Klipsch is giving two of its most legendary speakers a modern refresh. The Klipschorn AK7 and La Scala AL6 are the latest versions of these long-running models, sticking to their horn-loaded heritage while introducing new drivers, updated horns, and even an active crossover option for the first time. While the overall look and design remain familiar, the refinements bring these speakers closer to today’s high-end audio expectations.

Both models are still hand-assembled in Hope, Arkansas, where Klipsch has been building its Heritage Series speakers for decades. But what exactly has changed? Let’s take a closer look.

The Klipschorn has been in continuous production since 1946, making it the longest-running loudspeaker model in the world. The La Scala, originally designed in 1963 as a public address speaker, has also earned its own reputation among audio enthusiasts.

At their core, both speakers still follow Klipsch’s signature three-way, horn-loaded design, which uses high-efficiency drivers to maximize output with minimal distortion. However, the latest versions refine this concept with updated Tractrix horns, a new midrange driver, and improved high-frequency dispersion.

“We are always looking to improve performance even on these iconic designs. You can’t stop a creative mind and as PWK used to say, ‘You can’t time creativity,’” said Roy “Chief Bonehead” Delgado, Jr., Klipsch principal engineer and protégé of Paul W. Klipsch.

“In 1999, I began experimenting with active crossovers after witnessing their remarkable performance in cinema applications. When PWK first heard my prototype, he turned to me and asked, ‘What did you do to that speaker?’ He was struck by its musicality, its purity. Sadly, he passed away before he could see a finished design.”

One of the biggest updates is the introduction of the KT-1133-HP midrange compression driver, which is now 3 inches in diameter—a full inch larger than previous models. A bigger compression area means more sound pressure at the horn’s throat, allowing the driver to work more efficiently without distortion.

Klipsch has also improved high-frequency performance by pairing the K-771 compression driver with a new extended phase plug. This tweak helps to smooth out the sound and create a more even, consistent listening experience across different room sizes and placements.

The Tractrix horn technology, now a standard feature across Klipsch’s Heritage Series, has also been applied to these models. The new K-406M modified Tractrix midrange horn brings the driver’s exit point closer to the others, improving time alignment and delivering a more coherent soundstage.

The La Scala AL6 gets a new vented bass enclosure, marking a major shift from its previous sealed design. This vented system is designed to enhance bass response without sacrificing efficiency, giving the La Scala deeper and richer low-end performance. The K-281 12-inch woofer is now housed in a redesigned folded horn structure, further improving how the bass interacts with room acoustics.

For those who have always loved the La Scala’s punchy mid-bass but wished for a little more depth, this new vented design could be a game-changer.

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of the Heritage Active Crossover, an optional DSP-based crossover designed specifically for the Klipschorn AK7 and La Scala AL6. Unlike passive crossovers, which rely on physical components to divide frequencies, an active crossover uses digital processing to manage the handoff between drivers with greater precision.

This system, developed by Klipsch’s VP of Technology and Innovation, Matt Spitznagle, and engineer Roy Delgado, is inspired by the technology behind the Klipsch Jubilee flagship speakers. It enhances time and phase alignment, reduces frequency smearing, and allows users to fine-tune the balance of their system.

“While we are thrilled with the performance of the passive crossover, the Heritage Active Crossover unlocks performance enhancements that are simply unattainable with a passive design,” Delgado says. “While the crossover frequencies remain fixed, users can adjust the gain of the LF and HF sections of the DSP active unit in order to compensate input sensitivities of different types of amplifiers.” 

Both speakers come pre-installed with passive crossovers, but the new input/output panel makes it easy to switch between passive and active modes, giving users the flexibility to upgrade later.

In addition to the technical upgrades, Klipsch is rolling out a new American Auburn finish for the Heritage Series. Sitting between Black Ash and American Walnut, this deep woodgrain option replaces Natural Cherry and maintains the book-matched veneer process, ensuring each pair has a symmetrical, mirror-image grain pattern.

For fans of the classic wood finishes Klipsch is known for, this new option should fit right in with the Heritage lineup.

The Klipschorn AK7 and La Scala AL6 are available now through authorized Klipsch dealers. Here’s the pricing:

• Klipschorn AK7 – $17,998 per pair
• La Scala AL6 – $14,998 per pair
• Heritage Active Crossover (optional) – $3,499 each

All models are available in American Walnut, Black Ash, and the new American Auburn finish.