When Candace Tinkler turned 20 years old, her father treated her to Klipsch Heresy speakers. Now, 40 years later, Candace remains in love with the speakers she received on her 20^th birthday.

“It was a big deal to splurge on these luxury items,” Tinkler said. “My father had a deep love of music which he shared with me. He grew up during The Great Depression and his family didn't have money for him to take music lessons, so he showered me with musical opportunities that he never had.”

Before making the leap, Tinkler and her father did their research. Although she doesn’t remember exactly what the key reasons were for picking the Heresy speakers, Tinker had spoken with both her professional musician friends and employees from several high-end audio stores who all recommended Klipsch.

After hearing a demo of these handcrafted speakers at a specialty audio store in San Francisco, her Dad was so excited that he purchased a pair for the family home in addition to the pair he bought for her. Although he may have passed away two years ago at the age of 89, his Heresy speakers continue to rock in the family home.

Since their purchase in 1975, Tinkler’s Heresy speakers have been moved all over the United States, far away from the speakers’ birthplace in Hope, Arkansas. As a National Park Service employee, they have “survived” Zion, Bighorn Canyon, Channel Islands, Grand Canyon, Everglades, New River Gorge and, currently, Redwood National Parks.

The question of whether it is worth it to carry these 44 lb. speakers from place to place is downright silly to Tinkler.

“I love these speakers! I have never thought of myself as a hoarder and, in fact, I am a bit ruthless about getting rid of junk that doesn't work to my expectations. On the other hand, I hang on to things I love.”

Currently residing in Crescent City, California, Tinkler’s American-made speakers have gained notoriety throughout the town.

“Every July 4th during the fireworks, I open the windows, turn the speakers towards the street and crank the volume up crazy high. Everyone cheers! It is a town tradition. The speakers are so loud, it is like a rock concert!”

The speakers’ survival and impeccable condition even more remarkable because Tinkler never even got around to staining the speakers’ bare wood.

“Can you believe it?”

Heck, yes. This is Klipsch.

How long have you had your Klipsch speakers? Post a comment below!