I bought my Cornwalls in 1975 or 76. They were efficient - you could drive them with a transistor radio. They sounded great and still do. I could not find anything better for the money. I knew that I would never have to buy another pair of speakers again and I could have a life time of enjoyment. I have. At that time you could buy them unfinished for about $400 each. I think the finished ones were $800. Paul Klipsch knew what he was doing when he created these speakers.
Wow thanks for sharing your experience! Factoring inflation, current (finished) Cornwalls are actually cheaper than back in 1975. Crazy you've had yours for over 48 years!! That's getting your moneys worth! 🍻
I grabbed my Cornwall IVs in February and then a Prima Luna Evo 400 this month and I’m about half burned in on both looking at April in a few days. My feelings for these speakers match yours perfectly. Last Saturday I had the house to myself and played some selections much louder than I normally get to. Metallica’s Black Album was so deep, rich, and clear on vinyl and that smile from ear to ear stayed throughout both sides of both LPs. I’ve been building stereos for a good number of years, and this is truly a pinnacle achievement that gets me a bit emotional frankly, and I will adore these Cornwalls for the rest of my life. ❤
Same here as far as them being lifetime speakers. I just upgraded to. Marantz 40n from a 7000n and the sound is even better now. Bass performance is a nice step up with the 40n.
@@wvjon75I did a lot of research on amps and one of the main reasons I went with the 40n was because of home theater bypass curious you tried any tube amps .To be honest I don't see how the sound could be any better on the good recordings.Glad to here someone else talking solid state especially the 40n.
I have two pair… a 1973 Cornwall decorator cabs (with the off enter layout) with 83 guts inside. The set of 83s have the Crites upgrades. They both sound great. I have heard them pushed by Macintosh, and a dozen other flagship Amps. They are the best “all around” speaker for any amp and any music. Particularly shine with Jazz, rock and rich vocals. Compared to dozens of other legendary speakers. Worth the cash… just wish I had them when I was a kid. Don’t wait.
Glad you finally brought them home! I added an SVS SB3000 to mine and it really adds another dimension to the bass. On some tracks you’ll be just as good with out it but when it’s called upon it really fortifies the bottom end. Good choice on the walnut. Even though it seems to be the more common color, I think it looks best.
Thanks man! I have two SVS SB-2000 pros hooked up to my system currently and can agree about it balancing out the bottom end. Very happy with this setup! 🍻
Just seen your review of the Corwall’s One week’s burn’-in time just NOT enough Review again after 400 hours I’m sure you will have a bigger smile on your face. You got as a subscriber fantastic channel
I think speaker “burn in” is a complete myth. Unless you have documented frequency response graphs that support that they actually change with time I just don’t believe it. I’ve had a pair of Wharfedale Lintons from brand new for about a year now and I can’t tell a difference between how they sounded right out of the box the first day I fired them up vs now. Perhaps I don’t have audiophile grade ears.
I have a similar sized room (17x24) and I liked them close to the wall but when I brought them out just short of 5 feet things got even better. If you have the ability to also get the speakers spread apart further it’s worth experimenting! Mine are 10 feet apart and 12 feet from speaker to ear. I’ve tried every topology of amp on them and guess my favorite…My Hegel H590! I’ve also tried to dethrone them with Magnepans, box speakers, and Spatial open baffles but they’ve all been sold and the Cornwalls still stand. I have also damped the horns with Dynamat and replaced the capacitors with VCap ODAM’s and resistors with Path Audio-last but if grain is gone and they become more effortless and relaxed.
Aaah, can't get enough of this HIFI pr0n! Very nice video. I my self have a Heresy III + subwoofer surround setup integrated with a avr+external amps in a small livingroom apartment with some low wattage class-A single ended solid state and tube amps
We appear to be brothers from anothers mother. I as well chose the Cornwall IV, the patricians choice of a history loaded horn driven speaker hand built in Hope, Arkansas USA. God prosper and long live well.
Hi.. Have you tried putting them to where the ls50 were? You may just love it… I have my C4 and Altec 19 further out from the front wall and its more amazing… thanks
I have had my Cornwall IVs for almost 2 years now. Can't imagine life without them. I will say if you don't mind "B" stock you can get them a hair under 5k, free shipping and no tax, at least in my case.
That's an excellent deal and a great tip, Scott. I haggled mine and got a nice discount. Once they came, there was a mark on the finish. So I ended up getting more credited back to me. Either way, the CW4's are the best and like you, I can't be without em! 🍻
Oh yeah. I meant to comment on the low volume listening aspect as well. Totally agree there! I can listen at 55-60db and still hear great detail and dynamics. It’s almost like getting a hearing upgrade with these speakers. And I know that can’t be true with all the power toolsI use. BTW, what freq are you crossing your subs over? I’m using 60db on my amp and found I like that best.
Love to see Klipsch get the love they deserve these days. I think the audio world is so concerned with measured performance and neutrality, that they design the fun out of it. A photorealistic painting is cool but it lacks the beauty of an Alla Prima painting or a lose watercolor. Great review
You're preaching ti the quire Doug! I learned that measurements can be very misleading. Experience and how speakers like these sound to you and make you feel is everything! 😃
I just bought a pair of Cornwall IV speakers.The VOICE is excellent for TV and movies and musically they sound amazing.Not like my Legacy Focus Se that are technically better at 2Xs the price.($12,600).But with my hearing the voice was muffled with the SEs.The Cornwall sounds more like I am there.Sounds like live music.Love the IVs.
