• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

rehabilitated KLH Model Fives

cnolanh

cnolanh

Ad astra
I have posted a couple of times in another current thread about KLH Fives (http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=428203). But instead of further hijacking that thread I'll just post here that I have finished recapping a pair of Model Fives that are cosmetically excellent. And now they sound wonderful, too. What a joy to have them come out well! Photos below.

cheers,

Nolan

An original crossover with dead capacitors (i.e. no sound from the tweeter):


First recapped crossover with Carli caps and one Solen:


Second recapped crossover:


Woofer with fabric surround, still pretty much airtight:


Huge round magnet assembly on these early Model Five woofers:


Front panel:


Speakers were in terrific cosmetic condition (Original Large Advent in background):


Listening to the recapped pair (ADS L620s to the outside of the KLHs -- both speaker types have surprisingly deep, solid bass for the cabinet size):
 
Register to hide this ad
Those low number KLH's are pretty impressive, then again, the upper series aint no slouch either. Even Similost was shocked by a pair of them recently. Nice work by the way.
 
Very nice! I have a pair up "next" after I finish replacing the grill cloth on a pair of Model 12's (finished the contour boxes a couple of weeks ago). Good job!
 
They really sound good with some decent power into them, I had been using a set with a 85 WPC Kenwood but then moved them to a Marantz with 150 WPC and they really came alive :thmbsp:
 
Thanks for the encouragement, everyone. Indeed they are a little less efficient than the other speakers I have. They sound really expansive and lively, with authoritative bass, when hooked up to the Pioneer M-25 (120 fine wpc, and the most powerful amp I have right now). I like the KLHs!

When testing them earlier on a Yamaha AV receiver (HTR-5650, 80 wpc), I had to be careful not to overtax the amp.

By the way, Béla Fleck and the Flecktones' album Three Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is terrific for evaluating speakers. The bass is simply HUGE, low, and beautiful.
 

Attachments

  • 41V2E45ZNTL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
    41V2E45ZNTL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
    28.1 KB · Views: 11
Last edited:
This thread encouraged me to pull my KLH Model Fives out of standby status - I used them to replace my Pioneer HPM-100s in the basement system - hooked up to my Pioneer SX-1250 - they sound great, haven't heard them with decent power in a long time (back in college they were serviced by a Pioneer SX-1010). The HPMs may get an extended rest...

:music:
 
Please do tell about the speaker stands....I like the clean look. Better than the Milk crates I'm using!
 
hbrocks said:
Please do tell about the speaker stands....I like the clean look. Better than the Milk crates I'm using!
Click to expand...

Very happy to report that the KLH Fives are shown on are the wonderful Dean Van Riper stands available at an AK group buy price. Details are in this thread: http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=400630
Dean sizes these stands for the Dynaco A-25s but I use mine for ADS L710s and various other speakers. The KLH Fives fit nicely too. I just wish I had more than one pair of the stands.

The similar-looking stands under the ADS L620s in the photo are ADS originals. In fact, it was these that made me interested in Dean's very similar (but heavier and more solid) design.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom