This is how you modernize a vintage speaker. KLH Model 5 speaker thoughts and review
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- čas přidán 11. 07. 2021
- #klhaudio #audio #hifi #speakers #audiophile #stereo
Non-affiliated link
Quebec dealer: www.centrehifi.com/fr/produit...
Rest of Canada dealer: motetdistribution.com/find-klh...
Saskatchewan dealer: www.everestaudio.com/klh-mode...
Patreon account : / thomasandstereo
klhaudio.com/model-five-pair
$1,999.98 US / Pair.
Gear used in this evaluation
Exasound E28 DAC
Doge 7 Tube DAC
Doge 8 Tube Preamp
VTL 2.5 Tube Preamp
Cayin CS88 tube integrated amp with KT77 tubes
PierAudio 580 Hybrid Tube integrated amp
Mcintosh MAC 6700 integrated amp
IOTAVX SA3 and PA3 Integrated amp
Synthesis Roma 96 DC integrated amp
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Track: Left Alone - Airixis [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Left Alone - Airixis |...
Free Download / Stream: alplus.io/left-alone
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I forgot to mention the Piers Audio 580 is 50w. With that amp, I lost about 30% of the bass compared to the Mcintosh MAC6700. Non-affiliated links
Quebec dealer: www.centrehifi.com/fr/produit/674073-klh-model-five?searchterm=KLH
Rest of Canada dealer: motetdistribution.com/find-klh.html
Saskatchewan dealer: www.everestaudio.com/klh-model-5-floor-standing-speaker-pair.html
I hope my Bryston 3bst would power it well. Company specs are 120w per ch 8 ohms, but they tested it as 155w rms per ch 8 ohms 20-20,000 hz.
I drive mine with a sherwood mosfet Amp 100wpc
Do you think it’s possible to drive these with just the SA3 instead of the stack at around 45wpc.
Hey Thomas,.
If you had to guess what do you think R800i 845 would sound in synergy with the model 5?
You are the most through reviewer on CZcams. I will never miss another video again!
Thomas, you are getting so good at reviews. Makes us feel like we are hearing it ourselves. Great job!!
In 1973 I owned a pair of KLH 5. After all the years I can still hear the Doobie Brothers in “Long Train Running” and “Listen to the Music” played on vinyl through those great sounding speakers. That was some of the sweetest sound I have ever heard! Those songs have never sounded as good on anything else for me, and I have owned more than my fair share of great sounding speakers. I have a nice audio setup now that suits me, but this new KLH 5 might be just too strong a temptation to go back to 1973 once again, maybe even better.
The Wharfedale Lintons might be worth looking at as well. According to reviews they have an even better vintage sound than the Model 5.
I just ordered a pair... That is the sound I am looking for.
I know the sound you speak of, I remember the same tunes being played on the "record player" through similar speakers of the day. I was returned back in time when I played the first bit of music through the KLH Model 5's, Hotel California was my first pick... They sounded so good, sweet, ENVELOPING and BIG in my living room. I was darn near brought to tears. My 78 yo mother was sitting there with me, she could not believe how good these sounded, she actually stopped what she was doing to actually listen. It was an enjoyable experience for both of us. The sound was just incredible, we were both sitting there saying "Did you hear that?", we were both blown away. If you are on the fence, and have the money, do yourself a favor and purchase a pair of these, as I honestly do not believe you will regret it.
Hi Bobby. Maybe you are the man who can answer my question. I am 61 old now and some years now I am trying to find and buy a KLH bookself speaker , that had blown my mind back in 1980. That speaker was owned by a lucky guy who used it with a record player and a amplifier ( I don't recall which one, but an ordinary one of the era I guess). It was so good with its compact dimensions with a huge sound stage , the tight upper bass that I was completely amazed for the first time in my life. I ll never forget that feeling every time I was listening to these speakers. So if you by accident have any KLH lineup of the era you could maybe help me identify the model, as my efforts to find a photo of it in internet were fruitless. It was a very compact deisgn maybe 25-26cm x 20 cm more or less, 2-way with a characteristic trasparent plastic bass driver (innovative for the time). Please drop me some possible model types if you know to search further... Thanks !
