I remember going to real stereo shops in the 80’s. I knew the owners by name and they KNEW my name. At 16 they would let me play albums and switch between speakers for hours. They obviously knew I couldn’t afford a B&W monitor, but they loved audio and let me learn to love it as well. Your videos remind of those wonderful days from a bygone era.

Kevin slays me every time. Great entertaining review and I don’t do drugs.

I came home from Vietnam in 1968. By 1970 I had purchased a component stereo that included a Kenwood KR100 receiver, a Garrard Lab 95 fully automatic changer, a Roberts GH360D reel to reel deck and, yes, KLH model 5 speakers. Oh, to have that set up again. I think I had $1500 in the whole system.

I listen to my klh model 5 daily since the 70s. Nice to see an improved rerun.

Kevin, you're the man. Love this insight and passionate review.

Love KLH 5!!! I had a pair back in 1973. Had to sell them to buy college books. I definitely need these. I have missed those KLH 5s all these years.

I owned a set of KLH 1's with the base computer in Australia and I bought them new, they still have a place in my heart.

Kevin I love your reviews - entertaining and informative. Nobody on KZread can touch you.

Kevin! You're hilarious. Being old is great. Just bought a pair of the Model 5's. They are excellent!

I love Kevin. Pre ordered these a while ago, excited to get them.

Lol!!! Kevin, are you familiar with the David Bowie quote where he said, "“Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.”? Nice presentation of this speaker by the way.

@Teachering

3 жыл бұрын

I like your comment.

I love this speaker, I think this will be my next one. Great review

Good for you! I want through all of those altered states, including psychostimulants, hallucinogenics, weed, and alcohol, and now I am happy to live in my own head without any psychotropic drug or medication. It is good to be old, happy, and not to tell others what they should or should not do. Great audio reviews on this channel!

You're the man. These are your classic design from the seventies and all the new ways of doing it right. If I had the cash I'd call your place and just do it.

Let's hope ALTEC and AR will resuscitate as well!!! The world needs the classic speakers manufacturers! And I would not call it "vintage" but TIMELESS AND IMMORTAL look.

Love your videos...very helpful on so many levels! Currently researching speakers to go with a Fisher 500c so I may be reaching out to you soon! Thanks again!

Kevin could also become a history teacher easily!

thank you. i love the vibe of this video and will watch more. first video i have seen from you guys. If I buy a klh it will be from you.

Love the video and I love my rega p3 turntable I purchased through upscale with Al. Great guy very helpful. We talked about fyne speakers etc.

One of many good vids. And thank you soooo much for opening up the darn speaker, and letting us see the woofer, crossover, etc. I saw the JBL (L300 classic I think) one you did and you showed us that woofer too. Awesome, dude!! So many other reviewers Never open up the speakers. Some don't even have a physical speaker during the review. I wanna see what I'm paying for, plus I have a genuine engineering interest. I certainly dont need a glass top speaker, but I also wouldn't turn one away. Happy Listening 🙂

While I can't afford these speakers, I really love this guy's enthusiasm.

@warrenmullett

2 жыл бұрын

I bought some jbls from kevin and made payment. Paid off now.. worth it ..

While I already own several pairs of more expensive speakers than this..... for some reason I really want a pair!! As a kid in the late 70's, our living room system was a pair of 12" 3-way sealed speakers with a Pioneer receiver, and "that sound" is imprinted on me. A visit to Upscale could dent my wallet.

Out of all the reviewers i see on youtube you are my favorite. We are close in age and remember a lot of the old days. I am getting all new stereo stuff as soon as i get rid of my crazy wife and i am buying everything from you.

Lol. Best review so far!!! Kevin did sell me on acquiring an X1 though!

wish we could get this kind of service in Canada! thanks for the review

Hey Kevin - good review on the KLH Model 5's.

this channel is so underrated.

