Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
| • Deep, room-filling bass from a large 15″ woofer | • Very large and heavy—measure before you buy |
| • Super-high sensitivity (around 102 dB) = easy to drive loud | • Wants space from walls; placement matters |
| • Lively, “live music” dynamics and wide soundstage | • Premium price tier |
| • Real-wood veneers (Cherry, Walnut, Black Ash); made in USA | • Horn-forward presentation isn’t for everyone |
| • Updated Tractrix horns and crossover = cleaner mids/highs |
The Cornwall IV are part of Klipsch’s Heritage line. Inside the Cornwalls you get a 15″ woofer handling the lows, a mid horn with a compression driver for the all-important vocals, and a horn tweeter for sparkle and air. Sensitivity is extremely high, so they’ll get loud on modest power and still feel relaxed doing it. The cabinets use real wood veneers and a large Tractrix rear port to keep bass both deep and controlled.
Key Features: What Makes the Cornwall IV Special?
| Design | 3-way floorstanding, horn-loaded mid & tweeter |
| Woofer | 15″ (380 mm) |
| Mid Driver / Horn | 1.75″ polyimide diaphragm compression driver on Tractrix horn |
| Tweeter / Horn | 1″ titanium diaphragm compression driver on Tractrix horn |
| Frequency Response | ~34 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | ~102 dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Power Handling | 100 W continuous / 400 W peak |
| Enclosure | Rear Tractrix port, MDF with real-wood veneer |
| Finishes | Natural Cherry, American Walnut, Satin Black Ash |
| Dimensions / Weight (each) | ~38″ H × 25″ W × 15.5″ D / ~100 lb |
When it comes to premium audio gear, features matter. The Klipsch Cornwall IV doesn’t just rest on its laurels, it builds upon decades of speaker craftsmanship with some impressive engineering feats:
Three-way Heritage design
Cornwall IV uses a classic three-way layout: a big 15″ woofer for the lows, a dedicated midrange compression driver on a Tractrix horn for the all-important vocals, and a horn tweeter for sparkle. That split lets each driver do its job in its “happy place,” so you get clarity and scale without strain.
15″ woofer + rear Tractrix port = real, room-filling bass
The large woofer moves serious air, and the Tractrix rear port helps it reach deep without turning boomy. Give the cabinets a little breathing room from the back wall and you’ll hear bass that’s weighty yet controlled—kick drums hit, upright bass has body, and movie effects feel physical.
Refined midrange horn for lifelike voices
Klipsch reworked the mid horn and driver on the IV to sound smoother and more even than earlier versions. The result is that “singer in the room” presence people buy big horns for—clear diction, natural tone, and instruments that stand out without shouting.
Titanium tweeter with wide dispersion phase plug
Up top, a 1″ titanium compression driver handles treble. It’s quick and detailed, but with the updated horn and phase plug, it spreads highs more evenly. The sweet spot is big and cymbals, strings, and ambience have air without edge when set up right.
Ridiculously high sensitivity (around 102 dB)
These are easy to drive loud with modest power. That means a clean 20–50 watt amp can sing, and bigger amps have gobs of headroom. Translation: effortless dynamics and “live show” punch at volumes a lot of speakers struggle to reach cleanly.
Real-wood veneers and made in the USA
Part of Klipsch’s Heritage line, Cornwall IV cabinets are assembled in Hope, Arkansas, with genuine wood veneers (Natural Cherry, American Walnut, or Satin Black Ash). In person, they look like furniture with classic styling that suits both vintage and modern rooms.
Bi-wire/bi-amp friendly posts
Dual binding posts let you bi-wire or bi-amp if you want to experiment with system matching and fine-tuning. Not required, but nice to have if you get the itch to tinker later.
Placement that rewards small adjustments
They’re big boxes, but setup isn’t scary: start about 12–24 inches off the back wall, toe-in slightly toward your seat, and level them on their risers. A few inches here or there will tighten bass and lock in imaging. You’ll hear it snap into focus.
Built to rock… and to whisper
The magic is not just volume; it’s control. Cornwall IVs do quiet, late-night listening with nuance, then explode into life when the music demands it. They’re great for movie nights, live albums, or any track with big dynamic swings.
