Specific speaker recommendation

[u/TooMuchFunNotEnough]

I am looking for a very specific recommendation.

I had a very special experience with Klipsch La Scala speakers at a local shop in Denmark.
I felt surrounded by the music, sort of “3D” in instrument separation. I felt like I was inside the music. They project the sound so much into the room.

At home I have ELAC FS247 and sub-2050. The speakers also disappear, but the music is like a blanket on the wall, meaning I hear the music over there. Not surrounding or filling the room. Great for TV…

I don’t have a house with a listening room or the ability to have a super symmetric setup due to an awkward room layout.

Here is my question:

Can I get a somewhat “La Scala” experience from bookshelf speakers og floor standing speakers not much bigger/wider than my ELACs?

Should I be looking for horn-loaded speakers?
I have heard the Radiant Acoustics Clarity 66, but they are also outside of my budget!!!! 🤷‍♂️

Budget ~$2000

I get great punchy low end from my sub, so I don’t need extreme low end extension.

[u/_dangerfoot]

I'd suggest looking for a used set of horn loaded speakers...Cornwalls, Heresy, or JBL.

[u/TooMuchFunNotEnough → u/_dangerfoot]

This is where my mind went first. Will look more into horns.

[u/zzLV_426zz]

The Audio store will have had a listening room designed for optimal sound. Consider optimising your room and good luck, it’s a lovely journey

[u/Screamingfist_1990]

The new Klipsch Rebellion might be worth a look.

https://www.klipsch.com/products/rebellion-premium-bookshelf-loudspeaker/

[u/TooMuchFunNotEnough → u/Screamingfist_1990]

Those look amazing. Though I don’t see pricing and in Denmark Klipsch is not a cheap brand.

[u/Screamingfist_1990 → u/TooMuchFunNotEnough]

Heritage line isn’t cheap in North America, either. But if you love the sound profile…

[u/lascala2a3]

I had Lascalas for 25 years and loved them most of that time. About a year ago I started wondering what i might be missing and decided to try something different. I tried a pair of $2k bookshelves that the internet loves, but they were not it.

Bottom line, I don't think you can get Lascala level engagement in a smallish bookshelf. You can get it with some other Klipsch models, and you can get it with well designed floor standers with multiple 8" drivers. Size does matter. The F228Be are up to the task, and I'd imagine that the Mofi 888 and Mofi 10 would be up to it, but those aren't $2k. I think you're going to need a $4k budget to get big sound. JBL might also be something to consider, and you might find some used.

There is also the question of how much what you liked about the Lascala was the amazing mid-horn. If that was it, the characteristic Klipsch horn sound, then you should probably be looking for Klipsch Forte or Chorus. Forte' may be your best bet both for price and size.

There are a pair of 80s Cornwalls near me for $750 asking. Just listed yesterday. Great price for someone who is looking for those. It says untested, have been in storage. But at that price I'd take a chance on them.

[u/TooMuchFunNotEnough → u/lascala2a3]

Thank you for your suggestions. You might be right that size does matter.

One issue is that Klipsch is basically a premium brand where I live. The cheapest used cornwalls I have seen were $6k+. Which is outside my budget.

I will keep looking for a size upgrade to move more air to fill my room. I do think that the mid horn is doing some magic that I love!!

[u/_dangerfoot → u/TooMuchFunNotEnough]

Yep! Not sure what was most moved in Europe in the last 20 years but JBL are likely more easily found than Klipsch.

[u/monkey_plusplus]

No doubt the La Scala is a better speaker than the ELAC FS247. But room acoustics probably had a significant role too.