KLH Model 32 info?

[keithpgdrb]

Hey guys,

Cant find much info on this speaker. there's a guy selling some locally, so how do these rate? there is not a lot of info here, or anywhere.

 

[JohnVF]

I think I know the exact speakers you're talking about, as those exact ones used to be mine (though that isn't my sale). They're nice speakers, a bit under the radar as they're eclipsed by the 17s and 6s in popularity. They're smaller, IIRC, slightly smaller than AR-4x, and to my ears, more balanced in sound than those with a cleaner top end.

 

[keithpgdrb]

I think I know the exact speakers you're talking about, as those exact ones used to be mine (though that isn't my sale). They're nice speakers, a bit under the radar as they're eclipsed by the 17s and 6s in popularity. They're smaller, IIRC, slightly smaller than AR-4x, and to my ears, more balanced in sound than those with a cleaner top end.

hey John, I was actually going to write you a note. the same guy has the 17s up for sale. was thinking of grabbing them to go with my Marantz, or maybe sansui? what do you think? I was curious about the 32, as I had not heard much about it. seems thought the 17 is more of a speaker.

 

[JohnVF]

Both of those pairs of speakers were part of my collection until recently, so I know them well. The 17 is, indeed, more of a speaker but not by much...it really depends on how large the room is. I'm sure you could listen to either pair and decide. The 32 is smaller but from what I remember, I kind of preferred the 32 in the room I was using. The 17, to me, was always sort of between my KLH Model Six and 32 for my listening tastes. When I wanted a bigger speaker than the 32, I always went to the Model six. I ran those 17s on a lot of gear, though, including Marantz and Sansui, and always thought them a good match. They used to be my 'trial' speakers for new gear but they weren't damaged. The grill cloth on the 17s is kind of an ugly purplish brown and the cabinets of both would clean up with some Howard's feed n wax. The 32s have an odd speaker grill that tacks onto the front baffle. I'm not sure if they are installed correctly in the picture I saw but that would be easily remedied.

 

[stereofanboy]

19.5 tall, 10.75 wide, 7.25 deep 2-way with an 8" woofer. Typical, (for KLH of this vintage) nice wood veneer and burlap looking grill cloth. Also typical ugly woofers. I would think that a previous owner had spilled pancake syrup on them and then left them outside for a year, except I've had four pairs of vintage KLH and they all looked that way.

They have better bass than any modern bookshelf speakers I have heard, but, let's face it, they're larger than any modern bookshelf I've heard. Paired with a KLH Model 50, they made a great office system.

 

[huboon]

I just wanted to say how much I love my KLH Model 32s. They were some of the first speakers I ever purchased and they're still my workhorse speakers 4 years later. I've never had to work on them a day in my life other than some cosmetic enhancements. These speakers could probably survive a nuclear holocaust and still sound great, probably due to the convex rubber surround and flush mounted tweeter.

In terms of sound, they're what I've come to expect from a Kloss speaker: a smooth frequency response and excellent highs and mids. I'd compare them to bookshelf AR's from the 1980's (I don't remember what specific model, AR18BXi I think) or the Smaller Advents. They're great for classic rock and jazz.

Model 32s are a good quality, under appreciated, and solidly built set of speakers. They'll take just about anything you throw at them and while they might not blow your socks off, they never disappoint!

 

[anytune]

I have Model 32s paired with Model 6s in the bedroom with a 50-watt Onkyo and it is a fantastic combo. At one time I also had a set of 17s. I gave those to a friend. But the 32s and 6s aren't going anywhere. :thmbsp:

 

[mmannaxx]

How do the KLH models 32 and 22 differ? It appears they are extremely similar to one another based on what little info I have seen on either speaker.