@@emmanuellamp2977 there were many different vintage KLH speaker models (1960’s and early 1970’s), 5, 6, 7, 14B, 15, 17, 19 and 24 I found by Google search today. I am only personally familiar with the model 5 and 6 floor standing. It seems that the model 24 was a system of speakers (bookshelf) plus a turntable with amplification; from a review on the model 24 system I found the reviewer said that the sound was superb. Maybe the model 24 is what you remember? I think there were many more models from references I found online, also on Google - I searched for KLH vintage speakers.
Terrific review Thomas. I loved that you had your friends listen to them, and the detail you went into talking about the speakers, especially amp matching. Thanks Thom.
Did you use an amp or does the soundbar have an amp built-in?
Another great review. Thoughtful, informative and entertaining. You brought this experience to life. The sound clip at the end even reinforced what you heard with the Mac amp.
Thanks, yeah I was originally going to record a sound demo with every single amp I drove it with to show up point but then the video would have been too long.
Thomas, thank you for this. I was still in a quandary as to exactly how these KLH’s would present themselves, until your video. Beyond equipment pairing, and typical assessment, you got into the soul of the presentation. Plus different perspectives from others in your audio circle. Super comprehensive, and enjoyable. 🙏🏼
Glad it was helpful! I try to share real world experience.
@@ThomasAndStereo heyy Thomas will u be able to help me find a really really good audio system my friend I would really really love to discuss on what I should get for speakers and stuff
@@xxgamerxxchrischris2325 Trust me I would love to help every one of you. The problem is to find the right system is not that easy and I don't stuff half-ass. It takes days and days of emails going back and forth so rather, I made a video to help people do their homework first so I can just drop in at the end to give my opinion. Take a look at these. czcams.com/video/2CKey_opnmE/video.html
Then you can go to my playlist audio discussion here, its the 3rd one down. czcams.com/channels/MVtSHXafOEcFN10FYygDTA.htmlfeatured
Hey John. Did you get the KLH 5's? If so what are you powering them with? I have to demo them. I like that they are sealed cabinet b/c I don't have much room to move a speaker out from the wall, especially rear ported types. I may have at max 2 feet to move something out. I am thinking of perhaps paring it with a Parasound amp or maybe even just try out the Outlaw integrated amp. Not sure yet.
@@markd4292 Hi Mark,
I don’t have them. I was considering them (or a similar design) down the road. I’ve just been following different perspectives on them, but Thomas really does brings us there. But I’m thinking my room might be a bit too small for them. I’m currently running QuadS2’s through a creek amp. These would be a very different sound. Would probably need to try a different kind of amp as well.
Hello Thomas Sir,
All your reviews are lively and great.! Very natural, and you make us feel as if we are actually listening to the speakers, just by the way you describe it. Thank you so much.
Outstanding review. I never heard of the KLH Model 5, but your unbiased, clear description made me listen to the full review
Thanks for the great review Thomas! I used to own vintage model 4's and Model 5's but Vintage look with modern tec is pretty cool to me! I really appreciate your revews and the genuine quality of your character as a great person.
Great review, Thomas. Thorough and it nice you got feedback from your audiophile friends. Thanks!
You are really talented in your descriptions. In framing this review you really conveyed a clear idea of the sound profile..outstanding review!
Glad you enjoyed it!
For those about to rock...We salute you Thomas!!!
Wow.. first of your videos I've watched. Incredible review format Thomas, really enjoyed.
Awesome review as usual. Comparing the sound signature with various equipment is very helpful to understand not only the speakers but the equipment as well. Well done.
Thomas is the Professor of hifi. Really enjoyed the breakdown of the vintage speakers and I’m not surprised they demand quite a bit of power to drive them. Bigger woofers on the vintage speakers, and also for the lesser vintage, a high level impedance forcing amps to work harder.
Thanks, I mean you can good sound with a normal amp but if you really want to bring out the full potential of a sealed port design, you need power.
@@ThomasAndStereo - Thanks much Thomas! As usual great review! Been wondering how the model 5 will pair with the new Marantz model 30. Not something you’ve reviewed, but would be great to hear your take on it and the combo.
@@crossover706 Thanks, I have never heard the Model 30 but as long as it is on the warm side and has a bit of power, I would consider it myself.
@M B High level impedance forcing amps to work harder ? AFAIK it's exactly the opposite !
@@ThomasAndStereo heyy man do u think you can be able to help me find some speakers
Damn Thomas you really tested these. I'm glad you guys had fun! 👍😀
Well, I hooked up the KLH M5's, and OMG! This is the sound I have been dreaming of. This brings back the days of my youth. The big cabinet speakers that enveloped the room. These KLH do that and more. The soundstage is incredible in my room. You feel like you are sitting right there at the foot of the stage. The highs and miss are just sweet to the ear, I could listen to these all day long, they simply bring music to life. I will never go back to a ported bookshelf speaker, I don't care who makes them or the price. The SVS Ultra's are going on the block.
The KLH bass, right now, I do not see pairing these with my SVS SB3000 subs. I really do not see the need. The bass, again, in my room, is easily hitting down in the 30hz range according to other articles I have read. I will still try the SB3000, or both, and see how everything plays together. I kind of doubt I will keep them in the mix for two channel, but may leave them for two channel movie night.
I found all of the reviews I have seen on these difficult to believe, but I was proven wrong. These are staying, and I see no need to continue looking for "that sound", as I have found it.
I hooked these up to my SVS Soundbase and streamed off my iPad via Apple Music... If what I heard is any indication, these will sound even better playing solid source material. I don't know what KLH did, but they nailed it with the Model 5's.
The Zero Fidelity reviewer said the opposite - these speakers don't seem to disappear, "you know where the music is coming from." Overall, he liked the KLH5s, but cautioned that people who play lots of classical music with a full orchestra might be disappointed. It sounds like they work best in a smallish room.
@@user-xx2hj7xb6b They were very good speakers, I have since replaced with a pair of Zu DW6 Supremes...
Hi Thomas, new to your channel and just subscribed...I love your layed back approach. I have in my system vintage KLH Model 5's a beautiful well crafted speaker inside and out....I needed to replace the caps in the crossovers, the build inside the Model 5 was so impressive.
Thomas, I "enjoy" how you do your reviews. Getting your buds to listen to the same speakers is a great idea. Your reviews are excellent!
Mr. Pete----------->
aging hippie
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Apreciate these videos as both advice and entertainment
Another great review. I am old and still love vintage gear. Amazing that even with CZcams compression you could hear the difference with the McIntosh 6700 seems like a good match and a fun sound.
Yeah, depending on the amp, it changes the experience big time and I am glad it shows in the sound demo.
sealed boxes tend to have good mid-bass and are particularly good in smaller rooms
Waiting for mine to arrive in a couple of weeks. I hope they sound as good in my room too!!
Thanks for all your awesome reviews, Thomas. it's always so refreshing to watch your reviews!! I think you are one of those lucky ones to have a bunch of audiophile friends to have different views/thoughts in the gear you review. Their contribution is so valuable too.
Mine too man. So it’s the end of July huh? My dealer only said July and I was going to email him to ask exactly when. I got the walnuts.
@@rensopinto2139 Well now they say it will be in September :( Something is telling me this could even be a longer wait..!!
@@astertm99 they wrote you? I heard end of august, first week of sept..
@@rensopinto2139 I ordered them through my local audio dealer - he emailed me and said it will be early September when we get it. But I wouldn't hold my breath on it :)
@@astertm99 yeah same here. I gave him half of the payment to hold onto mine. I can wait though. If it’s after that I might be tempted to go with used heresy 4’s.
I am glad to see that I am not the only guy that loves his woofer speaker with his tweeters all in the same package 🙂
Great review Thomas! I have had the Model 5s in my setup for about 3 months now and absolutely adore the speakers. I will never sell them. Ironically, the only area I think could be improved upon is the bass. Currently driving them with the Doge 10 and while I really enjoy the pairing it seems they are just a little shy of being able to fully bring out the glory of the Model 5 down low. Currently considering Vincent audio hybrid integrated (tube pre amp- solid state output stage - 150w into 8 / 250w into 4), Yamaha, Musical Fidelity, and after your review I'm going to have to look closer into McIntosh! Pairing with a powerful warm amp makes a lot of sense to me after listening to your experience. Thanks for bringing something new of value to the conversation on these speakers by discussing amp pairing in detail and the feedback from your friends is always helpful!
Edit: I really think these Model 5s being a 6ohm speaker is in part what makes it a little tricky getting them to their highest potential.
one of the best reviews I have watched. Makes me quite envious of the electronics.
Nice review Thomas. Also I like the look of the speakers, nice to see some more old school look again.
