Seeking advice, opinions and thoughts! KLH,JBL

[Turboj5525]

Hello everybody! Newbie here from Tulsa, Ok. I have been searching and lurking for several months on the forum and have found more helpful information than I deserve. For that, I really appreciate everyone on the forum.

My question or issue if you will is one that I can find lots of information about in pieces but not in the complete context for my particular scenario so here goes.

Looking for suggestions and thoughts on speakers. Vintage vs new??? Tower vs floor standing? So many variables.

I'm having trouble finding anywhere local or within an hour or so drive to me to listen to any speakers on my list. I have not heard any good vintage speakers on anyone's top 15 or 20 lists. I did listen to a pair of Klipsch Cornwall's that are WAYYY over my budget and thought they sounded amazing. So I have been reading and researching for several months at this point and just would like a little direction so I don't make an expensive mistake.

My equipment... Marantz 2325 receiver, Pioneer PL 530 turntable, and old Fisher speakers that my parents purchased new in the early '80s. They are obviously the weak link here. I have a sony 300 CD disc changer hooked up and also use a google Chromecast for music through an SMSL DAC for digital music. I have been looking at using Tidal but currently have Amazon music for HD. I also have a powered Klipsch 12" sub that I keep the gain barely at 9 o'clock for almost everything.

My room... I have it set up in my living room which is fairly small. Approximately 18' x 14'. I usually listen to the receiver between 9 and 12 o'clock on the volume. Yes, I'm 43 and partially deaf so I do like it loud

My music... I mainly listen to classic rock, 70's easy listening, some disco, 80's everything, some very early country, 70's and 80's country, jazz and some 90's and newer rock, etc. I realize I'm all over the place here lol.

I initially thought all I was interested in were vintage 3- way floor standing speakers. After lusting after some vintage JBL's and Polks (L96, L112's, Model 10's, etc) I decided due to price and availability to look at new speakers. I came across the KLH model 5's. I wanted the American walnut but have been unable to find any in stock. I also looked into the JBL 4312G's but was nervous for just a few hundred dollars more the 5's would make me happier. All of the vintage gear I found or wanted was anywhere from $800 to well over the cost of the Kendalls and as much as the 5's in most cases. I was only looking at very good condition or restored speakers.

As a newbie who is admittedly no audiophile, I like sealed subs vs ported, or at least this has been my preference in car audio I have owned in several vehicles in the last 10 years or so. I love detail and separation in the instruments and vocals. During my research, I came across the KLH Kendalls. This appeals to me due to being able to use them for the TV and music. The reviews and opinions on them seem to be fairly good for the price point. At some point, I would be interested in purchasing the center speaker and rear surrounds to go with them if I go that way. I have an Onkyo 9.1 receiver I run the TV and everything else through. I was thinking of using an a/b switch and hooking both receivers up to these speakers as I only use the Marantz in 2ch for music. Also of note, the 5's would definitely be the top of my budget for the time being.

So having all of that in mind... Will I be leaving a lot on the table sound quality-wise by going with the Kendalls vs the 5's? Are the JBL 4312G's far less of a speaker compared to either of these? I could find no real detailed info on these particular JBL's. I also could not find anyone comparing these towers and the 5's or the JBL's directly. I do realize we are talking about three completely different speakers also. I'm perfectly willing to accept the killing two birds with one stone route is not a good one if the music (my #1 priority) will be of a lot less quality.

i apologize in advance for this being so long-winded... I hope this is not a difficult read. thank you in advance for any and all suggestions and advice.

 

[donprice]

Welcome to AK!

The JBL Studio 570 580 and 590 are on sale and and get high praise...just in case you didn't have enough options to consider already. I would certainly consider them in place of the Kendalls.

The KLH Model 5...as a JBL fan I would have a hard time going with the model 5. Not sure about availability but at least one shop prices the 10" JBL 4307 about the same as the model 5. I had a pair of much older 4312 speakers years ago...hard to go wrong with the new version if you want a speaker that screams rock-n-roll and are are willing to spend the $.

Used/vintage can be the best value provided you get a bit lucky finding what you like at a reasonable price. Many beat-up mediocre speakers available for top $

Good luck with the hunt!

 

[Turboj5525]

Welcome to AK!

The JBL Studio 570 580 and 590 are on sale and and get high praise...just in case you didn't have enough options to consider already. I would certainly consider them in place of the Kendalls.

