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Which would you choose between these two KLH Models?

JPNH

JPNH

Active Member
Hi all,

Just looking for opinions. I have the chance to buy a pair of all original and in great shape KLH Model 20s or Model 5s. Both will need a recap but foam surrounds are in great shape on either.

The model 20s are $90 and the Model 5s are $175. Both are in my budget. I'm not sure how power thirsty these are though. I imagine the Model 5 more so. They will be driven by a 14wpc tube amplifier.

Do you think either would be a good match, price OK, and if so your model preference?

Thanks in advance for your help! Always wanted to buy a pair of KLH and both just popped up near me.
 
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If I remember right, the Twenty’s only have an RCA jack, so you’d have to buy/rig an adaptor to connect them to your tube amp. The Model Fives are supposed to be pretty power hungry, from what I’ve read. BUT fwiw, I’ve powered my Sixes reasonably well with a <8wpc tube amp, loud enough for a small bedroom.

I’d pick the Fives any day of the week, regardless.
 
FluxT said:
If I remember right, the Twenty’s only have an RCA jack, so you’d have to buy/rig an adaptor to connect them to your tube amp. The Model Fives are supposed to be pretty power hungry, from what I’ve read. BUT fwiw, I’ve powered my Sixes reasonably well with a <8wpc tube amp, loud enough for a small bedroom.

I’d pick the Fives any day of the week, regardless.
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Gotcha yes I see the RCA now. It's a fairly large room, but I usually just listen at my desk when working so the don't have to be ear splitting loud. Hmm decisions decisions. Thanks again!

Edit I guess I can always solder an RCA connector on the speaker cables wouldn't be difficult.
 
I’d say hands down.....Model 5.
I haven’t heard the 20 and yes, both need recapping as KLH vintage caps are most likely the plastic that have a good rep for failing.
Test to ensure tweeters are working as they sometimes fail too.
You need to plan on refurbishing...doping surrounds, cleaning pots.

They are great speakers.
 
Yes, model 5, but they are surprisingly low in efficiency. I believe the recommended min power is 25wpc.
 
Great thanks all. One more to throw in the mix that's completely different. A pair of Bozak LS330AR. I can grab a pair for 25 in original fully functioning condition. They're Newington CT made instead of Norwalk CT. Wondering if they're from the Era Bozak started going downhill.
 
The Twenties are Seventeens with a 4 ohm woofer, mostly meant for the KLH record player. They sound identical, IMO. The Fives are another level altogether, with thunderous bass, rich mids, and great highs. I've had both, and love them both, for different reasons. Fives need more power, but 25 or 30 watts will work just fine for them. I'd get the Fives. I've had mine for years and years, but I moved the Twenties down the road. $175 isn't a bad deal at all, but be prepared to service either pair.
 
I'd grab the Fives.

I had a pair of Twenties a few y ears ago. I recapped them, resealed them, and tidied up the cabinets. They were bested by AR-4 and Realistic Nova 7. The Twenties are nice speakers, but not like the Fives.
 
True the 5 are not really efficient. I sort of missed the part about the tube amp with 14wpc.
I assume my thoughts would be to try them with the tube amp and if you weren’t happy, they may be easier to sell than the 20?

All of our posts are saying the same thing. I have had the 5, two pairs of 23, and the 26. I think they have a great sound. It will depend on your tastes and space but have fun regardless of what you pick.....first! Get em both if you like.
Both will take some time and money to restore. You may mention that to seller.

Keep us posted!!!
 
moondogtn said:
True the 5 are not really efficient. I sort of missed the part about the tube amp with 14wpc.
I assume my thoughts would be to try them with the tube amp and if you weren’t happy, they may be easier to sell than the 20?

All of our posts are saying the same thing. I have had the 5, two pairs of 23, and the 26. I think they have a great sound. It will depend on your tastes and space but have fun regardless of what you pick.....first! Get em both if you like.
Both will take some time and money to restore. You may mention that to seller.

Keep us posted!!!
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Thank you! Yeah it's a very low watt amp. It may actually be only 10wpc now that I think about it. I may go pick up a Fisher 500c in rough condition this week, but thats going to take a few months restoration. Certainly would have enough power though.
 
JPNH said:
Thank you! Yeah it's a very low watt amp. It may actually be only 10wpc now that I think about it. I may go pick up a Fisher 500c in rough condition this week, but thats going to take a few months restoration. Certainly would have enough power though.
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Fisher 400 or 500 series would do the job well. I ran 500c with model 5, model 6, and 17, and loved it. Best combination to my ears were the Eico HF-87 pushing a pair of KLH model six. Model six, in my opinion is the best recapped KLH's I've heard.
 
I have 5s. (I have yet to finish rebuilding.) I think they not very efficient, are around 86 db spl. With what I would call 11" woofers. They go low, which seems to take power. Personally, I would drive with 100+ wpc amp. But depends on how loud, music genre, room size etc. But, that size speaker likely needs a fair size room.
 
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Depending on your location, the Twenties may be a bit overpriced, and the Fives may be underpriced. I had a pair of really clean, restored Seventeens (probably more popular than the Twenties) on CL for $100 and they sat there for over a month before a happy camper picked them up. OTOH, I put a nice pair of Fives on for $300 and they were gone same day.
 
Awesome! If I pick it up it's going to be a major project, but I've nothing but good things about the 500. I'm an electrical engineer so it's not a problem to restore. I just own a business and travel too much so everything takes time. Lol
 
gogofast said:
Fisher 400 or 500 series would do the job well. I ran 500c with model 5, model 6, and 17, and loved it. Best combination to my ears were the Eico HF-87 pushing a pair of KLH model six. Model six, in my opinion is the best recapped KLH's I've heard.
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Awesome! If I pick it up it's going to be a major project, but I've nothing but good things about the 500. I'm an electrical engineer so it's not a problem to restore. I just own a business and travel too much so everything takes time. Lol

Sorry for the double post.
 
So here's what I'm thinking. I'm just going to grab the 5s for when the 500c is refurbished and until then someone has a mint pair of ADS L470 for 80. I'll use them on mt low power amp. I don't really need them, but...
 
JPNH said:
So here's what I'm thinking. I'm just going to grab the 5s for when the 500c is refurbished and until then someone has a mint pair of ADS L470 for 80. I'll use them on mt low power amp. I don't really need them, but...
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I have a 6 wpc tube amp on order. I plan to match my ADS L470s to it. At 92db spl, they should be a good match for your amp. IMO, nice detail with good bass with 7' woofers.

The Fives, if nothing has been serviced on them may need following:
Seal the woofer and mid surrounds with sealant recommended on AK. It looks like honey and is very lightly brushed on cloth surrounds. To keep air from escaping. I can't remember seller I got sealer from.
Seal mid chambers with caulk, from woofer pressure.
Possibly replace capacitors and clean L pads. Crossover is elaborate, with some two caps in one.
Search AK for Fives info. And AR speaker sealing for sealer info. They can use same sealant. Somewhere I have a service bulletin on sealing KLH drivers.
 
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Unless they’re really beat up or don’t have the original drivers in them I’d be surprised if the Fives are still around at that price. That’s what you could pick them up for 10 years ago.
 
audiojones said:
Unless they’re really beat up or don’t have the original drivers in them I’d be surprised if the Fives are still around at that price. That’s what you could pick them up for 10 years ago.
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Someone beat me to them ended up with some a/d/s L470/2 instead for $120. Really liking them so far. Seem to excel at Old bop Era jazz.
 
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