I've been a long-time fan of Klipsch Speakers. I have a set of original (very low serial number, no passive rad on the back) KG2's that I bought in the summer of 1982. Somehow, with very simple technology, (a sealed box, a 6" poly driver and a dome tweeter in a little horn configuration) the KG2 had tightly controlled bass (not MUCH bass you understand, but what was there was nice), a wonderfully smooth midrange, and light, airy top end. And WAY more efficient and open sounding most of the bookshelf speakers of the era.
Fast fwd to 1998. I've finally conceded that my 13 x 25 listening room is just too big for those little guys. Enter the KG4. Which is basically 2 KG 2 type 6" poly drivers, a 12" passive rad, and a fair size horn tweeter. Once again, I'm blown away at the results with simple, affordable technology. With a 200wpc Adcom GFA-1 (and another driving a homebrew JBL sub) the speakers sometimes simply disappear. Same wonderful sound quality of the KG2 but filling twice the space. I paid $350 on ebay. Perfect condition in oak.

I really think that the '80 were a golden era for the lower priced Klipsches. Let's face it, the true horn designs, like the Klipschorn, and the LaScala just bring out the worst in solid-state equipment. They may sound incredible with a MAC240 tube amp (AND THEY DO), but hook 'em up to mid-fi solid state, and they just don't sound good to me. In the early '80 the little KG series had the same wonderful build quality as the Klipshorns! Solid, solid cabinets! Nice veneer. Decent crossovers. And a mellower sound that worked MUCH better with decent solid state amps. I'm sold (can you tell?)

I don't want to bash the current Klipsches but it seems that the build quality just isn't quite the same (except for the heritage series.) And the sound is quite a bit different -- WHICH IS AS IT SHOULD BE FOR A/V USE. So, I have modern Klipsches (KSB1.1) with my AV and the classics for my listening room. And I'm a very, very happy mid-fi camper.

Who needs a subwoofer? Lovely clear horn-loaded sound.

They don't make them any more!

I have had my dear old Kg4s for fifteen years (bought them in 1986), and have yet to find anything to match them. I've had them hooked up to everything from large Sansui amps to midi stereo systems, and they play like the troupers they are.

My musical tastes are very eclectic, but these speakers handle whatever I throw at them. I could not ever imagine parting with them. I am going to treat them to a nice new Onkyo 595 receiver for Christmas.

Fifteen years is a long time for a pair of speakers, but these Kg4s sound as good as the day I bought them. Best investment I ever made!

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None.

efficiency,soundstage

n/a

I bought these to replace the highly vaunted vandys(my wife hated their size).The kg4's were to be a short term replacement based on the reviews found here.I was astounded by the sound of these speakers,crystal clear highs,full midrange,more than adequate bass,broad-deep soundstage,never fatiguing regardless of how long or what you listen to(jazz,rock,acoustic,classical,trance,etc).The detail is not quite as defined as the vandys,but then they are 2x as large and costly,but certainly not 2x better than these.In short if you can find them,buy them

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vandersteen 2ce

Workmanship, sound quality, frequency range, passive radiator.

Big, don't make it anymore!!!!

I bought these Klipsch back in 1987 for stereo / radio listening only. I am using them as front mains for my suround system.. Why??? Cause they still kick butt!!! While upgrading my whole system for DVD and surround sound, I decided to look for new front speakers. Afterall, 15 years of speaker upgrades should sound better. And generally they do. I looked at the new Klipsch Reference. They are great, but these old Klipsch still hit the highs and lows almost as good as the new $2,000.00 speakers. These KG4s go down to 38, that is good low bass with only a passive radiator!! Maybe I am sentimental that they were my first big purchase as a teenager, but they still play great and will keep up with most new speakers. If you can find a pair get them, if you own them, never part with them.

Still sound incredible after 10 years

Large cabinet, no contemporary Klipsch products for enabling as home theater

OK, I might as well join the KG4.2 lovefest. Like many of you, I grew fond of Klipsch in college (mid-80s) and finally bought my first pair in 1992. They stand up to tons of abuse... like playing incredibly loud Van Halen (intro to This Dream is Over "hey man, wake up" played repeatedly)at 6AM to wake up my house guest for water skiiing... practically indestructable.

I still love listening to the music that comes out of this speaker ~ especially jazz-fusion.

I recently began a search for replacing the KG4.2's with something else for home theater... but I'm having a tough time parting with them. I'm thinking that assembling HT with vintage KG2.2V/KGSW may be the best way to go. Any idea for matching surrounds?

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My first and only

Smooth response at all music levels, low power amp? no matter, super efficient design. tight, responsive bass that is quite flat down to the speaker's bottom end

can't buy them anymore.

my favorite speakers of all time, so this is a biased review. :)

make long story short-bought first pair in 1985, sold upon graduation from college, and never heard a better speaker for the money.

decided to upgrade HT/Stereo system this year and find a used pair in good to excellent condition to purchase.

found a superb pair at ebay; bid, bought, BLISS!

kg4s much more efficient than old pair, much clearer, much louder, much more treble to go with 15" sub.

if you find a pair buy them!

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jbl, infinity, b&w, bose, celestion, avid, crappy sony's, pioneer's etc etc etc

I felt like making a listing for the KG4s, seeing as how they were not mentioned in any reviews as of yet. I bought these amazing speakers over eight years ago, when I was still a teenager. I ran it with a Denon 45 watt amp, and loved it. I recently sold my Denon for a Yamaha RXV692, and I believe that with these speakers, what you put into them will make an extremely large difference in the sound you get out of them. The two front 8" woofers handle the midrange quite well while the 12" passive radiator in the back does more than enough work at the low end. In my small apartment bedroom, I do not even need a subwoofer. The highs are extremely crisp, while sometimes slightly too bright. I think the addition of the Yamaha may have contributed to this. Overall, at $600, I dare you to find a better speaker for the price.

Its great to finally see some reviews of the KG4s here! My thoughts echo the sentiments of others posted here: the KG4s are excellent speakers. I have owned them for right around 10 years, and I also purchased them for just over $500 for the pair. For music, the sound is well balanced and full without any undue hyping of any frequencies. I also use them as front mains for home theater with power from a Yamaha RX-V992 with very good results. They can handle the boom when needed and also quiet scenes too. With walnut (I believe) enclosures, the speakers are also attractive. I'd rate the build quality as above average.
To think I almost purchased the (new at the time) Bose AM3s!! Yecch.

I had these speakers 8 years ago and they are fantastic speakers for the money.To this day I would put these speakers up against any in there price range.Highly recommended.

Ive looked for 10 years for these kg4s? I finally found a pair in a pawn shop, for 300.00! I bought a pair of 5.5s, before then? Now they sit aside for theater use as i listen to the kg4s!! The kg4s go great with the sw-8 sub, as they are both rear passive firing? And they are both 8 inch drivers as well? the kg4s dont need the sw-8 but its fun? Id like another pair of kg4s, it might take 10 years no one wants to sell them?
Ill never part with my kg4s,kg5.5s sw-10 sw-8,, ksc-c1,, or ksb-s1s??
But if someone wants to trade a pair of 96 kg 5.5s for cornwalls ,,,or cornwall 2s look me up? Im always willing to deal??

Where is the product review on the kg 5.5s anyway?