KLH 17 versus University LTV Medallion

[klaval]

I have the opportunity to pick up locally a pair of KLH 17 or University LTV Medallion for the same price ($200), both in mint condition. The KLH was even recapped but I’m not sure if the University was recently serviced. The seller got them from a tech who said they didn’t need it and they do look like new (cabinets and grills). Or should I look for different speakers from that era? Like Small Advent or AR’s?

Currently I run new Cambridge Audio with a Sansui 5000x but I’d like to try a warmer sound and also match the vintage look of my receiver. I also want to try tubes. The seller of the University’s is also selling a Motorola Tube Preamplifier + Magnavox 8802 or 8902 6V6 Stereo Amplifier. I wonder whether this would be a good start into tubes. I’m also adding a Thorens TD-160 turntable to the system.

 

[Nat]

Hmm - to me that seems pretty high for 17s, but if recapped, surrounds resealed, and in mint condition, perhaps in your market it might be reasonable. I suspect that the 17s will be better balanced thn the Medallions (which I don't know, though I've heard other University models), but that doesn't mean you will like them more. You should go listen to them.

 

[Dswankey]

..The seller of the University’s is also selling a Motorola Tube Preamplifier + Magnavox 8802 or 8902 6V6 Stereo Amplifier. I wonder whether this would be a good start into tubes. I’m also adding a Thorens TD-160 turntable to the system.

The 8802 is a fun little amp and with efficient speakers it would definitely be a good start getting into tubes. The KLH 17's iirc, were designed in and around the tube era so they could be a good pairing as long as your not "cranking" them for really loud listening as the 8802 is good for around 10-12 wpc

The Medallions are from same era, and should perform well with tubes as well

 

[Not Sure]

I wouldn't pay more than half of that for 17’s, and maybe a quarter for the University’s.
The 17’s decent and very common. Had some and gave them away, had 4 sets of speakers at the time and they weren’t up to par. University speakers from the LTV era aren’t very impressive IME. In the same price range I would look for some EPI 100’s.

Listening to mine right now on a Sansui 3300. Neither of the others can touch EPI’s tweeters, and parts are readily available both vintage or new. Easiest recap ever as well. Also ADS in the 400/L420, 500/L500 range. Very good bookshelf speakers. If by more warm you want more midrange I would consider the ADS over EPI.

EPI and ADS are both available in quality Walnut veneered cabinets, which suit the “look” as well. Sansui 5000x being cap coupled is warm sounding and a “flat” East Coast speaker really makes for great synergy IMHO. Good Luck on your search!

 

[klaval]

Hmm - to me that seems pretty high for 17s, but if recapped, surrounds resealed, and in mint condition, perhaps in your market it might be reasonable. I suspect that the 17s will be better balanced thn the Medallions (which I don't know, though I've heard other University models), but that doesn't mean you will like them more. You should go listen to them.

Thank you! Yes, they were recapped and in mint condition. I’m planning to go listen to them tomorrow or early next week. I’ve seen others non- serviced ones on eBay and FB marketplace in the range of 300-500 so they seem well priced for my area.

 

[Nat]

Keep in mind that anyone can ask any amount they want, and asking for a lot slowly makes people used to the idea that a high price is actually realistic. 300 is high to me, 500 is ridiculous. I'm a bottom feeder, so a speaker has to be pretty special to break into triple digits, let alone multiples thereof. I've had 17s that sounded very nice, and 17s that sounded flat, even gloomy. I assume this is a matter of bad caps, but recapping is pretty easy and cheap, so not worth an enormous premium.
I say this to encourage you to listen carefully and with a bit of skepticism - there are a lot of old speakers out there, and if you don't buy these, you'll have the money to buy something else.
And note that if you like the 17s, you will probably like or love the 6s, and even more so, the 23s.

 

[klaval]

Keep in mind that anyone can ask any amount they want, and asking for a lot slowly makes people used to the idea that a high price is actually realistic. 300 is high to me, 500 is ridiculous. I'm a bottom feeder, so a speaker has to be pretty special to break into triple digits, let alone multiples thereof. I've had 17s that sounded very nice, and 17s that sounded flat, even gloomy. I assume this is a matter of bad caps, but recapping is pretty easy and cheap, so not worth an enormous premium.
I say this to encourage you to listen carefully and with a bit of skepticism - there are a lot of old speakers out there, and if you don't buy these, you'll have the money to buy something else.
And note that if you like the 17s, you will probably like or love the 6s, and even more so, the 23s.

Thank you, all very good points. I’m going to try to listen as many as possible before jumping in to buy unless I really fall in love with one.