KLH Model 80 Speakers

[marktdj]

Does anyone know anything about these? What time period? Were these from when KLH was more respected?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Paratima]

I'm guessing that was you that asked the same question over on classicspeakerpages. I'll bet you get the same response here. Classicspeakerpages has a pretty complete listing in their Library, presented as an Excel file. It shows no model 80.

Do these spkrs say Model 80 on the connector plate? Have you taken one of them apart? Many models have a date stamp on the woofer.

Do you have pics to post? Preferably with the grill removed so the actual speakers can be seen. I'm sure we'll help if we can, but need more to go on.

Also, many component speakers used by other companies will have a manufacturer code stamped on the back of the magnet housing. This can be helpful in identification. Your move.

Les

 

[marktdj]

Thanks Les - that wasn't me on classicspeakerpages but I did see the post. Here is 2 pics. I currently don't own these but I am interested in making the purchase.

Thanks again.

Mark

 

[M Jarve]

Those are not from the KLH golden years. Likely mid-late 1990's, as they still use that same tweeter in their newer speakers. About the only upgrade I see over their newer stuff is the attempt at a wood-looking veneer.

Overall, they look to have potential.

 

[Paratima]

They do indeed look to have potential. I'd say the guess of mid-90's is probably accurate. If you get them, you can maybe give us a date code & we can update records.

I have a pair of the Model 17's, from 1969 and another from sometime in the mid 70's, no date marked. I love the newer pair; the older pair is about to get "enhanced". Technology marches on, or something like that.

Very nice looking. If they're not yours yet, I'd say they look like a good investment. Let us know.

 

[marktdj]

Well, I invested $25. Everything is in great shape. The sound doesn't "Blow me away", however, it is decent for a bookshelf speaker. It's missing what I can only call "richness." I pulled the woofer and here is the stamp that appeared - KLH 114108T, there was a number on the frame - 2A148. These are the only identifying marks I found. Hope this helps to Identify the KLH Model 80 speakers.
Thanks again for your help.

Mark

 

[Paratima]

Well, the numbers don't help much now, but they may. The "new" KLH company is remarkably tight-lipped, but we may be able to find something.

Interesting that the 80s are rear-ported, after so many versions of acoustic suspension sealed cabs. And they may be capable of more. Things to try to improve the somewhat ordinary performance include plugging the port, trying different positions in the room (near or away from walls, corners, etc.), raising them off the floor and so on. The right room and the right position in the room can change a lot.

And thank YOU for the information. Enjoy!

 

[marktdj]

Thanks Les,

How should I plug the port? Should I seal it tight somehow or plug it with foam/cloth/etc.?

Thanks again.

Mark

 

[Thespeakerdude8]

I have a friend who used a pair of those for monitors. I didn't like them, they sounded kinda bad. The tweeter was annoying and the woofers sounded thin. I would think acoustic suspension would sound better than the port. I would try sticking a SOCK in the ports to see if that cleans up bass, quick cheap way to do it. Oh, make sure you use a clean one!

 

[Paratima]

Just for a test, try a pair of socks! You just want to block the airflow moderately to see if you get an improvement in resonance. If it improves the sound, there is a standard plumbing fixture to use. It consists of a rubber plug with a bolt through the middle. Tighten the bolt, expand the rubber, sort of thing. Sorry, no linky for expansion plugs. Will look tomorrow. --- He beat me to it!

 

[yungin's-dad]

I don't know when those were made, but that tweeter looks like an Audax, which isn't half bad.

Good luck with them,

Ron