Dynaco A25 v. Klipsch KG4?

[newvinyl]

Any thoughts on Dynaco A25 v. Klipsch KG4 for running a vinyl setup with a marantz 2230?

 

[dodog]

I never liked the A25 and promptly sold them. Have a set of KG-4 and they are dreamy. Not a Cornwall or Forte but a damn good speaker for the money. Pairs really well with "vintage" receivers and quite efficient. It's not even a fair comparison (my opinion, YMMV).

 

[fitshoeman]

I'd have to go with a good set of the A-25s. The Klipsh have always sounded "horny" to me. I just don't like that souund.
The Dynas do need a little power though. If you are using mini amps, stick with the horns.,

 

[absolve2525]

I have a set of KG4 with new caps and Crites Ti Diaphragms, and they sound awesome with my Marantz 2230 (with replaced main and coupling caps). Never heard the Dynacos though.

 

[Polarbear]

Two very different animals. You really have to hear them both, no one can tell you what your ears will prefer. If it was me though I would take both.

 

[hatrack71]

Two very different animals. You really have to hear them both, no one can tell you what your ears will prefer. If it was me though I would take both.

This couldn't be more true. I do prefer the kg4s though.

 

[epifanatic]

Two very different animals. You really have to hear them both, no one can tell you what your ears will prefer. If it was me though I would take both.

x2...Apples are great, but then again, I like oranges as well.:thmbsp:

 

[gadget73]

Not everybody likes the horns. Not all amps like them either. Never heard the A25, but I'd like to give them a spin. I can tell you my KG4's sound pretty nice on the old Magnavox amp.

 

[JonL]

To my ears the A25s have a mid bass hump that makes them sound like they go deeper than they do. I don't like that, some people might. I think they have a very nice midrange, and smooth high end.

I'm basing my opinions on the Klipsch on KG-3.2's rather than 4's, but I think they are similar sounding. The Klipsch will sound lively and sound like live music. They're very dynamic. The bass will be more natural sounding (to my ears), but I find the 3.2's to have a little hole in the lower midrange, so sometimes pianos and acoustic guitars don't have quite as much body as I'd like. I think I've read similar comments on the 4's. The treble is to my ears more real, which is less polite than the Dynaco's. When the KG's are called upon to scream and shout, they'll do just that. The Dynaco's will pretend.

Neither is perfect. I like the Klipsch better. I like the dynamics. I don't like the Dynaco's bass, and I think they smooth things over too much. I don't like the Klipsch's hole in the lower midrange, but I'll take that to get the rest.

 

[Bucky Badger]

I would lean towards the KG4's although I love my 25's. The KG's would be a bit easier to drive with the 30wpc but if possible, audition both. Whichever one you don't like as well could be sold and you'd not be out any $$$.

 

[ictwoody]

Any thoughts on Dynaco A25 v. Klipsch KG4 for running a vinyl setup with a marantz 2230?

From what I understand the Dynaco A25's / Marantz 2230/1060 is a CLASSIC combo. I have A25's (recapped and resealed) that I play with my Marantz 1060 (same as the 2230 without the tuner) and it's a special combo. There is something just butter smooth and right about it.

That was the combo that got me into vintage audio and my first vinyl rig (I'm 30yrs old). My main system is WAY higher end now and I've bought and sold a lot of gear over the last couple years... But I will never sell my A25's/1060.

I've wanted to try some KG4's since they seem to be the most ubiquitous Klipsch... But I just can't find a pair locally for a good price. If you are getting good deals, I.e. less then $200 per pair if they are in great shape, then get them both and you won't lose any money selling the pair you don't like as well.

My 2-cents.

- Woody

 

[Galaxie65]

Wow that is a tough call, I own both and some very similiar models. The A-25 has a wonderful sound stage for it's size and ratings. They really sing and are easy on the ears, this can be said about the Klipsch as well. Many people argue over the horns, and to be honest like everyone above said it's simply all about taste. The KG4's take up some space more so then the small footprint of the A-25's. However the KG4's have a nice passive in the rear and honestly sound great with anything ya hook them up to. I used everything from a Technics SA-505, a Sansui 221, and that 2238B I found at the thrift.

Couple of questions,

Do you have either one of these?
Are they both for sale locally and are you on the fence about which to get?
Have you listened to either before on any other?

I love the Klipsch and use them often, I also use the Dynaco's off and on. I sold my A-25's and replaced them with some A-50's

 

[nickrobotron]

First off, KG4's don't have the same horn "squawk" that the heritage Klipsch have. It's the mid range that causes this "problem" and the KG4's are honestly a much more laid back sounding 2-way.

I have owned both A-25's and KG4's, as well as Fortes. KG4's don't fit the description that you'll hear about the heritage series.

The KG4's are a better speaker, IMO, than the Dynacos. They are also more efficient and a better pairing with your warm sounding Marantz.

 

[nickrobotron]

Also, keep in mind your room/listening space. KG4's are more placement picky than the Dynacos because of the passive radiators on the back.

Both are great speakers... It's a win/win situation, really. You will undoubtedly prefer the sound of one over the other, but only YOU can know which one.

 

[newvinyl]

Thanks so much for the replies! I actually own both now...I've hade the a25s for a couple of months...but never really fell in love. I picked up a beautiful pair of kg4s this past weekend and there are fantastic! I don't know if I will get rid of the a25s though...they would be wonderful for spoken word or voice I feel.

I will add that the a25s that I own are what I believe is this earliest model...before they moved the vent to above the driver. Maybe I should try those?

Anyway...please continue this thread...when I was doing research on the two there was no direct comparison discussions going on thanks!

 

[vinylisfinal]

it is tough.. i prefer the a25's... smooth.

 

[Galaxie65]

I agree with Matt that the placement is pivitoal in many regardless of the brand. Ideally the KG4's in this case are even more so important as the rear passive plays a big role in the presence. I feel that the size and stance of the KG4's pair very well with anything including the Marantz you have, although the Dynaco series speakers are a tough comparison. I'd say that if you had the A50's as I do that it would be a closer equal as the A-25 can only do so much with 1/3 the size/weight. So considering where they are placed, the music, the position in reference to you and where you wantto focus the audio you can really get a better feel. I took several hours placing the speakers in the same areas, playing music that I already know and enjoy to feel what improves or removes. In the Dynaco A25's I felt that the mids were very clear and open, the KG4's were also detailed but to me the sound wasn't as clear in the mids. It's really subjective as we all hear differently, I've had a buddy that used the KG4's for fronts and the A25's for the rear. Keep us updated on what you find as you A/B the speakers.

 

[shacky]

I have A-25's and Forte's with Crites mods.

I'd choose the Forte's over the A-25's but boy do the A-25's sound great! I recapped mine and added real binding posts. It makes a difference :yes:

 

[cubdog]

I've had and liked both. If I had to choose only one it would be the Klipsch. It's a more versitile speaker. I thought my A25s sounded best when paired with my Yamaha CR2020. The KG4s didn't seem to care what drove them.

cubdog

 

[newvinyl]

Galaxie... That's an interesting combo idea...Ill run the two together like your friend does and see what magic happens.