• 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

Twin Sons of Different Mothers KLH 5/Optimus 5

krowmagnum said:
I also picked up a pair of RS 8B's a while back so I guess I should replace the caps on the 8B's too and give them a shot. They sound ok but the KLH's sound much better IMO. Maybe after caps the RS's will surprise me. :scratch2:
Click to expand...

I used cheap radio shack caps and still had a huge difference in sound after a recap.
 
arcaidy said:
I used cheap radio shack caps and still had a huge difference in sound after a recap.
Click to expand...

Can't be any worse that what they originally put in there could they ?

Might be time for a trip to the "shack". I've never soldered anything but wiring before so I guess the Nova 8B's will be good practice for me.

Did you make a parts list by chance ?
 
I'd be curious to know if the crossover networks are similar. I've heard yes and no regarding KLH's involvement in the Optimus 5. If they weren't involved it really seems like Tandy was trying to copy the KLH 5.


krowmagnum said:
I have a pair of KLH model 5's I finally got the correct woofers for and they have a really nice clean sound but I'm sure the caps need replaced so that will be my next project.

I also picked up a pair of RS 8B's a while back so I guess I should replace the caps on the 8B's too and give them a shot. They sound ok but the KLH's sound much better IMO. Maybe after caps the RS's will surprise me. :scratch2:
Click to expand...
 
tiga said:
Just did a quick search through an old Radio Shack catalog and it says they go down to 20hz. Really????
Click to expand...

A frequency range specification is pretty useless without a specified level deviation tolerance in decibels, such as 40Hz -3dB.

Although if no tolerance is specified, the -3dB point is the reference that a lot use and that everyone should use, but it's not always the case, as seems to be with your speakers. They probably do play 20Hz, but at what, -15dB, -20dB?

az
 
arcaidy said:
Hmm... I didn't, but now that you brought it I should have. There were only 2 for each speaker and radio shack had them in stock. It was an easy job. Not much to mess up.
Click to expand...

That's easy enough. Maybe even a caveman can do it. :D
 
Good point. I'd be curious to see real specs on these. Although with the little I've heard them so far they weren't lacking for bass.

audiozaz said:
A frequency range specification is pretty useless without a specified level deviation tolerance in decibels, such as 40Hz -3dB.

Although if no tolerance is specified, the -3dB point is the reference that a lot use and that everyone should use, but it's not always the case, as seems to be with your speakers. They probably do play 20Hz, but at what, -15dB, -20dB?

az
Click to expand...
 
What I did on my KLH 5's before I realized that original tweeters were often auctioned on epay was replace them with Advent, either legacy or prodigy tweeters. They were soft dome but quite nice -- actually I thought they were an improvement but wanted to keep the 5's original. The Advents were more rectangular and the plate extended lower but the hole size and bolt pattern were identical on the top s screws, only had to make the 2 new bottom holes. i cant recall where I bought them, I think somewhere online down south, just not sure of the name. In Fla maybe??
 
The KLH 5's have a baffle with damping material as well right? Did you have to remove it to get the tweeter to fit?

Is removing the baffle that big a deal? I wouldn't mind mind moving up to a dome tweeter.

day67 said:
What I did on my KLH 5's before I realized that original tweeters were often auctioned on epay was replace them with Advent, either legacy or prodigy tweeters. They were soft dome but quite nice -- actually I thought they were an improvement but wanted to keep the 5's original. The Advents were more rectangular and the plate extended lower but the hole size and bolt pattern were identical on the top s screws, only had to make the 2 new bottom holes. i cant recall where I bought them, I think somewhere online down south, just not sure of the name. In Fla maybe??
Click to expand...
 
Optimus 5

I'll stick my hand up I have a pair my mother bought in 1977 I think. For years they have provided nice sound. Now they reside in my basement just sitting. I can tell you they were pretty nice sounding.
 
Local GW has a pair of the Optimus 5's but they want $20 for the pair if the drop them this week to 10 I may grab them..Wood looks good and a little scrubbing and some oil they will shine!
 
Worth 20, you'll be disappointed if they're gone.

Well, what do I know?

I have the triplets, KLH 5's, Optimus 5's and the 8 B's. None are in the rotation, but it would be hard to part with 'em.
 
Dave1384 said:
Worth 20, you'll be disappointed if they're gone.

Well, what do I know?

I have the triplets, KLH 5's, Optimus 5's and the 8 B's. None are in the rotation, but it would be hard to part with 'em.
Click to expand...

I only have the twins of different mothers (KLH 5's & RS 8B's). Does this mean the 8B's have an uglier long lost sibling set of Optimus 5's somewhere ?

Damn, I have to add another pair of speakers to the list now.
 
Approaching capacity in speaker population right now.. So there is the cost/acceptability factor. At 10 beans I can push some of the advents to left and and the KLH to right and make room, at 20 I have to pass. Now if they were another pair of ESS AMT's sure!
 
krowmagnum said:
I only have the twins of different mothers (KLH 5's & RS 8B's). Does this mean the 8B's have an uglier long lost sibling set of Optimus 5's somewhere ?

Damn, I have to add another pair of speakers to the list now.
Click to expand...

I think your pair counts as fraternal not paternal twins but we will let you into the club any way..... :yes:

Approaching capacity in speaker population right now.. So there is the cost/acceptability factor. At 10 beans I can push some of the advents to left and and the KLH to right and make room, at 20 I have to pass.
Click to expand...

Shack I am right there with you (especially everytime I walk out into the garage..) but at $20 I think I would have to be there on those speakers. With older speakers you never know and as they say in baseball you can never have enough good arms in the bullpen....... :D

Plus you can always stack em high........
 

Attachments

  • Speaker Wall[1].jpg
    Speaker Wall[1].jpg
    46.6 KB · Views: 70
Just picked up a pair of the Optimus 5's at the local GW, cases and grilles in pretty good shape, but some %#$@ tried to use spray foam insulation to hold 1 of the woofers in, I guess he lost the screws.

These have an 8ohm woofer, 2 4ohm mids in series, and a 16ohm tweeter. Its a good thing I opened them up before I hooked them up, one speaker had 3 mids in it, the other had both tweeters (one wired in series with the other mid). Good news is all the drivers ohm out good, I am currently trying to repair the damage. And ordering new caps for the crossovers.

Just a note for those interested, 3-caps, all 50v, 3.3uF, 6.8uF, and 33uF.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom