Hey all! I had two options present themselves lately and could use some assistance. Right now I'm using a pioneer sx-680. An Arcam SA10 for $400 and a Cambridge AXR100 for $350 were offered to me. I've researched a fair bit on both and have hit an analysis paralysis phase and could use some assistance.
Receiver options for KLH Model Fives
- Thread starter CasualListen
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- arcam sa10 axr100 klh 5
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Is there something wrong with the Pioneer? I can't say I've ever heard one, but that's a sexy receiver. I'd keep it.
But of the 2 you asked about, I'd go with the Cambridge. I like the look of it and they're still an independent company. Arcam is owned by Harman now. Which is fine, but I like an underdog.
But of the 2 you asked about, I'd go with the Cambridge. I like the look of it and they're still an independent company. Arcam is owned by Harman now. Which is fine, but I like an underdog.
Nothing specifically, and I do plan on keeping it. I jumped on the KLH Fives pretty quick when I first started exploring and they are my first passive speakers. After learning more, I apparently made a great decision. The general consensus is the pioneer is underpowered for the speakers and I'm leaving a lot on the table. I'm in a good position in life, and would like to put myself in a theoretical forever spot with them so I've been keeping an eye out for an upgrade. These options same up and at the price point appear to be a really good buy. I'd be about $500 in with one of those and my speakers, which leaves me decent room for a turntable upgrade.
$400 for the Arcam doesn't seem like a particularly good deal, more like the going rate. And if you're looking for power, the Cambridge has a lot more. On the other hand, vintage watts are better. I have a HK330B and you would swear it was 2x as powerful as its rating if you heard it. In fact, you should buy one. Few hundred bucks and you can add a power amplifier to it later if you need more.
The 5s are indeed excellent, even better after they're resealed and recapped. They're keepers.
Currently running mine on a nikko alpha, I feel they're a good match. Mosfets seem to be the right choice for these. They don't need huge damping factors, but they can benefit from good power. I'm not a huge fan of the stk amps, but beyond that I'm sure 30w would leave me wanting. 100w/ch would be much better for them imho.
My vta st-70 will make them sound nice, but they want more.
If you play records keep an eye out on the woofers for rumble, these loooove to dance.
Currently running mine on a nikko alpha, I feel they're a good match. Mosfets seem to be the right choice for these. They don't need huge damping factors, but they can benefit from good power. I'm not a huge fan of the stk amps, but beyond that I'm sure 30w would leave me wanting. 100w/ch would be much better for them imho.
My vta st-70 will make them sound nice, but they want more.
If you play records keep an eye out on the woofers for rumble, these loooove to dance.
The crossovers are being rebuilt as we speak. I will look into the reseal, that seems like something I can handle.
I've heard folks have some issues getting the right stuff as of late, and after just looking now I can't find it online. A member here made it after much research.
Anyone else know what's up with the sealant these days?
I'll call the shop my speakers are at, he may have some on hand. I drove an hour to drop them off in Canton, he seemed to be held in pretty high regard so chances are high.
I was able to scoop up a Kenwood KR-8050 for $525. I pick it up tomorrow. I'm gonna move the sx-680 to the basement with a pair of JBL-702vx I was given for free. PRETTY EXCITED
That's a nice score! That Kenwood will drive damn near any speakers you throw at it.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
If your KLH Fives are the original model, you need a cap coupled, low damping factor amplifier for best bass. Sansui 4000 or 5000 would be a nice option.
I just picked up a Kenwood KR-8050 today. The gentleman parted ways with it for $500, it's in amazing condition. We were chatting on marketplace about another item and I was talking about the KLHs. He offered it for $525, said he's had it for years and would like it to go to good use. I drove an hr/20 for it. He dropped the price to $500 and we talked about a lot. Super smart guy, and a lovely experience all the way around.
I think my first record when I get the speakers back will be AIC - Dirt. I'm pretty amped.
I lost a KLH 6 to a STK pack blowing out. The STKs were fine when new but at 45+ years old, I wont use them anymore. There was an upside: A local CA speaker guy (Neal's Speaker Service) legend rebuilt both 6s woofers with modern foam and the sound was and is incredible. The bass is a lot faster.
are they the new or old KLH 5s? ive used either my kr 6400 or kr 7200 for years but mine are of 1968 vintage
Mine are vintage as well. SN are 000717 and 000725. I ended up with a KR-8050.