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KLH tweeter replacement compatibility

J

JerStC

Active Member
Have a nice set of 23’s that may need a tweeter replaced. I have read some conflicting comments about which KLH model tweeters are interchangeable. Does any one know for certain? Is there an alternate source than eBay? Are there any good new options? Thanks.
 
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I believe the Five, Twelve, and Twenty Three share the same tweeter. There may be some differing opinions on that, but one of my Twenty Threes has an M12 stamped on its frame, and the thought is that that is Twelve tweeter.

Be sure to test the tweeter in question with a meter to assure that's the issue, it is just as likely that it's the 4uf capacitor that is the culprit.

Also those tweeters can sometimes be repaired, I've done several over the years so have others here.
 
alteclipsch said:
I believe the Five, Twelve, and Twenty Three share the same tweeter. There may be some differing opinions on that, but one of my Twenty Threes has an M12 stamped on its frame, and the thought is that that is Twelve tweeter.

Be sure to test the tweeter in question with a meter to assure that's the issue, it is just as likely that it's the 4uf capacitor that is the culprit.

Also those tweeters can sometimes be repaired, I've done several over the years so have others here.
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Thanks. All checked. It’s the little wire on the front that is the culprit and too precarious to repair.
 
@JerStC did you thoroughly clean the potentiometer that adjusts the high frequency with deoxit and really work/exercise it? My first pair of KLH 23 had a tweeter that wasn't working and it wasn't until I took it apart and really cleaned that pot out that it started working again.

edit: Oops, sorry responded too soon now I see you measured the tweeters.
 
Here is my understanding of the two similar looking but different KLH tweeters based on a lot of research here and elsewhere:

If there is a thinner plate closer to the driver basket and a thicker plate away from the basket it is the correct tweeter for the Model 23 which is the same as for the Model 5 and Model 12. If the plates are both thick then it is the tweeter for Models 6, 17, 20, 30, 33, and possibly others.

I can personally verify that the Model 23s I own (which I believe to be original) have the thinner/thicker plate combination. I don't have access to the Model 6,17,20,30, or 33 for comparison. Perhaps @JerStC can verify what type his 23s have?

I hope this helps,
Joe
 
JerStC said:
Thanks. All checked. It’s the little wire on the front that is the culprit and too precarious to repair.
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alteclipsch said:
Might be an easy repair. If you can see the break, chances are it'll solder together. Don't toss it, there's a limited supply!
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Yes, it is likely the tweeter can be repaired. It's a delicate situation but with an adjustable temperature soldering iron and steady cautious hands it can be done. There could be other breaks in the wire that aren't accessible but if you can get to the break it can be soldered. I unfortunately have one like this.

I agree with @alteclipsch ......don't toss it!

Thanks,
Joe
 
I have the same issue as everyone else on this thread. Dead tweeter on one of my KLH 17’s. Checked with a MM, no response. Opened the grill to check those hair sized wires, they are intact. I think that leaves me with the voice coil, aka needs a replacement.

2 questions:
1. Has anyone figured out a way to repair this scenario?
2. Has anyone successfully swapped out the tweeter with a non original (parts express, epi, etc) and thinks the (sound) results closely replicate the original tweeter? I have been searching and searching for a compatible KLH original tweeter to order but haven’t been able to find one.

Thank you!

My previous thread about my tweeter was deleted by the moderator for being told I was looking to buy something. I was only looking for guidance/help/direction. I was not soliciting.
 

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If the wires appear intact, try the meter at the solder spots where the straight portion of the wire is glued down. I had one that metered open and had a bad solder joint. Try that and post your result.
 
alteclipsch said:
If the wires appear intact, try the meter at the solder spots where the straight portion of the wire is glued down. I had one that metered open and had a bad solder joint. Try that and post your result.
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image.jpgI tested it again from the solder point, no responce on the MM. I took a video of the test but I don’t see a way to upload that. I am not very technical so if I am doing something incorrectly please let me know the correct way to do this.
 
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