Nice!! I’ve listened to more impressive speakers but there’s something about the CW4’s that make them special. They really are end game imo. Thx for watching! 🍻
I walked into the showroom to pic up my Heresy IVs after a phone call . They played them for me and after 30seconds I’m “ bag em up”. I’m happy again after being in the audiophile doldrums. I still have my Focals , LS3/5a’s and other suspects but man … man! I found my jam:) My apocalypse system
Heresy IV owner here, demoed them against Forte and Cornwall. Cornwall is a Heresy on steroids! I just don't have space for the Cornwall, surprisingly I liked the Heresy's over the Forte and went with them. They all share the same tweeter/midrange drivers, so just a bigger sound as the boxes/woofers get bigger.
Hey Mr Chibs. Digging your review, and really like the color of your basement. I was speaker hunting for several months and demoed a bunch and narrowed my decision on four brands: Klipsch Heritage, Sonus Faber, Martin Logan Motion series, and KLH Model 5 and 7 (albeit the 7's aren't out yet). I can honestly say, the Forte IV blew me away as so did the Cornwall IV; but money prevented me from getting them. Then I heard the Sonus Faber Lumina 5 and loved them, so now they sit in my basement (25 ft L x 15 ft W). Truth be told, I think I may trade them in for the Forte. I like the Cornwall but I think I like the slam of the Forte's bass, plus the Cornwall may be pushing it for space. Right now I have been going back and forth setting up the speakers along the long wall and the short wall. Along the long wall, the nearest side wall to the speakers is like 8 ft away which is great, but along the short wall the nearest side wall is but 2 to 3 ft away, probably more like 2 ft. Eh. Anyway, I just wanted to say Congratulations on your Cornwall IV.
Thanks Mark! I demoed a bunch of speakers before landing on the Cornwalls including Sonus faber (I think it was sonetto 8) Nothing gave me the feeling I got with the Cornwalls. Check out my Road to Cornwall video for more on that. As far as your room size, mine’s a bit smaller and works really well so you should probably be fine. Either way, sounds like you’re on the right track. Buy what you love and you’ll end up saving $ in the long run (hopefully😅) 👍🏻🍻
Great video! Thanks, TH-cam algorithm, for putting it in my feed. I also own Cornwall IVs and agree wholeheartedly with your observations. I’ve had mine for almost two years now and just love them to bits. I have a Naim solid state amp for summertime, but most of the year I run them with a Conrad Johnson CAV-45 S2. It’s sublime and I highly recommend you consider looking into tubes. And while the Cornwalls are, indeed, crazy efficient, I would probably consider looking into something with at least 40 wpc to have sufficient headroom. Mine are toed in ever-so-slightly, but not quite as much as yours. Probably like you, it took me a LONG time to find just the right position. Mine are probably 20” from the front wall, so very similar to yours. Also, regarding the spacers on the grills, I FINALLY removed mine a week ago and they still sit out enough to make removing the grills very easy. My grills were a little loose/saggy, but I finally got up the nerve to take a heat gun to them to shrink them down a tad and tighten them up. It worked perfectly. Lastly, I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on the Lumin. It’s on my list!!
Thanks for sharing your experience Dan. I have my Cornwalls hooked up to a tube amp as I type this. Sounds amazing! Interesting bit about your saggy grills. Mine are tight but the ones I demoed definitely had that problem. Glad to know all it takes is a heat gun to fix👍 The Lumin U2 Mini is great and I'll have a review on that up in the near future so stay tuned!🍻
@@MisterChibs Son of a … !!! I LOVE Thomas and the Galion is also on my list as a possible replacement for the CJ which, while incredible in its sonics, lacks the many attractive features of the Galion. I also would eventually like to pick up a pair of Magnepan 3.7is to add a little variety to my listening and the Galion could run those in ultra linear mode without much difficultly and then switch to triode when listening to the Cornwalls.
Good review. I demoed these a few times and ended up buying the JBL 4367 which I feel is an overall upgrade from the Klispch top to bottom. A lot more money but if you can find a deal they are worth looking at if you ever want another upgrade.
Not sure offhand but I put dimensions in my "Road to cornwall" video towards the beginning. It's a fun little video that goes into reasoning behind buying them and a pretty epic demo at the AV shop. Linked below. th-cam.com/video/D259dJN_GkM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=-Fw0EzOVjBW2ZHRQ The Cornwalls look like they take up a lot of space but don't have to be placed far from the wall. This makes them more practical at least in my use case. Thanks for watching! 🍻
Nice video.. I use the fortes….with leben cs 600x…. I had a hegel 190 a Atoll IN 400 se and a nad 23…..take the tubes always and they never go away… the leben with klipsch is a match in heaven. Looking for the Cornwalls to…..Gr robert
Finally got my Cornwall IVs upgraded from Forte IVs. I haven't sold the Fortes yet but Cornwalls better than every way if your room can accommodate! My room is 12x30 with 9 ft ceilings.