Thomas you are such a great audiophile story teller. I have little interest in this speaker and yours is the first video I've watched about them, I just can't resist a Thomas and Stereo story time. I really loved the bit at the end about showing your setup to your mentor.
Awesome, thank you! My new channel name Thomas and Stereo story time, I should make a mug with it.
Thanks for the balanced review. Most reviewers only focus on the good.
Great A-B comparison. Thank you so much. They are and were no.1 on my list.
I just found your channel. I had to sub. I bought my first Hi Fi system in 1975. I also prefer sealed cabinets. Back in my day you had to buy large speakers with ports to get deep bass. Man, you have some awesome gear!
Thanks for the sub!
Thanks for the solid unbiased review. I just ordered a pair and am excited to see how they sound paired with my Mac MA6300, Rega P3, with Ortofon LVB cart.
Thomas - Hey great review on the KLH Model 5's. I think I'll add a pair to my collection as well. Keep up the great reviews!
Hi Thomas another great review, my first set of speakers KLH 2 way in 1974, still miss them. Hope to get these speakers at some point. Take Care
Love the detail and not vague analysis. Told me what I wanted to know. Thankyou
Glad you liked it
Thank you for yet another intelligent and well-presented video
Nice, they seem to be the ones that give you the best of both worlds. Enjoy, because that the ultimate goal!
Wonderful review as alway. Thx Thomas!
Was looking for true Acoustic Suspension speaker. Glad KLH makes them!!!
Excellent description and overview. I grew up on all paper cones with woofers of ten inches and up. I still like paper. If I had the space I would buy these without hearing them because I know the sound you are describing. Thank you for this video. Great !!!
Excellent information. You're adding scope to my listening abilities. 😊
Great review Thomas !! These are definitely on my radar .. alot to think about…
Hey Thomas. KLH was the speaker that got me going into this hobby. I owned 3 different models and really liked them all. Mr. Kloss created some amazing speakers with terrific performance.Thanks for the video.
Nice, I wish I can listen to some older KLH
Ah Mr Henry Kloss a genius I own some of the award radios and even Advent speakers I gonna look forward to purchase the model ,5 for my birthday
Thanks for the review, love the old school look.
Thomas, you out did your self on this one. Thanks for your efforts
My pleasure!
I've got 4 pairs of the KLH and they sound awesome with all kinds of music, I have a wide variety of music and they handle all of it with ease
Super presentation... well done. Thank you.
🤗. ANOTHER GREAT REVIEW FOR “OLD SCHOOL “ AUDIOPHILES 😍😍😍
Been waiting for this review...and it was worth the wait! I've been enjoying these speakers for a few months now, and your assessment more or less matches mine. When I first got them, I was concerned that I wouldn't be satisfied with the relatively non-"punchy" bass, but I've not felt any lack in the bass performance. In fact, the bass is excellent. It obviously doesn't go super low, but it sounds very natural to me. I've definitely had your experience of being drawn away from what I was doing to just enjoy the music. These are the most emotionally engaging speakers I've had, and for me that's what it's all about. My previous speakers were Tekton Impact Monitors, which are technically excellent, but they just don't speak to my heart like these. I'm driving them with a Purifi-based amp from VTV Amplifier, which has plenty of power. I think the combo sounds great, but I haven't tried them with any other amps. I'm VERY curious to hear the upcoming Models 3 and 7.
Thanks Peter for sharing.
Are you using a DAC with these speakers and if so which one?
Gorgeous speakers by KLH!👌
Excellent, detailed review. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
I was given a pair of old KLH Heritage USA bookshelf speakers. 6.5” and tweeter. They are impressive for their size. I made them my garage speakers and have a very nice sounding garage.
Takes me back to my STEREO REVIEW days.
Time for you to start a youtube channel.
@@ThomasAndStereo l certainly have gone thru enough gear to have one.
A very interesting and detail analysis. Thank you.
Glad you liked it!
Hi Thomas,
I absolutely love your channel! Thank you for all of your time and efforts to really impart your genuine thoughts and feeling about audio equipment. It’s clear that you really put a lot of heart into all of your videos, and I must say, it’s truly appreciated!
I wasn’t sure how to email you, so I figured I would just leave you a message on your latest video. I recently purchased the SVS Prime Pinnacles and for their relatively meager price of $800.00 a speaker ($1,600 for the pair), I think they’re pretty special. I’ve had a hard time finding a speaker that has detail, but isn’t too bright. This speaker has done that in my space where other speakers really struggled (my area is not sound treated), but they also have a surprisingly controlled bass response and a wonderfully transparent sound stage IMO.
