In this review, we will be comparing La Scala AL5 and Kendall, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Klipsch and KLH.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch La Scala AL5 and KLH Kendall 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 )
KLH Kendall Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Tweeter
- 5.25" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Woven Kevlar Woofer
- 5.25" Midrange
- 25-23k Hz Frequency Response
- 96 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 250watts
- Weight:22.14kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1021.0" x 8-5/16" x 14-15/16"( 1021.0 x 212.0 x 380.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch La Scala AL5 and KLH Kendall 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 Kendall are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch La Scala AL5 |
KLH Kendall |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 2-inch |
1 x 5.25-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 15-inch
|
2 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 Kendall features a 1" anodized aluminum Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Woven Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
La Scala AL5 has a frequency range of 51-20k Hz whereas Kendall has a frequency range of 25-23k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 25Hz, the Kendall 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 Kendall 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 Kendall's is at 96 dB. This 9 dB difference makes the Klipsch La Scala AL5 a more sensitive speaker compared to KLH Kendall, 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 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Kendall has a max power handling value of watts RMS, 100 watts less than the La Scala AL5.
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 Kendall features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
KLH Kendall'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 KLH Kendall'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 KLH Kendall has external dimensions of 1021.0 x 212.0 x 380.0mm ( 40-3/16 x 8-5/16 x 14-15/16inch) .
KLH Kendall is 404mm narrower and 263mm less deeper than Klipsch La Scala AL5 but it is also 5mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch La Scala AL5 and KLH Kendall in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch La Scala AL5 and KLH Kendall 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 KLH Kendall is approximately 805.6cm2 / 124.9inch2. The La Scala AL5 requires 392% more surface area than the Kendall 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 KLH Kendall weighs 22.14kg / 48.7lbs. This makes the La Scala AL5 313% heavier than the Kendall.
Here is a comparison of how La Scala AL5 and Kendall'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 KLH Kendall?
Here are the items that come with the Kendall:
Floorstanding loudspeakerGrilleFoam port4 Rubber feet4 Spike feet (with nuts)4 Protective discsManual
 Sensitivity |
105 dB
vs
96 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
1016mm
vs
1021mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
|
Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
|
Low Frequency Response |
25 Hz
vs
51 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
23k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
805cm2
vs
3960cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1500USD
vs
12998USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Heritage La Scala AL5 |
KLH Kendall |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
KLH |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
up to 250 watts |
| Sensitivity |
105 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
51-20k Hz |
25-23k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
15" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
fiber-composite cone with folded horn |
Woven Kevlar |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Butyl Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
horn-loaded |
n/a |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
2" |
5.25" |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1016.0mm (40") |
1021.0mm (40.2") |
| Width |
616.0mm (24.3") |
212.0mm (8.3") |
| Depth |
643.0mm (25.3") |
380.0mm (15") |
| Weight |
91.36kg (201lbs) |
22.14kg (48.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Woof veneer |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
| Available Colors |
American Walnut, Black Ash, Natural Cherry |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
10 Years |
10 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
10 Years |
10 Years |