I have had these for a few months, and they simply sound better by the day. The real game changer with the Model 5's was the addition of the Denafrips Ares II DAC. Now they have that 60's and 70's sound I was searching for. The chip DACs are just to sterile, harsh, clinical, pick your poison... The addition of the Ares II R2R Ladder DAC took these speakers to the next level. The addition of the Denafrips Hades Class A preamp and their A/B Thallo amplifier, bumped them up even a few more notches. The DAC does matter. Now I can sit and listen to the music, not the gear or the speakers. And no more ear fatigue!

@eduardoquintana3504

Жыл бұрын

and what is your CD Players? gracias

@michaelwright1602

Жыл бұрын

@@eduardoquintana3504 I still have my old Oppo BDP-83, running it through the GearFab digital breakout box. Upgraded the Ares II to the Venus II 12th… I know there are better players out there, but I am honestly very happy with the Oppo Venus combination.

You crack me up Kevin. Just got my REL HT1205 from you. Was thinking about another only to discover the price went up by $100. Damn, is everyone raising prices?! Anyway, LOVE my REL!! Thanks.

@barney6888

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, prices are jumping up. Here in Canada, Prima Lunas and other equipment have jumped a grand

Me encanta la línea de este bafle, estoy a la espera de unos Linton , pero no descarto buscar más adelante estos klh 5 . Preciosos

Positioning is key. No matter how much I initially wanted to deny it. You can change the whole sound profile by just tweeking it a few inches left or right or a degree or two of toe in.

@michaelwright1602

2 жыл бұрын

I have mine a couple of feet out into the room, slightly toed in, and feeding them as much power as my amp will dish out. When they get real muscular power, they open up, and I mean OPEN UP! You will be on the stage, right in front of the drum set in between the lead vocalist and the bass player. Seriously, these speakers are BAD ASS! I'm using the XTZ Edge A2-400, they are getting around or over 200 wpc. I cannot measure this, but the gain is up close to that point. Turn the gain down, and I want to box them up and send them back. Power baby, POWER.

This guy is a total savage. Respect. 👊😆🔥

I used to like the KLH Seventeen. It had the most integrated sound to me. The Six had a detached bass, even though it went deeper.

Would you build a home theater set up around these for movies and music? Would pairing them with Klipsch RP Center / Surround / Atmos work well?

How much of an improvement could the model 5s be over the 17s which I own? I suspect it will outperform in the extreme high end and maybe added midrange content. As for bass, the cabinet is larger yielding more bass, but it's still an acoustic suspension speaker. I'd like to see that it can at least make an impressive bass note.

"It's a BITCHIN' SPEAKER" LOL! Indeed it is. I purchased a pair and they're a lot of fun! Straight forward with an ultra crisp and clean top end. I really like your binocular analogy in regard to speaker positioning.

I have a question. Many years ago a friend had a pair of bookshelf speakers he said were klh. They 2 3 inch drivers in each. Fabulous base for speaker its size. Do you gapped to remember them and do you know what model they were?

How much tube amp power for this speaker? Between the KLH Five and Wharfedale Linton, which one more friendly with tubes?

I love this man. He should run for president 😄 🤣 😂 😆 😄

I just saw a sneak peek at the Model 3 and Model 7. They are the smaller and bigger siblings of the Model 5. I wonder if they will have the same sound signature?

The klh model 5 is very likely my next speaker. I'm thinking of matching it with the Naim Supernait 3 and a good dac/streamer. I'll have to ask Uncle Kevvy if that would a good match as I like it loud sometimes.

@redstarwraith

3 жыл бұрын

I'm betting that will be a fantastic match.

@redstarwraith

3 жыл бұрын

I'm betting that will be a fantastic match.

Kevin, you've reviewed the KLH 5 and the JBL L82. I use vintage amps (CA-1000 and CA-2010) Dual 1219 and a Technics SL 12oo MK II). I used to have the old 100's back in the 70's. Price is about the same between the two. Thoughts? Recommendations? Thanks, James

Hi Kevin I always like old school style of the speakers my question is can you compare them to Tannoy Cheviot?

Gotta see if they work in your room. I wouldn’t think near-field listening would work because they’ll sound like the music’s coming up from the floor. I saw Zero’s review about these about not giving that effect so much but they still need a little room or higher stands.

@TheHammerofDissidence

2 жыл бұрын

They actually perform great near field, surprisingly. Mine are about 7" away and the drivers integrate extremely well. I can almost get them to disappear.

Hi Kevin, do you have any photos of the walnut finish please?

I still have a pair of KLH vr55s and 4 klh reference bookcase and a pair of klh surround sound speakers, pushed by 120wpc sherwood amp and a audiosource Dolby decoder

These only sound gud if you has acoustic suspension ceiling?

CerwinVega! Is supposed to be coming out with a new home line of speakers, that is promising better quality than what is currently available from them.

I've had acoustic suspension speakers. They just can't compete with bass reflex front ported ones. eg, HPM 100s. Am I wrong?

I'm intrigued with these speakers. Would a Mac MA-6600 be overkill paired with these?

@michaelwright1602

2 жыл бұрын

Nope, not a problem, or overkill... I have been playing around with mine, the gain on my amplifier. The Model 5's LOVE POWER, the more the better. Send them the juice and they open up, and I mean they OPEN UP! The soundstage is ginormous, and then the three dimensional aspects of these is just nuts. I have caught myself looking over my shoulder, or to my left or right to see what the heck is going on? It's the speakers, you are on the stage in the middle of all of the action. If you only have 100 wpc, you will be calling me a liar and boxing them up. These things ROCK! Just give them the power!

I wonder if the white grills come with the walnut version by default. I’ve heard both yes and no from different people/places. I’m getting the walnuts next month. I do like the white grills so I hope that’s true

@upscaleaudio

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Renso, the Walnut ships with the Stonewash Grille which is white, or at least, whiter than the unbleached look of the Old World Linen. You can buy them separately as well. upscaleaudio.com/products/klh-model-five-replacement-magnetic-grille-each?variant=39847755120824

Honesty

How do they compare to the Kendall?

Amazing review w/ history that other KZreadrs just don't have (experience)! Only thing is, how do they sound? You only really mentioned the tweeter not being bitty/ crossover with capacitors and bass driver with 6 pound magnet. I will say the other reviewers gave a better description of how this speaker sounds, plus you usually tell us which tap, 4 or 8 ohm on the Primaluna worked well with your ears. Regardless, you are still the most detailed and precise audio reviewer on this platform!

@thomass.9167

3 жыл бұрын

Kevin is very entertaining and fun to watch, but a reviewer he is not. He’s a salesman. These are infomercials for products he sells. No problem with me though.

@ericfarr2195

3 жыл бұрын

@@thomass.9167 Oh, I totally disagree Thomas! Kevin actually takes products apart and looks at the engineering. I never see that with other reviewers.Yes, he is a salesman, but also very technical and breaks down parts and engineering.

@thomass.9167

3 жыл бұрын

@@ericfarr2195 You make a good argument, and that’s perfectly fine. I’m not trying to be right. Kindly just note though that the closest he typically gets to describing the sound of a product is that it’s “bitching”, and that his sales people will be happy to discuss it with you. Anyway, it’s all entertainment and I watch all his videos. It nicely supplements the videos of others who focuses more on the sound.

@myu4039

3 жыл бұрын

@@thomass.9167 Bitchen' not bitching - Different word

@jonuiuc

3 жыл бұрын

I've heard these new models extensively in a 16x22 room. His description of the sound is accurate but worked in all over the place here. Bass is very good, fast and seemingly extending lower than the -3db rating suggests. Highs are very clean and extended, but it can be attenuated to room and taste. Mids are very very clear and sweet, it's got some weight in lower mids, but it can't be characterized as warm (a Linton would be "warm", the model 5 is more clear and immediate sounding though). Soundstage is pretty wide and image is dependent on changes with toe in. Can be easily set to have great snapped in center image, but it doesn't really do crazy out to the extreme sides spatial imaging. Because of the tilt base, image comes in at a good height. They sound worse off the stands without the tilt. They can play loud with little distortion if you've got the watts. Edit: spelling and for clarity.

Acoustic suspension speakers are by design more difficult to drive. But with lots power they can sound super!

@scottbernard8824

3 жыл бұрын

I agree, but they have the same sensitivity as the Lintons.

@TheHammerofDissidence

3 жыл бұрын

@@scottbernard8824 I have the 5's and I feel they are a tad less sensitive than listed. Not inefficient by any means but they do like more power.

@michaelgrissom6103

2 жыл бұрын

@@scottbernard8824 I have both the Linton's and the KLH model 5's. I have switched them back and forth in my system several times and the Linton's are louder at the same volume level. I have to turn the system up when I put in the KLH. And turn it down when I put in the Linton's.

@scottbernard8824

2 жыл бұрын

@@michaelgrissom6103 Thanks. Any other differences? Overall sound? Treble extension, bass...does one sound "worse" on bad recordings? Thanks again.

@michaelgrissom6103

2 жыл бұрын

@@scottbernard8824 Hi Scott: the speakers sound very different to me and I would have to say that some people will prefer the sound of one over the other. I have modified my Linton's. I put some really nice caps in the tweeter crossover and upgraded all the resisters. Sonically what I like better about the KLH than the upgraded Linton's is that to my ears they are a little clearer with human voices. This is mostly true with video sources like movies or the news. It does not seam to be as much of an issue with music. In my system the bass from the KLH is sometimes a little dry or thin sounding. ( I probably don't have the perfect match in amplification. I understand that McIntosh is a really good match for these speakers. And I have not worked a lot with placement.) I think the KLH bass is more accurate than the Linton's however the Linton's sound more open in the bass region and never sound dry or thin in my system. Two other things I like about the KLH are that the grills really go well with the décor in my listening room, and that I can place them a few inches closer to the front wall without messing up the bass. My System: Luxman L-507ux, Denafrips Aris II DAC, Denon 103 phono cartridge, OPPO CD/dvd/ blue ray player.

Ha ha ha / the KLH 355 speakers were awesome for the reason your described. the glass top :_)

He is a good salesman.

You’re funny and knowledgeable

The only fun is two channels, with a smooth glass of whiskey

@jameslangley3548

3 жыл бұрын

Amen brother

@jsmctch

3 жыл бұрын

And an equally smooth indica

How would these compare with the JBL L 100s and the JBL L 82s.

@jonuiuc

3 жыл бұрын

I own these and cross shopped with L82 so heard those. L82 is more v shaped, so slightly hotter treble, and more bass, but slightly less clear mids. Model 5 more balanced top to bottom, has less heavy bass but slightly better bass detail and clearer mids.

Have you ever made a video demonstration of your speaker positioning DVD? Probably get a bunch of views.😁👍

@homerjones3291

3 жыл бұрын

Offering it as a bonus for buying from him - unlikely to give it away for free.

I Love your reviews, but, i much prefer the sound from a set of OHMRw3 esp when with my QSC 2000 wt amp...

HaHaHaaaa. I'm in your corner. Best laugh I've had all afternoon. Loving my wharfedale Lintons.

OOOh ..Look at that crossover. Its more like ugh, look at that crossover, pay no mind to those cheap parts. Speaker manufactures are so cheap with those sand cast resistors. Mills resistors are inexpensive and sound much better. Looking forward to a review of the Sonus Faber Lumina III at this price point

Soooooo, how does it sound?

How do these compare to the Wharfedale Lintons?

@homerjones3291

3 жыл бұрын

In listened to both; the Littons were $500 cheaper and the salesman tried to steer me towards those instead. I didn’t buy either because the store was so cramped the speakers were on top of each other and it wasn’t a good place to audition them, but when a salesman tries to point you to a cheaper model it’s worth considering. Both I thought sounded pretty good; the KLH’s were on the outside of the Littons and they seemed to have a wider soundstage and image size, but again, bad placement, up against the wall. Both sounded very natural to me with no shoutiness or fatigue but I’d give the edge to the KLH’s.