I remembered I demo'd the cornwalls at a local hifi. I was impressed, but I don't think I can accommodate their size. So will probably go with the Fortes. I like that Klipsch dynamics really suit hard rock listening as opposed to just the typical "audiophile" music and your experience echoes that thanks. I might also trade my SS rig for a tube setup with these too
I have a set of original Cornwalls purchased in 1985. Haven't messed with the drivers or crossovers because - well because. I have tried several amps over the years and found a sweet spot with an old ADCOM pre and power amps (250 W per channel). I don't believe I haver pushed more than 10 W because the speakers are so efficient. I was loaned a McIntosh tube amp to try with the Cornwalls, and now I'm trying to justify the cost of buying one - they apparently love tube amps.
They do love tubes! Check out my Galion TS120 review. You could also go the other way and get a wattage beast with high damping. Demo before you buy! Man, you got your money’s worth from 85! I can picture them blasting all that Kenny Loggins 🤘🏻🍻
And Doors, Heart, Eric Johnson, Dire Straits, Asleep At The Wheel, Bela Fleck, Tim Buckley, KD Lang, ZZ, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and even some jazz, shitkicker, & classical stuff. They do everything well, IMO.@@MisterChibs
I can't afford the Cornwall 4, but I found an 80-year-old guy that was selling his Cornwall 2 that he bought new in 1976. Best $500 I ever spent (they were $1600 new).
I've heard the originals many times. The metal horns were harsh and shouty. I admit that the IV are *FAR* superior. They addressed and eliminated all of the frequency response issues. The detail comes through more cleanly, completely and smoothly now than in the past. They have ditched the inferior poly tweeter and crossovers for modern, tight tolerance parts and it sounds that way. All the strengths of the older models, none of the weaknesses. They don't shout or get peaky. They aren't your father's cornwalls. The cornwall sound more like real music than boutique high end speakers do. Those speakers mitigate and soften reality. The cornwall IV deliver realism.
Than you so much for your comparison with the originals! I’ve never heard them so it’s interesting to know that Klipsch has come a long way in that regard. Totally agree with you about sounding like real music over some much more expensive speakers. That’s specifically why I fell in love with them when I did the demo. (Check out my Road to Cornwall vid if you haven’t already). Thanks again for your comment! End game speakers!! 🍻
@@MisterChibs I have upgraded and modded klipsch for more than 25 years. The metal horn equipped gen 1 is unlistenable to me unless they are in a BIG treated room, and/or outdoors and they are powered with a soft tube amp (like Conrad Johnson) and maybe some paper in oil caps to tame the scream. The version 2 with tractrix horns was a vast improvement, but the phenolic tweeters were still peaky and veiled sounding. Not to mention. the crossover was junk. They still shouted. The new drivers and crossover in the IV are far beyond either of those. There is no need for specialized gear. Just proper space and a treated room like any other speaker.
I am driving my CW IV with SET 8W and added the REL 1510. Extreme toe in works best in my living room. My living room opens to the dining room and kitchen. 8W is enough to shake my house. :)
If I may a suggestion: at the binding posts, plug the positive (red)speaker wire to the upper post and leave the black banana on the bottom post; further, ditch the plate jumper and buy an very high end jumper cable set such as Kimber/Cardas/Audience.
@@MisterChibs The high frequency signal is very fragile; by plugging it into the top post, It goes directly to the Twitter/midrange without going through the plate connector, which would be another connection and Inhibitor in the loop. Also suggest a good contact enhancer. And keep the cables off the carpet (lots of static)!
@@mikeeygauthier2959 Thanks for the explanation. I came across an OCD Hi-Fi Guy video that said to plug both into the Top binding posts but he didn't explain why. Called Klipsch and the guy on the phone said to "plug into the bottom but it doesn't matter". Lots of different opinions on the subject. For now I switched both to the top. The cables on the carpet causing static is something I hadn't thought of before. I have my cables wrapped up in sleeves but it still rests on the carpet. Maybe I'll tape them to the baseboard, an inch off the ground.🍻
@@MisterChibs Proof they say is in the pudding, you’ll just have to try. I would suggest using cable risers and not taping them to the baseboard and give at least 20 minutes to half hour every time you move Cables around. Let me know what you think would be interesting because you’ve got some very very good equipment there.
I paid about 90% of my Cornwalls and pay the rest on Thursday, so I will finally take them home. Your videos helped me choose them, so thank you! And I see the anime figure, do you listen to anime with them and anime music with the cornwalls? :)
My pleasure and congrats on the Cornwalls! I listen to everything as long as it’s good. Tons of good anime music out there and some of it definitely gets played throw my set! 👍🏻🍻
I have some DIY improved JBL 4430s. 80kg each. Separate horns for tweet and super-tweet: JBL baby cheeks. Sort of like these Cornwalls , but rear-ported.
Them be some NICE speakers, Man! Try some ,Boris Brejecka It's worth a listen, your speakers will thank you. Mine did. It's electronic, got lots of nice frequencys. Try it. Let me know if it brought a Ow Wow outa you. 😊
Funny we went in different directions. I was using a mini monitor like you and now I’m trying some maggies. You went with giant horns. So many good options out there.
