KLH model 5 vs 23

[gbreeve1]

Hello AK users,
I am looking for input on KLH speakers. I currently own a pair of Model 23s. THEY ARE GREAT!! (to my ear)
I haven't re-sealed the surrounds or replaced the crossovers in them and they still sound great. (I shelved my Dynaco A25s in favor of the KLH 23s).

I have read that I should update the crossover caps and re-seal the surrounds and I was wondering if anyone has done this to a pair of model 23s? If so, any recommendations OR (even better) does anyone have a spec set (eg. buy these caps, this sealant, follow these steps, etc...)? I am hesitant to mess with them because I am new to the speaker rehab thing and I am afraid to screw them up. However, they were a $6 thrift store score so I don't think they have ever been rehabbed. Wondering how much improvement I should expect after a re-cap and seal?

Also, I have the opportunity to buy a pair of KLH model 5s. These would be closer to $150. I have been doing some reading on AK and it sounds like the 23s and 5s are very similar with the 5s having a pair of mid-range drivers added (3-way). Some folks like the 23s others like the 5s. (Some even calim Kloss himself famously called the model 23s a f*%#ed up pair of Model 5s).

Based on what i have read the model 5, 6, 17, 20 and 23 speakers all have their groupies. However, it is my general impression that the model 5 and model 23 are regarded as TOTL (unless you can find the 9s... good luck).

Given that I love the 23s would the model 5s represent a noticeable upgrade?
How hard is it to rehab these speakers? Am I overthinking the difficulty?

thanks!!

 

[c5corvette]

Both are very good. I have Fives. Rather than wait on replies, there are ALOT of threads here on AK regarding the KLH line, There is one cap in the 23. The xover in the Five is a more complex. $150 is a good deal on them IMO.

 

[DJ Caldor]

I have owned two 23s, both sounded like there was a wool blanket over them. tons of deep bass but VERY laid back mids and highs. Terrible for home theater, probably ok for music.

 

[GD70]

I have owned two 23s, both sounded like there was a wool blanket over them. tons of deep bass but VERY laid back mids and highs. Terrible for home theater, probably ok for music.

Wer eyours recapped?
All my KLH's never sounded like there was wool over them, even before they were restored. Some had silent tweeters because of the crappy caps, but after recapping them, and resealing the woofer surrounds, fantastic speakers!
I'm currently using my Fives paired with a set of AR-4x's, in my TV stereo setup, and it sounds great!

Fives vs Twenty Three's, the Fives have a fuller sound especially in the midrange. Bass is about the same as they share the same woofer. The Sixs are another great two way, one of the best of the era, and to this day, an excellent, iconic speaker.

I would strongly suggest recapping the Twenty Three's. A very easy job.
Resealing the surrounds and dust caps on the woofers is also very important for proper bass output. You'll be shocked at the improvements the new caps and sealer will make. Being new to the vintage speaker hobby, this is probably one of the best, simple speakers to get your hands wet with.

Parts Express will have the poly caps you need. eBay seller vintage-ar will have the correct sealer.

Let's see some pics when you get a chance.

Cheers, Glenn

 

[MER71]

Wer eyours recapped?
All my KLH's never sounded like there was wool over them, even before they were restored. Some had silent tweeters because of the crappy caps, but after recapping them, and resealing the woofer surrounds, fantastic speakers!
I'm currently using my Fives paired with a set of AR-4x's, in my TV stereo setup, and it sounds great!

Fives vs Twenty Three's, the Fives have a fuller sound especially in the midrange. Bass is about the same as they share the same woofer. The Sixs are another great two way, one of the best of the era, and to this day, an excellent, iconic speaker.

I would strongly suggest recapping the Twenty Three's. A very easy job.
Resealing the surrounds and dust caps on the woofers is also very important for proper bass output. You'll be shocked at the improvements the new caps and sealer will make. Being new to the vintage speaker hobby, this is probably one of the best, simple speakers to get your hands wet with.

Parts Express will have the poly caps you need. eBay seller vintage-ar will have the correct sealer.

Let's see some pics when you get a chance.

Cheers, Glenn

Everything Glenn said.

 

[Wolverine]

$150 for a pair of 5's is a good deal IMO. Vintage KLH speakers really do benefit from a recap to "wake them up" to their original sound.

 

[motorstereo]

I had a pair of both back several years ago and even ran them stacked for a while. For me the choice was easy and the 23's were my favorite. I thought the 5's midrange was a bit too much when comparing the 2. I also preferred my 12's over the 5's using the contour box to dial back those dual mids just a bit.

 

[peerson]

if you get (and don't want the Twenty-Three's) the Model Five's, I will gladly "double your money" for the Model Twenty-Three's.

 

[bluescat]

I'll be the contrarian here. I owned (and still do) a pair of 23's since 71 or 72, can't really remember. Anyway I did the recap and reseal to mine a few years back, and I didn't really like them as much afterward. I think the recap is probably a good idea, because you could swap the caps back if you don't like the sound. The reseal would be harder, (but maybe not impossible) to remove or at least partially remove with the right solvent.(oh yeah, I used the AR sealant). I think, if I were in your position, I would buy the 5's and compare them, then decide whether to recap and /or reseal the 23's and then you could compare and do the same to the 5's, if you wish. You say that the 23's sound "great" as they are, that just re-enforce's my position of, "why mess with a good thing". As always, JMO