• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Replacing Vintage KLH Tweeters (Model Twenty Three)

bentvinyl

bentvinyl

New Member
I recently picked up a pair of KLH model twenty threes (from another AK user in fact). He told me the tweeter was out but he wasn't sure why so I spent some time yesterday recapping the crossover. The woofer still works with a recapped crossover but the tweeter does not so I think I'll need to pick up a new one unless anyone else has any suggestions. I've seen some other threads but they haven't given me enough info so I'm posting to ask if there are any good (cheaper and/or more available) alternatives to buying the stock tweeters on eBay?
 
Register to hide this ad
OEM tweeters are fairly common in used condition. The same tweeter was used
in the Model Five and Twelve. There are two or three listed now on that auction site.

No doubt there are alternatives, but I haven't seen anyone do it. One possibility, though,
is "the" phenolic tweeter that was used in quite a few different systems.
 
Replace the original with an original. These are great speakers and you'll want them sounding correct.
 
Pull the aluminum screen off the tweeter carefully and look for breaks in the very fine wires at the edges of the surround. They can sometimes be repaired, several folks here have done that with a careful solder job.
 
alteclipsch said:
Pull the aluminum screen off the tweeter carefully and look for breaks in the very fine wires at the edges of the surround. They can sometimes be repaired, several folks here have done that with a careful solder job.
Click to expand...
I'll give that a shot before purchasing anything new. Any links to other threads where someone has done that?
 
I also recently became the proud owner of a pair of 23's. All drivers work but I ordered all new crossover parts just yesterday. I going to give them the once over real soon.
 

Attachments

  • 20170704_163204.jpg
    20170704_163204.jpg
    31.7 KB · Views: 43
TomBig58 said:
I also recently became the proud owner of a pair of 23's. All drivers work but I ordered all new crossover parts just yesterday. I going to give them the once over real soon.
Click to expand...
I did a side by side comparison to my Harmon Kardon HK 40 (model b) speakers and it's really obvious how great the 23's are. Can't wait to get them working.
 
bentvinyl said:
I did a side by side comparison to my Harmon Kardon HK 40 (model b) speakers and it's really obvious how great the 23's are. Can't wait to get them working.
Click to expand...

I picked up my 23's on the cheap working but in rough shape. Grilles and badges are nice though and even though the cabs are rough I will consider refinish. As is they couldn't stand up to my Infinity QB 3 ways but with all the favorable comments here I thought I OWE it to these vintage speakers to to do the best I can to stand them up tall. I sure wish the Infinities had real wood veneer cabs.
 
TomBig58 said:
I picked up my 23's on the cheap working but in rough shape. Grilles and badges are nice though and even though the cabs are rough I will consider refinish. As is they couldn't stand up to my Infinity QB 3 ways but with all the favorable comments here I thought I OWE it to these vintage speakers to to do the best I can to stand them up tall. I sure wish the Infinities had real wood veneer cabs.
Click to expand...
Definitely refurb them as best you can, I've read pretty promising remarks. If you still don't want them, there appears to be a decent sized market to profit from them and grab yourself some new records.
 
alteclipsch said:
Pull the aluminum screen off the tweeter carefully and look for breaks in the very fine wires at the edges of the surround. They can sometimes be repaired, several folks here have done that with a careful solder job.
Click to expand...
Any idea how to get the brownish adhesive off the aluminum ring to pull it off?
 
Dang I thought I explored ALL the old Model 23 threads and they just keep multiplying like rabbits!! Awesome good intel for sure!
 
bentvinyl said:
Not a bad price for a pair but I got the speakers for $40 so I'm trying to keep the tweeter replacement under $40. Plus I only need one tweeter. I appreciate the links though.
Click to expand...
These tweeters are somewhat sensitive and it's good to have a spare if needed. Just my 2c.
 
bentvinyl said:
Not a bad price for a pair but I got the speakers for $40 so I'm trying to keep the tweeter replacement under $40. Plus I only need one tweeter. I appreciate the links though.
Click to expand...

It will be well worth your time and money to replace the tweeters with originals. A few more dollars spent and some elbow grease you will have a nice set of speakers. With original parts you will easily be able to sell them at some point if you decide to and get more than your money back, not true with non-original tweeters.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom