• 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

KLH 5 tweeter lacks presence

lastw0rd

lastw0rd

New Member
A while back I bought a pair of KLH model 5's, one with a dead tweeter. I did some research and many people said that new caps would often wake up a sleeping tweeter. Unfortunately my tweeter was still dead after new caps. Bought a replacement off ebay, and now that its all hooked up, the new tweeter doesn't sound as clear and full as the other one; it sounds pushed back, lacks presence.

After reading more on this forum, I learned that KLH tweeters are not interchangeable between 17's, 6's, 23's, and 5's. Rather only 5's and 23's are the same, and 17's and 6's are the same. Could the wrong tweeter be the cause of my problem? Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)
 
Register to hide this ad
When you look at the tweeter magnet from the side, you see metal plates the magnet is sandwiched between. Are these metal plates equal thickness or is one thicker than the other? Model Six metal plates are equal thickness. If yours are equal, than you have the wrong tweeter.
 
If not that....It could also have some kind of fault causing decreased output, like a corroded wire or bad solder joint. If you have a meter, check resistance across the terminals (with the tweeter disconnected from the speaker). If it's not obviously way out of whack, you can compare to the other speaker's tweeter.
 
toxcrusadr said:
If not that....It could also have some kind of fault causing decreased output, like a corroded wire or bad solder joint. If you have a meter, check resistance across the terminals (with the tweeter disconnected from the speaker). If it's not obviously way out of whack, you can compare to the other speaker's tweeter.
Click to expand...
As suggested, most likely issue with tweet. I had Model Five tweet go bad. While I was waiting to locate replacement, I installed a perfectly fine tweet from one of my Sixes. Although they are "different", you need Superman hearing to notice a difference, IMO. Also, double check you wiring to the tweet.
 
It occurs to me that a completely missing tweeter may also be described as lacking presence.

:p
 
I would also check the controls to assure they're not corroded. When I rebuilt my Fives I used deoxit on all of the contacts followed by a tiny dab of dielectric grease for each one.
 
lastw0rd said:
Brilliant haha.

I snapped a pic of the tweeter. looks to be the right tweeter, no?
Click to expand...
Looks like the correct tweeter.
Follow the suggestions above and let us know what you find.
These are great speakers and well worth getting correct. They were designed to compete with the AR-3a, so they sit in good company!
 
Agreed, well worth putting some effort into. Those will really sing with some good power going to them.
 
Thanks for all the help everyone. Just pulled the crossover and gave it a nice deoxit bath. Figured might as well post a pic in case more expert eyes spot something wrong. I didn't do the recap myself, but I have 100% trust in the fella that did it.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_4218.JPG
    IMG_4218.JPG
    52.5 KB · Views: 61
Are you sure its wired up correctly? (The tweeter itself, not the crossover) If wired backwards, the tweeter would be out of phase. This could cause a lower output.
 
Wrong polarity would cause a dip or a spike around the crossover frequency but should be more normal farther away from that. Worth checking out though. You can compare the wiring to the other speaker that sounds right and make sure they're the same.
 
Listened to the speaker this morning, no notisable different after the deoxit cleaning. Although I can definitely hit it harder with a toothbrush, they're quite dark still.

I checked the tweeter wires, they seem wired correctly. I also compared my crossover wires to someone else's on this site and they match. As far as the other suggestions, I don't have a meter or much technical knowhow. BUT I am willing to put in the effort and possibly learn along the way!

Next order of business, swapping tweeters?
 
Yes, if they still sound different and everything else matches, swap the tweeters. If it follows the driver then you will have to either replace the tweeter or find out what's wrong with it, which at minimum would require a meter.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom