Model 19 Components in Klipsch LaScala Bins?

[acasanis]

Internet searches have brought up little information so I thought I'd ask here..

I was wondering if anyone has ever taken Altec Model 19 components (416 woofer and 811 horn + driver) and worked them into the Klipsch LaScala cabinets?

My brother in law is moving into a larger place and brought home some externally beat up Model 19's. His wife (my sister) has drawn the line at the LaScala's presence in their living room and will not tolerate anything "larger or uglier" (her words). He's not giving up on the Model 19's as the components are in exceptional shape. He was considering making some 620 size cabinets and integrating the 811 horn, however, he is also considering stuffing the M19 drivers into the LaScala Bins... Wondering if anyone has had any experience with such an idea? Good/Bad?

Thoughts/Comments welcomed.

Cheers,
Adam.

[bowtie427ss]

IMO, La Scala could possibly be the worst implementation of a 416 ever. It would truly be a shame to put such a well engineered, wide bandwidth woofer in a cabinet design that is so flawed and would restrict and limit the 416's performance. La Scala is NOT a hifi speaker. Frankly, i find it hard to believe that the same pair of ears could hear both La Scalas and 19's and ever give la scala serious consideration for use in the home. Then again, apparently some folks enjoy vocals that sound like their being projected thru a stovepipe.

Nothing your brother in law can do with what he has will be more rewarding than rehabbing the 19 cabinets or building new ones.

[rontec]

I would agree with Bowtie427ss! Yes definitely refurbish the cabs. The model 19's are fully optimized. You can't really improve upon them like you can with Klipsch. You can only personalize them to your own taste. But I would keep them bone stock with original crossovers providing the caps are still good. And the foam around the 811's is a must to eliminate/reduce bell ringing. Plus, they'll keep a higher resale value.
You can sell the la scalas for good money for the rebuild/refurbish and have money left over.

[Old Guy]

Wood filler and new veneer can work wonders.

[bowtie427ss]

Wood filler and new veneer can work wonders.

+1

I have even seen some guys do really impressive wood graining their very first time out.

Remember, once most speakers find their resting place in the listening environment most of the cabinet is obscured from view. Get the tops and baffles/grills looking good and they will draw attention away from any other caveats.

[cradeldorf]

+1 on that, Either fix the 19 cabs or build new..or buy new. They'll sound way better than a LaScala cab by far.

[Altec Best]

La Scala is NOT a hifi speaker.
Nothing your brother in law can do with what he has will be more rewarding than rehabbing the 19 cabinets or building new ones.

Exactly ! The LaScalas are PA speakers..The only Klipsch speaker I would consider a good hi-fi speaker is the Cornwall..And It isn't even close to a Model 19. Your brother in law should definitely rehab the 19's..I would however rebuild the crossovers in them as it will do wonders for them.. It has made a huge difference with mine.And also replace the foam as mentioned around the 811. There is plenty of info here on doing these mods for the 19's he should have no problem finding it.. +1 on selling the LaScalas to fund the rehab of the 19's.