Probably their best feature is that I can see only through just about any source at them and they do a pretty great job - they’ve been super versatile. Perhaps my only complaint is a thin lower midrange, but there’s always a trade off and all things considered, I believe this is a very smooth, balanced loud speaker.
There aren’t many reviews of the Pinnacle towers - it would be amazing if you were able to do one. I would love to hear your thoughts about them! For what it’s worth, for home theater I’ve paired them with an SVS Ultra center and two SVS Prime satellite speakers for ceiling mounted rears. I also have two HSU Research subs that have been great.
Anyways, think about checking out the SVS Prime Pinnacle towers. I haven’t seen you review anything recently that is quiet like them.
Regardless, keep up the great work!
Thanks, I actually owned the SVS prime complete set a few years ago. I remember it being warm sounding. I liked it and that is why I asked SVS to send me a pair of Ultra which I have made a video on it. I can't make a video based on my memory because how I listen to speakers has changed over the years.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks for getting back to me, Thomas!
Understood on your other videos, the Prime Pinnacles though are actually newer speakers from SVS that are neither the original Primes nor the Ultras, though I'm not sure it would be fair to say their somewhere in the middle of those two either. From what I understand, they're much closer to the Ultras in overall quality, but with a much different cabinet design that really changes their sound. Each woofer has it's own chamber within the cabinet with their own ports. They are also a much smoother sounding speaker than either the Primes or the Ultras from what I hear, but I haven't heard the others to compare myself. I've seen a decent number of people say they prefer the Pinnacles to both the Ultras and the Primes, for what that's worth.
If any of this sounds interesting to you, you might want to ask SVS about getting you a pair - I would really love to hear your thoughts on them. I’m sure you have so many different options when it comes to speakers you think are worth taking a look at, but you might want to look into the Pinnacles specifically, because I think they’re pretty great.
Thanks again!
Love the KLH vintage looks. Reminds me of dad’s Sony speakers from the 80’s. Enjoyed your review and explanation about draw of the vintage sound. Looks like KLH has nailed it with this version of model 5. I see you have the Doge 8 pre … look forward to your review of it. I have the 2021 XLR version with Telefunken and Brimar yellow tubes.
Yeah, I got some Brimar tubes with it too.
Mine will be here in the next two weeks😎😎😎
Excellent review and analysis!
Thanks for watching
I bet Mr. Vintage loved it!
The Mac setup sounds so much warmer with tons of clarity. Thanks for sharing.
Yup, the strong bass brings out the strength of these speakers.
this is the sound i have been waiting to hear , it reminds me of the old mission 710 , i can not afford them now but its the one for the future KLH YOU HAVE BROUGHT THAT VINTAGE SOUND BACK SOUND BACK
I had one like that in the 70s.
Recently I bought a pair of speakers which did not sell. Got it cheap and spent some money on new crossovers.
Man it sounded great.
I’m currently in a very small room and can only really support bookshelf speakers so went with the Buchardt S300s. But these look perfect for a larger space, when I move in a couple of years I think I’ll probably invest in a pair of these for the front room.
Wonderful video! Nice review!
Glad you liked it!
Those look beautiful.
Best review yet on model 5s.
Now lets get an update in the braun 810s and compare ir ADS 810S.
YOU GOT ME, I MUST HAVE THESE.
Third kind a filmed in my home town
Enjoyed this
Hi Thomas, I really appreciate your time to give us your vids, thank you.
I have a Hegel H390 and have been listening to it through vintage Richard Allan's 10" full range speakers which were modified with aluminum former and coil wire to make them more agile and give me more top end and lower thermal threshold. I loved them to death. Unfortunately one of them has a buzz around the surround which my speaker guy cannot fix. I'm in the market for a new set of speakers and will audition the KLH 5.
In your opinion will I still get that superb midrange with these? I listen to mainly contemp jazz and "everything" else
great review!
Glad you enjoyed it
G'day Tomas great review mate you've picked my interest about these speakers. I love there look😎 and l will audition them after your review thanks.👍🎧😁
Have fun. If you don't hear the rich bass at the store, ask them to bring out the nuclear reactor.