The KLH Model 5...as a JBL fan I would have a hard time going with the model 5. Not sure about availability but at least one shop prices the 10" JBL 4307 about the same as the model 5. I had a pair of much older 4312 speakers years ago...hard to go wrong with the new version if you want a speaker that screams rock-n-roll and are are willing to spend the $.

Used/vintage can be the best value provided you get a bit lucky finding what you like at a reasonable price. Many beat-up mediocre speakers available for top $

Good luck with the hunt!

Thanks so much for the reply! I had not looked at the JBL studios I will do that now!

Maybe I have set the bar too high for the particular vintage models I was looking for. I feel you must be right about being able to find some outstanding vintage speakers that are affordable. For some reason I just have not figured it out yet. I have been searching goodwill, craigslist, the online auction site, and everything else I could find and so far if they were under 800 dollars or so then they seemed like they would be too small for me or I would blow them up with the 2325 playing it loud... Now, this could absolutely be an ignorant statement as I'm for sure no expert. Anything vintage and affordable would be a welcome suggestion. I just landed on the L96's, L112's, Model 10's, and a few others from all the reading I did on the forum based on what I believe my preferences are.

 

[BMWCCA]

I have owned L112s since they were new almost 40-years ago. They've served as my B-speakers all that time, never leaving their bedroom. I also own L96s, 4412A, and over a dozen other JBLs. Personally, and given your budget, I'd suggest the JBL L7. You won't need a sub. You won't blow it up with your Marantz (in fact, you may want more power). They should easily fit your budget. They will blow away nearly anything within ten-times what you'll pay for them. They are big and hard to ship so they are relatively inexpensive when found locally, which may be an objection or a benefit. My first pair was just four houses down my street. The second was 100-miles away. I also have two pairs of L5s which would be an easier alternative to find, ship, or live with, due to their smaller size. I find the L5 to really be the equal to the L112 or the L96 in quality of sound, though I may no longer play them at the volume you might wish—I have my 4345s for that! You will want to reconsider your disdain for ported speakers after hearing JBLs. I have only one pair that's not ported and they have a passive radiator.

Perhaps a member here local to you has something similar and might be willing to host a listening session—assuming vaccination and masking protocols are met. These are odd times. I have not even been willing to buy or sell much recently. Hang in there.

 

[GD70]

Hi and welcome to AK!
First, what is your max budget? That will narrow down your search.
Second, JBL (west coast sound) vs. KLH, AR, ADS (east coast sound) are very different. West coast generally tends to be brighter, more in your face with the mids and highs, which many love. East coast sound tends to be smoother overall presentation, less fatiguing, yet still very detailed.
Third, finding what’s available near you. Have you searched Craigslist, FB market place, US Audiomart, thrifts etc…
I’ve found almost all my speakers at yard sales and thrifts. Granted my area near NYC is pretty audio rich.

KLH Fives are great speakers. Keep in mind they may need the crossovers recapped, and most certainly the woofer and mid surrounds resealed with the correct sealer sold on eBay by seller “vintage-ar”. AR speakers almost always need a recap, and corroded pots need cleaning or replacement due to corrosion which is very common. Both easily fixed, but you should know this. ADS speakers are phenomenal! Usually don’t need much work except possibly having the mids and tweeters refreshed by Richard So, an ex ADS tech that brings them back to new spec. Also look at EPI, Boston Acoustics as well.

I have two sets of JBLs, L-200s, and smaller 4301b studio monitors. I love them both, but looking to move them to new homes as I prefer the east coast sound.

New speakers, yikes! Hundreds out there and I could not even begin to list them. The issue is cost for anything that may fit your budget.

Look into any AK gatherings in your general area, as well as barter town, which you need to be a subscriber to view gear for sale.

Good luck!

 

[spark1]

You say you've done a lot of reading. Hopefully you've obtained a good understanding of the relationship between amplifier power, speaker sensitivity, impedance, loudness, listening distance and room size.

Even with th 2325, if you want concert-level loudness and impact, you are going to need fairly sensitive speakers.

Personally, I gave up on speakers with big woofers as a means for achieving the "like being there" sound I want (although I still have my JBL L112s in a secondary system).

For me, with a 120 watt power amp, mains with 6-8 inch woofers, (or even smaller) plus a pair of subs, is a better solution. Most such main speakers are in the 86-88dB sensitivity range; high-passing them at the amp is often helpful for both blending with the subs and for headroom. Plenty loud.

But if rock concert-level sound and loudness (and hearing damage!) are a necessity, you will need main speakers of much higher sensitivity...at least mid-90s, and up.

With an apparent budget of $2K, you can buy an excellent pair of stand-mount/bookshelf speakers and a very good pair of SVS or RSL subs. This approach lets you go loud, while maintaining a rich, clear midrange and more balanced sound.

 

[RVT1K]

My first "real" stereo -this is back in the mid 80's- consisted of a DH200 amp, a DH101, pre-amp and a pair of KLH 512 speakers.
I remember liking them a lot but I have no idea how they would compare to the others listed, I only brought them up for the nostalgia factor.
Good luck and have fun.

 

[MaxP]

Welcome to AK!

The JBL Studio 570 580 and 590 are on sale and and get high praise...just in case you didn't have enough options to consider already. I would certainly consider them in place of the Kendalls.

The KLH Model 5...as a JBL fan I would have a hard time going with the model 5. Not sure about availability but at least one shop prices the 10" JBL 4307 about the same as the model 5. I had a pair of much older 4312 speakers years ago...hard to go wrong with the new version if you want a speaker that screams rock-n-roll and are are willing to spend the $.

Used/vintage can be the best value provided you get a bit lucky finding what you like at a reasonable price. Many beat-up mediocre speakers available for top $

Good luck with the hunt!

I just bought a pair of the Studio 580s, but have yet to hear them (according to the shipping company, they are arriving tomorrow). Don’t know if the sales are on going, but I got them for a song and a dance…

 

[Turboj5525]

I have owned L112s since they were new almost 40-years ago. They've served as my B-speakers all that time, never leaving their bedroom. I also own L96s, 4412A, and over a dozen other JBLs. Personally, and given your budget, I'd suggest the JBL L7. You won't need a sub. You won't blow it up with your Marantz (in fact, you may want more power). They should easily fit your budget. They will blow away nearly anything within ten-times what you'll pay for them. They are big and hard to ship so they are relatively inexpensive when found locally, which may be an objection or a benefit. My first pair was just four houses down my street. The second was 100-miles away. I also have two pairs of L5s which would be an easier alternative to find, ship, or live with, due to their smaller size. I find the L5 to really be the equal to the L112 or the L96 in quality of sound, though I may no longer play them at the volume you might wish—I have my 4345s for that! You will want to reconsider your disdain for ported speakers after hearing JBLs. I have only one pair that's not ported and they have a passive radiator.

Perhaps a member here local to you has something similar and might be willing to host a listening session—assuming vaccination and masking protocols are met. These are odd times. I have not even been willing to buy or sell much recently. Hang in there.

You guys are awesome! Thank you for the suggestions. I will look up the L7s. I have searched for several months but have not looked for anything but the polks, the JBL's I mentioned. I was unsure if many of the other models would sound as good or live long lol. I definitely didn't mean to sound as if I mind ported at all. I have just noticed with what I have been able to hear (keep in mind nothing outstanding save for the Cornwall) I liked the tight fast bass response but I definitely think from what I read by people who obviously have more experience and expertise than me, I would love the classic JBL sounds as I love to rock. I also think I would love the smooth detail you describe if the volume were there. Not sure which I would like most but I feel I would be happy either way if the sound quality and volume was there. Especially since I don't have a lot of reference. I'm definitely going to check out those L7's.

 

[BamaBilly]

I think I’d look for pair of ForteIII or IV, very sensitive and should not need a sub

 

[Turboj5525]

Hi and welcome to AK!
First, what is your max budget? That will narrow down your search.
Second, JBL (west coast sound) vs. KLH, AR, ADS (east coast sound) are very different. West coast generally tends to be brighter, more in your face with the mids and highs, which many love. East coast sound tends to be smoother overall presentation, less fatiguing, yet still very detailed.
Third, finding what’s available near you. Have you searched Craigslist, FB market place, US Audiomart, thrifts etc…
I’ve found almost all my speakers at yard sales and thrifts. Granted my area near NYC is pretty audio rich.

KLH Fives are great speakers. Keep in mind they may need the crossovers recapped, and most certainly the woofer and mid surrounds resealed with the correct sealer sold on eBay by seller “vintage-ar”. AR speakers almost always need a recap, and corroded pots need cleaning or replacement due to corrosion which is very common. Both easily fixed, but you should know this. ADS speakers are phenomenal! Usually don’t need much work except possibly having the mids and tweeters refreshed by Richard So, an ex ADS tech that brings them back to new spec. Also look at EPI, Boston Acoustics as well.

I have two sets of JBLs, L-200s, and smaller 4301b studio monitors. I love them both, but looking to move them to new homes as I prefer the east coast sound.

New speakers, yikes! Hundreds out there and I could not even begin to list them. The issue is cost for anything that may fit your budget.

Look into any AK gatherings in your general area, as well as barter town, which you need to be a subscriber to view gear for sale.

Good luck!

Thanks so much for the info! This is exactly what I was hoping to get from everyone. I have felt stuck the last few weeks as I couldn't decide anything lol. I know... analysis is paralysis lol.
So 2k would definitely be the top of my budget for now at least. I'm not sure which of the two sounds I prefer really. They both sound like I could appreciate them both for their strengths. I have been looking in all of those places for the past 3 months but I have kept my search limited to the model 10's, and the few JBL's I mentioned.

I should have been more clear on the model 5's. I was looking at the 2020 model 5's. Although I would also consider the vintage 5's but I had sort of given up on the vintage part due to what you mention about the caps and speakers. Most of what I did find was either over 1k or more and I would be buying site unseen or untested. I was worried after paying 1200 for a nice working pair then I would need to spend more to have them sound their best. I think all things aside I would prefer a real vintage speaker. I think I'm like a lot of us when it comes to nostalgia and I just like old things for the same reasons most of us do. I'm excited to look for some of the maybe less popular models that I could afford easier though thanks to you guys!

I really like the vintage AR's, ADS, and EMI's but I never figured out which models would best for me to try to hunt down. I'm absolutely open to any of those.

 

[SB12345]

If you're listening mostly to classic rock go for the 4312G's. As fine a rock speaker as you can get these days, especially for the money.

I haven't been able to hear the new KLH 5's yet so I really can't accurately comment, but I'm thinking an acoustic suspension speaker system with a 10* woofer vs. the 4312G? Really?

But it all could come down to your listening preferences - East Coast vs. West Coast sound as they used to call it in the "good ol' days"

My personal opinion - as a die hard rock- n-roller I'll go West Coast over East Coast all of the time.

 

[BamaBilly]

Based on the speakers being discussed here this video might be helpful:

Not saying this reviewer is right or wrong, just gives you some info on all the speakers.

 

[Turboj5525]

You say you've done a lot of reading. Hopefully you've obtained a good understanding of the relationship between amplifier power, speaker sensitivity, impedance, loudness, listening distance and room size.

Even with th 2325, if you want concert-level loudness and impact, you are going to need fairly sensitive speakers.

Personally, I gave up on speakers with big woofers as a means for achieving the "like being there" sound I want (although I still have my JBL L112s in a secondary system).

For me, with a 120 watt power amp, mains with 6-8 inch woofers, (or even smaller) plus a pair of subs, is a better solution. Most such main speakers are in the 86-88dB sensitivity range; high-passing them at the amp is often helpful for both blending with the subs and for headroom. Plenty loud.

But if rock concert-level sound and loudness (and hearing damage!) are a necessity, you will need main speakers of much higher sensitivity...at least mid-90s, and up.

With an apparent budget of $2K, you can buy an excellent pair of stand-mount/bookshelf speakers and a very good pair of SVS or RSL subs. This approach lets you go loud, while maintaining a rich, clear midrange and more balanced sound.

Man it is so nice to discuss this stuff with people who know and love it. Don't mean to be overly excited here but I really enjoy the info and appreciate the knowledge.

Ok so I definitely have a BASIC understanding of some of this but that's it lol. I did figure I would prefer a speaker with higher sensitivity due to less work for the amp, louder cleaner sound, etc. I also figured even though intuitively, I would always lean toward higher sensitivity (due to my car audio experience) I realize the way people speak of a lot of the vintage speakers with lower sensitivity I would love those as well.

I'm also very interested in your idea of high pass filters. When I finally did this in car audio and properly separated everything with good quality high sensitivity speakers (and power of course) it was a game changer to my ears. Not quite sure how to go about this with my setup though.

I also love small woofers. I have two 6.5" subs in a sealed box in my truck with two pair of components speakers with 96db sensitivity and plenty of power. I think it is the best sounding stereo I have ever had. Nice fast tight bottom end and plenty of grunt. Smooth detailed highs along with neutral but detailed mids. Part of this is why I wondered if I wouldn't be fairly happy with the KLH kendalls. At 1300 dollars, 3 way, a pair of 6.5" woofers and frequency response from 25hz to 23000khz I beleive they seem to fit the bill on paper anyway. Also supposedly a sensitivity of 96db. 250w and 8ohm impedance.

