In 1946, in a small military warehouse in southern Arkansas, a quirky engineer named Paul W. Klipsch began history by creating a single horn speaker.

That was the 'Klipschorn'. It is still considered a remarkable product, referred to as a reference model, and is treated as a legendary starting point in the audio world.

The headquarters is currently in Indianapolis, but the Heritage line (Klipschorn, La Scala, Cornwall, Heresy) is still handcrafted in its hometown factory in Hope.

Key Milestones
• 1960s-70s: Released large speakers like La Scala, Heresy, and Cornwall based on horn design, creating a 'live concert feel'
• 1980s-90s: Capitalized on the home theater boom, penetrating North American living rooms
• 2011: Acquired by VOXX International, expanding global distribution
• 2016: Launched the Heritage Wireless series to celebrate the 70th anniversary, combining vintage design with Bluetooth
• 2024: Announced the Flexus Core 300 soundbar, enhancing setup convenience with built-in Dirac Live room correction
• 2025: As VOXX is absorbed by Gentex, Klipsch becomes part of Gentex's automotive audio brand.

Current Product Lineup
Heritage Loudspeakers: Klipschorn, La Scala, Cornwall, Heresy. They feature large horn tweeters in wooden cabinets. They are incredibly efficient, producing loud sound even with small vacuum tube amplifiers.

Reference Series: Includes models like the RP-8000F tallboy and the R-605FA with upward-firing speakers for Atmos. They are specialized for home theater setups.

Flexus Soundbar: A wireless home theater platform developed in collaboration with Onkyo. EQ and firmware updates can be done via an app.

Portable & Headphones: T5 II vacuum tube earbuds, Groove XL Bluetooth speakers, etc. They maintain a unique retro vibe.

Cinema & Pro Audio: The KPT lineup features theater-specific speakers used in IMAX and large multiplexes.

Recent Developments

With Gentex's acquisition, a collaboration route for 'automotive audio' has opened. It suggests that the day of hearing horn sound inside cars, like in luxury car headrest speakers or panoramic roof speakers, is not far off.

The Flexus lineup continues to expand through the partnership with Onkyo. The goal is to solve everything from room correction to multi-room streaming with a single app.

Every March, a fan gathering called 'Klipsch Pilgrimage' is held in Hope, the founding place. This year, enthusiasts from around the world gathered to celebrate and experience vintage models.

Production and Distribution
The Heritage line is handcrafted in Hope, USA. The rest are designed in the USA and assembled by OEMs in China/Vietnam. In the domestic market, a one-year free warranty is provided through official importers, and products are easily available in online and offline audio shops.

A few usage tips

  1. Horn tweeters are highly efficient, producing loud sound even at low volumes, but in small untreated rooms, high frequencies can become harsh, so it's good to have soft furnishings like rugs and curtains.

  2. Vintage Klipschorn or La Scala often sell for more than their new prices in the second-hand market. If you find one in good condition, it's a real score.

  3. Make sure to run the Dirac Live auto-tuning on the Flexus Core 300 soundbar. The soundstage size changes dramatically before and after.

In summary, Klipsch has maintained a distinct identity of 'horn sound' for nearly 80 years while expanding into soundbars, wireless earbuds, and automotive audio. It is a brand where vintage charm intersects with the latest technology, making it worth experiencing for anyone involved in audio.