@@ThomasAndStereo lol I think the quote is she cannot take anymore Jim 🤣👍🎧 I'll bring along my Michi S5 800w into 4 omhs should get it done 🤪Tomas
@@shanestephenson8423 HAHA 🤣🤣🤣
I’m also glad they have the walnut finish available in the U.S. now !
yeah man so much nicer, waiting for them to be in stock
I agree. I am waiting for the walnut too. I have yet to demo them however. If I like them then there is the matter of what to pair it with. I'm thinking the Parasound 2250. Or maybe a Schitt amp? Arcam? I don't know.
@@markd4292 Thomas says Mcintosh hybrid did wonders for the klh 5, and I trust him.
Okay Thomas. This video convinced me to hit the subscribe button! Great job as usual and you're setting the comprehensive review mark so high that it's going to be very difficult for other Y.T. reviewers to keep pace with you. Only one critique comment for this one, if the speaker has no port then how can it be a sealed port? It is a sealed box design with no port, yes? Otherwise, 60 Minutes should be showing this video to the masses next Sunday :)
Haha, yeah I made a mistake, it should be sealed cabinet. Thanks for subscribing and I assume you hit the notification button?
@@ThomasAndStereo Now, I have hit the notify button.
recently listened to a pair / set of these, in a specialist Hi-Fi store. Man these definitely sounded fantastic, and I have Focal Chorus speakers..
Was so excited for this one I streamed it in the car on the way to work hahah. The equipment matching here really surprised me as other reviewers said they sound good with everything. I found that hard to believe, so I'm glad you clarified for us the differences. Thank you! Mcintosh has the signature of adding white gloves and beauty to speakers, so sounds like KLH really benefits from that, for other speakers it can be "boring". Now I need Mcintosh gear and KLH, boy life is tough hahah. Thanks Thomas
Need to win a few lotto tickets to keep up with this hobby.
@@ThomasAndStereo hahah more day trading and more RV sales, just have to work harder lol
Marks room is the neatest 😁
Thanks Thomas for another superb review, just want to ask you do you think the SMSL VMV A1 amp with Schiit Freya + preamp will be a good match and will be able to drive this speaker?
Thank you. Very interesting review. It sounds like these might be very good for most classical music as long as you add a sub for organ passages.
I am old enough to remember when 10" woofers we're generally for bookshelf speakers. 😉
Technically Acoustic Suspension is distinct from sealed in that the driver's parameters are specifically designed to use the compression of air in the smallish box as part of the suspension. In a way it is a matter of degree but in a classic sealed system the box is primarily serving to capture the rear wave rather than to be a part of Qms.
I started my audio journey with the Original Large Advents,and I'll never the BASS ,good to 32 hz fundamental...midrange was clear but a tad shy on the very top end;I'm in the process of having them "re-foamed",totally worth it
Great Review. Do you know if the second generation Sonos Amp powerful enough for this speakers? Love all your reviews by the way. The way you described the model 5 got me wanting to test it. Thanks in advance
First time listener/watcher, and I thought your review was very good. I am very much considering purchasing the Model 5's, if there's room in our living room. I'm a bit "late to the table" regarding watching this review, though. And the main takeaway I get(from your review, and then reading a slew of comments below) is that the only amp that will make these sound great is the McIntosh MAC6700, or a similar McIntosh. I understand that your thoughts are that the amp generally needs to be "warm", and it needs to have a bit of power, but after all was said and done, I still get the feeling that the only way to go is with a very expensive McIntosh amp.
Now I'm not so sure whether I want to purchase the Model 5's. I don't know if my amp is capable of making them sound their best. If I'm getting ready to plunk down $2K+ on a pair of speakers, I'd like to know my amp can "make them sing".
Mr. Sam is soon to be on your evaluation list!
'Scotty, man, I need more power' made me laugh so hard! You made my day! Thank you! Again, the synergy between amp and speakers seems to be at the forefront of audio nirvana.
Thomas, as always, an enjoyable and informative review. I recently purchased a Willsenton R8 and had considered the Model 5 to pair with it, though now worry the R8 may not have enough umph. Might you have tried that out, or have any thoughts in comparison to the other tube amps you tested with the 5s?
I did not test it because my audio buddies have borrowed it. R8 bass is slightly exaggerated so it might work. I need to test to be sure.
You may be able to get more bass when using tubes or brighter sounding equipment by using acoustical treatments in the room. Bass absorption behind the speaker may help.