@sadge9697

3 жыл бұрын

I auditioned both in my home and kept the KLH's. The Lintons are good speakers but, for me, the Fives are significantly better. As was previously mentioned, the soundstage of the Fives is much larger; the Lintons seemed a bit limited in that respect. I'm not a reviewer, and it's difficult to explain why I love the Fives so much. Like any speaker, you really need to audition them in your listening room to make a truly informed decision. I think the Zero Fidelity review is the most accurate I've seen. Check that out.

@jonuiuc

3 жыл бұрын

Tried em both and the L82s. Short story, Linton's are warmer, more forgiving on harsh stuff. Model 5s are more clear, and bass extends lower has more detail.

I wonder how these would compare to my 1971 AR-3a’s

I sit on my heels, tuck my chin on my chest and lean forward. That's how I roll.

I believe those are air core inductors not iron core. Iron cores can saturate. Air cores don't.

“Kick their fanny” 😂😂

KEVIN is sure a knowledgeable audiophile!🤗😉😇 But 500 hours!🤯

@homerjones3291

3 жыл бұрын

About 21 days of around the clock playing/ 42 of 12 hour sessions - by that time you’ll forget that they’re new (or maybe even where you got them in the first place).

@bigjay1970

3 жыл бұрын

@@homerjones3291 So True

@myu4039

3 жыл бұрын

500 hrs is ridiculous and the purview of dealers

Kevin......you are the best in the business! Kick them in the fanny 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

When did KLH become a good speaker again?

@nathanjones4039

3 жыл бұрын

About 2 years ago. David Kelley ex CEO from Klipsch bought the company and rights to Henry Kloss blueprints. Not the tchotchke of the 80’s-90’s

@kentwood2914

3 жыл бұрын

And Kerry Geist from Klipsch...

Ok, I'm sure they are fantastic sounding speakers even straight out of the box. I've seen numerous reviews on KZread and they've all been very favorable. But I have never heard of a speaker needing 500 hours to be broken in properly. And on top of that, how are you supposed to have 500 hours of listening in done within 60 days to get your money back in case you didn't like them? I mean I love my music as much as the next guy and I listen as much as I can but there's no way I'm doing 500 hours of listening in 60 days.

@AeroModule

3 жыл бұрын

I stopped watching after the 500 hours thing. That is laughable. Spend $2k on a pair of speakers and they aren't ready out of the box? No.

@swinde

2 жыл бұрын

Speaker "break in" is pure BS. The thing being "broken in" is the listener.

@stillaliveandwell5291

2 жыл бұрын

The process has merit but not everyone will gain the same level of results because of several factors but mostly hearing acuity. Those Hemi's can be LOUD! (LOL). I replaced the woofers on my VMPS Model 4's and they have continued to improve with time, which is really what Kevin is saying. There is no magic exactly at 500 hours, it's cumulative until full break in and the speakers can be totally enjoyed during the process. They also sound their best when they have been playing for a few hours during any one listening session. Same for tubes, as least 30 minutes but an hour is better but after 3 or 4 they are really happy. If you work all day use a cheap amp to let the speakers play while you are not home to use up the time.

@michaelgrissom6103

2 жыл бұрын

@@stillaliveandwell5291 I believe two things are happening. One you are becoming accustom to the sound of the speakers for me at least the metal dome tweeter. Two the bass and midrange drivers are breaking in. (Becoming a little looser.) I believe my KLH's sound better now that I have several hundreds of hours on them than they did when I first set them up. At first set up on some music the bass seamed dry sounding. It is much better now. I thought the metal dome tweeter showed it self as sometimes being a little shrill and metallic (especially compared to my VMPS RM30 Ribbons) but now they seem much smoother. Maybe that is because I no longer have the VMPS for comparison. But I think I am becoming accustom to the way it sounds and it isn't bothersome. Not sure I just know my perception.

This is the funniest video ever!

@TheMirolab

3 жыл бұрын

You mean it's like just about every other Kevin video??

$2k a pair?

This guy is a hoot lol 😂

Would a Hegel H120 have enough power for these speakers?

@jonuiuc

3 жыл бұрын

Yes (I own these)

Kevin never gives a review. I don’t have to listen anymore. He’s just a sales guy.

