klipsch kg4.2 opinions? thoughts? general info

[Ron M]

Good Evening everyone,

I recently bought on the cheap $150 a pair of Klipsch KG4.2 speakers. I wanted any feedback from anyone who either has these or knows more about them. I see they were made in 92-94. I want to eventually get a set of Cornwalls or Heresy 1's but thought I'd ask the experts on how these speakers rate. I listen to mostly classic rock 60's early 70's type. I use a Marantz receiver 4240 which is 40 watts at 2 channel which is plenty for me. Thx

Ron

[moray james]

matters most what you think. The KG 4.2 is generally considered a very good speaker especially for the money. The diameter of the ten inch woofer mates well with the horn. Being a two way you are having to make the compromise of a higher crossover. The dispersion is 90 x 60 which spreads the sound out into the room a little more than one would probably want. If you are looking for greater resolution and detail with more bottom end weight and control consider a set of Quartet's which are three ways with dual ten active woofers and a 12 inch passive on the rear. More efficient better bass weight far more clarity and detail in the mid smoother silkier high end.
If you want to see what a 4.2 can do get some ten gage 1 mH inductors (you will need four of them) and drop the into your network in place of the small gage ones there. While you are inside change the 33 uf electrolytic capacitor in the bass section for a good plastic Mylar will sound good punchy and powerful. You can also experiment with placing a swamping resistor across the horn about 40 ohms 10 watts will do and see how you like it. It is a good speaker but I think that you will find that a three way simply has so many advantages. If you want more bass than a Quartet try a Forte but I think a Quartet has the edge over a Forte in that the dual tens of the Quartet match the mid horn better in terms of dispersion at crossover. The three way are also a little more directional than the two ways which means you get a little less room interaction which is a good thing. If you listen to a three way I don't think you will go back to a two way again. All in all a very good well balanced speaker for the money with good bass weight. I have some Klipsch the RB81 Mk11 Forte ll and the Quartet. One last thing if you are happy and want to keep the KG's do your self a favor and do consider the larger air core inductors and caps for the crossover and most importantly get a set of Bob Crites's new phenolic diaphragms for your horns.That will take them to another level. If you are clever you might be able to snag a set of Titanium diaphragms from Klipsch which is another level again but really that money would be better spent with greater return with a three way like a Quartet of Forte ll. Hope this has been of some help.
PS you should make sure your cabinet is air tight. The magnetic grill magnets leak a lot of air you can cover them over on the inside of the cabinet to make them air tight and insure all your foam speaker gaskets are good and working. If you push in on the woofer and hold still the passive should extend an equal distance and stay there for at least 3 seconds if everything is reasonably air tight. Best regards Moray James.

[moray james]

on a fine looking set of Quartets in Fla.
http://orlando.craigslist.org/ele/2194236716.html

[Ron M]

Thank you Moray for your response. I'm not much of a handy type guy so for me it's best to get ready to go equipment. I appreciate your info. Do you have any thoughts on Heresy 1's or cornwall?

Ron

[moray james]

you can read my response as "I guess that depends upon your mind set". As to the Heresy don't get me wrong I like them and I am getting a set for my daughter for a wedding gift this summer. They will run with subs so bass won't be an issue. Visually they will look a little less imposing mounted on stands than a set of Forte or KLF 20's which can dominate a room visually (to some). See if you can find some local Klipsch fans to give a demo or two. Best regards Moray James.

[moray james]

In my first reply I said the Quartet was a three way with dual ten inch woofers.Don't know where my brain was it is a three way with a single ten inch woofer mid and hi horn and a twelve inch passive on the back of the cabinet. Nice speaker.

[Ron M]

Well I just upgraded to the Klipsch Heresy II's which IMO are pretty sweet. Now I'll sell the KG4.2

Ron M

[moray james]

you might find this thread of interest. Keep in mind that you could do this mod with the stock horns. You might also want to keep your eyes open for a pair of Quartets or Forte ll and give them a listen if a pair comes up locally. Best regards Moray James.

http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/t/1243 ... ageIndex=5

[Adamo0926]

I have a pair of original Klipsch Fortes that I purchased new back in the early 80s. I still love how they sound. When I was auditioning them back then I always thought the Fortes were one of the most "musical" sounding speakers in the Klipsch line.

I had auditioned the Chorus as well but thought they were a little more "in your face" than the Fortes were.