KLH Model 9’s Need Advice?

Bobbyd38

Bobbyd38

AVA • American Vintage Audio
Hi,
I’ve been offered a pair of KLH Model 9 Electrostatics for $1000! Told they are in working condition, and can be demonstrated, but I know very little about electrostatics and I’m curious if this is a good buy/price?
Also looking for info on what I should look out for when inspecting them before purchase?
Any help/advice appreciated!
Bob
 
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That's probably a reasonable price. These frequently don't sell for as much as you'd expect. These speakers were actually made by Janszen for KLH. There's a decent amount of into out there about them. This page has some useful tips. Janszen actually offers upgrades for the KLH Nine, but they ain't cheap.

Probably the most important thing is to listen to them, carefully, at as high a volume as you think you'd ever want. Be aware that they (like most ESLs) have very limited horizontal dispersion, so their sweet spot is very small.
 
Classic model, but not sure I would want to purchase a pair today. A mentor of mine ran doubles in the early 70s before moving to Dayton-Wrights.

Used Acoustats are more durable and less expensive to maintain. That budget would get you a pair of 1+1s which image pretty well with their narrow footprint.
 
Yeah, I guess I didn't really think about what other ESLs that money would buy. My Martin-Logan SL3s cost me less than half that, and I don't have any concerns about their longevity.
 
KLH 9's are more like early Magnapan's in sound than Martin Logans with their woofers. Yes, I have both as well as Acoustats. The Martin Logans went to Iowa years ago.
 
The cool factor is considerable - historic, important, handsome, and good sounding. But the downsides are considerable also. I'd go and listen, hoping that the demonstrators know what they are doing since positioning is critical with planar speakers, especially big ones. You may not need to ask after you hear - whether it is yes or know, I cannot say, though I know what I hope it is.
 
Nat said:
The cool factor is considerable - historic, important, handsome, and good sounding. But the downsides are considerable also. I'd go and listen, hoping that the demonstrators know what they are doing since positioning is critical with planar speakers, especially big ones. You may not need to ask after you hear - whether it is yes or know, I cannot say, though I know what I hope it is.
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My thoughts too. They are cool, classic, and sound good. The power supplies are not difficult to repair, similar to acoustat power supplies after they got rid of servo amps to appease the high end dealers of the time so they could sell high power amps separately. You just have to heat them up with a hair dryer to unpot the things. After the repair, heat the potting back up and pour it back in the supply.
 
I have a couple pairs, they really are nice, BUT generally on their last legs at this point - both the panels and power supplies. All can be restored, but the panels are glued together & a pita to referb imo. The power supplies aren’t too hard but they’re potted, and THATS a pain as well.

when sorted they give most other ‘stats a run for their money. Arguably better detail than Acoustats, closer to Martin-Logan CLSs, but warmer mids like Acoustat or Quad 63s.
Unfortunately the can’t play any louder than Quad 57s (though they won’t burn up if you try, like 57 do), and they are a particularly hard speaker to drive. Capacitive, low resistance at peaks, and revealing of poor sounding electronics in general. Don’t even consider a receiver!

Although a grand for a good working pair is very fair, I’d recommend Acoustats if you’re just dipping your first toe in the electrostatic speaker world.
 
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