos for a nice review. Worried about the bass not being visceral enough for reggae though; one would think that with 2 15¨ woofers you'd have bass aplenty.
How good would Napalm Death sound on these?
This are not speakers for noise makers but they are perfect for jazz and classical (or evolute rock music like elp..floyd etc..)
To answer your question.
I'm sure that they would really kick ass!
Nice review Sean. I've heard the comparison to an American Muscle Car before, but old school Shelby Cobra or new school 2019 Shelby?
Had my eye on the 19' Shelby, although there's something to be said for the timeless look of the OG. :D