Klipsch Klipschorn AK7 Auburn (pack of 2)

The Klipschorn AK7 represents the culmination of over 75 years of acoustic excellence. This floorstanding speaker, the first creation of Paul W. Klipsch and in continuous production longer than any other, embodies its creator’s sonic philosophy with unmatched power, precision, and efficiency. Entirely handcrafted in Hope, Arkansas, the Klipschorn AK7 combines a legendary acoustic heritage with contemporary technical innovations to deliver strikingly authentic sound reproduction.

An Ever-Evolving Acoustic Legacy

The original Klipschorn appeared in the 1940s, revolutionizing the world of high-fidelity audio with its fully horn-loaded design. Since then, it has never stopped evolving while preserving the essence of its initial concept. The AK7 represents the seventh iteration of this iconic model, succeeding the AK6 with several significant improvements.

Unlike earlier generations that required corner placement due to their open-sided horn design, modern versions like the AK7 feature a fully enclosed bass cabinet. This evolution allows for more flexible placement in your listening space, giving you the ability to position the speakers for an optimal listening point exactly where you want it.

The Klipschorn AK7 retains the charm and presence of its predecessors while integrating technical advances that enhance its performance in modern listening environments.

A Unique Three-Way Sound Architecture

The fundamental feature of the Klipschorn AK7 lies in its fully horn-loaded design, unique in the consumer market. This three-way system pairs each driver with an acoustically engineered horn specifically designed and optimized for its frequency range.

The tweeter uses a K-771 compression driver with a Tractrix K-792 horn, now equipped with a patented extended phase plug. This innovation minimizes sound cancellations and equalizes wavelengths for more even dispersion, delivering greater coverage and clarity in the high frequencies.

For the midrange, the AK7 incorporates a new 3-inch K-1133-HP compression driver, one inch larger than the previous model. This larger driver, mounted on a K-406 horn, significantly increases the sound pressure at the horn’s output, generating greater volume and a more pronounced presence in the midrange.

The bass is handled by a powerful 15-inch (38.1 cm) K-33-E woofer housed in a fully enclosed folded horn system. This design increases low-frequency extension while maintaining remarkable efficiency, producing deep, articulate bass with exceptional clarity and impact.

The crossover frequencies have been revised compared to the previous model, now set at 380 Hz between bass and midrange and 2900 Hz between midrange and treble, optimizing sonic coherence between the different sections.

Technical Innovations for Superior Sound Reproduction

The AK7 benefits from several technical advances that elevate its performance to a new level. The new K-406M midrange horn adopts Klipsch’s patented Tractrix technology with a shortened 2-inch throat, improving time alignment by bringing the driver’s exit point closer to the other transducers.

The “Mumps” technology is another major innovation. It improves the sound coverage of all drivers by integrating subtle contours that maintain a consistent frequency response right up to the edges of the horn. This approach ensures a more natural and immersive soundstage.

The system’s exceptional efficiency—103 dB for 2.83V at 1 meter—makes the Klipschorn AK7 10 to 20 times more efficient than conventional speakers. This means superior acoustic power is generated with much less effort, resulting in sound with unparalleled clarity and dynamics across the entire musical spectrum.

Unprecedented Flexibility

For the first time in Klipschorn history, the AK7 has been designed to work with an optional external active crossover. The input/output panel has been completely redesigned and repositioned at the rear of the speaker for a cleaner look. It now includes both passive and active inputs as well as a passive output, making it easy to switch between different configurations.

The Heritage Active Crossover, specifically designed for Klipschorn speakers by Roy Delgado, chief acoustician and protégé of Paul W. Klipsch, represents a major evolution. It aligns the different drivers in time and phase while amplifying certain frequencies and balancing the response to achieve a neutral and faithful sound.

To integrate the active crossover and expand usage possibilities, the speaker’s I/O panel has been completely redesigned. This ingenious design allows you to easily switch from one configuration to another, adapting to all needs, whether you are a passionate audiophile or a demanding sound professional.

Thanks to its three binding posts, the unit also allows for tri-wiring or tri-amplification. These options open the door to advanced customization of your setup, enabling you to optimize sound performance according to your listening preferences and system specifics. Whether you seek signal purity, increased dynamics, or a wider soundstage, this new arrangement gives you total freedom to elevate your audio experience.

Exceptional Craftsmanship

Each Klipschorn AK7 is individually handcrafted in Hope, Arkansas, continuing a tradition of artisanal excellence. The speaker consists of two separate enclosures—one for the woofer and one for the midrange and tweeter—which are assembled during installation.

The real wood veneer uses the “book-matching” technique, creating a mirror effect between the left and right speakers. This method involves using veneer sheets from the same piece of wood, precisely arranged to provide a harmonious aesthetic at the join.

The construction materials combine veneered MDF and 1.27 cm thick plywood, ensuring rigidity and minimal resonance. With its impressive dimensions (135.25 cm high, 80 cm wide, and 71.5 cm deep) and substantial weight of 118 kg, the Klipschorn AK7 is a testament to uncompromising construction.

Main Features

Redesigned Input/Output Panel

• Modified to accommodate the optional Heritage Active Crossover
• Integration of passive and active inputs with passive output to facilitate switching between configurations
• Repositioned at the back of the speaker for a cleaner aesthetic

Three-Way System with Horn for Maximum Efficiency

• Each speaker paired with a precisely measured and optimized horn for its frequency range
• Generates increased acoustic power with less energy
• Clear sound reproduction with minimal distortion across the entire frequency spectrum

Extended Phase Plug for Crystal-Clear Highs

• K-771 driver equipped with a patented extended phase plug
• Prevents cancellations and equalizes wavelengths for better dispersion
• Improved sound coverage and clarity

7.62 cm Compression Driver for More Power

• New K-1133-HP 7.62 cm compression driver
• Increased by 2.54 cm compared to previous AK6 models
• Higher sound pressure at the horn throat for more powerful volume

Acoustic Performance

• Frequency response: 34 Hz - 19 kHz (+/- 4 dB), anechoic measurement 1/8 space
• Sensitivity: 103 dB, pink noise, 2.83 V, 1 m, 34 Hz - 19 kHz
  • Measured in an average listening room
• Power handling: 100 W / 400 W (continuous / peak)
• Maximum sound pressure level: 120 dB, pink noise, 1 m, 20 V, 34 Hz - 19 kHz
• Nominal impedance: 8 ohms, minimum 4 ohms at 50 Hz
• Crossover frequency: 380 Hz, 2900 Hz

Components

• Tweeter: K-771 compression driver with extended phase plug on K-792 horn
• Midrange: K-1133-HP 7.62 cm compression driver on K-406 horn
• Woofer: K-33-E 38.1 cm in a fully horn-loaded system

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions
  • Height: 135.25 cm
  • Width: 80 cm
  • Depth: 71.5 cm
• Weight: 118 kg
• Enclosure material: MDF veneer, 1.27 cm plywood

Connectivity and Finish

• Input connectors: 5-way metal binding post
• Grille fabric: Silver metallic