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Klipsch La Scala AL5 vs KEF R11 Comparison

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Klipsch La Scala AL5

Passive Floor-standing | 51-20k Hz

Klipsch Heritage La Scala AL5
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KEF R11

Passive Floor-standing | 46-28k Hz

KEF R11
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Klipsch La Scala AL5 Klipsch La Scala AL5
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KEF R11 KEF R11
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Klipsch La Scala AL5
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KEF R11
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Klipsch La Scala AL5 vs KEF R11 Speaker Comparison

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.

Klipsch La Scala AL5 Key Specs

  • 3-way Design
  • 1" horn-loaded Tweeter
  • 2" Midrange
  • 15" fiber-composite cone with folded horn Woofer
  • 51-20k Hz Frequency Response
  • 105 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:up to 100watts
  • Weight:91.36kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 1016.0" x 24-1/4" x 25-5/16"( 1016.0 x 616.0 x 643.0mm )

KEF R11 Key Specs

  • 3-way Design
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 5" Midrange
  • 4 x 6.5" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer
  • 5" Midrange
  • 46-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:15-300watts
  • Weight:37.70kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 1301.0" x 12-1/4" x 15-5/16"( 1301.0 x 312.0 x 389.0mm )

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.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


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

La Scala AL5
R11
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Floor-standing Speakers

Klipsch La Scala AL5
KEF R11
Min
Average
Max

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

La Scala AL5
R11
Min
Average
Max

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 Terminals
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.

Klipsch La Scala AL5 vs KEF R11 Size Comparison - Front View
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
Klipsch La Scala AL5
KEF R11
Min
Average
Max

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 cabinets
  • 2 Subwoofer cabinets
  • 2 Grilles
  • 4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)
  • Owners Manual
  • Congratulations letter
  • Klipsch brochure
  • What's in the Box of KEF R11?

    Here are the items that come with the R11:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 2 Foam port plugs
  • 4 Outrigger feet
  • 4 Spikes
  • 4 Protective discs
  • 4 Screws
  • 4 Washers
  • Wrench
  • Hex-key
  • User Manual
  • Warranty Information

  • Reasons to choose Klipsch Heritage La Scala AL5 over KEF R11
    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

    Reasons to choose KEF R11 over Klipsch Heritage La Scala AL5

    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 vs 3960cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 6000USD vs 12998USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Klipsch La Scala AL5 vs KEF R11 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    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 American Walnut, Black Ash, Natural Cherry 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

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