@zenfishbike

3 жыл бұрын

Correct. That became obvious when he touted the crappy parts in the crossover. Lost all credibility with me. Sad

No retailer in sweden, gg

To be perfectly honest the crossovers are OK, but not great. They reek of cheep Chinesium but they could easily upgraded to something choice and then you'd have a near perfect set of new, old school speakers.

That crossover looks cheap, they made it for pennies when dollars would sound better. Give Danny Ritchie a call.

@tullskull

3 жыл бұрын

Looks better than a lot of popular speakers.

@jonuiuc

3 жыл бұрын

Lol do you even know what you are looking at? Go ahead and ask Danny what those crossover parts shown cost.

@tullskull

3 жыл бұрын

@@jonuiuc yes I do. I guess I was thinking of Danny' s review of the Revel. This has nicer components than the Revel. Also it is so disingenuous of you to frame this as KLH's best effort producing a crossover. You realize that Danny doesn't have to worry about bean counters or budgets. His mods involve more expensive components and sometimes changes the slopes or even the bandpass characteristics. Have you ever thought that maybe the speaker company can't do that for unknown reasons but we can assume cost is probably a major factor. Oh and how much does it cost Danny to offer that upgrade? Usually hundreds of dollars...not pennies🙄 Big fan of Danny', built several kits and hopefully will build more. Not trying to argue just offering a different perspective.

@jonuiuc

3 жыл бұрын

@@tullskull My initial comment was to the original poster, not to you, we are probably on the same page. Its disingenuous for anyone to frame this crossover as "for pennies" when the sort of inductors and mylar capacitators shown are easily a few dollars each. Pennies? c'mon. be real. Thats why if you show this to Danny he'll tell you the same, most of the crossover shown here aren't penny parts. I understand production speakers are constrained by budget, and I think the cost of the components shown is decent for the price. I think Kevin knows enough about this stuff not to mention it if it was composed of very cheap parts.

@tullskull

3 жыл бұрын

@@jonuiuc Thank you and sorry for the misunderstanding.

Kick my fanny 🤣🤣🤣🤣👌

😂 enjoy music, when u enjoy music u don't have to worry too much about fine details

Only, made in China this time.

describing Marijuana as dope. I'm out

Ok so this is a review .. and you don't even describe how these speakers sound .. system matching etc .. hmmm .. are you serious ?? 🤔🤔

Made in china?? Really??

@user-bc6ok1yh4s

Жыл бұрын

Yep, no way I'll support that country and it's oppressive regime.

4:34 I loved your video till you said "you need to break it in for 500 hours". I really hate it when reviewers and salesmen say that about loudspeakers, it's an old sales pitch myth that has long since been debunked. One, two, maybe 10 hours, ok but 500? there is no way a speaker will "sound better" after 500 hours then lets say 400 hours, 300 hours, or even `100 hours, after about 10 hours, what ever "break in" those speakers needed is done and it will never get any better then that (and even that is stretching "break in" to it's limit). Any additional "break in" period people think will help a speaker sound better is purely a placebo effect of "imagining" that the speakers sound better after X number of hours (especially in the hundreds of hours) compared to a lot less time spent. Please stop telling people to break in speakers for such grossly long periods of time that any sound engineer will tell you, is a complete myth.

@kevind2760

2 жыл бұрын

@Lloyd Stout Uh Yea Lloyd I was going to remove the windows but my wife wouldn't allow it. It's a HOUSE. Maybe your wife is more understanding. There are electronic curtains there that you can't see, and the room treatment hasn't been done yet.

Great video but ugly speakers.

@ericfarr2195

3 жыл бұрын

YOU'RE OUT OF YOUR MIND! ITS A RETRO BOX SPEAKER THAT IS BITCHIN!

@errorsofmodernism9715

3 жыл бұрын

Just stick with Bose and Beats

@raymoore8435

3 жыл бұрын

You’re nuts.

😂 enjoy music, when u enjoy music u don't have to worry too much about fine details