Nice review. Unfortunately they are priced at $18,000 Australian dollars here, which converts to $11,700 U.S. dollars, which makes them a) Totally unaffordable for most Aussies and b) a ripoff compared to U.S. pricing. Very sad, as I think they are awesome speakers, I'd love to own. :(
Damn! That’s around 5k USD more. I’m guessing you don’t have local brick and mortar that carries Klipsch. If you did I would tell you to try and haggle with them. I don’t blame you for feeling like that’s a rip off. Part of that extra cost may be shipping logistics. The boxes are heavy and huge. On top of this your country is about as far as you can fly from here. My wife always reminds me of this when I suggest Australia for vacation. 🦘
@@MisterChibs Yes, I accept that shipping will add to the cost, but surely not $5K USD. Yes, there are quite a few Klipsch stockists here, and I'm sure you could bargain them down a bit, but they are still way to expensive here. Hope you get to visit our country some day, it's a beautiful place. Thanks again for your review!
How far apart are you cornwalls and how far are you sitting from them? How big is your room? I have the cornwalls as wel land am struggling to get good tone out of them. I get almost no bass with them
It took me a while to get mine dialed in. My room is 22.8" long by 14.7' wide. All other dimensions are towards the beginning of this video. The closer you have them to the back wall the boomier they get. Mine were to boomy if I moved them any closer than they are. Good luck man! 🍻
Sounds like an unfortunate incompatibility with your room. Having said that, Cornwall bass has great slam but it's more lean and controlled that you would imagine based on the size of cabinet and woofer. If you can, try putting them as close to corners as possible and (assuming this results in wide placement) toeing them in so that you can see the outside walls of the cabinets.
I respect other people's listening tastes, but Klipsch has never been for me. I've heard the entire Heritage line, including the Cornwalls. Back in 1983, at a local sound shop, I a/bed them next to the ADS 1230s and it was no contest. The 1230s sounded smoother, had better dispersion, a wider midrange and deeper, more solid bass. Just more "natural" all the way around with all genres of music. Forty years later, I still have my ADS 1230s. I've wanted to like Klipsch speakers but could never quite get there. But, I keep an open mind (and ear). If I heard the Cornwalls again with the right set-up, perhaps I'd come away with a different view.
Thanks for sharing. I think the Cornwalls have improved quite a bit since the 80's but as you said, they may still not be your thing. Best to demo in a properly set up room. If you check out my other vid "Road to Cornwall" that room was set up perfectly. Try em out, you may be surprised. 🍻
@@davevolz6138 The ADS 1530 - Another great speaker. I heard it the day I bought the 1230s. The 1530s were a little too big and out of my price range at the time. The 1230s and 1530s have a similar sound signature. The difference is in the bass response and sound stage.
I bought my Cornwalls in 1975 or 76. They were efficient - you could drive them with a transistor radio. They sounded great and still do. I could not find anything better for the money. I knew that I would never have to buy another pair of speakers again and I could have a life time of enjoyment. I have. At that time you could buy them unfinished for about $400 each. I think the finished ones were $800. Paul Klipsch knew what he was doing when he created these speakers.
Wow thanks for sharing your experience! Factoring inflation, current (finished) Cornwalls are actually cheaper than back in 1975. Crazy you've had yours for over 48 years!! That's getting your moneys worth! 🍻
I grabbed my Cornwall IVs in February and then a Prima Luna Evo 400 this month and I’m about half burned in on both looking at April in a few days. My feelings for these speakers match yours perfectly. Last Saturday I had the house to myself and played some selections much louder than I normally get to. Metallica’s Black Album was so deep, rich, and clear on vinyl and that smile from ear to ear stayed throughout both sides of both LPs. I’ve been building stereos for a good number of years, and this is truly a pinnacle achievement that gets me a bit emotional frankly, and I will adore these Cornwalls for the rest of my life. ❤
NICE!!! Yea, we understand each other. 🍻
Same here as far as them being lifetime speakers. I just upgraded to. Marantz 40n from a 7000n and the sound is even better now. Bass performance is a nice step up with the 40n.
@@wvjon75I paired a set of forte 3 with the model 40n and cd60 and the sound is amazing
Nice to hear from another 40n owner with Heritage stuff. A great match.
@@wvjon75I did a lot of research on amps and one of the main reasons I went with the 40n was because of home theater bypass curious you tried any tube amps .To be honest I don't see how the sound could be any better on the good recordings.Glad to here someone else talking solid state especially the 40n.
I have two pair… a 1973 Cornwall decorator cabs (with the off enter layout) with 83 guts inside. The set of 83s have the Crites upgrades. They both sound great. I have heard them pushed by Macintosh, and a dozen other flagship Amps. They are the best “all around” speaker for any amp and any music. Particularly shine with Jazz, rock and rich vocals. Compared to dozens of other legendary speakers. Worth the cash… just wish I had them when I was a kid. Don’t wait.
Thats awesome, thanks for sharing your experience! 🍻
Glad you finally brought them home! I added an SVS SB3000 to mine and it really adds another dimension to the bass. On some tracks you’ll be just as good with out it but when it’s called upon it really fortifies the bottom end. Good choice on the walnut. Even though it seems to be the more common color, I think it looks best.
