KLH speakers reference thread (original models/Henry Kloss era) 1957-1977
- Thread starter RxDx
- Start date
Interesting. I've always read the Six was done in 1972.
I've been digging around in Stereo Review yearly buyer's guides.
That's probably as authoritative as it gets w/o seeing manufacturer
or dealer lists.
Thanks for the shout-out
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Smaller KLH Systems
This post will cover the 3.75" (called the "12.5") full-range speaker systems.
Information about this driver from Andy Kotsatos, involved in KLH at this time:
"The midrange driver deserves special mention. It was known internally as the 12.5.
It was a wonderful full range driver that was used, as has been mentioned, in the
Models 8 and 21 radios, as the midranges in the Models 5 and 12, in the Models
11 and 15 music systems [and some others, likely the Fourteen and Nineteen]...
"The Model 8 radio is a personal favorite. When first introduced it used two small
full range drivers known internally as the 6.5 because it was basically a Model 6
tweeter cone used in a full range driver. The 6.5 drivers were very expensive to
make and were soon replaced by a single 12.5 driver."
Model Eight
The Model Eight radio required a separate system, which had one or two
drivers. It and the Model Thirteen stereo multiplex add-on were available
from about 1960 to 1963.
Model Eleven
Suitcase and more traditional home systems both came with the 3.75" speaker.
Available from 1964-1972.
Here's TeeAychDee's thread on the bookshelf version of the Model Eleven system.
Models Fourteen B and Fourteen S
Lucky Pierre's thread on new Fourteen Bs.
These were available from 1963-1967.
truevis's thread on the wall-mounted versions
Model Fifteen
Stockman's thread on a Fifteen system.
Model Nineteen
Stormking's thread on the similar 19s.
Model Twenty One
The Twenty One is mostly known as a table radio, but there was an extension speaker,
also. This is alteclipsch's image from this thread:
This post will cover the 3.75" (called the "12.5") full-range speaker systems.
Information about this driver from Andy Kotsatos, involved in KLH at this time:
"The midrange driver deserves special mention. It was known internally as the 12.5.
It was a wonderful full range driver that was used, as has been mentioned, in the
Models 8 and 21 radios, as the midranges in the Models 5 and 12, in the Models
11 and 15 music systems [and some others, likely the Fourteen and Nineteen]...
"The Model 8 radio is a personal favorite. When first introduced it used two small
full range drivers known internally as the 6.5 because it was basically a Model 6
tweeter cone used in a full range driver. The 6.5 drivers were very expensive to
make and were soon replaced by a single 12.5 driver."
Model Eight
The Model Eight radio required a separate system, which had one or two
drivers. It and the Model Thirteen stereo multiplex add-on were available
from about 1960 to 1963.
Model Eleven
Suitcase and more traditional home systems both came with the 3.75" speaker.
Available from 1964-1972.
Here's TeeAychDee's thread on the bookshelf version of the Model Eleven system.
Models Fourteen B and Fourteen S
Lucky Pierre's thread on new Fourteen Bs.
These were available from 1963-1967.
truevis's thread on the wall-mounted versions
Model Fifteen
Stockman's thread on a Fifteen system.
Model Nineteen
Stormking's thread on the similar 19s.
Model Twenty One
The Twenty One is mostly known as a table radio, but there was an extension speaker,
also. This is alteclipsch's image from this thread:
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KLH Eight Inch Woofer systems
The first 8" woofer KLH system didn't appear until 1967, close to the time Henry Kloss sold the
company.
KLH Model Twenty Two, Twenty Four, Twenty Six, Thirty One, and Thirty Two
The Twenty Two, Twenty Four, Twenty Six, Thirty One, and Thirty Two systems are very similar,
available from the late 60s to the early 70s. There were differences in rear connectors, tweeters,
and cabinet finish.
KLH Model Twenty Four
The first 8" woofer KLH system didn't appear until 1967, close to the time Henry Kloss sold the
company.
KLH Model Twenty Two, Twenty Four, Twenty Six, Thirty One, and Thirty Two
The Twenty Two, Twenty Four, Twenty Six, Thirty One, and Thirty Two systems are very similar,
available from the late 60s to the early 70s. There were differences in rear connectors, tweeters,
and cabinet finish.
KLH Model Twenty Four
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Great thread!
Thank you RxDx and others for all of your efforts.
I currently have three sets that appear to be all original and sound great.
Model 24-serial 034210
Model Six-serial 30318, 31248
Model Six- ASV6 02285, 02391
I don't see any info. regarding the ASV6 Model 6V's.
I'm guessing these were perhaps some of the last Model Sixes that were made?
They are monsters and noticeably heavier than the older 30318, 31248 Sixes.
Appear to be constructed of MDF with vinyl vaneer.
Assuming the V stands for vinyl?
This construction held up extremely well and these speakers sound terrific.
Model 6V
Thank you RxDx and others for all of your efforts.
I currently have three sets that appear to be all original and sound great.
Model 24-serial 034210
Model Six-serial 30318, 31248
Model Six- ASV6 02285, 02391
I don't see any info. regarding the ASV6 Model 6V's.
I'm guessing these were perhaps some of the last Model Sixes that were made?
They are monsters and noticeably heavier than the older 30318, 31248 Sixes.
Appear to be constructed of MDF with vinyl vaneer.
Assuming the V stands for vinyl?
This construction held up extremely well and these speakers sound terrific.
Model 6V
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Yes, same size but the V's are a bit heavier.
Wow! I need to get to work and I'm stuck in this chair comparing these two wonderful speakers!
Glenn is correct as usual, these sound great on the floor or stands.
Stands 8" High with slight upward angle seems to widen the soundstage and tighten Bass a bit.
I had a pair with 8" woofers and the tweeter under the mesh screen. However, they were 4 ohm. They looked like the model 32, but were 4 ohm for sure. I remember this because I used them as my "B" speakers and made sure to run them alone. Not with the 8 ohm speakers I had as my mains. I just can't remember the model number. Several people have told me they must have been 8 ohm. But they were 4 ohm.
Wow, the person that I bought these from was correct, someone over the years actually painted right over the original cloth grills with black paint.
I carefully removed and I see now that I need to seal the surrounds.
That was a scary removal!
My goodness, these are difficult to stop listening to and so I can't imagine needing to recap.
Interesting, one tweeter has a black metal grill vs uncoated on the other.
I don't believe that the fabric was ever removed and the tweets sound exactly the same and so I think that they were installed like this from the factory, one black and one uncoated.
I carefully removed and I see now that I need to seal the surrounds.
That was a scary removal!
My goodness, these are difficult to stop listening to and so I can't imagine needing to recap.
Interesting, one tweeter has a black metal grill vs uncoated on the other.
I don't believe that the fabric was ever removed and the tweets sound exactly the same and so I think that they were installed like this from the factory, one black and one uncoated.
I think you are right. I wish I hadn't let them go. They sounded decent.
Seventeens, the Twenty's 8-ohm twin, are muy plentiful and cheap.
