80 years after the company’s founding and just as many years after the introduction of the original Klipschorn, Klipsch presents a very special anniversary edition of its most famous loudspeaker. The new Klipschorn 80th Anniversary Edition takes up the original concept, patented by company founder Paul W. Klipsch in 1946, and reinterprets it with modern technology. Only 280 pairs of the fully horn-loaded loudspeaker will be manufactured worldwide.
Homage to a Hi-Fi Legend
Hardly any other loudspeaker enjoys a similar cult status as the Klipschorn. Since its introduction in 1946, the corner horn has been in continuous production, making it the oldest commercially manufactured loudspeaker in the world. The anniversary edition aims not only to commemorate this heritage but also to demonstrate how modern Paul W. Klipsch’s original ideas still are today.
“It’s a testament to his legacy that 80 years later, we’re bringing his original patented designs back to life,” explains Klipsch COO Vinny Bonacorsi.
From Three-Way to Two-Way Concept
While current Klipschorn models operate as three-way loudspeakers, the anniversary edition is more closely aligned with its historical origins. The new model features a fully horn-loaded two-way concept, combined with modern DSP technology and an active crossover.
For the high-frequency range, a newly developed K-5-K horn with a 2-inch throat is used. It is driven by a 4-inch compression driver, whose drive technology was directly adopted from the large Klipsch Jubilee. Klipsch promises exceptional dynamics, high efficiency, and particularly realistic reproduction as a result.
The bass range is handled by a 15-inch K-33-E driver in the classic folded corner horn enclosure. The patented Folded-Horn principle utilizes room geometry as an extension of the horn path and remains one of the Klipschorn’s trademarks to this day.
Active DSP Crossover based on historical models
A special feature of the anniversary edition is the external active DSP crossover. With this, Klipsch revives an idea that Paul W. Klipsch experimented with as early as the 1940s.
The DSP system handles phase and time alignment correction, optimizes the crossover regions between the drivers, and also allows for adjustments of level and equalization to suit the room and listening preferences. The active crossover is delivered in the same Tigerwood veneer to match the loudspeaker.
Tigerwood, Brass, and Handcraftsmanship
Visually, Klipsch opts for a particularly elaborate design. Each pair of loudspeakers is handcrafted in Hope, Arkansas, and features an exclusive Tigerwood veneer with mirror-matched grain.
Additional brass inlays along the horn contours and a sand-cast aluminum horn emphasize the collector’s character of the edition. Each pair is crafted by experienced artisans and belongs to the most exclusive Heritage models in the company’s history.
Vinyl Treasure from the Klipsch Archives
To mark the anniversary, Klipsch is also opening its historical tape archives. Buyers of the 80th Anniversary Edition will receive an exclusive 180-gram vinyl record with selected stereo recordings from the 1950s that Paul W. Klipsch once used for dealers and demonstrations. Some of the included recordings have never been released before.
Additionally, Klipsch is offering a membership to the Klipsch Museum of Audio History, dedicated to preserving the company’s and Hi-Fi history.
Premiere at High End Vienna 2026
The Klipschorn 80th Anniversary Edition will have its world premiere at High End Vienna 2026. The special edition, limited to 280 pairs, can already be ordered through authorized Heritage dealers. Pricing information is not yet available.