Thanks man! I have two SVS SB-2000 pros hooked up to my system currently and can agree about it balancing out the bottom end. Very happy with this setup! 🍻
Just seen your review of the Corwall’s
One week’s burn’-in time just NOT enough
Review again after 400 hours
I’m sure you will have a bigger smile on your face.
You got as a subscriber fantastic channel
The smile only goes away when I stop listening. Thanks for watching and subscribing! 🍻
I think speaker “burn in” is a complete myth. Unless you have documented frequency response graphs that support that they actually change with time I just don’t believe it.
I’ve had a pair of Wharfedale Lintons from brand new for about a year now and I can’t tell a difference between how they sounded right out of the box the first day I fired them up vs now.
Perhaps I don’t have audiophile grade ears.
I have a similar sized room (17x24) and I liked them close to the wall but when I brought them out just short of 5 feet things got even better. If you have the ability to also get the speakers spread apart further it’s worth experimenting! Mine are 10 feet apart and 12 feet from speaker to ear. I’ve tried every topology of amp on them and guess my favorite…My Hegel H590! I’ve also tried to dethrone them with Magnepans, box speakers, and Spatial open baffles but they’ve all been sold and the Cornwalls still stand. I have also damped the horns with Dynamat and replaced the capacitors with VCap ODAM’s and resistors with Path Audio-last but if grain is gone and they become more effortless and relaxed.
Thanks for sharing your experience. What I didn't mention in the video was that I experimented with positioning a lot! 🍻
Aaah, can't get enough of this HIFI pr0n! Very nice video. I my self have a Heresy III + subwoofer surround setup integrated with a avr+external amps in a small livingroom apartment with some low wattage class-A single ended solid state and tube amps
Sounds like a nice setup Johto. Thanks for sharing!🍻
We appear to be brothers from anothers mother. I as well chose the Cornwall IV, the patricians choice of a history loaded horn driven speaker hand built in Hope, Arkansas USA. God prosper and long live well.
Hi.. Have you tried putting them to where the ls50 were? You may just love it… I have my C4 and Altec 19 further out from the front wall and its more amazing… thanks
Thanks. I played with positioning quite a bit before I settled into that location. Its optimal for my room🍻
I have had my Cornwall IVs for almost 2 years now. Can't imagine life without them. I will say if you don't mind "B" stock you can get them a hair under 5k, free shipping and no tax, at least in my case.
That's an excellent deal and a great tip, Scott. I haggled mine and got a nice discount. Once they came, there was a mark on the finish. So I ended up getting more credited back to me. Either way, the CW4's are the best and like you, I can't be without em! 🍻
Oh yeah. I meant to comment on the low volume listening aspect as well. Totally agree there! I can listen at 55-60db and still hear great detail and dynamics. It’s almost like getting a hearing upgrade with these speakers. And I know that can’t be true with all the power toolsI use. BTW, what freq are you crossing your subs over? I’m using 60db on my amp and found I like that best.
I have them crossed at 45 Hz with 24db slope 🍻
My dream speakers
Hope your dream comes true!! 🤟🏻
Love to see Klipsch get the love they deserve these days. I think the audio world is so concerned with measured performance and neutrality, that they design the fun out of it. A photorealistic painting is cool but it lacks the beauty of an Alla Prima painting or a lose watercolor. Great review
You're preaching ti the quire Doug! I learned that measurements can be very misleading. Experience and how speakers like these sound to you and make you feel is everything! 😃
I just bought a pair of Cornwall IV speakers.The VOICE is excellent for TV and movies and musically they sound amazing.Not like my Legacy Focus Se that are technically better at 2Xs the price.($12,600).But with my hearing the voice was muffled with the SEs.The Cornwall sounds more like I am there.Sounds like live music.Love the IVs.
Nice!! I’ve listened to more impressive speakers but there’s something about the CW4’s that make them special. They really are end game imo. Thx for watching! 🍻
what a great review. i'm going to be getting mine soon! i still have yet to find a reviewer who doesn't like them.
You just found one because I don’t like them. I LOVE them!! Thanks for watching and enjoy your new Cornwalls! 🍻
I walked into the showroom to pic up my Heresy IVs after a phone call . They played them for me and after 30seconds I’m “ bag em up”.
I’m happy again after being in the audiophile doldrums. I still have my Focals , LS3/5a’s and other suspects but man … man! I found my jam:)
My apocalypse system
I totally get that! 👍 Very parallel to my experience demoing the Cornwalls 🍻
Heresy IV owner here, demoed them against Forte and Cornwall.
Cornwall is a Heresy on steroids!
I just don't have space for the Cornwall, surprisingly I liked the Heresy's over the Forte and went with them.
They all share the same tweeter/midrange drivers, so just a bigger sound as the boxes/woofers get bigger.
@@pnichols6500 Nice! Thanks for sharing 👍
Hey Mr Chibs. Digging your review, and really like the color of your basement.
