Klipsch has pulled its most storied loudspeaker out of the archive and rebuilt it for a new era. The Limited Edition 80th Anniversary Klipschorn makes its North American debut August 7–9 at Audio Advice Live 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina, reworking Paul W. Klipsch’s original 1946 patent into a hand-built, strictly limited run of just 280 pairs worldwide.
A Modern Take on the World’s Oldest Loudspeaker in Continuous Production
The 80th Anniversary Klipschorn holds a rare distinction: it is the world’s oldest commercial loudspeaker still in continuous production, and this anniversary edition reimagines that original two-way, fully horn-loaded design rather than simply repackaging it. Each Klipschorn now pairs a new K-5-K high-frequency horn, with a 2-inch throat, to a high-powered 4-inch compression driver borrowed from the Klipsch Jubilee’s motor structure, delivering explosive dynamics and room-filling presence. On the low end, the speaker’s folded-horn cabinet and K-33-E 15-inch woofer extend bass reach and efficiency for deep, richly detailed low frequencies.
An Active Crossover Rooted in PWK’s Own Early Sketches
Perhaps the most significant update is one PWK himself considered decades ago: an external active DSP crossover, finished in matching Tigerwood veneer, that adjusts phase and time delay to eliminate cancellations and maximize output through the crossover region. Klipsch says early schematics show Paul W. Klipsch experimenting with active network and amplifier designs as far back as 1946, long before the technology to realize them existed. The new crossover also includes adjustable low- and high-frequency trim controls, letting owners fine-tune the Klipschorn to their room and taste.
Hand-Built in Hope, With a Vinyl Time Capsule Included
Every pair is hand-built to order at Klipsch’s factory in Hope, Arkansas, with book-matched Tigerwood veneer and a brass inlay tracing the contour of the folded horn, so no two pairs share an identical grain pattern. Buyers also receive a complimentary membership to the Klipsch Museum of Audio History and a 180-gram vinyl pressing drawn from PWK’s original KlipschTape stereo recordings of the 1950s, including tracks Klipsch says have never been heard publicly before. For a broader look at how the standard Klipschorn compares, see our Klipschorn AK7 review.
Pricing and availability
The Limited Edition 80th Anniversary Klipschorn is priced at $24,998 per pair and ships with the matching Heritage Active Crossover included. Klipsch is also offering it as part of an 80th Anniversary Heritage System with two Onkyo Icon P-80 preamplifiers and M-80 power amplifiers, priced at $32,000 for the complete system. Orders can be placed through authorized Heritage retailers; visit klipsch.com for full details.
Key specifications
- Design: Two-way, fully horn-loaded, active-crossover Klipschorn
- High frequency: K-5-K horn (2″ throat) with 4″ compression driver
- Low frequency: Folded-horn cabinet, K-33-E 15″ woofer
- Finish: Book-matched Tigerwood veneer with brass inlay
- Production: Limited to 280 pairs worldwide, hand-built in Hope, Arkansas
- Included: Heritage Active Crossover, Klipsch Museum membership, 180g KlipschTape vinyl LP
- MSRP: $24,998/pair
