Much more expensive than the originals (though we must take inflation into account), but now they're apparently made in China, not New England.
Does anyone own the new KLH model 5 speakers?
My old speakers are having issues and as they are no longer made (VMPS) I can't get replacement parts so I am in the market for new speakers. I need something that does a really good job with voices as I use my speakers with my TV so watching the News or movies or whatever is on. I am interested in the new KLH model 5 speakers and was wondering if anyone has used them in this way and how they work. (Another option might be the Kef LS50's or something in that line of speakers.)
I tried the Wharefdale Lintons which I think are fun speakers but they do not work well for just watching TV. To me they seam to add kind of a plastic-y, brittle sound to mostly male but some female voices. They also make male voices sound bigger than they are. (They add some warmth.) I could live with warmth but the hard plastic sound would be tough as it sometimes makes it difficult to understand what is being said. They do not add any sibilance that I can detect. So that is good. ( I'm very sensitive to sibilance and any hard addition to voices.)
If someone here tells me the KLH does not work well with voice I will likely try something in the Kef line.
I know a good speaker for voice reproduction is the Harbeth brand. Just about anything in that line is good but I really did not want to spend that kind of money. Looking for one speaker to do it all well, play music, watch the news, and home theater. My room is 11 by 17 with the short wall being where my TV is located so not a big area. It use to be an extra bedroom turned into a dedicated entertainment room.
I tried the Wharefdale Lintons which I think are fun speakers but they do not work well for just watching TV. To me they seam to add kind of a plastic-y, brittle sound to mostly male but some female voices. They also make male voices sound bigger than they are. (They add some warmth.) I could live with warmth but the hard plastic sound would be tough as it sometimes makes it difficult to understand what is being said. They do not add any sibilance that I can detect. So that is good. ( I'm very sensitive to sibilance and any hard addition to voices.)
If someone here tells me the KLH does not work well with voice I will likely try something in the Kef line.
I know a good speaker for voice reproduction is the Harbeth brand. Just about anything in that line is good but I really did not want to spend that kind of money. Looking for one speaker to do it all well, play music, watch the news, and home theater. My room is 11 by 17 with the short wall being where my TV is located so not a big area. It use to be an extra bedroom turned into a dedicated entertainment room.
- ...
- 18 posts total
These are available from Underwood for $1888. Sound is compared to Harbeth... https://audioge.eu/product/teddy-5cb4bddccf36f |
I own them, they will work fine for your usage. Clarity is a strong point, so is center imaging, you should have no problem with dialog. Its got a modern sound, mostly neutral and certainly not warm. Placement is on the easy side too, as closer to wall placement is has a less drastic effect than I've experienced with many ported type speakers. Bass is on the faster, rounder side. 40ish hz is about right, so if you crave the HT deep sub-bass, you'll still need a sub. But if all you need is a good amount of normal bass it should be plenty. Sound is middle of the road, but leans toward up-front, vs. a laid back sound, if thats what you want. Should ease your voice clarity concerns. I had two way speakers prior, and a 3 way is different, its sorta preference. The good thing, is its a sellers market, you shouldn't take too much of a beating if you choose to sell them after a short while. |
You can get quite a few different nice speakers for $2k used... speakers that I imagine will outperform the KLH 5’s. Atc Scm 19 v2 come to mind as do any of Fritz’s speakers, Spendor, ProAc, Harbeth. I’d choose Ls50 metas over the KLH’s for your intended purpose. Tmr has a pair of Paradigm Signature 2 V3’s that are great as well. Pretty deep dimension wise though. |
- 18 posts total