I was speaker hunting for several months and demoed a bunch and narrowed my decision on four brands: Klipsch Heritage, Sonus Faber, Martin Logan Motion series, and KLH Model 5 and 7 (albeit the 7's aren't out yet). I can honestly say, the Forte IV blew me away as so did the Cornwall IV; but money prevented me from getting them. Then I heard the Sonus Faber Lumina 5 and loved them, so now they sit in my basement (25 ft L x 15 ft W). Truth be told, I think I may trade them in for the Forte. I like the Cornwall but I think I like the slam of the Forte's bass, plus the Cornwall may be pushing it for space. Right now I have been going back and forth setting up the speakers along the long wall and the short wall. Along the long wall, the nearest side wall to the speakers is like 8 ft away which is great, but along the short wall the nearest side wall is but 2 to 3 ft away, probably more like 2 ft. Eh.
Anyway, I just wanted to say Congratulations on your Cornwall IV.
Thanks Mark! I demoed a bunch of speakers before landing on the Cornwalls including Sonus faber (I think it was sonetto 8) Nothing gave me the feeling I got with the Cornwalls. Check out my Road to Cornwall video for more on that. As far as your room size, mine’s a bit smaller and works really well so you should probably be fine. Either way, sounds like you’re on the right track. Buy what you love and you’ll end up saving $ in the long run (hopefully😅) 👍🏻🍻
Great video! Thanks, TH-cam algorithm, for putting it in my feed.
I also own Cornwall IVs and agree wholeheartedly with your observations. I’ve had mine for almost two years now and just love them to bits.
I have a Naim solid state amp for summertime, but most of the year I run them with a Conrad Johnson CAV-45 S2. It’s sublime and I highly recommend you consider looking into tubes. And while the Cornwalls are, indeed, crazy efficient, I would probably consider looking into something with at least 40 wpc to have sufficient headroom.
Mine are toed in ever-so-slightly, but not quite as much as yours. Probably like you, it took me a LONG time to find just the right position. Mine are probably 20” from the front wall, so very similar to yours.
Also, regarding the spacers on the grills, I FINALLY removed mine a week ago and they still sit out enough to make removing the grills very easy. My grills were a little loose/saggy, but I finally got up the nerve to take a heat gun to them to shrink them down a tad and tighten them up. It worked perfectly.
Lastly, I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on the Lumin. It’s on my list!!
Thanks for sharing your experience Dan. I have my Cornwalls hooked up to a tube amp as I type this. Sounds amazing!
Interesting bit about your saggy grills. Mine are tight but the ones I demoed definitely had that problem. Glad to know all it takes is a heat gun to fix👍
The Lumin U2 Mini is great and I'll have a review on that up in the near future so stay tuned!🍻
@@MisterChibs Awesome - can’t wait!! Out of curiosity, what amp are you using?
@@dannyfannyfoodle Galion TS120, review also incoming!
@@MisterChibs Son of a … !!! I LOVE Thomas and the Galion is also on my list as a possible replacement for the CJ which, while incredible in its sonics, lacks the many attractive features of the Galion. I also would eventually like to pick up a pair of Magnepan 3.7is to add a little variety to my listening and the Galion could run those in ultra linear mode without much difficultly and then switch to triode when listening to the Cornwalls.
@@dannyfannyfoodle Small world! See you in my next couple of videos 😉
Good review. I demoed these a few times and ended up buying the JBL 4367 which I feel is an overall upgrade from the Klispch top to bottom.
A lot more money but if you can find a deal they are worth looking at if you ever want another upgrade.
Thanks James. Those JBL’s look really nice! 🍻
Great review. So happy for you. Would love to do the same but not sure my room can accommodate them. How big is your listening room?
Not sure offhand but I put dimensions in my "Road to cornwall" video towards the beginning. It's a fun little video that goes into reasoning behind buying them and a pretty epic demo at the AV shop. Linked below.
th-cam.com/video/D259dJN_GkM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=-Fw0EzOVjBW2ZHRQ
The Cornwalls look like they take up a lot of space but don't have to be placed far from the wall. This makes them more practical at least in my use case. Thanks for watching!
🍻
Nice video.. I use the fortes….with leben cs 600x…. I had a hegel 190 a Atoll IN 400 se and a nad 23…..take the tubes always and they never go away… the leben with klipsch is a match in heaven. Looking for the Cornwalls to…..Gr robert
Thank you Robert! Let me know what u think if and when you get the Cornwalls. 🍻
They make everything sound live there class 😊
Finally got my Cornwall IVs upgraded from Forte IVs. I haven't sold the Fortes yet but Cornwalls better than every way if your room can accommodate! My room is 12x30 with 9 ft ceilings.
Nice, congrats!🍻
@@MisterChibs Thank you!☺️
That’s a weirdly long and narrowing room; is this like a room behind another room situation?
I remembered I demo'd the cornwalls at a local hifi. I was impressed, but I don't think I can accommodate their size. So will probably go with the Fortes. I like that Klipsch dynamics really suit hard rock listening as opposed to just the typical "audiophile" music and your experience echoes that thanks. I might also trade my SS rig for a tube setup with these too
They suit everything imo! Enjoy the Forte’s & thanks for watching!! 🍻
I have a set of original Cornwalls purchased in 1985. Haven't messed with the drivers or crossovers because - well because. I have tried several amps over the years and found a sweet spot with an old ADCOM pre and power amps (250 W per channel). I don't believe I haver pushed more than 10 W because the speakers are so efficient. I was loaned a McIntosh tube amp to try with the Cornwalls, and now I'm trying to justify the cost of buying one - they apparently love tube amps.
