Klipsch La Scala active crossover black
Overview
The Heritage Active Crossover represents a major advancement in the history of Klipsch’s iconic speakers. Specifically designed for the La Scala AL6, this digital active crossover (DSP) elevates these legendary speakers to an unprecedented level of performance. The result of work by acoustician Roy Delgado and Matt Spitznagle, VP of Technology and Innovation at Klipsch, this sophisticated device offers superior time and phase alignment, precise tonal balance, and remarkable fidelity to the original source. With its meticulous construction and extensive connectivity options, the Heritage Active Crossover is aimed at the most demanding audiophiles seeking to unlock the full potential of these iconic speakers.
The Klipsch heritage reinvented for the digital age
The story of the Heritage Active Crossover begins in 1999, when Roy Delgado, principal engineer at Klipsch, started experimenting with active crossovers after observing their remarkable performance in cinema applications. When Paul W. Klipsch, the brand’s founder, listened to the prototype, he was immediately struck by its musicality and sonic purity. Unfortunately, he passed away before seeing the project come to fruition.
More than two decades later, this vision has finally materialized with the launch of the Heritage Active Crossover, inspired by the innovations introduced in the Klipsch Jubilee speaker. This active crossover represents the culmination of years of research and development, combining Klipsch’s traditional acoustic expertise with modern digital technologies.
Available in two distinct versions—one for the Klipschorn AK7 and one for the La Scala AL6—this active crossover is meticulously calibrated for each model, ensuring perfect integration and optimal performance. This tailored approach reflects Klipsch’s commitment to excellence and the preservation of each speaker’s unique sonic identity.
Cutting-edge technology serving sonic authenticity
The Heritage Active Crossover uses advanced digital signal processing (DSP) to precisely manage the crossover points between different frequency bands. Unlike traditional passive crossovers, which can introduce phase shifts and coloration, this active crossover ensures a perfectly smooth transition between the different drivers of the speakers.
One of the major advantages of this approach lies in its ability to delay the signal sent to the various transducers, ensuring that all frequencies reach the listener’s ears in perfect synchronization. This temporal coherence translates into a more precise stereo image, a deeper soundstage, and a more natural musical reproduction.
Adjustable gain controls for low frequencies (LF) and high frequencies (HF) allow users to fine-tune the tonal balance according to their listening room, personal preferences, and amplifier characteristics. This flexibility optimizes system performance in different configurations while preserving tonal clarity and precision without adding unwanted coloration.
Comprehensive connectivity and seamless integration
Integrating the Heritage Active Crossover into your audio system is made easy with its extensive connectivity. The device features two balanced XLR inputs and two unbalanced RCA inputs, allowing flexible connections with a variety of preamplifiers and sources. The XLR inputs, with their 10 kOhm impedance and RFI protection, accept a maximum input level of 4 Vrms, while the RCA inputs support up to 2 Vrms.
On the output side, the crossover offers eight balanced XLR outputs and eight unbalanced RCA outputs, providing all the necessary connections for a tri-amplified configuration of the Klipschorn AK7 or La Scala AL6 speakers. This abundance of outputs allows the use of different types of amplifiers for each frequency band, thereby optimizing the system’s overall performance.
The new Klipschorn AK7 and La Scala AL6 speakers have been specifically designed with redesigned input/output panels to facilitate the use of the Heritage Active Crossover. This design allows users to easily switch between passive and active configurations, offering maximum flexibility.
Uncompromising audio performance
The technical specifications of the Heritage Active Crossover reflect its sonic excellence. Its frequency response ranges from 10 Hz to 45 kHz with a maximum variation of ±0.5 dB, covering well beyond the human audible spectrum and ensuring faithful reproduction of all musical details.
The total harmonic distortion at full scale is remarkably low at -105 dB (0.0005%), while the THD from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 1 Vrms is -95 dB (0.001%). These exceptionally low values ensure absolute sonic transparency, allowing the music to be heard as it was recorded, without coloration or artifacts.
The dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio of 115 dB faithfully reproduce the subtlest nuances as well as the most intense passages, preserving the emotional integrity of the music. This ability to render micro-details while maintaining significant dynamic headroom is particularly valuable for acoustic and classical recordings.
Documentation
Technical Specifications
Main Features
- Smooth transition between frequency bands
- Adjustable gain controls for low (LF) and high (HF) frequencies
- System customization to optimize performance based on specific audio configuration
- Enhanced clarity and tonal accuracy without adding coloration to the sound
Audio Performance
- Frequency response: 10 Hz - 45 kHz (+/- 0.5 dB)
- Total harmonic distortion at full scale (balanced): -105 dB = 0.0005%
- THD 20-20 kHz at 1 Vrms: -95 dB = 0.001%
- Dynamic range: >= 115 dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 115 dB
Connectivity
- Inputs:
- 2x balanced XLR
- 2x unbalanced RCA
- Outputs:
- 8x balanced XLR
- 8x unbalanced RCA
Input Specifications
- Balanced XLR:
- Impedance: 10 kOhm with RFI protection
- Maximum input level: 4 Vrms
- Unbalanced RCA:
- Impedance: 10 kOhm
- Maximum input level: 2 Vrms
Controls and Options
- Automatic power switch
- Balanced/unbalanced input selector
- Attenuator -9 to 0 dB
Power Supply
- IEC connector in figure-8 shape
- AC 100-240 V ~50/60 Hz, 50 W
Physical Characteristics
- Dimensions:
- Height: 70 mm
- Width: 432 mm
- Depth: 359 mm
- Weight: 4 kg
- Enclosure materials:
- Veneered MDF
- 12.7 mm plywood
- Steel front panel
- Finish: Black ash
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental difference between a passive crossover and this active crossover?
A traditional passive crossover uses components like capacitors, coils, and resistors to divide the audio signal before amplification. The Heritage Active Crossover, on the other hand, processes the signal digitally after the preamplifier but before the power amplifiers. This allows for much more precise frequency control, eliminates interaction issues between components, and enables phase and time corrections that are impossible with a passive crossover.
How many amplifiers are needed to use this active crossover?
To fully utilize the Heritage Active Crossover, you will need three stereo amplifiers (or six channels of amplification)—one for the bass, one for the midrange, and one for the treble of each speaker. This tri-amplified configuration optimizes the performance of each section of the speaker.
Is it possible to use this crossover with previous versions of the Klipschorn and La Scala?
While technically possible, it is not recommended. The input/output panels of the new AK7 and AL6 versions have been specifically redesigned to facilitate the integration of the active crossover. Additionally, the DSP settings have been optimized for the new transducers and geometry of the latest versions.
How to properly set the gain levels on the filter?
The LF and HF gain controls allow you to adjust the tonal balance according to your room and preferences. Start with neutral settings and make gradual adjustments while listening to a variety of musical material you are familiar with. The goal is to achieve a natural balance without excessive emphasis on bass or treble.
What are the advantages of an external filter compared to a DSP integrated into an amplifier?
A dedicated external filter like the Heritage Active Crossover offers several advantages: higher-quality components specifically chosen for this application, a dedicated power supply without compromises, isolation of sensitive circuits, and a design optimized for a single task rather than versatility. Additionally, it has been specifically calibrated by Klipsch engineers for these particular speakers.
Does the active filter alter the iconic sound character of Klipsch speakers?
No, on the contrary. The Heritage Active Crossover has been meticulously designed to preserve and even enhance the sound qualities that have made them renowned.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: 1080127
- GTIN / EAN: 743878092486