[DrWho]

In any case, the type of speakers under discussion don't have anywhere near the capabilities to produce those kind of SPLs.

http://www.klipsch.com/products/details/kw-120-thx.aspx



Btw, the threshold of pain is dependant on frequency. I'd say it was closer to 120dB in the midrange, but really you shouldn't be above 110dB if you value your hearing (again, in the midrange). With low frequencies, the concern actually turns into a respiratory system issue - not so much your ears. We're exposed to very high SPL's at low frequencies all the time...we just don't notice it because we don't perceive low frequencies very well (like car doors slamming, wind, etc...)

 

[DrWho]

My bad. Well there's always the KL-650 that goes with those subs...600W into 97dB is about 124dB-ish?

It's my understanding the Klipsch was heavily involved with the writing of the THX spec - and collapsing verticals was a favorite trick of Paul Klipsch. Roy Delgado has since moved towards constant directivity in both the horizonal and vertical. I can't help but wonder if that wasn't around the time when the THX spec "loosened up"?

I believe it was Roy who mentioned that the major criteria was low distortion, controlled polars, with low levels of power compression...something Klipsch has been doing for years and is why they stick to horns. The downside with DIY is that these specs are rarely if ever published.

Can you tell I'm a Klipsch fan?