They do love tubes! Check out my Galion TS120 review. You could also go the other way and get a wattage beast with high damping. Demo before you buy! Man, you got your money’s worth from 85! I can picture them blasting all that Kenny Loggins 🤘🏻🍻
And Doors, Heart, Eric Johnson, Dire Straits, Asleep At The Wheel, Bela Fleck, Tim Buckley, KD Lang, ZZ, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and even some jazz, shitkicker, & classical stuff. They do everything well, IMO.@@MisterChibs
Awesome list!
I can't afford the Cornwall 4, but I found an 80-year-old guy that was selling his Cornwall 2 that he bought new in 1976.
Best $500 I ever spent (they were $1600 new).
That’s awesome! 🍻
I've heard the originals many times. The metal horns were harsh and shouty. I admit that the IV are *FAR* superior. They addressed and eliminated all of the frequency response issues. The detail comes through more cleanly, completely and smoothly now than in the past. They have ditched the inferior poly tweeter and crossovers for modern, tight tolerance parts and it sounds that way. All the strengths of the older models, none of the weaknesses. They don't shout or get peaky. They aren't your father's cornwalls.
The cornwall sound more like real music than boutique high end speakers do. Those speakers mitigate and soften reality. The cornwall IV deliver realism.
Than you so much for your comparison with the originals! I’ve never heard them so it’s interesting to know that Klipsch has come a long way in that regard. Totally agree with you about sounding like real music over some much more expensive speakers. That’s specifically why I fell in love with them when I did the demo. (Check out my Road to Cornwall vid if you haven’t already). Thanks again for your comment! End game speakers!! 🍻
@@MisterChibs I have upgraded and modded klipsch for more than 25 years.
The metal horn equipped gen 1 is unlistenable to me unless they are in a BIG treated room, and/or outdoors and they are powered with a soft tube amp (like Conrad Johnson) and maybe some paper in oil caps to tame the scream.
The version 2 with tractrix horns was a vast improvement, but the phenolic tweeters were still peaky and veiled sounding. Not to mention. the crossover was junk. They still shouted.
The new drivers and crossover in the IV are far beyond either of those. There is no need for specialized gear. Just proper space and a treated room like any other speaker.
Good choice on the wood finish.
Thanks man!🍻
Loved your video. I'll watch more.
Thanks man! 🍻
Cornwall IV's and Spyderco. Subbed!
Two very well made things!! 🍻
Klipsch Rock ! 🇺🇸👍🎶
Yessssssss guy!
GREAT REVIEW THANKS , WHAT IS THE SIZE OF YOUR ROOM?
Thanks John,
Media room is 22.8 feet long by 14.7 feet wide. You can see a better view of it in my "Road to Cornwall" video. 🍻
Yeah you need to try the tube amp. They recommend 40 wpc but you can rock those with 8 wpc. Heritage series seems to love tubes.
I've had a tube amp running with my Cornwalls and yes, they sounded awesome! 🍻
I am driving my CW IV with SET 8W and added the REL 1510. Extreme toe in works best in my living room. My living room opens to the dining room and kitchen. 8W is enough to shake my house. :)
Hi Mr Chibs, Could you recommend a tube amplifier that would do magic with Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers? TIA
Sure can. Tell Thomas I say hi 🍻
Galion TS120 Review and experience
th-cam.com/video/KRESSN5xQyw/w-d-xo.html
If I may a suggestion: at the binding posts, plug the positive (red)speaker wire to the upper post and leave the black banana on the bottom post; further, ditch the plate jumper and buy an very high end jumper cable set such as Kimber/Cardas/Audience.
Thanks for the tip Mikeey. What does plugging in to those specific posts do?
@@MisterChibs The high frequency signal is very fragile; by plugging it into the top post, It goes directly to the Twitter/midrange without going through the plate connector, which would be another connection and Inhibitor in the loop. Also suggest a good contact enhancer. And keep the cables off the carpet (lots of static)!
@@mikeeygauthier2959 Thanks for the explanation. I came across an OCD Hi-Fi Guy video that said to plug both into the Top binding posts but he didn't explain why. Called Klipsch and the guy on the phone said to "plug into the bottom but it doesn't matter". Lots of different opinions on the subject. For now I switched both to the top. The cables on the carpet causing static is something I hadn't thought of before. I have my cables wrapped up in sleeves but it still rests on the carpet. Maybe I'll tape them to the baseboard, an inch off the ground.🍻
@@MisterChibs Proof they say is in the pudding, you’ll just have to try. I would suggest using cable risers and not taping them to the baseboard and give at least 20 minutes to half hour every time you move Cables around. Let me know what you think would be interesting because you’ve got some very very good equipment there.
