In this review, we will be comparing La Scala AL5 and R11, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Klipsch and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch La Scala AL5 and KEF R11 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch La Scala AL5 and KEF R11 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both La Scala AL5 and R11 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch La Scala AL5 |
KEF R11 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 2-inch |
1 x 5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 15-inch
|
4 x 6.5-inch
|
La Scala AL5 features a 1" polyimide diaphragm compression horn-loaded Tweeter , a 2" Midrange and 1 x 15" fiber-composite cone with folded horn Woofer . On the other hand, the R11 features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter , a 5" Midrange and 4 x 6.5" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 400Hz and 2900Hz.
Frequency Response
La Scala AL5 has a frequency range of 51-20k Hz whereas R11 has a frequency range of 46-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the R11 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the La Scala AL5's min frequency of 51Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
La Scala AL5 and R11 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. La Scala AL5 sensitivity is rated at 105 dB and the R11's is at 90 dB. This 15 dB difference makes the Klipsch La Scala AL5 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF R11, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
La Scala AL5 can handle a max power of 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas La Scala AL5 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 200 watts less than the R11.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Both La Scala AL5 and R11 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
KEF R11's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Klipsch La Scala AL5's and KEF R11's external dimensions. Klipsch La Scala AL5 has external dimensions of 1016.0 x 616.0 x 643.0mm ( 40 x 24-1/4 x 25-5/16inch) whereas KEF R11 has external dimensions of 1301.0 x 312.0 x 389.0mm ( 51-3/16 x 12-1/4 x 15-5/16inch) .
KEF R11 is 304mm narrower and 254mm less deeper than Klipsch La Scala AL5 but it is also 285mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch La Scala AL5 and KEF R11 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch La Scala AL5 and KEF R11 Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Klipsch La Scala AL5 is approximately 3960.9cm2 / 613.9inch2 and base area of the KEF R11 is approximately 1213.7cm2 / 188.1inch2. The La Scala AL5 requires 226% more surface area than the R11 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Klipsch La Scala AL5 weighs 91.36kg / 201lbs and the KEF R11 weighs 37.70kg / 82.9lbs. This makes the La Scala AL5 142% heavier than the R11.
Here is a comparison of how La Scala AL5 and R11's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch La Scala AL5?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of La Scala AL5:
2 Loudspeaker cabinets2 Subwoofer cabinets2 Grilles4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)Owners ManualCongratulations letterKlipsch brochure
What's in the Box of KEF R11?
Here are the items that come with the R11:
Floorstanding loudspeakerGrille2 Foam port plugs4 Outrigger feet4 Spikes4 Protective discs4 Screws4 WashersWrenchHex-keyUser ManualWarranty Information
 Sensitivity |
105 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
1016mm
vs
1301mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
| Number of Woofers |
4
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
46 Hz
vs
51 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1213cm2 (312x389mm)
vs
3960cm2 (616x643mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
6000USD
vs
12274USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Heritage La Scala AL5 |
KEF R11 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
15-300 watts |
| Sensitivity |
105 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.2 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
51-20k Hz |
46-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
fiber-composite cone with folded horn |
Hybrid Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
horn-loaded |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
2" |
5" |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
400Hz and 2900Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1016.0mm (40") |
1301.0mm (51.2") |
| Width |
616.0mm (24.3") |
312.0mm (12.3") |
| Depth |
643.0mm (25.3") |
389.0mm (15.3") |
| Weight |
91.36kg (201lbs) |
37.70kg (82.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Woof veneer |
MDF/Lacquer |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
10 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
10 Years |
5 Years |