Wow very impressive review Thomas! The fantastic review itself aside I’m so impressed with the filming, lighting, audio, editing, and also getting multiple audio friends to try the speakers!?!
I think we viewers can take for granted how many hours it takes to put together a review this polished and all the practice in front of a camera to come across as natural as you do - especially without a “professional” video crew doing everything!! Well done. *slow golf clap*
(Ps I have had these speakers for awhile now after having a few other pairs over the years and love these!! Don’t see myself switching for a long time. Have them paired with a Hegel amp and it gives lots of bass control, power, warmth and imaging Hegel is known for and makes them come alive)
Thanks, yeah, I was up until 2am in the morning and was worked on this video for many days. I can see a H300 Hegel pairing well with it but I have never heard the newer Hegel.
Looking forward to the Model 7 review :-)
I hope I can get one. Maybe I should put my Model 5 up forsale while waiting for the Model 7.
Thanks for the review. You and your audiophile posse are the ish! Your reviews are extremely insightful. I've got these on order right now but it sounds like I might have to upgrade my electronics from the iotavx stack I've got. I've been thinking about a Hegel Rost or a moon 250i but it sounds like these speakers need more juice. Take care man.
I'm running the stack with the 5's and it will carry you through just fine. I'm still wondering what my next amp will be also.
@@TheHammerofDissidence thanks for the reply! I just found a used McIntosh 252. I might have to sell some gear for that to happen though.
Yeah those amps are quite revealing. Not sure it is the right match but I have not heard it.
Let us know how it sounds.
Thanks much Thomas! As usual great review! Been wondering how the model 5 will pair with the new Marantz model 30. Not something you’ve reviewed, but would be great to hear your take on it and the combo.
I have never heard it but as long it has warmth and power, it should be ok.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks. It’s a class D, internals very much like the PM KI-Ruby, so Hypex Nc500 based. Rated 100w/200w into 8/4 ohms, but has reviewers bench tests showing almost 2x that rated power. So it’s got the power but not sure of the warm part though Marantz is generally considered warmer than most.
Takes me back when I owned a six in my youth! Now I want the 5's! Trying to pair this with a McIntosh; however, the MAC 6700 is discontinued. Does anyone know if the McIntosh MA252 Integrated Amplifier works equally well with the 5's? It's 100 wpc @8 ohms and 160 @4. Mac has a MA352 (200 watts @8 ohms, 320 @4), but it's over 22" deep vs 18 for the MA 252.
Hi Thomas, thanks for the informative videos. You show a spec list with recommended amplification which I find helpful. Where could I find similar information on the Klipsch RP8000 and the RF7-III?
Good at everything. Master of none. Which is high praise.
I took my 1974 KLH Model 32s out of mothballs. I replaced the capacitors with better quality modern audio grade capacitors and replaced the iron core inductors with high quality air core inductors of similar value. I reinforced the inside of the cabinet and applied Noico sound deadening mats inside and on the backs of the speaker magnets and frame plus inserted sheets of 3/4” Rockwool on top of the Noico and put more fiberglass fill inside. The cloth surrounds of the woofers were recoated with Permatex. Overkill? Maybe but I considered them relatively cheap modifications and the improvement was remarkable. I made up a new set of higher quality speaker cables and with my old 1979 JVc 60wpc receiver it was well worth the time and it was minimal expense to improve a classic KLH 2 way Speaker. Plus it was an enjoyable project.
Wow. Just beautiful. I wouldn't say vintage. I would say timeless.
Couldn't agree more!
Thank you for the well rounded review. I really am intrigued by these speakers but was afraid my McIntosh MA-6600 might be overkill. Now I think I may order a set.
Yeah, your 6600 will not be overkill for it.
Nice review Tomas. I am looking forward to KHL7.
You and me both! Now, how do I get one...
Thomas & Stereo u buy one 😁
And sell to me half the cost 😃
I own a pair of 900B's and the clarity and bass are just beautiful,and if that sound quality continues ... i am dying to hear these model 5's in person.
Thx for the informative video! Would you say that the KLH Model 5 is a good match with a 300B set amp?
Thanks for this review Thomas!
I have heard from others that acoustic suspension speakers sometimes benefit from amps with lower damping factors. Any insight into this in your experience?
I don't know since I don't design speakers. Sorry.