RELATED: Fluance XL8F Tower Speaker Review
Sound Quality: An Auditory Journey Worth Every Decibel
Sound quality is the pièce de résistance for any speaker, and the Klipsch Cornwall IV certainly doesn’t disappoint. Owner feedback reveals a consistent admiration for the sonic prowess of these speakers.
The Positives
Listeners repeatedly praise the deep, impactful bass that these speakers deliver. This is something rare for floorstanders that also manage to maintain great midrange and highs. Those lows don’t just rumble; they resonate with precision and authority. Whether blasting rock, jazz, or classical, the Cornwall IV reproduces bass with a richness that’s both felt and heard.
The midrange clarity is another standout. Vocals and instruments emerge with crispness and warmth, making every note feel lifelike. High frequencies have been described as “sparkling” without ever crossing into harshness, which means you can enjoy extended listening sessions without fatigue.
Moreover, the speakers exhibit excellent dynamic range and responsiveness. This quality means they effortlessly manage soft, intimate passages and loud crescendos alike, preserving all detail and nuance.
Areas to Consider
A few audiophiles mention that, given their high sensitivity and power output, the Cornwall IV speakers shine best when paired with quality amplification and a well-treated listening room. Without this setup, the sheer output and intricate detail might not be fully appreciated.
Also, since these are sizable floorstanding speakers, they require a bit of room to breathe. Smaller or acoustically untreated spaces may experience muddier bass performance.
Who Is It For?
If you:
- Are a discerning audiophile looking for speakers that combine vintage American sound technology with modern innovation.
- Have a medium to large-sized listening environment where these floorstanders can stretch their legs.
- Appreciate natural wood finishes and want your audio setup to serve as both a listening focal point and decorative statement.
- Desire a speaker that can handle a broad spectrum of music genres with aplomb, from classical symphonies to hard-hitting rock.
- Are ready to invest in an audio system that delivers high sensitivity and full-range frequency response with minimal distortion.
Then the Klipsch Cornwall IV is designed for you.
Final Thoughts
The Klipsch Cornwall IVs aren’t just speakers; they’re a statement. A bridge between the revered past and a promising audio future, these floorstanders masterfully deliver full-bodied bass, crystal-clear mids, and sparkling highs.
While they demand the right space and equipment to unleash their full potential, they reward owners with an immersive, joyous listening experience that justifies every bit of the investment. So, if your audio senses crave a harmonious blend of heritage, style, and sonic brilliance, the Cornwall IV may well be your dream speaker.
Buy the Klipsch Cornwall IV on Amazon
FAQ
Q: Do I need a huge amp to drive Cornwall IV?
A: Not necessarily. Their very high sensitivity means even modest, clean power can get loud. A quality 20–50 W amp can sing; more power gives extra headroom.
Q: How far from the wall should I place them?
A: Start with 12–24 inches from the back wall and a slight toe-in toward your seat. Adjust distance and toe-in until bass tightens and imaging snaps into focus.
Q: Are they good for movies as well as music?
A: Yes. Their dynamics and clarity make dialogue pop and effects feel big. Pair with a strong center and sub for full home-theater impact if you like.
Q: Do they need a subwoofer?
A: Many won’t feel the need—bass is strong and deep. If you want the lowest octave for movies or organ notes, a sub can extend the bottom end further.
Q: Are Cornwall IV harsh because they’re horn speakers?
A: Properly set up with good electronics, they’re lively, not harsh. Placement, toe-in, and matching with a smooth amp help if you’re sensitive to treble.
Q: What finishes do they come in?
A: Real-wood veneers: Natural Cherry, American Walnut, and Satin Black Ash—classic looks that suit a range of rooms.
Q: What’s the warranty like?
A: Klipsch passive speakers typically carry a multi-year limited warranty (check your region/retailer for current terms).
Q: How big/heavy are they?
A: Roughly 38″ tall, 25″ wide, 15.5″ deep, and around 100 lb each. You’ll want a helper to place them.
Q: Are they made in the USA?
A: Yes. Cornwall IV are part of the Klipsch Heritage line, assembled in Hope, Arkansas.
Q: What genres do they suit best?
A: They’re genre-agnostic—rock, jazz, classical, hip-hop, movies. If you like energy and presence, they’ll meet you there.
Buy the Klipsch Cornwall IV on Amazon
Tekkbyte.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com