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Rebuild or replace my KG4s?

M

Micah McDowe

New Member
Hello all,
I've been enjoying my KG4 pair for a couple years with great success. However, they're starting to sound (and look) pretty tired. One diaphragm sounds a little raspy, and they don't match well from L to R, so something is amiss. The cabinets are rough; risers gone, corners chipped, and one has an ugly swollen spot on the top from a spilled drink or plant (bought them like this).

Would you A. spend a few hundred to refurbish these (re-veneer, swap in Crites crossovers/diaphragms), or should I B. part them out and use proceeds to buy some clean Heresys?

I feel like those are my options as I want something vintage, I like the Klipsch tonality, I need the efficiency for my little EICO AF-4 tube amp powering them, and I don't want a larger cabinet. My fear would be losing a great deal of bass response with the Heresy, and wishing I just fixed up my KGs. I don't have the option to compare the two side-by-side, so experience is welcome!
 
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Micah McDowe said:
Hello all,
I've been enjoying my KG4 pair for a couple years with great success. However, they're starting to sound (and look) pretty tired. One diaphragm sounds a little raspy, and they don't match well from L to R, so something is amiss. The cabinets are rough; risers gone, corners chipped, and one has an ugly swollen spot on the top from a spilled drink or plant (bought them like this).

Would you A. spend a few hundred to refurbish these (re-veneer, swap in Crites crossovers/diaphragms), or should I B. part them out and use proceeds to buy some clean Heresys?

I feel like those are my options as I want something vintage, I like the Klipsch tonality, I need the efficiency for my little EICO AF-4 tube amp powering them, and I don't want a larger cabinet. My fear would be losing a great deal of bass response with the Heresy, and wishing I just fixed up my KGs. I don't have the option to compare the two side-by-side, so experience is welcome!
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Step up to a pair of Forte's or Chorus II's, you won't regret it. :thumbsup:
 
Wow, you all seem pretty unanimous to dump the KG4s! Sad thing is how little they're worth on the market if they're not mint. Maybe I shall keep an eye out for some Fortes and donate the KGs to someone in need when the time comes.
 
Micah McDowe said:
Wow, you all seem pretty unanimous to dump the KG4s! Sad thing is how little they're worth on the market if they're not mint. Maybe I shall keep an eye out for some Fortes and donate the KGs to someone in need when the time comes.
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Bass with the Heresy is very placement dependent, if on the floor near the front wall I like them tilted back or the bass is too prominent. Off the floor, mid at ear level, near the front wall results in nice punchy bass if not subterranean. Elevated, out away from the front wall, and toed in results in the most satisfying sound but just a tad bass shy for some, throw in a pair of Dayton sub 1200's as stands and you're there. The Heritage Klipsch sound with bass to 25hz is a good thing, they just sound HUGE without diminishing the outstanding soundstage.
 
I have Kg4s and never liked the Hereseys in comparison. I always found them a little anemic in the bass. I've heard great things about their mid and upper ranges, but they always left me wanting more. It's pretty amazing what they want for used Kg4s. I paid $530/pr new and see them listed anywhere from $250-$500 used. I would opt more towards rebuilding the Kg4s or purchasing Fortes before going with the Hereseys.
 
I had a pair of Kg4’ And really liked them. I upgraded them with Crites diaphragms and honestly didn’t notice a big difference. I still have stock ones if you want them. You can have them for free, just pay shipping.
 
I noticed a huge difference in my 4.2 with the Crites diaphragms. But you need to at least recap to get full benefits. I haven't tried the entire Crites crossover. If you're selling them, the diaphragms and a couple of decent caps would get them sounding pretty darn good for not that much.

In any case I wouldn't part out a working/fixable pair of speakers, but that's just me.
 
Micah McDowe said:
Hello all,
I've been enjoying my KG4 pair for a couple years with great success. However, they're starting to sound (and look) pretty tired. One diaphragm sounds a little raspy, and they don't match well from L to R, so something is amiss. The cabinets are rough; risers gone, corners chipped, and one has an ugly swollen spot on the top from a spilled drink or plant (bought them like this).

Would you A. spend a few hundred to refurbish these (re-veneer, swap in Crites crossovers/diaphragms), or should I B. part them out and use proceeds to buy some clean Heresys?

I feel like those are my options as I want something vintage, I like the Klipsch tonality, I need the efficiency for my little EICO AF-4 tube amp powering them, and I don't want a larger cabinet. My fear would be losing a great deal of bass response with the Heresy, and wishing I just fixed up my KGs. I don't have the option to compare the two side-by-side, so experience is welcome!
Click to expand...

That one raspy one might need Liquid Nail around the rear cabinet channel (the gap on the rear of the speaker). The bass they put out tends to loosen the rear panel.
 
I agree with those that have said to purchase some nice , clean and well maintained used KG4'S versus repairing your current pair. I also agree with the earlier statement about the Heresys not matching the sound of the KG4s. I listened to a Brand New pair of Heresys 2 weeks ago while at a music shop having a new cartridge mounted to the headshell of my TT and by the 3rd song , I was done!! Done how? Bored , not into either piece of music played which was various kinds. The Heresys were on their natural angled back built in stands and were positioned in the room for optimum sound. I prefer the larger dynamic , bass and overall soundstage of the KG4s. I , like I said earlier , look for a well taken care of KG's and if you can't find a nice pair , I agree with syepping up to the Forte. If I replaced my KG4s , bougjt brand new in 1988 and are like brand new , I would go all the way up to the " Cornwalls. I've been told that their is not a significant difference between the Forte vs the KG4 because the KG4 is a smaller version of the Forte , so , if I'm going to the Heritage series , I'm going ALL IN on some Cornwalls. Have seen some pretty darn clean ones for $1800-$2000 a pair!! Yeah , I've already been looking.
 
kfalls said:
I have Kg4s and never liked the Hereseys in comparison. I always found them a little anemic in the bass. I've heard great things about their mid and upper ranges, but they always left me wanting more. It's pretty amazing what they want for used Kg4s. I paid $530/pr new and see them listed anywhere from $250-$500 used. I would opt more towards rebuilding the Kg4s or purchasing Fortes before going with the Hereseys.
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I agree 100% with your comment regarding KG4s vs Heresys!! The sound that comes out of the KG4 based on the size of the speaker just contradicts " Logic " they sound HUGE vs their physical size. The Heresys give what they look like , a smaller soundstage with sound and " Feel " missing compared to the KG4.
 
lordgarth said:
Just get a pr of Cornwall's or Cornscala's. :banana:
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I'm looking at used first , however , it's going to be difficult for me to shell out approx. $2,000 for speakers that I don't know how much longer they have left in them before having to put more money into them. New? $4,000 , however , they will last me a lifetime the way I take care of my gear.
 
I'm very surprised that Forte III's and Cornwalls go for within $400 a pair. The Forte's are pricey versus the superior Cornwall.
 
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burmashave said:
KG4’s are the best damn speakers i’ve ever heard. With the Crites u/g’s, off the charts. Mine for life
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I agree , I Love my KG4'S and look at the size of the Great Room they are in , it's a huge room and the KG4'S fill it it with tremendous sound!! They do have some help , to be 100% honest. Klipsch KSW-12 Subwoofer
 
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