@@mikeeygauthier2959 I’ll look into it! 👍🏻
👌👌👌
I paid about 90% of my Cornwalls and pay the rest on Thursday, so I will finally take them home. Your videos helped me choose them, so thank you! And I see the anime figure, do you listen to anime with them and anime music with the cornwalls? :)
My pleasure and congrats on the Cornwalls! I listen to everything as long as it’s good. Tons of good anime music out there and some of it definitely gets played throw my set! 👍🏻🍻
I have some DIY improved JBL 4430s. 80kg each. Separate horns for tweet and super-tweet: JBL baby cheeks.
Sort of like these Cornwalls , but rear-ported.
Nice!
When you say 7 feet apart, do you measure from the inner corners of the speakers or the centers of the speakers
The inner corners 🍻
@@MisterChibs Thanks.
Did you try the Fortes when you were there
@@djmorgan8783 Nah, there was no foreplay. Jumped right into Cornwalls. 🫠
Them be some NICE speakers, Man!
Try some ,Boris Brejecka
It's worth a listen, your speakers will thank you.
Mine did.
It's electronic, got lots of nice frequencys.
Try it. Let me know if it brought a Ow Wow outa you. 😊
Thanks Peter!! I'll check him out.🍻🤙🏻
Funny we went in different directions. I was using a mini monitor like you and now I’m trying some maggies. You went with giant horns. So many good options out there.
Totally! It's important to demo lots before making a big purchase like this. Thanks for watching! 🍻
I also own Maggie 1.7is and Klipsch Heritage sounds more like a live performance!
@@MisterChibs looking forward to see how these match up with the TS120
@@klepp19 I demoed Maggie's too. Really different sound (in a good way). Imaging was crazy good!
@@dajikbatarang1 Ahh you caught the Easter egg. It's going to be a fun demo for sure. So far I can tell you that OMG it's such a heavy amp😅!!
Nice review. Unfortunately they are priced at $18,000 Australian dollars here, which converts to $11,700 U.S. dollars, which makes them a) Totally unaffordable for most Aussies and b) a ripoff compared to U.S. pricing. Very sad, as I think they are awesome speakers, I'd love to own. :(
Damn! That’s around 5k USD more. I’m guessing you don’t have local brick and mortar that carries Klipsch. If you did I would tell you to try and haggle with them. I don’t blame you for feeling like that’s a rip off. Part of that extra cost may be shipping logistics. The boxes are heavy and huge. On top of this your country is about as far as you can fly from here. My wife always reminds me of this when I suggest Australia for vacation. 🦘
@@MisterChibs Yes, I accept that shipping will add to the cost, but surely not $5K USD. Yes, there are quite a few Klipsch stockists here, and I'm sure you could bargain them down a bit, but they are still way to expensive here. Hope you get to visit our country some day, it's a beautiful place. Thanks again for your review!
Also is that video game music in the intro?
I don't think so Neil. Found it on Artlist.
those magnetic spacers you mention at ~3:35, will fall off, and sooner than later as you will experience
I guess the adhesive wears out eh? So I’ll probably end up removing them when that starts to happen.
Marriage, me and the twin sister-wives are not official. We're polyamourous, baby.
Thanks for the purchase of the tv speakers.
I knew there must have been at least one. 🍻🍻
How far apart are you cornwalls and how far are you sitting from them? How big is your room? I have the cornwalls as wel land am struggling to get good tone out of them. I get almost no bass with them
It took me a while to get mine dialed in. My room is 22.8" long by 14.7' wide. All other dimensions are towards the beginning of this video. The closer you have them to the back wall the boomier they get. Mine were to boomy if I moved them any closer than they are. Good luck man! 🍻
Sounds like an unfortunate incompatibility with your room. Having said that, Cornwall bass has great slam but it's more lean and controlled that you would imagine based on the size of cabinet and woofer. If you can, try putting them as close to corners as possible and (assuming this results in wide placement) toeing them in so that you can see the outside walls of the cabinets.
Thanks guys
@@baronofgreymatter14 let us know how it goes.
I respect other people's listening tastes, but Klipsch has never been for me. I've heard the entire Heritage line, including the Cornwalls. Back in 1983, at a local sound shop, I a/bed them next to the ADS 1230s and it was no contest. The 1230s sounded smoother, had better dispersion, a wider midrange and deeper, more solid bass. Just more "natural" all the way around with all genres of music. Forty years later, I still have my ADS 1230s. I've wanted to like Klipsch speakers but could never quite get there. But, I keep an open mind (and ear). If I heard the Cornwalls again with the right set-up, perhaps I'd come away with a different view.
Thanks for sharing. I think the Cornwalls have improved quite a bit since the 80's but as you said, they may still not be your thing. Best to demo in a properly set up room. If you check out my other vid "Road to Cornwall" that room was set up perfectly. Try em out, you may be surprised. 🍻
Has ADS1530 s back in the day.
Really good
@@davevolz6138 The ADS 1530 - Another great speaker. I heard it the day I bought the 1230s. The 1530s were a little too big and out of my price range at the time. The 1230s and 1530s have a similar sound signature. The difference is in the bass response and sound stage.
I’ve a pair , you’ll be deaf in a month , very loud , it’s very hard to keep them turned down lol
Nice! I hear ya 👂🏻😝
Imagine buying a flamethrower from elon musk......
It's really "Boring" & "Not a flamethrower" 😉