McIntosh Cornwall III

The Cornwall III, which is actually manufactured by Klipsch rather than McIntosh, introduced a redesigned crossover network and a new midrange horn tweeter for cleaner high frequencies. The Cornwall III also features a more modern aesthetic with a brushed aluminum bezel, contrasting with the purely wood-grain look of the Cornwall II.

The Klipsch Cornwall III is incredibly efficient, boasting a 102dB sensitivity rating, meaning it can be driven to deafening volumes by even a low-wattage tube amplifier. While pairing them with a classic McIntosh tube amp will provide a warm, rich sound, they perform brilliantly with solid-state amplifiers as well.

Because they are massive, horn-loaded floor-standing speakers designed to replicate a live concert environment, the Cornwall III requires a very large room to sound their best. You should ideally place them in a dedicated listening room that is at least 15 by 20 feet, keeping them well away from the corners to prevent bass boom.

While originally designed as a stereo hi-fi speaker for audiophiles, the Cornwall III's extreme dynamics and high efficiency make them incredible front-channel speakers for a home theater. Their detailed midrange and authoritative bass are perfect for movie soundtracks, provided you have the physical floor space to accommodate their large footprint.