KLH Model Seventeen, are/were these any good?

DaveHCYJ
DaveHCYJ Posts: 89
edited December 2010 in Speakers
I breifly searched on google but its always easier to ask people in the know.

Last week I made a post pondering if I should get my dad some new speakers for Christmas. At the time I didn't know what his old speakers were, but since I've found out they were KLH Model Seventeen's.

Turns out one of them is blown so I'm glad I went ahead and ordered some Monitor 40's for Christmas, but I'm wondering if the KLH Model Seventeens are worth fixing up or if they're trash. My google search suggested they weren't that pricy back in the 70's so I'm guessing they aren't worth keeping?
Post edited by DaveHCYJ on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 34,009
    edited December 2010
    not trash at all; very respectable two-way acoustic suspension speakers from one of the masters, Henry Kloss.

    www.classicspeakerpages.net is your one-stop source for info on all things New England in the realm of loudspeakers.

    EDIT: New crossover capacitors would be an excellent investment and very likely to reap significant audible improvement in their performance.
    The other "good idea" for the older KLH speakers is to redope the coated cloth surround... you'll have to search a bit to find details (I am not an expert).
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vstarkwell
    vstarkwell Posts: 328
    edited December 2010
    A lot of speakers weren't that pricey back in the 70's that doesn't necessarily mean they aren't good speakers. Here are some links that might be helpful Classic Speakers Page and a 3 page thread on AK from a couple of years ago about repairing 17's. KLH Renovations.
    Monitor 7C's With Tubes
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,341
    edited December 2010
    Cool find vstarkwell and Mr Hardy

    And oh man Dave if your dad got the KLH back next xmas restored.....:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • vstarkwell
    vstarkwell Posts: 328
    edited December 2010
    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    Cool find vstarkwell and Mr Hardy

    And oh man Dave if your dad got the KLH back next xmas restored.....:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

    I hope he does, I think his pops would appreciate that
    Monitor 7C's With Tubes
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DaveHCYJ
    DaveHCYJ Posts: 89
    edited December 2010
    That renovation project looks like fun, I might have to do that next year. Although I'm guessing it will take more work.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited December 2010
    Have fun. We had a pair of 17s at PolkFest on Jstas's DIY tube amp...Henry Kloss--truly a legend. He kept them 'simple' but musical. You won't be disappointed.

    Definitely worth a renovation.

    To Mhardy...great reference link! Thanks!!



    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter