Powerglide Posted July 31, 2021 Posted July 31, 2021 Picked up these from the original purchaser, KHL’s were very popular on the U.S. East Coast in the sixties and Seventies but fairly uncommon over here. I asked how he came to own them, Quote: 1974 I was single and earning OK money, went to the Hi Fi shop and auditioned the latest gear, walked out with a Marantz amp, he couldn’t remember the model (but still had it) a Garrard 401 and these speakers. Said he had never removed the grilles!. The cabinets had a few issues sanded of the old lacquer front edges were veneered, the particle board beneath had swollen and burst the edges so I cut them back to the baffles picked out the swollen board behind the veneer, backfilled with glue and clamped back straight Sanded back the baffles and added solid walnut beading light stain and a few coats of clear replaced the caps with these Set up for a blast, forgot to mention, I tested prior to the restoration and they were very muddy but had that great AR sounding bass. The new caps injected some separation and lifted the highs 10 fold. I don’t know a lot about KHL apart from the main guy (Henry Kloss) having a lot to do with AR and development of the acoustic suspension system in their early years. The AR’s have a bit more following over here but basically the same maths so the same sound signature. As long as they are sealed well (both brands) you can feed them a heap more juice than you think you should, they soak it up and perform really well especially in the bass department. Not a lot of info out there on this model, mid level quality speakers from 74 and worth saving 6 3
5L15 Posted August 1, 2021 Posted August 1, 2021 Awesome work!! Henry left AR to start KLH, sold KLH and then started Advent IIRC? I had 2 pair (different models) of his 2 way 8inch speakers which I gifted 1 to my brother and the other to our (at the time) family daycare. You may need to re-seal the woofer cloth surrounds with the goo that was also used on early AR speakers and I believe Roy Allison used that goo on his foamed woofers (Allison Acoustics) to ensure a better airtight seal. Beautiful work!!!!! 1
Powerglide Posted August 1, 2021 Author Posted August 1, 2021 3 hours ago, 5L15 said: I believe Roy Allison used that goo on his foamed woofers (Allison Acoustics) to ensure a better airtight seal The surrounds are remarkably supple but should have deteriorated by now, they don’t pass the ‘’slow return’’ test. I joined an AR site a few years back and correspond with a guy who runs this on line store, it’s the real gear but postage is a killer. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/194245496943?hash=item2d39ef106f:g:TZgAAOSwP~tW1vna Anyone know of a local supply?
5L15 Posted August 1, 2021 Posted August 1, 2021 14 minutes ago, Powerglide said: The surrounds are remarkably supple but should have deteriorated by now, they don’t pass the ‘’slow return’’ test. I joined an AR site a few years back and correspond with a guy who runs this on line store, it’s the real gear but postage is a killer. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/194245496943?hash=item2d39ef106f:g:TZgAAOSwP~tW1vna Anyone know of a local supply? If you could get a few people with AR/KLH speakers needing re-doping then air freight might be a bit more attractive for all involved. There was a member on classic speaker pages who helped that business recreate the goo, I don’t believe there is a patent on it as Edgar Villchur didn’t believe in them (patents).
Powerglide Posted August 1, 2021 Author Posted August 1, 2021 That’s the guy I’m talking about goes by the handle ‘’Roy C’’ they stopped doing the goo and developed the clear one I posted as a link. There is a smaller jar, still $50 landed and may take till mid September
5L15 Posted August 1, 2021 Posted August 1, 2021 OK, I always thought Roy C and Vintage AR were 2 different people…? I may in the very near future want to purchase some sealant as I have a pair of AR4xa speakers not to mention help out with the 2 pair of KLH speakers that would love a coating. This lockdown has stuffed things up well and truly!! 1
Powerglide Posted August 1, 2021 Author Posted August 1, 2021 The postage doubles for double the quantity, which is BS but means no savings on a larger order. I messaged Roy with a ‘’hint hint’’ re other SNA members being interested, give him a couple of days and I’ll get the bigger jar no matter what the outcome. Should be enough at least for your AR’S @5L15 1
5L15 Posted August 1, 2021 Posted August 1, 2021 10 hours ago, Powerglide said: The postage doubles for double the quantity, which is BS but means no savings on a larger order. I messaged Roy with a ‘’hint hint’’ re other SNA members being interested, give him a couple of days and I’ll get the bigger jar no matter what the outcome. Should be enough at least for your AR’S @5L15 That would be awesome! I would still cover my share $$ though on principle.
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