KLH Model 20 System

[Pippin826]

Found a KLH Model 20 turntable/receiver with the speakers for $125. They are apparently in "working" condition but they are pretty rough cosmetically (specifically the speakers). Do you guys think this will be worth the time and cost of cleaning them up? Any insight appreciated, Thanks!

 

[gogofast]

Absolutely worth it. It's got that style and will sound decent when restored.

 

[electronjohn]

Absolutely worth it. It's got that style and will sound decent when restored.

I second that!

 

[hornbostel]

Absolutely. I have two Model 20's and I plan to spend the winter restoring them. And then give them to my kids.

I've restored the two sets of KLH 20 speakers already and the sound and look great.

The model 20 was the very first 'hifi' all-in-one system. It's a piece of audio history.

 

[dly66]

Should be worth it. Have the Model 17 speakers in the workroom and like listening to them.

 

[motorstereo]

For nostalgia's sake sure; recreating a college dorm room system from the 70s would be fun I guess. But for something to put into actual use my experience with those all in ones tells me save your money and efforts and put it towards something a lot better. .

 

[alteclipsch]

Definitely worth restoration. I've had two of those systems, and both sounded terrific. The electronics can be futsy, but can be sorted, the turntables are heavily-armed Garrards that need cleaning and lube. The speakers are the 4 ohm cousins of the Seventeens, and once recapped and redoped sound the same (which is great). The cabinets have that extra bit of style in the front solid walnut trim, sets them apart from boring flat veneer. And as mentioned, they are historic time pieces of a lost era.

 

[Childof60]

I have restored two of these - one for each son. They are fun restoration with most of the time consuming work with refinishing and freeing up the Garrard mechanicals. They sound very nice when restored. The capacitors are easy to replace. If I were to do this for resale it would likely not make much sense. For my sons to remember my crazy hobby it was completely worth the effort.

 

[Lucky Pierre]

Did you pick that up in Erving?

My first speaker restoration was a pair of Model 20s. It was a fun, easy project. I sold them to a coworker that was building a vintage system with her husband.

 

[jberger]

I've done the turntable on mine, and paired with with some Altec Corona 893b's.

 

[visman]

You will be surprised how good that system sounds after a full restoration. I have it’s sister system the KLH Model 20+

 

[Redikilowatt]

Yes, they are a classic design and the speakers are surprisingly good. Of course, nostalgia is the allure for some of us. My first "real stereo" was a smaller version, KLH 11 purchased in 67-68.