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KLH Model 20
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RTally
Speaker addict
I have a pair of KLH Model 20 and a pair of HLH Model 6. I recapped both pairs and, on the Model 20, replaced the RCA connectors with 5-way binding posts. I used the proper butyl compound to dope the woofers on both pairs.
The Model 20 sounds very similar to the Model 6, except the bottom end is not as low on the 20. That makes sense considering the 20 has a smaller woofer. I find that the Model 20 is a fine bookshelf speaker and I have it in regular rotation.
My hearing cuts out above 12 kHz - Age and too much motorcycle riding has taken its toll. I have no problem hearing anything above 5 kHz on either pair. When I recapped, I used a real time analyzer (RTA) to verify the before and after. The tweeter is good for over 5 kHz. It will have a little trouble getting all the way to 20 kHz without falling off.
The Model 20 is a 4 ohm speaker. The VSX-522 has a 6 ohm rating, so it will likely do well driving the Model 20. The SX-737 is rated 40 wpc at 4 ohms, so it will be fine driving the Model 20.
The Model 20 sounds very similar to the Model 6, except the bottom end is not as low on the 20. That makes sense considering the 20 has a smaller woofer. I find that the Model 20 is a fine bookshelf speaker and I have it in regular rotation.
My hearing cuts out above 12 kHz - Age and too much motorcycle riding has taken its toll. I have no problem hearing anything above 5 kHz on either pair. When I recapped, I used a real time analyzer (RTA) to verify the before and after. The tweeter is good for over 5 kHz. It will have a little trouble getting all the way to 20 kHz without falling off.
The Model 20 is a 4 ohm speaker. The VSX-522 has a 6 ohm rating, so it will likely do well driving the Model 20. The SX-737 is rated 40 wpc at 4 ohms, so it will be fine driving the Model 20.
alteclipsch
Super Member
The Twenties are fine speakers and offer the full range of frequencies of that era. They still sound great after the correct maintenance of caps and woofer surrounds. If the highs aren't there, then something is wrong with the tweeters, the caps, or the wiring. Or the listener's hearing.
Tim D
Super Member
Not sure what the mention of a 5kHz issue is with the model 20. Same tweeter as the Six and 17 and no one I know is complaining about the high end unless the tweeter is broken or the cross-over needs a refresh. (Crossover is a common maintenance item btw.)
As others have said the Model 20 is essentially a 4 ohm version of the Model 17 but the Model 20 has an RCA connection vs screw terminals on the Model 17. As far as I know the KLH Model 20 was sold as part of a KLH 20 stereo system with turntable and maybe a tuner? That is the reason for the RCA jacks - it makes connection to the KLH 20 stereo easier.
Overall they should be fine speakers for normal listening levels when properly serviced. As others have said there are other KLH models above the 20 but of course we're not talking TOTL KLH here.
As others have said the Model 20 is essentially a 4 ohm version of the Model 17 but the Model 20 has an RCA connection vs screw terminals on the Model 17. As far as I know the KLH Model 20 was sold as part of a KLH 20 stereo system with turntable and maybe a tuner? That is the reason for the RCA jacks - it makes connection to the KLH 20 stereo easier.
Overall they should be fine speakers for normal listening levels when properly serviced. As others have said there are other KLH models above the 20 but of course we're not talking TOTL KLH here.
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The speaker outputs on the Model Twenty receiver/turntable (which I do have) are also RCA jacks. Easy to hook up.
baeron
Lunatic Member
I was being somewhat facetious. IMO, none of the 5, 6, 17, or 20 really sounded all that good. YMMV.
Tim D
Super Member
Yes, please send all of your KLH 5, 6, 17 or 20’s to me. I will properly dispose of those sub-par trash. (Wrap carefully)
Note that I have 25 pairs of speakers. Some good and some not so good. My KLH 6’s are in primary rotation. Others I have such as Advent, wharfedale, Polk, etc are not in primary rotation. Maybe that’s just me.
I am not a big bass-head, but I found the 17s pretty soggy on the bottom end.....and the 20s are the same. When I owned the 17s I thought they were ok but then I got a really nice set of Realistic Optimus Ones and they spanked the 17s from top to bottom. The 17s were gone from top to bottom. When I decided to sell the Ones (I was buried in speakers, just like now) I said in the ad that they were a great alternative to KLH 17s. The guy that bought them messaged me back and said how happy he was with them. Now the Ones were not bass heavy by any means but do have a more solid bottom end than the 17s.
My recapped KLH6s with rebuilt woofers with modern foam are some of the nicest speakers I own and the bass is superb so I am not a KLH basher, I just did not care for the 17s I owned for several months.
My recapped KLH6s with rebuilt woofers with modern foam are some of the nicest speakers I own and the bass is superb so I am not a KLH basher, I just did not care for the 17s I owned for several months.
PapaBear
Active Member
Thanks. That's what I was looking for. I recall an old thread (which, of course, wouldn't appear in the search because I was looking for it) that warned about frying the 737 on 4 ohm speakers. I definitely don't want to risk that. My listening space is rather small and on the BAs I rarely have the volume above the 9:00 position.
Any thoughts on how they might image and stage on a 737 an arrangement like this? My BAs have a magical space a couple of feet out from the rig. A delightful "they are here" experience for classical, jazz, and 70s-early 80s rock.
Attachments
Something that many miss with older receivers is that the heatsink compound between the output transistors and their heatsink has dried into dust, causing the transistors to overheat and die.
Your BA speakers will image better.
Tim D
Super Member
The Optimus 1 and its' twin brother the Realistic Nova 7 from RS are more comparable to the KLH 6 in overall size/design. I have two pair of the b-version Realistic Nova 7B.
The Realistic Nova 6 (smaller than the Optimus 1) is more comparable to the KLH 17/20.
The Realistic speakers are decent sleepers, but my two pairs of the Realistic Nova 7B's sit in storage while I use my KLH 6's. The 7B's (closely akin to the Optimus 1B) are decent and come up cheap from time to time. I was hoping for a videolady mod for those or to come up with one of my own mods someday.
The Realistic Nova 6 (smaller than the Optimus 1) is more comparable to the KLH 17/20.
The Realistic speakers are decent sleepers, but my two pairs of the Realistic Nova 7B's sit in storage while I use my KLH 6's. The 7B's (closely akin to the Optimus 1B) are decent and come up cheap from time to time. I was hoping for a videolady mod for those or to come up with one of my own mods someday.
The O1s are a three way but the cabinet is about the same size as the 17s....and the 17s are bigger than my Nova 6s. The 6s blow the 17s away, not even close in bass. I have a pair of recapped 7Bs as well and I really like them. My set of rebuilt KLH6s I prefer over the 7Bs but the 7Bs are one of my favorites.
I have had a lot of different Realistic speakers and I have shook them down to owning my favorites. Nova 6s, Optimus 27s, Nova7Bs and a three sets of Min 7Bs..... all of which I think are superior to the KLH 17.
Gnesen
Super Member
I was with you right up until the end. Are you saying Minimus-7s are better than KLH 17s? Not sure I'd agree with that, though I'm not familiar with the "Min 7Bs" you mentioned.