I have a nice Klipsch sub already I can use as well. The room is fairly small 14' by 18'.

I also completely realize this is all different than car audio and hence the reason I'm being so indecisive lol. I went through several speaker/amp combos and spent more than I would like to admit because I wasn't properly educated in the beginning with car audio lol.

 

[Turboj5525]

My first "real" stereo -this is back in the mid 80's- consisted of a DH200 amp, a DH101, pre-amp and a pair of KLH 512 speakers.
I remember liking them a lot but I have no idea how they would compare to the others listed, I only brought them up for the nostalgia factor.
Good luck and have fun.

Thanks for the reply! Well I don't know how they would but definitely going to check them out!

 

[Turboj5525]

I think I’d look for pair of ForteIII or IV, very sensitive and should not need a sub

I wondered about those as well. Seems alot of folks love those. The model 5 reviews made wonder if they were worth the extra money though. I know its all so subjective. So many variables lol.

 

[Turboj5525]

I just bought a pair of the Studio 580s, but have yet to hear them (according to the shipping company, they are arriving tomorrow). Don’t know if the sales are on going, but I got them for a song and a dance…

Please let me know!!! I just looked those up this morning and they are really on sale!!!! I'm very interested in these as well as the 590.

 

[Turboj5525]

Based on the speakers being discussed here this video might be helpful:

Not saying this reviewer is right or wrong, just gives you some info on all the speakers.

Thank you! I'm definitely watching that tonight.

 

[Turboj5525]

If you're listening mostly to classic rock go for the 4312G's. As fine a rock speaker as you can get these days, especially for the money.

I haven't been able to hear the new KLH 5's yet so I really can't accurately comment, but I'm thinking an acoustic suspension speaker system with a 10* woofer vs. the 4312G? Really?

But it all could come down to your listening preferences - East Coast vs. West Coast sound as they used to call it in the "good ol' days"

My personal opinion - as a die hard rock- n-roller I'll go West Coast over East Coast all of the time.

Those have been so tempting because they are on sale and seem to be a cheaper L100 classic speaker maybe? I really do like to rock but I also like the clean detailed separation. If it's possible I wonder if I wouldn't like both at times! Lol. I mean some music I dearly love wouldn't do so well with detailed clean separation lol. I know I will be disappointed in some tracks with the right speaker. Man I wish it was still the 70's so I could go down to my local brick and mortar stereo shop and listen for myself! I won't deny that I do feel drawn to the JBL's in general. I have always wanted a pair. If money were no object I would have already ran to a dealer and screamed take my money for the L100 classics. Although I realize that's not necessarily based on sound preference or facts in my case lol.

 

[BMWCCA]

This gentlemanly discussion of your speaker safari is in no way helped by bringing up old tropes about "east vs. west coast" sounds. This hasn't been the case with JBL since the era of the original L100, and the reality is it wasn't even true before the original L100. I'm really surprised to hear this resurrection of misdirection broached by people who actually own JBLs! I've lived on the East Coast for over 40-years but I grew up and lost my JBL virginity in the Mid-West. I'm no stranger to AR, Advent, KLH and other speakers of the '60s and '70s because those were my formative Hi-Fi years. If you like that "East Coast" sound and find anything with a real tweeter too "in your face", for goodness sake, move those tone controls on your receiver or, better yet, get an EQ. Damn the purist who think plugging in the perfect speaker with the perfect amp and media will offer perfect sound. They haven't been in your room. Any sound engineer knows you're EQ-ing for the room. Any Hi-Fi fan knows your adjusting the controls because what the engineer of the original recording didn't know was what your tastes are. I insist that much of today's music sounds like it was mastered in the back seat of a Maybach, or with Ear Pods. It often sounds like crap without help from my system.

And remember your ears and brain get used to what you're used to. It make take you minutes, hours, or even days to refresh your frame of reference and recalibrate your brain. Fletcher-Munson and all that, your ears and brain will still make adjustments that you aren't even aware of.

If all else fails, drop a blanket over your West-Coast Sound speakers and they'll pretty much sound like those East-Coast-Sound speakers. If you want to ride in a car, get a Lexus. If you want to drive your car, get something else.